Median Income
$68,000
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$472,000
67% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.8%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$980
16% lower than US avg
Unemployment
9.0%
150% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.9%
4% lower than US avg
How Lake Cowichan Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,325
Median Age52.0 yrs
Density1,045/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Economy
B
Median Income$68,000
Per Capita$42,880
Unemployment9.0%
Poverty11.9%
Commute31 min
Housing
C+
Home Value$472,000
Rent$980
OwnershipN/A
Housing Units1,490
Rent Burden16.8%
Climate
Avg TempN/A
AQIN/A
Elevation548 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.8%
High School+34.0%
Graduate+2.6%
Is Lake Cowichan a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Cowichan receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Lake Cowichan has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Cowichan is $68,000, 10% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.0%, unemployment is notably high. 11.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Cowichan is $472,000, making it a premium housing market at 67% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $980 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 6.9x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
6.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 34.0% have completed high school.
Lake Cowichan has a population of 3,325 with a density of 1,045 people per square mile. The median age is 52.0 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (96.2%), with 2.1% Asian.
Population
3,325
Total Population
2021 Census
52.0yrs
Median Age
34% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Cowichan vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 93.5% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Spanish | 1.5% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Other Languages | 5% |
Social Characteristics
Lake Cowichan vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Cowichan is $68,000, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 9.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Income: Lake Cowichan vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,000 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,880 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.0% |
| 150% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.9% |
| 4% below US avg |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.9% |
| Work from Home | 12.8% |
The median home value in Lake Cowichan is $472,000, 67% above the national average. Monthly rent averages $980 (16% below US avg).
Home Values
| Census Median | $472,000 |
| 67% above US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $980 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.8% |
Ownership & Property
| Owner-Occupied | 84.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,490 |
Property Tax
Health Metrics: Lake Cowichan vs U.S. Average (%)
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
Food & Exercise
Crime Rates: Lake Cowichan vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Geography
| Elevation | 548 ft (167 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,045/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.8250°N, 124.0546°W |
| Timezone | America/Vancouver |