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Nanaimo B, BC

British Columbia

Nanaimo B is a small town in British Columbia with a population of 4,500. Residents earn $60,400 per year, which is 20% below the national average.

2.3 /5.0
C Fair
4,500 Population 201/sq mi density
$60,400 Median Income $45,040 per capita
$576,000 Home Value
$930 Median Rent 15.3% income on rent
49°F Avg Temperature 246 sunny days/yr
C
Overall
2.3 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.7 / 5.0
$60,400 median income, 8.2% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.3 / 5.0
$576,000 home value, $930/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
C+
Education
2.6 / 5.0
20.3% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Nanaimo B, 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 $60,400
20% lower than US avg
Home Value $576,000
104% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 20.3%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent $930
20% lower than US avg
Unemployment 8.2%
128% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 17.8%
44% higher than US avg

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

People

Population4,500
Median Age63.2 yrs
Density201/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 99%

Economy

C+
Median Income$60,400
Per Capita$45,040
Unemployment8.2%
Poverty17.8%
Commute25 min

Housing

F
Home Value$576,000
Rent$930
Ownership88.6%
Housing Units2,375
Rent Burden15.3%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
Rain49.9 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation79 ft (24 m)

Education

C+
Bachelor's+20.3%
High School+23.4%
Graduate+14.0%

Community

Commute25 min

Is Nanaimo B a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Nanaimo B receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Nanaimo B has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Nanaimo B is $60,400, 20% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.2%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 17.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Nanaimo B is $576,000, making it a premium housing market at 104% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $930 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. With a home price-to-income ratio of 9.5x, 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

20.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 23.4% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Nanaimo B experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 49.9 inches.

Nanaimo B has a population of 4,500 with a density of 201 people per square mile, spread across 22.4 square miles. The median age is 63.2 years, 62% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.4% male. The city is predominantly White (98.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.8% of residents.

Population

4,500
Total Population
201
People / sq mi
63.2yrs
Median Age
62% above US avg
22.4mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 47.4%
Female 52.7%

Race & Ethnicity

Nanaimo B 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

Nanaimo B vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Nanaimo B is $60,400, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,040 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $866, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 140 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 58.1% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Nanaimo B vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$60,400
20% below US avg
Per Capita Income$45,040
Avg Weekly Wage$866

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment8.2%
128% above US avg
Poverty Rate17.8%
44% above US avg
Establishments (County)140

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time25.2 min
Drive Alone68.3%
Public Transit5.4%
Work from Home58.1%

Walkability

The median home value in Nanaimo B is $576,000, 104% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $930 (20% below the national average of $1,163). 88.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,375 total housing units in the city. 15.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.5x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$576,000
104% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$930
20% below US avg
Rent Burden15.3%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership88.6%
Owner-Occupied88.6%
Renter-Occupied11.4%
Housing Units2,375

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, Nanaimo B receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Nanaimo B 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 →
Nanaimo B experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 49.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 79 feet.

Temperature

37°F Jan (3°C) 63°F Jul (17°C)
Annual Average49.1°F
9% below US avg
January Average37°F (3°C)
July Average63°F (17°C)
Sunny Days246 days/yr

Geography

Elevation79 ft (24 m)
Area22.4 sq mi (58.0 km²)
Population Density201/sq mi
Coordinates49.1639°N, 123.9381°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 49.9"
31% above US avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Dec) 8.15"
Driest Month (Jul) 1.06"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

287 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M5.0. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 21, 2025.

Apr 14, 1990 4 km ENE of Deming, Washington M5.0 134 km
Jan 8, 2015 19 km E of Tofino, Canada M4.8 124 km
Feb 21, 2025 28 km W of Squamish, Canada M4.8 65 km
Jan 24, 2020 46 km WNW of Neah Bay, Washington M4.5 114 km
Mar 3, 2025 2025 Orcas Island, Washington M4.5 103 km
Jun 24, 1997 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada M4.4 24 km
Feb 19, 1991 31 km E of Squamish, Canada M4.3 106 km
Apr 2, 1990 2 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.3 133 km
Jan 23, 2001 9 km NNW of Ucluelet, Canada M4.3 120 km
Sep 21, 2002 9 km SW of Friday Harbor, Washington M4.1 96 km
Feb 22, 1996 31 km NNE of South Pender Harbour, Canada M4.1 82 km
Apr 14, 1990 2 km ESE of Deming, Washington M4.0 133 km
Apr 3, 1990 3 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.0 134 km
Sep 26, 2024 12 km E of Saanichton, Canada M4.0 82 km
Dec 27, 2012 12 km E of North Saanich, Canada M4.0 76 km
Jul 1, 2009 4 km SE of Coupeville, Washington M4.0 144 km
Nov 20, 1994 26 km N of Ucluelet, Canada M3.9 116 km
Apr 7, 2001 36 km NNW of Neah Bay, Washington M3.9 79 km
May 16, 2001 35 km NE of Tofino, Canada M3.9 119 km
Mar 6, 2025 14 km SW of Blyn, Washington M3.9 150 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

4 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 — 144 km
1946 BRITISH COLUMBIA Eruption + Earthquake 9.0 m 1 106 km
1891 WASHINGTON Eruption + Earthquake 2.4 m — 133 km
1958 RIPPLE ROCK, BC Earthquake + Landslide 0.5 m — 141 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

6 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Garibaldi (102 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Garibaldi Stratovolcano 2,678 m (8,786 ft) -8060 102 km
Garibaldi Lake Volcanic field 2,316 m (7,598 ft) Unknown 109 km
Cayley Volcanic Field Volcanic field 2,375 m (7,792 ft) Unknown 116 km
Baker Stratovolcano(es) 3,285 m (10,778 ft) 1880 161 km
Meager Complex 2,680 m (8,793 ft) -410 166 km
Bridge River Cones Volcanic field 2,500 m (8,202 ft) Unknown 186 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 37°F (3°C) 8.0 in Coldest
February 39°F (4°C) 5.3 in
March 43°F (6°C) 4.9 in
April 47°F (8°C) 3.0 in
May 53°F (12°C) 2.2 in
June 58°F (14°C) 1.8 in
July 63°F (17°C) 1.1 in Driest
August 63°F (17°C) 1.4 in Warmest
September 58°F (14°C) 1.6 in
October 50°F (10°C) 4.6 in
November 42°F (6°C) 8.0 in
December 37°F (3°C) 8.2 in Wettest

Nanaimo B has a seasonal temperature swing of 26°F / from 37°F in January to 63°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 49.9 inches, with December being the wettest month (8.2") and July the driest (1.1").

View full weather details →
20.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 40% below the national average of 33.7%. 23.4% have completed high school. 14.0% hold a graduate or professional degree. 68.3% of workers drive alone to work, while 5.4% use public transit.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+20.3%
40% below US avg
High School+23.4%
Graduate Degree+14.0%
C+ Education Grade (2.6/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density201/sq mi
Total Area22.4 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute25.2 min
Drive Alone68.3%
Public Transit5.4%
Work from Home58.1%

Radio Stations near Nanaimo B

7 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CKAY 91.7 "Coast FM" Nanaimo, BC hits, nanaimo AAC+ 57 kbps
CJSU-FM 89.7 "Sun FM" Duncan, BC adult hits AAC+ 57 kbps
CHWF-FM "The Wolf 106.9" Nanaimo, BC active rock AAC+ 48 kbps
CKWV-FM 102.3 "The Wave" Nanaimo, BC hot adult contemporary AAC+ 48 kbps
The Lounge CHPQ-FM 99.9 Parksville — AAC+ 48 kbps
CIBH 88.5 "The Beach" Parksville, BC adult contemporary AAC+ 48 kbps
CHPQ-FM "The Lounge 99.9" Parksville, BC adult standards, classic hits AAC+ 48 kbps

Museums in Nanaimo B

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Chemainus Valley Museum
Gabriola Museum
Harbour Heritage Centre
Ladysmith Maritime Society Museum
Ladysmith Museum
Museum of Natural History
Nanaimo Museum
Nanaimo Museum
Protection Island Museum
Vancouver Island Military Museum

Libraries in Nanaimo B

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
305 - Library0.0
VIRL: Chemainus Branch0.0
VIRL: Gabriola Island Branch0.0
VIRL: Ladysmith Branch0.0
VIRL: Nanaimo Harbourfront Branch0.0
VIRL: Nanaimo North Branch0.0
VIRL: Nanaimo Wellington Branch0.0

Farmers Markets in Nanaimo B

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Cedar Farmers Market
Chemainus Public Market
Gabriola Agricultural Co-op Farmers Market
Island Roots

Breweries in Nanaimo B

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Longwood Brewery
Serious Brewing
White Sails Brewery
Wolf Brewery

Ski Resorts Near Nanaimo B

1 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Dakota Ridge Recreation Site 0.0 — — $0 — — —

Airports Near Nanaimo B

11 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Victoria International AirportYYJLarge Airport
Nanaimo AirportYCDMedium Airport
Powell River AirportYPWMedium Airport
Qualicum Beach AirportXQUMedium Airport
Duncan AirportDUQSmall Airport
Long Harbour Airport—Small Airport
Michell Airpark—Small Airport
Quamichan Lake (Raven Field) Airport—Small Airport
Sechelt-Gibsons AirportYHSSmall Airport
Stuart Island West Airport—Small Airport
Texada Gillies Bay AirportYGBSmall Airport

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Nanaimo B

What is the population of Nanaimo B?

Nanaimo B has a population of 4,500 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 201 people per square mile, spread across 22.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 63.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.4% male.

Is Nanaimo B expensive to live in?

The median household income is $60,400, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $576,000 (104% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $930 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.5x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Nanaimo B safe?

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

What is the weather like in Nanaimo B?

Nanaimo B has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 37°F in January, while summers reach an average of 63°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 49.9 inches.

How is the job market in Nanaimo B?

The job market in Nanaimo B faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $866. There are 140 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 58.1% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Nanaimo B?

The median home value in Nanaimo B is $576,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $930. The homeownership rate is 88.6%.

How are the schools in Nanaimo B?

20.3% of adults in Nanaimo B hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 23.4% have completed high school. 14.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Nanaimo B?

The average commute in Nanaimo B is 25 minutes. 68.3% of workers drive alone to work, 5.4% use public transit, and 58.1% work from home.

What are the demographics of Nanaimo B?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Nanaimo B is 98.7% White, 0.7% Asian. 87.8% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

Nanaimo C, BC 3,344 pop · 0.0 mi Nanaimo E, BC 6,765 pop · 0.0 mi Nanaimo F, BC 8,216 pop · 0.0 mi Nanaimo G, BC 8,109 pop · 0.0 mi Nanaimo H, BC 4,291 pop · 0.0 mi Nanaimo, BC 99,863 pop · 0.2 mi South End, BC 2,475 pop · 0.9 mi Harewood, BC 8,769 pop · 1.2 mi Chase River, BC 2,900 pop · 2.3 mi Departure Bay, BC 6,540 pop · 3.1 mi East Wellington, BC 1,444 pop · 3.6 mi Gabriola, BC 4,500 pop · 4.0 mi Cedar, BC 2,836 pop · 5.1 mi Wellington, BC 3,935 pop · 5.9 mi
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