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Nanaimo River, BC

British Columbia

Nanaimo River is a small town in British Columbia with a population of 323. Residents earn $64,500 per year, which is 14% below the national average.

Data updated June 2026

2.4 /5.0
C Fair
323 Population 365/sq mi density
$64,500 Median Income $26,400 per capita
$560,468 Home Value
$1,072 Median Rent 28.4% income on rent
43°F Avg Temperature 187 sunny days/yr
C
Overall
2.4 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.7 / 5.0
$64,500 median income, 8.7% unemployment
D
Affordability
1.7 / 5.0
$560,468 home value, $1,072/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
C+
Education
2.7 / 5.0
0.0% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Nanaimo River, 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 $64,500
14% lower than US avg
Home Value $560,468
99% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,072
8% lower than US avg
Unemployment 8.7%
142% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 17.0%
37% higher than US avg

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

People

Population323
Median Age34.4 yrs
Density365/mi²
Male / Female49% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 100%

Economy

C+
Median Income$64,500
Per Capita$26,400
Unemployment8.7%
Poverty17.0%
Commute14 min

Housing

D
Home Value$560,468
Rent$1,072
Ownership42.1%
Housing Units95
Rent Burden28.4%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
Rain82.4 in/yr
Sunny Days187/yr
Elevation984 ft (300 m)

Education

C+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+42.9%
Graduate+4.1%

Community

Commute14 min

Is Nanaimo River a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Nanaimo River 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, an elevated poverty rate. Nanaimo River has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Nanaimo River is $64,500, 14% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.7%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 17.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Nanaimo River 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 8.7x, 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

0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 42.9% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Nanaimo River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. With 187 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Annual precipitation totals 82.4 inches, including 41.9 inches of snow.

Nanaimo River has a population of 323 with a density of 365 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 34.4 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.2% female and 49.2% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.4% of residents.

Population

323
Total Population
365
People / sq mi
34.4yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
0.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.2%
Female 49.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Nanaimo River vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 95.4%
22% above US avg
Spanish 0.0%
100% below US avg
Other Languages 4.6%

Social Characteristics

Nanaimo River vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Nanaimo River is $64,500, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,400 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $508, 65% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 10 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 22.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Nanaimo River vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$64,500
14% below US avg
Per Capita Income$26,400
Avg Weekly Wage$508

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment8.7%
142% above US avg
Poverty Rate17.0%
37% above US avg
Establishments (County)10

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time14.2 min
Drive Alone72.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home22.2%

Walkability

The median home value in Nanaimo River is $560,468, 99% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,072 (8% below the national average of $1,163). 42.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 95 total housing units in the city. 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.7x, 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 Burden28.4%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership42.1%
Owner-Occupied42.1%
Renter-Occupied10.5%
Housing Units95

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 River receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Nanaimo River 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 River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. The area gets 187 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 82.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 984 feet.

Temperature

32°F Jan (0°C) 56°F Jul (14°C)
Annual Average43.1°F
20% below US avg
January Average32°F (0°C)
July Average56°F (14°C)
Sunny Days187 days/yr

Geography

Elevation984 ft (300 m)
Area0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²)
Population Density365/sq mi
Coordinates49.0870°N, 124.3942°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 82.4"
117% above US avg
Snowfall 41.9"
Wettest Month (Nov) 13.19"
Driest Month (Jul) 1.77"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

207 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.7 on Aug 19, 2025.

Feb 21, 2025 28 km W of Squamish, Canada M4.8 91 km
Jan 8, 2015 19 km E of Tofino, Canada M4.8 92 km
Aug 1, 2000 40 km NNW of Tofino, Canada M4.6 134 km
Mar 3, 2025 2025 Orcas Island, Washington M4.5 128 km
Jan 24, 2020 46 km WNW of Neah Bay, Washington M4.5 83 km
Jun 24, 1997 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada M4.4 59 km
Feb 19, 1991 31 km E of Squamish, Canada M4.3 139 km
Jan 23, 2001 9 km NNW of Ucluelet, Canada M4.3 86 km
Feb 22, 1996 31 km NNE of South Pender Harbour, Canada M4.1 97 km
Sep 21, 2002 9 km SW of Friday Harbor, Washington M4.1 115 km
May 8, 1999 17 km NW of Tofino, Canada M4.0 124 km
Dec 25, 1999 40 km SW of Ucluelet, Canada M4.0 118 km
Dec 27, 2012 12 km E of North Saanich, Canada M4.0 97 km
Sep 26, 2024 12 km E of Saanichton, Canada M4.0 101 km
May 16, 2001 35 km NE of Tofino, Canada M3.9 89 km
Nov 20, 1994 26 km N of Ucluelet, Canada M3.9 84 km
Apr 7, 2001 36 km NNW of Neah Bay, Washington M3.9 51 km
Sep 5, 2017 9 km NNE of Ucluelet, Canada M3.8 79 km
Aug 19, 2025 17 km NNW of Sekiu, Washington M3.7 75 km
Dec 11, 1999 10 km NNE of Oak Bay, Canada M3.7 104 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 9.0 m (30 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1946 BRITISH COLUMBIA Eruption + Earthquake 9.0 m 1 95 km
1891 WASHINGTON Eruption + Earthquake 2.4 m — 138 km
1958 RIPPLE ROCK, BC Earthquake + Landslide 0.5 m — 128 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

5 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Garibaldi (132 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Garibaldi Stratovolcano 2,678 m (8,786 ft) -8060 132 km
Garibaldi Lake Volcanic field 2,316 m (7,598 ft) Unknown 138 km
Cayley Volcanic Field Volcanic field 2,375 m (7,792 ft) Unknown 140 km
Meager Complex 2,680 m (8,793 ft) -410 183 km
Baker Stratovolcano(es) 3,285 m (10,778 ft) 1880 192 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 32°F (0°C) 12.5 in
February 34°F (1°C) 9.1 in
March 36°F (2°C) 8.2 in
April 39°F (4°C) 5.8 in
May 46°F (8°C) 3.8 in
June 51°F (11°C) 3.0 in
July 56°F (14°C) 1.8 in Driest
August 57°F (14°C) 2.4 in Warmest
September 53°F (11°C) 2.6 in
October 45°F (7°C) 8.0 in
November 36°F (2°C) 13.2 in Wettest
December 32°F (0°C) 12.2 in Coldest

Nanaimo River has a seasonal temperature swing of 25°F / from 32°F in December to 57°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 82.4 inches, with November being the wettest month (13.2") and July the driest (1.8").

View full weather details →
0.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 100% below the national average of 33.7%. 42.9% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 72.2% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+0.0%
100% below US avg
High School+42.9%
Graduate Degree+4.1%
C+ Education Grade (2.7/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density365/sq mi
Total Area0.9 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute14.2 min
Drive Alone72.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home22.2%

Radio Stations near Nanaimo River

7 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CKAY 91.7 "Coast FM" Nanaimo, BC hits, nanaimo 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
CJAV-FM "The Peak 93.3" Port Alberni, BC 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 River

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Parksville Museum

Libraries in Nanaimo River

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
VIRL: Parksville Branch0.0

Farmers Markets in Nanaimo River

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Errington Farmers' Market
Old Country Market - Goats on Roof

Breweries in Nanaimo River

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Mount Arrowsmith Brewery

Airports Near Nanaimo River

12 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Comox Valley International Airport / CFB ComoxYQQMedium Airport
Nanaimo AirportYCDMedium Airport
Powell River AirportYPWMedium Airport
Qualicum Beach AirportXQUMedium Airport
Alberni Valley Regional AirportYPBSmall Airport
Bamfield Airstrip—Small Airport
Courtenay AirparkYCASmall Airport
Duncan AirportDUQSmall Airport
Quamichan Lake (Raven Field) Airport—Small Airport
Sechelt-Gibsons AirportYHSSmall Airport
Smit Field—Small Airport
Texada Gillies Bay AirportYGBSmall Airport

Explore Near Nanaimo River

Waterfalls
1
Natural waterfalls documented by USGS and OpenStreetMap contributors
View all →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Nanaimo River

What is the population of Nanaimo River?

Nanaimo River has a population of 323 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 365 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.2% female and 49.2% male.

Is Nanaimo River expensive to live in?

The median household income is $64,500, 14% below 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 8.7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Nanaimo River safe?

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

What is the weather like in Nanaimo River?

Nanaimo River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 56°F in July. The area receives 187 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 82.4 inches, with 41.9 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Nanaimo River?

The job market in Nanaimo River faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $508. There are 10 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 22.2% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Nanaimo River?

The median home value in Nanaimo River is $560,468. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,072. The homeownership rate is 42.1%.

How are the schools in Nanaimo River?

0.0% of adults in Nanaimo River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 42.9% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Nanaimo River?

The average commute in Nanaimo River is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 22.2% work from home.

What are the demographics of Nanaimo River?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Nanaimo River is 100% White. 95.4% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

Coombs, BC 1,612 pop · 14.7 mi Nanoose Bay, BC 6,540 pop · 15.7 mi Parksville, BC 13,642 pop · 16.4 mi Youbou, BC 1,302 pop · 17.5 mi French Creek, BC 1,024 pop · 17.7 mi Fairwinds, BC 1,147 pop · 17.8 mi East Wellington, BC 1,444 pop · 18.1 mi Lantzville, BC 3,817 pop · 18.1 mi Qualicum Beach, BC 9,303 pop · 18.2 mi Wellington, BC 3,935 pop · 18.3 mi Departure Bay, BC 6,540 pop · 20.5 mi Harewood, BC 8,769 pop · 20.6 mi Nanaimo, BC 99,863 pop · 21.3 mi South End, BC 2,475 pop · 21.3 mi
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