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Departure Bay, BC
British Columbia
Departure Bay is a small city in British Columbia with a population of 6,540. Residents earn $76,768 per year, which is 2% above the national average.
Discover Departure Bay, 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 Departure Bay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Economy
B+Housing
C+Crime
C+Climate
Education
B+Community
Is Departure Bay a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Departure Bay receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Departure Bay offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Departure Bay is $76,768, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 14.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Departure Bay is $560,468, making it a premium housing market at 99% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,072 per month. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.3x, 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
32.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school.
Climate & Weather
Departure Bay experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 225 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 53.6 inches, including 38.8 inches of snow.
Population
Gender Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Departure Bay vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
Social Characteristics
Departure Bay vs U.S. Average
Income: Departure Bay vs U.S.
Commute Mode
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,768 |
| 2% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $46,858 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $901 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.1% |
| 42% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 14.1% |
| 14% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 203 |
Business (County)
Tax & Cost of Living
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.5% |
| Public Transit | 2.3% |
| Work from Home | 22.1% |
Walkability
Home Value Sources
Ownership Split
Home Values
| Census Median | $560,468 |
| 99% above US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,072 |
| 8% below US avg | |
| Rent Burden | 27.8% |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.5% |
| Housing Units | 2,616 |
Property Tax
Crime Rates: Departure Bay 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 | 51.4°F |
| 5% below US avg | |
| January Average | 40°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 225 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 161 ft (49 m) |
| Area | 83.2 sq mi (215.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 79/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 49.2021°N, 123.9762°W |
| Timezone | America/Vancouver |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Tsunami History
4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 38.0 m (125 ft).
| Year | Location | Cause | Max Wave | Deaths | Distance |
| 2007 | CHEHALIS LAKE, CHILLIWACK | Meteorological | 38.0 m | — | 146 km |
| 1946 | BRITISH COLUMBIA | Eruption + Earthquake | 9.0 m | 1 | 101 km |
| 1891 | WASHINGTON | Eruption + Earthquake | 2.4 m | — | 138 km |
| 1958 | RIPPLE ROCK, BC | Earthquake + Landslide | 0.5 m | — | 136 km |
Nearby Volcanoes
6 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Garibaldi (101 km).
| Name | Type | Elevation | Last Eruption | Distance |
| Garibaldi | Stratovolcano | 2,678 m (8,786 ft) | -8060 | 101 km |
| Garibaldi Lake | Volcanic field | 2,316 m (7,598 ft) | Unknown | 108 km |
| Cayley Volcanic Field | Volcanic field | 2,375 m (7,792 ft) | Unknown | 114 km |
| Meager | Complex | 2,680 m (8,793 ft) | -410 | 162 km |
| Baker | Stratovolcano(es) | 3,285 m (10,778 ft) | 1880 | 165 km |
| Bridge River Cones | Volcanic field | 2,500 m (8,202 ft) | Unknown | 182 km |
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40°F (5°C) | 6.7 in | |
| February | 40°F (5°C) | 4.4 in | |
| March | 43°F (6°C) | 4.1 in | |
| April | 48°F (9°C) | 2.4 in | |
| May | 54°F (12°C) | 2.0 in | |
| June | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 in | |
| July | 68°F (20°C) | 1.0 in | Warmest, Driest |
| August | 64°F (18°C) | 1.3 in | |
| September | 58°F (15°C) | 1.5 in | |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 3.9 in | |
| November | 43°F (6°C) | 6.7 in | |
| December | 39°F (4°C) | 6.9 in | Coldest, Wettest |
Departure Bay has a seasonal temperature swing of 30°F / from 39°F in December to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.5 inches, with December being the wettest month (6.9") and July the driest (1.0").
Education
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 32.9% |
| 2% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 87.4% |
| Graduate Degree+ | 17.0% |
Area & Infrastructure
| Population Density | 79/sq mi |
| Total Area | 83.2 sq mi |
Services
Commute & Transportation
| Avg Commute | 24.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.5% |
| Public Transit | 2.3% |
| Work from Home | 22.1% |
Schools in Departure Bay
10 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).
| School | Level | Enrollment | Teachers | Student/Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| École Quarterway Elementary | — | — | — | — |
| Forest Park Elementary School | — | — | — | — |
| Hammond Bay Elementary School | — | — | — | — |
| Wellington Secondary School | — | — | — | — |
| Rock City Elementary School | — | — | — | — |
| Departure Bay Elementary School | — | — | — | — |
| Frank J. Ney Elementary | — | — | — | — |
| Cilaire Elementary School | — | — | — | — |
| Woodlands Secondary School | — | — | — | — |
| École Océane | — | — | — | — |
Radio Stations near Departure Bay
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 Departure Bay
| Name | Type | Address | Phone | Annual Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriola Museum | ||||
| Harbour Heritage Centre | ||||
| Ladysmith Maritime Society Museum | ||||
| Ladysmith Museum | ||||
| Museum of Natural History | ||||
| Nanaimo Museum | ||||
| Nanaimo Museum | ||||
| Protection Island Museum | ||||
| Vancouver Island Military Museum |
Libraries in Departure Bay
| Name | Address | Staff | Annual Visits | Circulation | Collection | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 305 - Library | 0.0 | |||||
| VIRL: Gabriola Island Branch | 0.0 | |||||
| VIRL: Ladysmith Branch | 0.0 | |||||
| VIRL: Nanaimo Harbourfront Branch | 0.0 | |||||
| VIRL: Nanaimo North Branch | 0.0 | |||||
| VIRL: Nanaimo Wellington Branch | 0.0 |
Farmers Markets in Departure Bay
| Name | Address | Season | Hours | Organic | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Farmers Market | |||||
| Gabriola Agricultural Co-op Farmers Market | |||||
| Island Roots | |||||
| Pier 17 Market |
Cafes in Departure Bay
14 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Theatres in Departure Bay
1 theatres within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Clinics in Departure Bay
26 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Dentists in Departure Bay
12 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Veterinaries in Departure Bay
6 veterinaries within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Bus Stations in Departure Bay
3 bus stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Gas Stations in Departure Bay
10 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Banks in Departure Bay
4 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Gyms in Departure Bay
16 gyms within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Golf Courses in Departure Bay
2 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Breweries in Departure Bay
| Name | Type | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longwood Brewery | ||||
| White Sails Brewery | ||||
| Wolf Brewery |
Ski Resorts Near Departure Bay
1 ski resorts within range.
| Resort | Slopes (km) | Lifts | Peak (m) | Price | Season | Night | Park |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota Ridge Recreation Site | 0.0 | — | — | $0 | — | — | — |
Airports Near Departure Bay
10 airports within the area.
| Airport | IATA | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria International Airport | YYJ | Large Airport |
| Nanaimo Airport | YCD | Medium Airport |
| Powell River Airport | YPW | Medium Airport |
| Qualicum Beach Airport | XQU | Medium Airport |
| Duncan Airport | DUQ | Small Airport |
| Long Harbour Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Michell Airpark | — | Small Airport |
| Quamichan Lake (Raven Field) Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Sechelt-Gibsons Airport | YHS | Small Airport |
| Texada Gillies Bay Airport | YGB | Small Airport |
Post Offices in Departure Bay
4 post offices.
| Post Office | Address |
|---|---|
| Beban Plaza | |
| Country Club Centre | |
| Mount Benson | |
| Nanaimo Delivery Facility |
Churches & Religious Organizations in Departure Bay
8 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Christ Community Church | |
| Church of the Nazarene | |
| Departure Bay Baptist Church | |
| First Baptist Church | |
| Hope Lutheran | |
| Ismaili Jamatkhanas | |
| St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church | |
| The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
Download Full City Report
Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Departure Bay.
Get ReportFrequently Asked Questions About Departure Bay
What is the population of Departure Bay?
Departure Bay has a population of 6,540 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 79 people per square mile, spread across 83.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Departure Bay expensive to live in?
The median household income is $76,768, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $560,468 (99% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,072 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.3x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Departure Bay safe?
Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Departure Bay receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Departure Bay?
Departure Bay has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 225 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 53.6 inches, with 38.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Departure Bay?
The unemployment rate in Departure Bay is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $901. There are 203 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 22.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Departure Bay?
The median home value in Departure Bay is $560,468. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,072. The homeownership rate is 66.5%.
How are the schools in Departure Bay?
32.9% of adults in Departure Bay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 17.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
What is transportation like in Departure Bay?
The average commute in Departure Bay is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.5% of workers drive alone to work, 2.3% use public transit, and 22.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Departure Bay?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Departure Bay is 93.4% White, 4.5% Asian. 87.8% of residents speak only English at home.