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Courtenay, BC
British Columbia
Courtenay is a small city in British Columbia with a population of 28,420. Residents earn $72,000 per year, which is 4% below the national average.
Data updated June 2026
Discover Courtenay, 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.
How Courtenay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Economy
BHousing
CCrime
C+Climate
Education
CCommunity
Is Courtenay a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Courtenay receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Courtenay has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Courtenay is $72,000, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 8.5%, unemployment is notably high. 11.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Courtenay is $572,000, making it a premium housing market at 103% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,230 per month. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.9x, 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
13.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 31.4% have completed high school.
Climate & Weather
Courtenay experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 245 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 57.9 inches, including 25.0 inches of snow.
Population
Gender Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Courtenay vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
Social Characteristics
Courtenay vs U.S. Average
Income: Courtenay vs U.S.
Commute Mode
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,000 |
| 4% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $45,120 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $868 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.5% |
| 136% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 11.4% |
| 8% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 881 |
Business (County)
Tax & Cost of Living
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.1% |
| Public Transit | 2.6% |
| Work from Home | 16.7% |
Walkability
Home Value Sources
Ownership Split
Home Values
| Census Median | $572,000 |
| 103% above US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,230 |
| 6% above US avg | |
| Rent Burden | 23.6% |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.6% |
| Housing Units | 13,000 |
Property Tax
Crime Rates: Courtenay vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,500.0/100K |
| 79% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 483.9/100K |
| Theft | 2,503.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 504.8/100K |
Traffic Safety
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Temperature
| Annual Average | 50.1°F |
| 7% below US avg | |
| January Average | 40°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 245 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 43 ft (13 m) |
| Area | 12.5 sq mi (32.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,271/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 49.6866°N, 124.9936°W |
| Timezone | America/Vancouver |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Tsunami History
3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 9.0 m (30 ft).
| Year | Location | Cause | Max Wave | Deaths | Distance |
| 1946 | BRITISH COLUMBIA | Eruption + Earthquake | 9.0 m | 1 | 21 km |
| 1958 | RIPPLE ROCK, BC | Earthquake + Landslide | 0.5 m | - | 49 km |
| 2020 | ELLIOT CREEK, BC | Meteorological | - | - | 145 km |
Nearby Volcanoes
5 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Cayley Volcanic Field (132 km).
| Name | Type | Elevation | Last Eruption | Distance |
| Cayley Volcanic Field | Volcanic field | 2,375 m (7,792 ft) | Unknown | 132 km |
| Garibaldi | Stratovolcano | 2,678 m (8,786 ft) | -8060 | 144 km |
| Garibaldi Lake | Volcanic field | 2,316 m (7,598 ft) | Unknown | 146 km |
| Meager | Complex | 2,680 m (8,793 ft) | -410 | 149 km |
| Bridge River Cones | Volcanic field | 2,500 m (8,202 ft) | Unknown | 168 km |
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40°F (4°C) | 7.2 in | |
| February | 39°F (4°C) | 5.4 in | |
| March | 43°F (6°C) | 4.8 in | |
| April | 48°F (9°C) | 2.9 in | |
| May | 54°F (12°C) | 2.0 in | |
| June | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 in | |
| July | 65°F (19°C) | 1.3 in | Warmest, Driest |
| August | 64°F (18°C) | 1.5 in | |
| September | 58°F (14°C) | 1.9 in | |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 5.1 in | |
| November | 42°F (6°C) | 8.5 in | Wettest |
| December | 38°F (3°C) | 8.0 in | Coldest |
Courtenay has a seasonal temperature swing of 28°F / from 38°F in December to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.4 inches, with November being the wettest month (8.5") and July the driest (1.3").
Education
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 13.5% |
| 60% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 31.4% |
| Graduate Degree+ | 5.6% |
Area & Infrastructure
| Population Density | 2,271/sq mi |
| Total Area | 12.5 sq mi |
Services
Commute & Transportation
| Avg Commute | 19.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.1% |
| Public Transit | 2.6% |
| Work from Home | 16.7% |
Colleges & Universities in Courtenay
| Institution | Type | Enrollment | Acceptance | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excel Career College | - | - | - | - | - |
| North Island College | - | - | - | - | - |
Schools in Courtenay
4 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).
| School | Level | Enrollment | Teachers | Student/Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Spool Sewing Studio | - | - | - | - |
| Lake Trail Junior Secondary School | - | - | - | - |
| 4 R's Education Centre & Little R's Preschool | - | - | - | - |
| Courtenay Elementary School | - | - | - | - |
Radio Stations near Courtenay
9 stations within ~55 km.
| Station | Genre | Quality | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFCP 98.9 "Jet FM" Courtenay, BC | active rock | AAC+ 57 kbps | |
| CFPW 95.7 "Coast FM" Powell River, BC | classic hits | AAC+ 57 kbps | |
| CJAV-FM "The Peak 93.3" Port Alberni, BC | adult contemporary | AAC+ 48 kbps | |
| CKLR-FM 97.3 "The Eagle" Courtenay, BC | hot adult contemporary | AAC+ 48 kbps | |
| CIQC-FM "99.7 The River" Campbell River, BC | hot adult contemporary | AAC+ 57 kbps | |
| Coast FM | cornwall, pasty | MP3 128 kbps | |
| Spirit FM | christian music | AAC 96 kbps | |
| Dream 102.9 FM | - | UNKNOWN | |
| DREAM 102.9 FM (US) | worldbeat | UNKNOWN |
Museums in Courtenay
| Name | Type | Address | Phone | Annual Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comox Air Force Museum | ||||
| Comox Archives & Museum | ||||
| Courtenay & District Museum | ||||
| Courtenay & District Museum & Palaeontology Centre | ||||
| Cumberland Museum & Archives | ||||
| Denman Island Museum & Archives | ||||
| Heritage Air Park | ||||
| HMCS Alberni Museum & Memorial | ||||
| Union Bay Museum at the Old Gaolhouse |
Libraries in Courtenay
| Name | Address | Staff | Annual Visits | Circulation | Collection | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dora Drinkwater Community Library | 0.0 | |||||
| VIRL: Comox Branch | 0.0 | |||||
| VIRL: Courtenay Branch | 0.0 | |||||
| VIRL: Cumberland Branch | 0.0 | |||||
| VIRL: Union Bay Branch | 0.0 |
Farmers Markets in Courtenay
| Name | Address | Season | Hours | Organic | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comox Valley Farmers' Market | |||||
| Comox Valley Farmers' Market | |||||
| Comox Valley Farmers’ Market | |||||
| Denman Island Farmers’ Market |
Hotels in Courtenay
4 hotels within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Cafes in Courtenay
20 cafes within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Cinemas in Courtenay
1 cinemas within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Theatres in Courtenay
2 theatres within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Clinics in Courtenay
17 clinics within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Dentists in Courtenay
10 dentists within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Veterinaries in Courtenay
4 veterinaries within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Bus Stations in Courtenay
2 bus stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Gas Stations in Courtenay
7 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Banks in Courtenay
5 banks within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Shopping Malls in Courtenay
1 shopping malls within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Gyms in Courtenay
14 gyms within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Breweries in Courtenay
| Name | Type | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ace Brewing Company | ||||
| Gladstone Brewery | ||||
| Land and Sea Brewery | ||||
| New Tradition Brewing | ||||
| RAD Brewing Company | ||||
| The Cumberland Brewing Company |
Ski Resorts Near Courtenay
1 ski resorts within range.
| Resort | Slopes (km) | Lifts | Peak (m) | Price | Season | Night | Park |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Washington Alpine Resort | 0.0 | - | - | $0 | - | - | - |
Airports Near Courtenay
10 airports within the area.
| Airport | IATA | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Campbell River Airport | YBL | Medium Airport |
| Comox Valley International Airport / CFB Comox | YQQ | Medium Airport |
| Powell River Airport | YPW | Medium Airport |
| Qualicum Beach Airport | XQU | Medium Airport |
| Alberni Valley Regional Airport | YPB | Small Airport |
| Cortes Island (Hansen Airfield) Airport | - | Small Airport |
| Courtenay Airpark | YCA | Small Airport |
| Smit Field | - | Small Airport |
| Stuart Island Airstrip | YRR | Small Airport |
| Texada Gillies Bay Airport | YGB | Small Airport |
Post Offices in Courtenay
2 post offices.
| Post Office | Address |
|---|---|
| Canada Post | |
| Driftwood Mall |
Treatment Centers in Courtenay
1 treatment centers.
| Center | Type | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Comox Valley Recovery Centre |
Churches & Religious Organizations in Courtenay
3 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Comox Valley Community Church | |
| Comox Valley Islamic Centre | |
| United Pentecostal Church |
Explore Near Courtenay
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Get ReportFrequently Asked Questions About Courtenay
What is the population of Courtenay?
Courtenay has a population of 28,420 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 2,271 people per square mile, spread across 12.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Is Courtenay expensive to live in?
The median household income is $72,000, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $572,000 (103% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,230 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.9x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Courtenay safe?
Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Courtenay receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Courtenay?
Courtenay has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 245 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 57.9 inches, with 25.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Courtenay?
The job market in Courtenay faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $868. There are 881 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 16.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Courtenay?
The median home value in Courtenay is $572,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,230. The homeownership rate is 71.4%.
How are the schools in Courtenay?
13.5% of adults in Courtenay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 31.4% have completed high school. 5.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
What is transportation like in Courtenay?
The average commute in Courtenay is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.1% of workers drive alone to work, 2.6% use public transit, and 16.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Courtenay?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Courtenay is 91.7% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 6.4% Asian. 88.1% of residents speak only English at home.