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Golden, BC

British Columbia

Golden is a small town in British Columbia with a population of 3,986. Residents earn $76,768 per year, which is 2% above the national average.

3.1 /5.0
B Good
3,986 Population 29/sq mi density
$76,768 Median Income $46,858 per capita
$560,468 Home Value
$1,072 Median Rent 27.8% income on rent
38°F Avg Temperature 281 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.1 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.6 / 5.0
$76,768 median income, 5.1% unemployment
C+
Affordability
2.5 / 5.0
$560,468 home value, $1,072/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
B+
Education
3.6 / 5.0
32.9% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Golden, 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 $76,768
2% higher than US avg
Home Value $560,468
99% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 32.9%
2% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,072
8% lower than US avg
Unemployment 5.1%
42% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 14.1%
14% higher than US avg

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

People

Population3,986
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density29/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 93%

Economy

B+
Median Income$76,768
Per Capita$46,858
Unemployment5.1%
Poverty14.1%
Commute25 min

Housing

C+
Home Value$560,468
Rent$1,072
Ownership66.5%
Housing Units1,892
Rent Burden27.8%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp38°F (3°C)
Rain30.1 in/yr
Sunny Days281/yr
Elevation2,585 ft (788 m)

Education

B+
Bachelor's+32.9%
High School+87.4%
Graduate+17.0%

Community

Commute25 min

Is Golden a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Golden receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Golden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Golden 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 Golden 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

Golden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July. With 281 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.1 inches, including 14.7 inches of snow.

Golden has a population of 3,986 with a density of 29 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (93.4%), with 4.5% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.8% of residents.

Population

3,986
Total Population
2021 Census
29
People / sq mi
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
3.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Golden vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 87.8%
12% above US avg
Spanish 1.4%
90% below US avg
Other Languages 10.8%

Social Characteristics

Golden vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Golden is $76,768, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,858 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $901, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 124 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 22.1% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Golden 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

Unemployment5.1%
42% above US avg
Poverty Rate14.1%
14% above US avg
Establishments (County)124

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time24.6 min
Drive Alone79.5%
Public Transit2.3%
Work from Home22.1%

Walkability

The median home value in Golden is $560,468, 99% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,072 (8% below the national average of $1,163). 66.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,892 total housing units in the city. 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.3x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

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 Burden27.8%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership66.5%
Owner-Occupied66.5%
Renter-Occupied33.5%
Housing Units1,892

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, Golden receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Golden 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 →
Golden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July. The area gets 281 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 30.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 14.7 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 2,585 feet.

Temperature

14°F Jan (-10°C) 59°F Jul (15°C)
Annual Average37.5°F
31% below US avg
January Average14°F (-10°C)
July Average59°F (15°C)
Sunny Days281 days/yr

Geography

Elevation2,585 ft (788 m)
Area3.3 sq mi (8.6 km²)
Population Density29/sq mi
Coordinates51.3000°N, 116.9689°W
TimezoneAmerica/Edmonton

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 30.1"
21% below US avg
Snowfall 14.7"
Wettest Month (Jan) 3.74"
Driest Month (Apr) 1.50"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M3.7 on Jan 26, 2025.

Feb 14, 2021 5 km N of Banff, Canada M4.1 99 km
Jan 26, 2025 58 km NNW of Banff, Canada M3.7 89 km
Jul 28, 2002 29 km SSE of Canmore, Canada M3.6 137 km
Aug 13, 1998 67 km NNW of Banff, Canada M3.6 78 km
Mar 7, 2002 84 km N of Golden, Canada M3.6 85 km
Oct 29, 1998 36 km SW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.5 148 km
May 5, 2005 56 km WSW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.4 131 km
Apr 23, 1999 34 km SW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.0 150 km
Apr 10, 2011 16 km SE of Invermere, Canada M2.9 124 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 14°F (-10°C) 3.7 in Coldest, Wettest
February 21°F (-6°C) 2.3 in
March 30°F (-1°C) 1.7 in
April 38°F (3°C) 1.5 in Driest
May 47°F (8°C) 1.9 in
June 54°F (12°C) 2.5 in
July 59°F (15°C) 2.8 in Warmest
August 59°F (15°C) 2.5 in
September 49°F (10°C) 2.0 in
October 39°F (4°C) 2.3 in
November 26°F (-3°C) 3.5 in
December 15°F (-9°C) 3.4 in

Golden has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 14°F in January to 59°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.1 inches, with January being the wettest month (3.7") and April the driest (1.5").

View full weather details →
32.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 2% below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 17.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (above the 13.1% national rate). 79.5% of workers drive alone to work, while 2.3% use public transit.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+32.9%
2% below US avg
High School+87.4%
Graduate Degree+17.0%
B+ Education Grade (3.6/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density29/sq mi
Total Area3.3 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute24.6 min
Drive Alone79.5%
Public Transit2.3%
Work from Home22.1%

Schools in Golden

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Nicholson Elementary School
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Golden

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

Museums in Golden

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Golden BC Museum

Libraries in Golden

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
ORL: Golden & District Library0.0

Farmers Markets in Golden

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Golden Artisan Co-op
Golden Farmers’ Market

Hotels in Golden

18 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Best Western Mountainview Inn
Copper Horse Lodge
Days Inn Golden
Glacier Mountaineer Lodge
Golden Village Lodge
Hillside Lodge and Chalet
Holiday Inn Express
Lodge + Lantern
Moberly Lodge
Palliser Lodge
Park Inn Golden
Prestige Inn Golden
Ramada Limited Golden
The Cache Hotel and Lodgings
Travelodge Golden Sportsman Lodge
Vagabond Lodge
Whitewater Lodge
Winston Lodge

Cafes in Golden

7 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Bean Bag Coffee Roasters
Bluebird Cafe
Four Points Books
Heaven's Door Yurt cafe
Jita's Cafe
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons

Cinemas in Golden

1 cinemas within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Golden Cinema

Zoos in Golden

1 zoos within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Grizzly Bear Refuge

Theme Parks in Golden

1 theme parks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Golden Skybridge

Clinics in Golden

4 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

CA #301178494
Cherie Devlin Massage & Wellness
Golden Medical Clinic
Karen Janicek Registered Massage Therapist

Gas Stations in Golden

10 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Centex
Centex
Chevron
Esso
Esso Commercial Cardlock
Fas Gas
Petro-Canada
Petro-Canada
Petro-Canada
Shell

Banks in Golden

2 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

CIBC
Columbia Valley Credit Union

Gyms in Golden

1 gyms within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Golden's Gym

Golf Courses in Golden

1 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Golden Golf Club

Breweries in Golden

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
White Tooth Brewery

Ski Resorts Near Golden

1 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Kicking Horse Resort 0.0 $0

Airports Near Golden

1 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Golden AirportMedium Airport

Post Offices in Golden

2 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Golden Main
Kicking Horse

Explore Near Golden

Waterfalls
2
Natural waterfalls documented by USGS and OpenStreetMap contributors
View all →
Bigfoot Sightings
1
Eyewitness reports filed with the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization
View all →
Meteorites
1
Confirmed meteorite landing sites recorded in NASA meteorite catalog
View all →

Download Full City Report

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Golden

What is the population of Golden?

Golden has a population of 3,986 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 29 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 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 Golden 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 Golden safe?

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

What is the weather like in Golden?

Golden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 59°F in July. The area receives 281 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.1 inches, with 14.7 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Golden?

The unemployment rate in Golden 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 124 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 Golden?

The median home value in Golden is $560,468. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,072. The homeownership rate is 66.5%.

How are the schools in Golden?

32.9% of adults in Golden 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 Golden?

The average commute in Golden 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 Golden?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Golden is 93.4% White, 4.5% Asian. 87.8% of residents speak only English at home.

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