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Colwood, BC

British Columbia · Victoria Metro

Colwood is a small city in British Columbia with a population of 18,961. Residents earn $102,000 per year, which is 36% above the national average.

2.8 /5.0
C+ Fair
18,961 Population 2,781/sq mi density
$102,000 Median Income $53,200 per capita
$800,000 Home Value
$1,370 Median Rent 18.8% income on rent
51°F Avg Temperature 250 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.8 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A+
Economy
4.5 / 5.0
$102,000 median income, 5.1% unemployment
C
Affordability
2.2 / 5.0
$800,000 home value, $1,370/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
C
Education
2.2 / 5.0
14.5% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Colwood, BC

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $102,000
36% higher than US avg
Home Value $800,000
184% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 14.5%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,370
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment 5.1%
42% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 4.9%
60% lower than US avg

How Colwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population18,961
Median Age42.4 yrs
Density2,781/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 89%

Economy

A+
Median Income$102,000
Per Capita$53,200
Unemployment5.1%
Poverty4.9%
Commute25 min

Housing

C
Home Value$800,000
Rent$1,370
Ownership73.4%
Housing Units7,430
Rent Burden18.8%

Crime

C+
Property3,500/100K
Burglary484/100K

Climate

Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
Rain35.0 in/yr
Sunny Days250/yr
Elevation259 ft (79 m)

Education

C
Bachelor's+14.5%
High School+34.1%
Graduate+5.6%

Community

Commute25 min

Is Colwood a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Colwood receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Colwood has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Colwood is $102,000, which is significantly higher than the national average / 36% above $75,149. This places Colwood among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Colwood is $800,000, making it a premium housing market at 184% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,370 per month. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.8x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.

Education

14.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 34.1% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Colwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 250 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches, including 12.1 inches of snow.

Colwood has a population of 18,961 with a density of 2,781 people per square mile, spread across 6.8 square miles. The median age is 42.4 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (89.5%), with 1.2% Black, 7.2% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87% of residents.

Population

18,961
Total Population
2021 Census
2,781
People / sq mi
42.4yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
6.8mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.3%
Female 50.7%

Race & Ethnicity

Colwood vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 87.0%
11% above US avg
Spanish 2.2%
84% below US avg
Other Languages 10.9%

Social Characteristics

Colwood vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Colwood is $102,000, which is 36% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $53,200 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,023, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 588 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 25.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Colwood vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$102,000
36% above US avg
Per Capita Income$53,200
Avg Weekly Wage$1,023

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.1%
42% above US avg
Poverty Rate4.9%
60% below US avg
Establishments (County)588

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time25.3 min
Drive Alone79.3%
Public Transit5.2%
Work from Home25.7%

Walkability

The median home value in Colwood is $800,000, 184% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,370 (18% above the national average of $1,163). 73.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 7,430 total housing units in the city. 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.8x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$800,000
184% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,370
18% above US avg
Rent Burden18.8%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership73.4%
Owner-Occupied73.4%
Renter-Occupied26.7%
Housing Units7,430

Property Tax

Property crime stands at 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,503, burglary at 484, vehicle theft at 505 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Colwood receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Colwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Total Property3,500.0/100K
79% above US avg
Burglary483.9/100K
Theft2,503.4/100K
Vehicle Theft504.8/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Colwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 250 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches. The area receives 12.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 259 feet.

Temperature

41°F Jan (5°C) 64°F Jul (18°C)
Annual Average50.7°F
6% below US avg
January Average41°F (5°C)
July Average64°F (18°C)
Sunny Days250 days/yr

Geography

Elevation259 ft (79 m)
Area6.8 sq mi (17.7 km²)
Population Density2,781/sq mi
Coordinates48.4329°N, 123.4859°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 35.0"
8% below US avg
Snowfall 12.1"
Wettest Month (Nov) 5.39"
Driest Month (Jul) 0.71"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

605 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M5.4. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 21, 2025.

May 3, 1996 8 km NNE of Lake Marcel-Stillwater, Washington M5.4 141 km
Jun 10, 2001 18 km N of Satsop, Washington M5.0 141 km
Apr 14, 1990 4 km ENE of Deming, Washington M5.0 108 km
Jan 29, 1995 3 km WSW of Des Moines, Washington M5.0 143 km
Jun 23, 1997 2 km NE of Enetai, Washington M4.9 115 km
Apr 25, 2003 26 km W of Brinnon, Washington M4.8 87 km
Feb 21, 2025 28 km W of Squamish, Canada M4.8 140 km
Jan 30, 2009 6 km ESE of Lofall, Washington M4.7 98 km
Jul 12, 2019 2 km S of Roosevelt, Washington M4.6 126 km
Jan 24, 2020 46 km WNW of Neah Bay, Washington M4.5 126 km
Mar 3, 2025 2025 Orcas Island, Washington M4.5 54 km
Jun 24, 1997 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada M4.4 90 km
Apr 2, 1990 2 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.3 105 km
Sep 21, 2002 9 km SW of Friday Harbor, Washington M4.1 27 km
Feb 23, 2017 11 km NE of Hoodsport, Washington M4.1 111 km
Jun 15, 1994 1 km WNW of Hoodsport, Washington M4.0 116 km
Apr 14, 1990 2 km ESE of Deming, Washington M4.0 105 km
Apr 3, 1990 3 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.0 106 km
Dec 27, 2012 12 km E of North Saanich, Canada M4.0 30 km
Sep 26, 2024 12 km E of Saanichton, Canada M4.0 24 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1894 PUYALLUP RIVER DELTA, TACOMA, WA Meteorological 3.0 m 2 149 km
1891 WASHINGTON Eruption + Earthquake 2.4 m — 48 km
1949 PUGET SOUND, WA Meteorological 2.4 m — 145 km
1820 CAMANO ISLAND, WA Meteorological — — 93 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

5 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Baker (129 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Baker Stratovolcano(es) 3,285 m (10,778 ft) 1880 129 km
Garibaldi Stratovolcano 2,678 m (8,786 ft) -8060 162 km
Garibaldi Lake Volcanic field 2,316 m (7,598 ft) Unknown 171 km
Glacier Peak Stratovolcano 3,213 m (10,541 ft) 1700 179 km
Cayley Volcanic Field Volcanic field 2,375 m (7,792 ft) Unknown 188 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Wildfire History

6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: DELABARRE (4,176 ac, 2023).

Year Name Acres Distance
2023 DELABARRE 4,176 73 km
2018 MAPLE 3,547 98 km
2015 PARADISE 2,818 84 km
2016 HAYES TWO 2,679 70 km
2011 BIG HUMP 1,400 87 km
1985 BEAVER 1,107 100 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 41°F (5°C) 5.0 in
February 42°F (5°C) 3.6 in
March 45°F (7°C) 2.8 in
April 49°F (9°C) 1.8 in
May 54°F (12°C) 1.3 in
June 59°F (15°C) 1.1 in
July 64°F (18°C) 0.7 in Warmest, Driest
August 63°F (17°C) 0.9 in
September 59°F (15°C) 1.2 in
October 51°F (10°C) 2.8 in
November 44°F (6°C) 5.4 in Wettest
December 40°F (4°C) 5.3 in Coldest

Colwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 25°F / from 40°F in December to 64°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.9 inches, with November being the wettest month (5.4") and July the driest (0.7").

View full weather details →
14.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 57% below the national average of 33.7%. 34.1% have completed high school. 5.6% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 79.3% of workers drive alone to work, while 5.2% use public transit.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+14.5%
57% below US avg
High School+34.1%
Graduate Degree+5.6%
C Education Grade (2.2/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density2,781/sq mi
Total Area6.8 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute25.3 min
Drive Alone79.3%
Public Transit5.2%
Work from Home25.7%

Schools in Colwood

6 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
John Stubbs Memorial School — — — —
Wishart Elementary — — — —
Dunsmuir Middle School — — — —
Colwood Elementary — — — —
Sangster Elementary — — — —
Royal Bay Secondary School — — — —
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Colwood

3 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CBC Radio One - Victoria, BC (MP3 stream) features, news MP3 128 kbps
KSQM (US) — AAC+ 128 kbps
CJSU-FM 89.7 "Sun FM" Duncan, BC adult hits AAC+ 57 kbps

Museums in Colwood

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
British Columbia Aviation Museum
Central Saanich Fire Museum
Centre of the Universe
CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum - NAD20
CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum - NAD29
Craigdarroch Castle
Craigflower Manor
Craigflower Schoolhouse
Emily Carr House
Gorge Waterway Nature House
Helmcken House
Henderson Hangar
Heritage Acres
Main Hangar
Maritime Museum of British Columbia
Metchosin Pioneer Museum
Metchosin School Museum
Miniature World
Pemberton Memorial Operating Room
Point Ellice House
Restoration Hangar
Royal BC Museum
Saint Ann's Schoolhouse
Shawnigan Lake Museum
Sidney Museum and Archives
Sooke Region Museum
Thunderbird Park
Victoria Chinatown Museum
Wentworth Villa

Libraries in Colwood

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Alan Batey Library & Learning Commons0.0
BC Archives0.0
Greater Victoria Public Library - Bruce Hutchison Branch0.0
GVPL: Central Branch0.0
GVPL: Central Saanich Branch0.0
GVPL: Emily Carr Branch0.0
GVPL: Esquimalt Branch0.0
GVPL: Goudy Branch0.0
GVPL: Juan de Fuca Branch0.0
GVPL: Langford Heritage Branch0.0
GVPL: Nellie McClung Branch0.0
GVPL: Oak Bay Branch0.0
GVPL: Saanich Centennial Library Branch0.0
GVPL: sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ James Bay Branch0.0
Library Lounge0.0
McPherson Library0.0
Sidney Archives0.0
VIRL: Sidney / North Saanich Branch0.0
VIRL: Sooke Branch0.0
VIRL: South Cowichan Branch0.0

Farmers Markets in Colwood

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Esquimalt Farmers Market
Esquimalt Farmers Market
Food Truck Festival
Gorge Farmers Market
James Bay Market
Metchosin Farmers Market
Moss Street Farmers Market
North Saanich Farm Market
Oaklands Sunset Market
Peninsula Country Market
Sooke Country Market
Sooke Night Market

Cafes in Colwood

6 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Habitat Cafe
Pilgrim Coffee
Sequoia Coastal Coffee
Starbucks
Starbucks
Tim Hortons

Castles in Colwood

1 castles within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Hatley Castle

Clinics in Colwood

2 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Mend Mobile Health
Physio HQ

Dentists in Colwood

3 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Ausca Dental
Colwood Dental Group
Kevin Watson Denturist

Veterinaries in Colwood

1 veterinaries within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Triangle Mountain Veterinary Clinic

Gas Stations in Colwood

2 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Petro-Canada
Shell

Banks in Colwood

6 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

CIBC
Coast Capital Savings
HSBC
RBC
Scotiabank
TD

Shopping Malls in Colwood

1 shopping malls within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Hatley Park Plaza

Gyms in Colwood

1 gyms within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Club Pilates

Golf Courses in Colwood

1 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Royal Colwood Golf Club

Breweries in Colwood

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Brass Monkey Taproom
Category 12
Hoyne Brewing Company
Île Sauvage Brewing Company
Lighthouse Brewing Company
Phillips Tasting Room
Spinnakers
V2V Black Hops Brewing

Stadiums & Teams in Colwood

TeamLeagueDivision

Amtrak Stations in Colwood

2 Amtrak stations.

StationAddressType
Victoria, BC721 Douglas St.BUS
Victoria, BC254 Belleville StreetBUS

Airports Near Colwood

45 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Victoria International AirportYYJLarge Airport
Boundary Bay AirportYDTMedium Airport
Friday Harbor AirportFRDMedium Airport
Nanaimo AirportYCDMedium Airport
Orcas Island AirportESDMedium Airport
William R Fairchild International AirportCLMMedium Airport
Big Andy Airport—Small Airport
Blakely Island AirportBYWSmall Airport
Blue Heron Field—Small Airport
Blue Ribbon Airport—Small Airport
Burden Field-(Rabbit Run) Airport—Small Airport
Center Island AirportCWSSmall Airport
Clam Harbor Airport—Small Airport
Crane Island AirstripCKRSmall Airport
Crow Valley Airport—Small Airport
Decatur /Jones/ Airport—Small Airport
Decatur Shores AirportDTRSmall Airport
Delta Heritage Air Park—Small Airport
Diamond Point Airstrip—Small Airport
Duncan AirportDUQSmall Airport
Friday West Airport—Small Airport
Grand View International Airport—Small Airport
Jefferson County International AirportTWDSmall Airport
Kimshan Ranch Airport—Small Airport
King Airport—Small Airport
Lawson Airpark—Small Airport
Long Harbour Airport—Small Airport
Lopez Island AirportLPSSmall Airport
Michell Airpark—Small Airport
Olympic Field—Small Airport
Point Roberts Airpark—Small Airport
Port Angeles Cgas Airport—Small Airport
Quamichan Lake (Raven Field) Airport—Small Airport
Rake's Glen Airport—Small Airport
Roche Harbor AirportRCESmall Airport
Rucilla's Roost Airport—Small Airport
Sequim Valley AirportSQVSmall Airport
Shaw Island AIrport—Small Airport
Sky Valley Airstrip—Small Airport
Stacey's Airport—Small Airport
Stuart Island AirparkSSWSmall Airport
Stuart Island West Airport—Small Airport
Waldron AirstripWDNSmall Airport
Wilding Farm Airport—Small Airport
Windsock Airport—Small Airport

Post Offices in Colwood

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Colwood

Treatment Centers in Colwood

3 treatment centers.

CenterTypePhone
Maven Pelvic Health
Sobering & Assessment Centre
Victoria Mental Health & Substance Use

Churches & Religious Organizations in Colwood

5 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Church of the Advent
Colwood Pentecostal Church
Our Lady Star of the Sea
Saint Peter's Protestant Chapel
St. John the Baptist Heritage Church

Explore Near Colwood

UFO Sightings
1
Reported UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center database
View all →

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Colwood.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Colwood

What is the population of Colwood?

Colwood has a population of 18,961 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 2,781 people per square mile, spread across 6.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.

Is Colwood expensive to live in?

The median household income is $102,000, 36% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $800,000 (184% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,370 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.8x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Colwood safe?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Colwood receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Colwood?

Colwood has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 250 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 35.0 inches, with 12.1 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Colwood?

The unemployment rate in Colwood is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,023. There are 588 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 25.7% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Colwood?

The median home value in Colwood is $800,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,370. The homeownership rate is 73.4%.

How are the schools in Colwood?

14.5% of adults in Colwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 34.1% have completed high school. 5.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Colwood?

The average commute in Colwood is 25 minutes. 79.3% of workers drive alone to work, 5.2% use public transit, and 25.7% work from home.

What are the demographics of Colwood?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Colwood is 89.5% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian. 87% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

Langford, BC 46,584 pop · 1.4 mi Six Mile, BC 1,031 pop · 2.1 mi View Royal, BC 11,575 pop · 2.3 mi New Songhees 1A, BC 1,839 pop · 3.2 mi Tillicum, BC 10,080 pop · 4.1 mi Metchosin, BC 5,067 pop · 4.1 mi Victoria West, BC 8,365 pop · 4.8 mi James Bay, BC 13,055 pop · 4.8 mi Carey, BC 18,405 pop · 5.0 mi Burnside-Gorge, BC 6,875 pop · 5.1 mi Rural Saanich, BC 5,025 pop · 5.2 mi Saanich Core, BC 5,470 pop · 5.3 mi Victoria-Downtown, BC 46,309 pop · 5.7 mi Royal Oak, BC 8,855 pop · 5.9 mi
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