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Cowichan Valley I, BC

British Columbia

Cowichan Valley I is a small town in British Columbia with a population of 1,423. Residents earn $71,000 per year, which is 6% below the national average.

Data updated June 2026

2.1 /5.0
C Fair
1,423 Population 7/sq mi density
$71,000 Median Income $56,200 per capita
$650,000 Home Value
$1,020 Median Rent 20.9% income on rent
44°F Avg Temperature 191 sunny days/yr
C
Overall
2.1 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.9 / 5.0
$71,000 median income, 9.0% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.5 / 5.0
$650,000 home value, $1,020/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
D
Education
1.7 / 5.0
8.1% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Cowichan Valley I, 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 $71,000
6% lower than US avg
Home Value $650,000
131% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 8.1%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,020
12% lower than US avg
Unemployment 9.0%
150% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 14.4%
16% higher than US avg

How Cowichan Valley I Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population1,423
Median Age58.0 yrs
Density7/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 96%

Economy

C+
Median Income$71,000
Per Capita$56,200
Unemployment9.0%
Poverty14.4%
Commute37 min

Housing

F
Home Value$650,000
Rent$1,020
Ownership88.5%
Housing Units695
Rent Burden20.9%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
Rain80.4 in/yr
Sunny Days191/yr
Elevation823 ft (251 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+8.1%
High School+36.8%
Graduate+1.6%

Community

Commute37 min

Is Cowichan Valley I a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Cowichan Valley I receives an overall livability score of 2.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment, long commute times. Cowichan Valley I has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Cowichan Valley I is $71,000, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 9.0%, unemployment is notably high. 14.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Cowichan Valley I is $650,000, making it a premium housing market at 131% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,020 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. With a home price-to-income ratio of 9.2x, 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

8.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 36.8% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Cowichan Valley I has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. With 191 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Annual precipitation totals 80.4 inches, including 33.9 inches of snow.

Cowichan Valley I has a population of 1,423 with a density of 7 people per square mile, spread across 195.2 square miles. The median age is 58.0 years, 49% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.9% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (96.5%), with 2.5% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.4% of residents.

Population

1,423
Total Population
7
People / sq mi
58.0yrs
Median Age
49% above US avg
195.2mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 51.4%
Female 48.9%

Race & Ethnicity

Cowichan Valley I vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 94.4%
20% above US avg
Spanish 1.1%
92% below US avg
Other Languages 4.6%

Social Characteristics

Cowichan Valley I vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Cowichan Valley I is $71,000, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $56,200 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,081, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 44 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 21.4% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Cowichan Valley I vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$71,000
6% below US avg
Per Capita Income$56,200
Avg Weekly Wage$1,081

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment9.0%
150% above US avg
Poverty Rate14.4%
16% above US avg
Establishments (County)44

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time36.6 min
Drive Alone82.7%
Public Transit2.0%
Work from Home21.4%

Walkability

The median home value in Cowichan Valley I is $650,000, 131% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,020 (12% below the national average of $1,163). 88.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 695 total housing units in the city. 20.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.2x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$650,000
131% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,020
12% below US avg
Rent Burden20.9%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership88.5%
Owner-Occupied88.5%
Renter-Occupied10.8%
Housing Units695

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, Cowichan Valley I receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Cowichan Valley I 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 →
Cowichan Valley I has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. The area gets 191 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 80.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 33.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 823 feet.

Temperature

34°F Jan (1°C) 57°F Jul (14°C)
Annual Average44.3°F
18% below US avg
January Average34°F (1°C)
July Average57°F (14°C)
Sunny Days191 days/yr

Geography

Elevation823 ft (251 m)
Area195.2 sq mi (505.5 km²)
Population Density7/sq mi
Coordinates48.8425°N, 124.0831°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 80.4"
112% above US avg
Snowfall 33.9"
Wettest Month (Nov) 12.99"
Driest Month (Jul) 1.65"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

337 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M5.0. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 21, 2025.

Apr 14, 1990 4 km ENE of Deming, Washington M5.0 141 km
Apr 25, 2003 26 km W of Brinnon, Washington M4.8 144 km
Feb 21, 2025 28 km W of Squamish, Canada M4.8 102 km
Jan 8, 2015 19 km E of Tofino, Canada M4.8 120 km
Jan 24, 2020 46 km WNW of Neah Bay, Washington M4.5 87 km
Mar 3, 2025 2025 Orcas Island, Washington M4.5 97 km
Jun 24, 1997 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada M4.4 55 km
Apr 2, 1990 2 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.3 139 km
Feb 19, 1991 31 km E of Squamish, Canada M4.3 137 km
Jan 23, 2001 9 km NNW of Ucluelet, Canada M4.3 111 km
Feb 22, 1996 31 km NNE of South Pender Harbour, Canada M4.1 118 km
Sep 21, 2002 9 km SW of Friday Harbor, Washington M4.1 81 km
Dec 25, 1999 40 km SW of Ucluelet, Canada M4.0 133 km
Apr 3, 1990 3 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.0 140 km
Apr 14, 1990 2 km ESE of Deming, Washington M4.0 139 km
Dec 27, 2012 12 km E of North Saanich, Canada M4.0 65 km
Sep 26, 2024 12 km E of Saanichton, Canada M4.0 68 km
Jul 1, 2009 4 km SE of Coupeville, Washington M4.0 128 km
Apr 7, 2001 36 km NNW of Neah Bay, Washington M3.9 51 km
Nov 20, 1994 26 km N of Ucluelet, Canada M3.9 112 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

2 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 1 129 km
1891 WASHINGTON Eruption + Earthquake 2.4 m — 103 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

4 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Garibaldi (137 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Garibaldi Stratovolcano 2,678 m (8,786 ft) -8060 137 km
Garibaldi Lake Volcanic field 2,316 m (7,598 ft) Unknown 144 km
Cayley Volcanic Field Volcanic field 2,375 m (7,792 ft) Unknown 153 km
Baker Stratovolcano(es) 3,285 m (10,778 ft) 1880 166 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 34°F (1°C) 12.6 in
February 36°F (2°C) 8.9 in
March 37°F (3°C) 8.0 in
April 41°F (5°C) 5.4 in
May 47°F (8°C) 3.5 in
June 52°F (11°C) 2.7 in
July 57°F (14°C) 1.7 in Driest
August 58°F (15°C) 2.2 in Warmest
September 54°F (12°C) 2.4 in
October 46°F (8°C) 7.7 in
November 38°F (3°C) 13.0 in Wettest
December 33°F (1°C) 12.4 in Coldest

Cowichan Valley I has a seasonal temperature swing of 25°F / from 33°F in December to 58°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 80.4 inches, with November being the wettest month (13.0") and July the driest (1.7").

View full weather details →
8.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 76% below the national average of 33.7%. 36.8% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 82.7% of workers drive alone to work, while 2% use public transit.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+8.1%
76% below US avg
High School+36.8%
Graduate Degree+1.6%
D Education Grade (1.7/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density7/sq mi
Total Area195.2 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute36.6 min
Drive Alone82.7%
Public Transit2.0%
Work from Home21.4%

Schools in Cowichan Valley I

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Lake View Education Center — — — —
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Cowichan Valley I

7 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CKAY 91.7 "Coast FM" Nanaimo, BC hits, nanaimo AAC+ 57 kbps
CJSU-FM 89.7 "Sun FM" Duncan, BC adult hits AAC+ 57 kbps
CHWF-FM "The Wolf 106.9" Nanaimo, BC active rock AAC+ 48 kbps
CKWV-FM 102.3 "The Wave" Nanaimo, BC hot adult contemporary AAC+ 48 kbps
The Lounge CHPQ-FM 99.9 Parksville — AAC+ 48 kbps
CIBH 88.5 "The Beach" Parksville, BC adult contemporary AAC+ 48 kbps
CHPQ-FM "The Lounge 99.9" Parksville, BC adult standards, classic hits AAC+ 48 kbps

Museums in Cowichan Valley I

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Kaatza Station Museum & Archives

Libraries in Cowichan Valley I

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
VIRL: Cowichan Lake Branch0.0

Ski Resorts Near Cowichan Valley I

1 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Dakota Ridge Recreation Site 0.0 — — $0 — — —

Airports Near Cowichan Valley I

12 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Victoria International AirportYYJLarge Airport
Nanaimo AirportYCDMedium Airport
Qualicum Beach AirportXQUMedium Airport
William R Fairchild International AirportCLMMedium Airport
Big Andy Airport—Small Airport
Duncan AirportDUQSmall Airport
Long Harbour Airport—Small Airport
Michell Airpark—Small Airport
Port Angeles Cgas Airport—Small Airport
Quamichan Lake (Raven Field) Airport—Small Airport
Sechelt-Gibsons AirportYHSSmall Airport
Sekiu Airport—Small Airport

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cowichan Valley I

What is the population of Cowichan Valley I?

Cowichan Valley I has a population of 1,423 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 7 people per square mile, spread across 195.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.9% female and 51.4% male.

Is Cowichan Valley I expensive to live in?

The median household income is $71,000, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $650,000 (131% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,020 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.2x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Cowichan Valley I safe?

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

What is the weather like in Cowichan Valley I?

Cowichan Valley I has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 57°F in July. The area receives 191 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 80.4 inches, with 33.9 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Cowichan Valley I?

The job market in Cowichan Valley I faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,081. There are 44 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 21.4% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Cowichan Valley I?

The median home value in Cowichan Valley I is $650,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,020. The homeownership rate is 88.5%.

How are the schools in Cowichan Valley I?

8.1% of adults in Cowichan Valley I hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 36.8% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Cowichan Valley I?

The average commute in Cowichan Valley I is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.7% of workers drive alone to work, 2% use public transit, and 21.4% work from home.

What are the demographics of Cowichan Valley I?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cowichan Valley I is 96.5% White, 2.5% Asian. 94.4% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

Lake Cowichan, BC 3,325 pop · 1.8 mi Cowichan Valley F, BC 1,804 pop · 4.5 mi Youbou, BC 1,302 pop · 5.7 mi Ladysmith, BC 8,990 pop · 15.8 mi Cowichan Valley G, BC 2,442 pop · 16.0 mi Cowichan Valley H, BC 2,603 pop · 16.0 mi Saltair, BC 2,069 pop · 16.1 mi Nanaimo A, BC 7,481 pop · 17.4 mi Duncan, BC 5,047 pop · 17.8 mi North Cowichan, BC 31,990 pop · 18.1 mi North Oyster/Yellow Point, BC 1,320 pop · 18.2 mi Cowichan Valley E, BC 4,253 pop · 18.2 mi Cowichan Valley D, BC 3,530 pop · 18.2 mi Koksilah, BC 4,000 pop · 18.9 mi
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