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James Bay, BC

British Columbia · Victoria Metro

James Bay is a small city in British Columbia with a population of 13,055. Residents earn $76,768 per year, which is 2% above the national average.

3.1 /5.0
B Good
13,055 Population 1,755/sq mi density
$76,768 Median Income $46,858 per capita
$560,468 Home Value
$1,072 Median Rent 27.8% income on rent
52°F Avg Temperature 248 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 James 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.

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 James Bay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population13,055
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density1,755/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 Units5,222
Rent Burden27.8%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain32.0 in/yr
Sunny Days248/yr
Elevation36 ft (11 m)

Education

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

Community

Commute25 min

Is James Bay a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, James Bay 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. James Bay offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in James 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 James 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

James Bay experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 248 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 32.0 inches, including 10.4 inches of snow.

James Bay has a population of 13,055 with a density of 1,755 people per square mile, spread across 7.4 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

13,055
Total Population
1,755
People / sq mi
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
7.4mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

James Bay 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

James Bay vs U.S. Average

The median household income in James Bay 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 405 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 22.1% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: James 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

Unemployment5.1%
42% above US avg
Poverty Rate14.1%
14% above US avg
Establishments (County)405

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 James Bay 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 5,222 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 Units5,222

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, James Bay receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: James Bay 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 →
James Bay experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 248 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.0 inches. The area receives 10.4 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 36 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

42°F Jan (6°C) 67°F Jul (19°C)
Annual Average52.3°F
3% below US avg
January Average42°F (6°C)
July Average67°F (19°C)
Sunny Days248 days/yr

Geography

Elevation36 ft (11 m)
Area7.4 sq mi (19.3 km²)
Population Density1,755/sq mi
Coordinates48.4167°N, 123.3833°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 32.0"
16% below US avg
Snowfall 10.4"
Wettest Month (Nov) 5.39"
Driest Month (Jul) 0.71"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

635 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M6.8. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 21, 2025.

Feb 28, 2001 7 km SSE of Longbranch, Washington M6.8 149 km
Jul 3, 1999 8 km N of Satsop, Washington M5.8 149 km
May 3, 1996 8 km NNE of Lake Marcel-Stillwater, Washington M5.4 134 km
Apr 14, 1990 4 km ENE of Deming, Washington M5.0 102 km
Jan 29, 1995 3 km WSW of Des Moines, Washington M5.0 137 km
Jun 10, 2001 18 km N of Satsop, Washington M5.0 139 km
Jun 23, 1997 2 km NE of Enetai, Washington M4.9 109 km
Apr 25, 2003 26 km W of Brinnon, Washington M4.8 84 km
Feb 21, 2025 28 km W of Squamish, Canada M4.8 142 km
Jan 30, 2009 6 km ESE of Lofall, Washington M4.7 92 km
Jul 12, 2019 2 km S of Roosevelt, Washington M4.6 118 km
Jan 24, 2020 46 km WNW of Neah Bay, Washington M4.5 134 km
Mar 3, 2025 2025 Orcas Island, Washington M4.5 48 km
Jun 24, 1997 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada M4.4 93 km
Apr 2, 1990 2 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.3 99 km
Sep 21, 2002 9 km SW of Friday Harbor, Washington M4.1 20 km
Feb 23, 2017 11 km NE of Hoodsport, Washington M4.1 107 km
Apr 14, 1990 2 km ESE of Deming, Washington M4.0 99 km
Apr 3, 1990 3 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.0 100 km
Jun 15, 1994 1 km WNW of Hoodsport, Washington M4.0 113 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1894 PUYALLUP RIVER DELTA, TACOMA, WA Meteorological 3.0 m 2 144 km
1891 WASHINGTON Eruption + Earthquake 2.4 m — 47 km
1949 PUGET SOUND, WA Meteorological 2.4 m — 139 km
1820 CAMANO ISLAND, WA Meteorological — — 86 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

5 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Baker (122 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Baker Stratovolcano(es) 3,285 m (10,778 ft) 1880 122 km
Garibaldi Stratovolcano 2,678 m (8,786 ft) -8060 162 km
Garibaldi Lake Volcanic field 2,316 m (7,598 ft) Unknown 171 km
Glacier Peak Stratovolcano 3,213 m (10,541 ft) 1700 171 km
Cayley Volcanic Field Volcanic field 2,375 m (7,792 ft) Unknown 190 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Wildfire History

6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: DELABARRE (4,176 ac, 2023).

Year Name Acres Distance
2023 DELABARRE 4,176 72 km
2018 MAPLE 3,547 95 km
2015 PARADISE 2,818 85 km
2016 HAYES TWO 2,679 68 km
2011 BIG HUMP 1,400 83 km
1985 BEAVER 1,107 97 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 42°F (6°C) 5.0 in
February 42°F (5°C) 3.6 in
March 45°F (7°C) 2.8 in
April 49°F (9°C) 1.8 in
May 54°F (12°C) 1.3 in
June 59°F (15°C) 1.1 in
July 67°F (19°C) 0.7 in Warmest, Driest
August 63°F (17°C) 0.9 in
September 59°F (15°C) 1.2 in
October 51°F (10°C) 2.8 in
November 44°F (6°C) 5.4 in Wettest
December 40°F (4°C) 5.3 in Coldest

James Bay has a seasonal temperature swing of 27°F / from 40°F in December to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.9 inches, with November being the wettest month (5.4") and July the driest (0.7").

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 Density1,755/sq mi
Total Area7.4 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

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

Schools in James Bay

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
James Bay Community School — — — —
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near James Bay

4 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CBC Radio One - Victoria, BC (MP3 stream) features, news MP3 128 kbps
KSQM (US) — AAC+ 128 kbps
CJSU-FM 89.7 "Sun FM" Duncan, BC adult hits AAC+ 57 kbps
KARI-AM 550 (US) — AAC+ 32 kbps

Museums in James Bay

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
British Columbia Aviation Museum
Central Saanich Fire Museum
Centre of the Universe
CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum - NAD20
CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum - NAD29
Craigdarroch Castle
Craigflower Manor
Craigflower Schoolhouse
Emily Carr House
Gorge Waterway Nature House
Helmcken House
Henderson Hangar
Heritage Acres
Main Hangar
Maritime Museum of British Columbia
Metchosin Pioneer Museum
Metchosin School Museum
Miniature World
Pemberton Memorial Operating Room
Point Ellice House
Restoration Hangar
Royal BC Museum
Saint Ann's Schoolhouse
Shawnigan Lake Museum
Sidney Museum and Archives
Thunderbird Park
Victoria Chinatown Museum
Wentworth Villa

Libraries in James Bay

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Alan Batey Library & Learning Commons0.0
BC Archives0.0
Greater Victoria Public Library - Bruce Hutchison Branch0.0
GVPL: Central Branch0.0
GVPL: Central Saanich Branch0.0
GVPL: Emily Carr Branch0.0
GVPL: Esquimalt Branch0.0
GVPL: Goudy Branch0.0
GVPL: Juan de Fuca Branch0.0
GVPL: Langford Heritage Branch0.0
GVPL: Nellie McClung Branch0.0
GVPL: Oak Bay Branch0.0
GVPL: Saanich Centennial Library Branch0.0
GVPL: sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ James Bay Branch0.0
Library Lounge0.0
McPherson Library0.0
Sidney Archives0.0
VIRL: Sidney / North Saanich Branch0.0
VIRL: South Cowichan Branch0.0

Farmers Markets in James Bay

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Esquimalt Farmers Market
Esquimalt Farmers Market
Food Truck Festival
Gorge Farmers Market
James Bay Market
Metchosin Farmers Market
Moss Street Farmers Market
Oaklands Sunset Market
Peninsula Country Market

Hotels in James Bay

13 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Best Western Plus Inner Harbour
Days Inn - Victoria On The Harbour
Embassy Inn
Hotel Grand Pacific
Huntingdon Manor
Inn at Laurel Point
James Bay Inn
Pendray Inn
Rosewood Victoria Inn
Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
The Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel
The Oswego Hotel
WorldMark Victoria

Cafes in James Bay

8 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Coffeehouse at Shoal Point
Colonial Cafe
Courtyard Café
Discovery Coffee
Good Earth Coffeehouse
James Bay Coffee House
Nourish Kitchen & Cafe
Piggy & Paisley

Clinics in James Bay

1 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Olive Fertility Centre Victoria

Veterinaries in James Bay

1 veterinaries within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Vancouver Island Veterinary Surgery

Gyms in James Bay

1 gyms within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Fitness Center

Breweries in James Bay

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Brass Monkey Taproom
Category 12
Hoyne Brewing Company
Île Sauvage Brewing Company
Lighthouse Brewing Company
Phillips Tasting Room
Spinnakers
V2V Black Hops Brewing

Stadiums & Teams in James Bay

TeamLeagueDivision

Cell Towers in James Bay

AddressStructure TypeHeight (ft)
236 AFTERGLOW DRIVE (102271)MTOWER28
236 AFTERGLOW DRIVE (102271)MTOWER28

Amtrak Stations in James Bay

2 Amtrak stations.

StationAddressType
Victoria, BC721 Douglas St.BUS
Victoria, BC254 Belleville StreetBUS

Airports Near James Bay

50 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Victoria International AirportYYJLarge Airport
Boundary Bay AirportYDTMedium Airport
Friday Harbor AirportFRDMedium Airport
Nanaimo AirportYCDMedium Airport
Orcas Island AirportESDMedium Airport
Whidbey Island Naval Air Station (Ault Field)NUWMedium Airport
William R Fairchild International AirportCLMMedium Airport
AJ Eisenberg AirportODWSmall Airport
Allan Island Airport—Small Airport
Anacortes AirportOTSSmall Airport
Big Andy Airport—Small Airport
Blakely Island AirportBYWSmall Airport
Blue Heron Field—Small Airport
Blue Ribbon Airport—Small Airport
Burden Field-(Rabbit Run) Airport—Small Airport
Center Island AirportCWSSmall Airport
Clam Harbor Airport—Small Airport
Coupeville Airpark—Small Airport
Crane Island AirstripCKRSmall Airport
Crow Valley Airport—Small Airport
Cypress Island Airport—Small Airport
Decatur /Jones/ Airport—Small Airport
Decatur Shores AirportDTRSmall Airport
Delta Heritage Air Park—Small Airport
Diamond Point Airstrip—Small Airport
Duncan AirportDUQSmall Airport
Friday West Airport—Small Airport
Grand View International Airport—Small Airport
Intergalactic Aerodrome—Small Airport
Jefferson County International AirportTWDSmall Airport
Kimshan Ranch Airport—Small Airport
King Airport—Small Airport
Lawson Airpark—Small Airport
Long Harbour Airport—Small Airport
Lopez Island AirportLPSSmall Airport
Michell Airpark—Small Airport
Olympic Field—Small Airport
Point Roberts Airpark—Small Airport
Port Angeles Cgas Airport—Small Airport
Quamichan Lake (Raven Field) Airport—Small Airport
Rake's Glen Airport—Small Airport
Roche Harbor AirportRCESmall Airport
Rucilla's Roost Airport—Small Airport
Sequim Valley AirportSQVSmall Airport
Shaw Island AIrport—Small Airport
Sinclair Island Airport—Small Airport
Sky Valley Airstrip—Small Airport
Stacey's Airport—Small Airport
Stuart Island AirparkSSWSmall Airport
Stuart Island West Airport—Small Airport

Post Offices in James Bay

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
James Bay

Treatment Centers in James Bay

3 treatment centers.

CenterTypePhone
Maven Pelvic Health
Sobering & Assessment Centre
Victoria Mental Health & Substance Use

Churches & Religious Organizations in James Bay

2 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Church of Truth
James Bay United Church

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About James Bay

What is the population of James Bay?

James Bay has a population of 13,055 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 1,755 people per square mile, spread across 7.4 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 James 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 James Bay safe?

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

What is the weather like in James Bay?

James Bay has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 248 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 32.0 inches, with 10.4 inches of snow.

How is the job market in James Bay?

The unemployment rate in James 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 405 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 James Bay?

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

How are the schools in James Bay?

32.9% of adults in James 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 James Bay?

The average commute in James 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 James Bay?

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

Nearby Cities

Victoria West, BC 8,365 pop · 1.1 mi Victoria-Downtown, BC 46,309 pop · 1.3 mi Fairfield, BC 11,740 pop · 1.5 mi North Park, BC 3,725 pop · 1.8 mi Burnside-Gorge, BC 6,875 pop · 1.9 mi Victoria, BC 91,867 pop · 2.0 mi Fernwood, BC 10,200 pop · 2.0 mi Rockland, BC 3,740 pop · 2.2 mi Hillside-Quadra, BC 7,860 pop · 2.3 mi Tillicum, BC 10,080 pop · 2.4 mi Gonzales, BC 4,300 pop · 2.5 mi New Songhees 1A, BC 1,839 pop · 2.6 mi Saanich Core, BC 5,470 pop · 2.7 mi Jubilee, BC 5,290 pop · 2.7 mi
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