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Lower Nicola, BC

British Columbia

Lower Nicola is a small town in British Columbia with a population of 980. Residents earn $76,768 per year, which is 2% above the national average.

Data updated June 2026

3.1 /5.0
B Good
980 Population 55/sq mi density
$76,768 Median Income $46,858 per capita
$560,468 Home Value
$1,072 Median Rent 27.8% income on rent
42°F Avg Temperature 306 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 Lower Nicola, 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 Lower Nicola Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population980
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density55/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 Units392
Rent Burden27.8%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
Rain16.6 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation1,909 ft (582 m)

Education

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

Community

Commute25 min

Is Lower Nicola a Good Place to Live?

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

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Lower Nicola 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 Lower Nicola 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

Lower Nicola has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.6 inches, including 7.8 inches of snow.

Lower Nicola has a population of 980 with a density of 55 people per square mile, spread across 17.8 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

980
Total Population
55
People / sq mi
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
17.8mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Lower Nicola 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

Lower Nicola vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Lower Nicola 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 30 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 22.1% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Lower Nicola 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)30

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 Lower Nicola 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 392 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 Units392

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, Lower Nicola receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Lower Nicola 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 →
Lower Nicola has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. The area gets 306 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 16.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 7.8 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,909 feet.

Temperature

22°F Jan (-5°C) 61°F Jul (16°C)
Annual Average41.8°F
23% below US avg
January Average22°F (-5°C)
July Average61°F (16°C)
Sunny Days306 days/yr

Geography

Elevation1,909 ft (582 m)
Area17.8 sq mi (46.0 km²)
Population Density55/sq mi
Coordinates50.1498°N, 120.8858°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 16.6"
56% below US avg
Snowfall 7.8"
Wettest Month (Nov) 2.01"
Driest Month (Apr) 0.75"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

58 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 10, 2025.

Aug 17, 2002 39 km ESE of Merritt, Canada M4.5 48 km
Feb 19, 1991 31 km E of Squamish, Canada M4.3 141 km
Sep 19, 1993 32 km ENE of Merritt, Canada M3.8 38 km
Jan 26, 1992 9 km SSE of Okanagan Falls, Canada M3.7 138 km
Jan 12, 1997 15 km N of Princeton, Canada M3.5 67 km
Jul 19, 2025 34 km W of Okanagan Falls, Canada M3.4 105 km
Mar 8, 1992 27 km SW of Princeton, Canada M3.4 98 km
Apr 28, 2023 38 km SW of Princeton, Canada M3.4 107 km
Aug 12, 2011 38 km NNE of Maple Ridge, Canada M3.3 128 km
Aug 20, 2003 39 km ESE of Merritt, Canada M3.2 48 km
May 28, 2022 55 km NE of Marblemount, Washington M3.2 149 km
Aug 19, 2017 23 km WNW of Princeton, Canada M3.1 68 km
Feb 13, 2010 36 km NNE of Princeton, Canada M3.0 64 km
Aug 15, 2016 43 km S of Princeton, Canada M3.0 123 km
May 18, 2011 18 km NNE of Princeton, Canada M3.0 66 km
Nov 5, 2000 8 km NW of Okanagan Falls, Canada M3.0 122 km
Dec 23, 1997 16 km ESE of Okanagan Falls, Canada M2.9 144 km
Jul 17, 2016 41 km NNE of Maple Ridge, Canada M2.9 126 km
Jan 19, 2011 57 km SSW of Princeton, Canada M2.9 133 km
Apr 9, 1990 24 km W of Peachland, Canada M2.8 71 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

2 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 — 111 km
1905 THOMPSON RIVER Meteorological 6.0 m 15 45 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

6 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Garibaldi Lake (153 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Garibaldi Lake Volcanic field 2,316 m (7,598 ft) Unknown 153 km
Garibaldi Stratovolcano 2,678 m (8,786 ft) -8060 155 km
Baker Stratovolcano(es) 3,285 m (10,778 ft) 1880 167 km
Cayley Volcanic Field Volcanic field 2,375 m (7,792 ft) Unknown 171 km
Bridge River Cones Volcanic field 2,500 m (8,202 ft) Unknown 192 km
Meager Complex 2,680 m (8,793 ft) -410 193 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 22°F (-5°C) 1.8 in Coldest
February 28°F (-2°C) 1.1 in
March 34°F (1°C) 0.9 in
April 41°F (5°C) 0.8 in Driest
May 49°F (9°C) 1.3 in
June 55°F (13°C) 1.7 in
July 61°F (16°C) 1.4 in
August 61°F (16°C) 1.1 in Warmest
September 53°F (12°C) 1.1 in
October 43°F (6°C) 1.4 in
November 31°F (-0°C) 2.0 in Wettest
December 23°F (-5°C) 1.9 in

Lower Nicola has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 22°F in January to 61°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 16.6 inches, with November being the wettest month (2.0") and April the driest (0.8").

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 Density55/sq mi
Total Area17.8 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

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

Radio Stations near Lower Nicola

1 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CKMQ-FM 101.1 "Q101" Merritt, BC adult contemporary, corus radio network AAC+ 48 kbps

Museums in Lower Nicola

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame
Nicola Valley Museum & Archives

Libraries in Lower Nicola

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
TNRL: Merritt Library0.0

Gas Stations in Lower Nicola

1 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Johnny's On The Rez

Breweries in Lower Nicola

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Empty Keg Brew House
Left Field Cider Co.

Ski Resorts Near Lower Nicola

4 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
China Ridge Trails 0.0 — — $0 — — —
Kane Valley Cross Country Ski Trails 0.0 — — $0 — — —
Stake Lake Trails 0.0 — — $0 — — —
Logan Lake Trails 0.0 — — $0 — — —

Airports Near Lower Nicola

9 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Cache Creek-Ashcroft Regional AirportYZAMedium Airport
Kamloops John Moose Fulton Field Regional AirportYKAMedium Airport
Douglas Lake AirportDGFSmall Airport
Heffley Creek Airstrip—Small Airport
Kamloops Model Airplane Society Airstrip—Small Airport
Knutsford Airfield—Small Airport
Merritt AirportYMBSmall Airport
Princeton Airport—Small Airport
Tranquille Valley Airfield—Small Airport

Download Full City Report

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Lower Nicola

What is the population of Lower Nicola?

Lower Nicola has a population of 980 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 55 people per square mile, spread across 17.8 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 Lower Nicola 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 Lower Nicola safe?

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

What is the weather like in Lower Nicola?

Lower Nicola has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 61°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.6 inches, with 7.8 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Lower Nicola?

The unemployment rate in Lower Nicola 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 30 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 Lower Nicola?

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

How are the schools in Lower Nicola?

32.9% of adults in Lower Nicola 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 Lower Nicola?

The average commute in Lower Nicola 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 Lower Nicola?

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

Nearby Cities

Merritt, BC 7,051 pop · 4.8 mi Logan Lake, BC 2,255 pop · 23.9 mi Thompson-Nicola A, BC 1,573 pop · 29.5 mi Thompson-Nicola M, BC 1,637 pop · 30.5 mi Thompson-Nicola I, BC 1,038 pop · 30.7 mi Thompson-Nicola J, BC 1,796 pop · 40.8 mi Aberdeen, BC 12,437 pop · 41.4 mi Dufferin, BC 2,783 pop · 42.0 mi Okanagan-Similkameen H, BC 2,232 pop · 42.1 mi Sahali, BC 13,493 pop · 42.3 mi West End, BC 3,443 pop · 43.2 mi Kamloops, BC 3,915 pop · 43.6 mi Brocklehurst, BC 16,713 pop · 43.8 mi North Kamloops, BC 10,995 pop · 44.3 mi
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