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Gold River, BC

British Columbia

Gold River is a small town in British Columbia with a population of 1,246. Residents earn $66,500 per year, which is 12% below the national average.

Data updated June 2026

2.9 /5.0
C+ Fair
1,246 Population 296/sq mi density
$66,500 Median Income $44,600 per capita
$240,000 Home Value
$870 Median Rent 11.5% income on rent
45°F Avg Temperature 161 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.9 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.2 / 5.0
$66,500 median income, 6.5% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.7 / 5.0
$240,000 home value, $870/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
F
Education
1.4 / 5.0
5.1% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Gold River, 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 $66,500
12% lower than US avg
Home Value $240,000
15% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 5.1%
85% lower than US avg
Median Rent $870
25% lower than US avg
Unemployment 6.5%
81% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 13.5%
9% higher than US avg

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

People

Population1,246
Median Age56.4 yrs
Density296/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 97%

Economy

B
Median Income$66,500
Per Capita$44,600
Unemployment6.5%
Poverty13.5%
Commute26 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$240,000
Rent$870
Ownership83.6%
Housing Units610
Rent Burden11.5%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
Rain106.1 in/yr
Sunny Days161/yr
Elevation525 ft (160 m)

Education

F
Bachelor's+5.1%
High School+34.7%
Graduate+3.7%

Community

Commute26 min

Is Gold River a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Gold River receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Gold River has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Gold River is $66,500, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Gold River is $240,000, 15% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $870 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

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

Education

5.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 34.7% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Gold River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. With 161 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Annual precipitation totals 106.1 inches, including 29.7 inches of snow.

Gold River has a population of 1,246 with a density of 296 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age is 56.4 years, 45% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly White (96.8%), with 2.4% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.4% of residents.

Population

1,246
Total Population
2021 Census
296
People / sq mi
56.4yrs
Median Age
45% above US avg
4.2mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 52.6%
Female 47.4%

Race & Ethnicity

Gold River vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 94.4%
20% above US avg
Spanish 1.2%
91% below US avg
Other Languages 4.4%

Social Characteristics

Gold River vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Gold River is $66,500, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,600 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $858, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 39 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 12.1% of workers work from home.

Income: Gold River vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$66,500
12% below US avg
Per Capita Income$44,600
Avg Weekly Wage$858

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment6.5%
81% above US avg
Poverty Rate13.5%
9% above US avg
Establishments (County)39

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time26.3 min
Drive Alone70.3%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home12.1%

Walkability

The median home value in Gold River is $240,000, 15% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $870 (25% below the national average of $1,163). 83.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 610 total housing units in the city. 11.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$240,000
15% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$870
25% below US avg
Rent Burden11.5%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership83.6%
Owner-Occupied83.6%
Renter-Occupied16.4%
Housing Units610

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, Gold River receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Gold River 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 →
Gold River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. The area gets 161 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual precipitation totals 106.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 29.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 525 feet.

Temperature

34°F Jan (1°C) 57°F Jul (14°C)
Annual Average44.7°F
17% below US avg
January Average34°F (1°C)
July Average57°F (14°C)
Sunny Days161 days/yr

Geography

Elevation525 ft (160 m)
Area4.2 sq mi (10.9 km²)
Population Density296/sq mi
Coordinates49.7809°N, 126.0501°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 106.1"
179% above US avg
Snowfall 29.7"
Wettest Month (Nov) 17.60"
Driest Month (Jul) 2.40"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

108 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M6.5. Most recent: M3.0 on May 1, 2025.

Apr 24, 2014 107 km WSW of Vernon, Canada M6.5 122 km
Sep 9, 2011 66 km SW of Vernon, Canada M6.4 67 km
Jul 19, 2004 62 km SW of Vernon, Canada M6.4 68 km
Jul 15, 2004 51 km SW of Vernon, Canada M5.9 59 km
Jan 3, 1994 44 km SW of Vernon, Canada M5.7 52 km
Aug 4, 2013 86 km WSW of Vernon, Canada M5.5 100 km
Feb 16, 1990 131 km W of Tofino, Canada M5.4 141 km
Apr 24, 2014 115 km WSW of Vernon, Canada M4.8 129 km
Mar 18, 1996 39 km WSW of Vernon, Canada M4.8 61 km
May 10, 2020 106 km WSW of Vernon, Canada M4.8 117 km
Feb 4, 2012 128 km WSW of Tofino, Canada M4.8 148 km
Jan 8, 2015 19 km E of Tofino, Canada M4.8 74 km
Apr 24, 2014 115 km WSW of Vernon, Canada M4.7 128 km
May 2, 2001 50 km W of Tofino, Canada M4.7 79 km
Feb 16, 2012 124 km W of Tofino, Canada M4.7 137 km
Dec 15, 2013 134 km SW of Vernon, Canada M4.6 140 km
Feb 6, 2006 105 km WSW of Vernon, Canada M4.6 118 km
Feb 23, 1991 67 km SSW of Vernon, Canada M4.6 63 km
Aug 1, 2000 40 km NNW of Tofino, Canada M4.6 33 km
Jul 20, 2004 89 km SW of Vernon, Canada M4.5 93 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 82 km
1958 RIPPLE ROCK, BC Earthquake + Landslide 0.5 m - 63 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

1 volcano within 200 km. Closest: Silverthrone (184 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Silverthrone Caldera 3,160 m (10,367 ft) Unknown 184 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 34°F (1°C) 15.2 in
February 36°F (2°C) 10.8 in
March 38°F (3°C) 9.8 in
April 41°F (5°C) 7.2 in
May 47°F (8°C) 4.7 in
June 52°F (11°C) 3.9 in
July 57°F (14°C) 2.4 in Driest
August 58°F (15°C) 3.1 in Warmest
September 54°F (12°C) 4.1 in
October 46°F (8°C) 12.8 in
November 38°F (3°C) 17.6 in Wettest
December 34°F (1°C) 14.5 in Coldest

Gold River has a seasonal temperature swing of 24°F / from 34°F in December to 58°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 106.1 inches, with November being the wettest month (17.6") and July the driest (2.4").

View full weather details →
5.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 85% below the national average of 33.7%. 34.7% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 70.3% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+5.1%
85% below US avg
High School+34.7%
Graduate Degree+3.7%
F Education Grade (1.4/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density296/sq mi
Total Area4.2 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute26.3 min
Drive Alone70.3%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home12.1%

Radio Stations near Gold River

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

Libraries in Gold River

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
VIRL: Gold River Branch0.0

Cafes in Gold River

1 cafes within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Uptown Cappuccino

Clinics in Gold River

1 clinics within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Gold River Health Centre

Gas Stations in Gold River

1 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Shell

Ski Resorts Near Gold River

1 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Mount Cain Alpine Park 0.0 - - $0 - - -

Airports Near Gold River

1 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Tofino / Long Beach AirportYAZMedium Airport

Post Offices in Gold River

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Gold River

Explore Near Gold River

Waterfalls
5
Natural waterfalls documented by USGS and OpenStreetMap contributors
View all →

Download Full City Report

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Gold River

What is the population of Gold River?

Gold River has a population of 1,246 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 296 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.

Is Gold River expensive to live in?

The median household income is $66,500, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $240,000 (15% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $870 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Gold River safe?

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

What is the weather like in Gold River?

Gold River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 57°F in July. The area receives 161 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 106.1 inches, with 29.7 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Gold River?

The unemployment rate in Gold River is 6.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $858. There are 39 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 12.1% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Gold River?

The median home value in Gold River is $240,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $870. The homeownership rate is 83.6%.

How are the schools in Gold River?

5.1% of adults in Gold River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 34.7% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Gold River?

The average commute in Gold River is 26 minutes. 70.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.1% work from home.

What are the demographics of Gold River?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gold River is 96.8% White, 2.4% Asian. 94.4% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

Oyster River, BC 1,500 pop · 41.3 mi Tofino, BC 2,516 pop · 43.8 mi Hardwicke, NB 2,203 pop · 45.9 mi Puntledge, BC 1,387 pop · 46.2 mi Cumberland, BC 4,447 pop · 46.7 mi Courtenay, BC 28,420 pop · 47.6 mi Comox Valley B, BC 7,392 pop · 47.9 mi Comox Valley C, BC 9,158 pop · 47.9 mi Royston, BC 1,616 pop · 50.2 mi Comox Valley A, BC 7,926 pop · 52.2 mi Cowichan Valley B, BC 8,994 pop · 52.5 mi Cowichan Valley C, BC 5,046 pop · 52.5 mi Denman Island, BC 1,020 pop · 57.7 mi Denman Island Trust Area, BC 1,165 pop · 58.2 mi
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