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Oak Bay, BC

British Columbia · Victoria Metro

Oak Bay is a small city in British Columbia with a population of 17,990. Residents earn $107,000 per year, which is 42% above the national average.

2.7 /5.0
C+ Fair
17,990 Population 4,429/sq mi density
$107,000 Median Income $82,100 per capita
$1,400,000 Home Value
$1,300 Median Rent 23.3% income on rent
52°F Avg Temperature 248 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.7 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A
Economy
4.1 / 5.0
$107,000 median income, 7.0% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.0 / 5.0
$1,400,000 home value, $1,300/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
B
Education
3.2 / 5.0
27.2% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Oak 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 $107,000
42% higher than US avg
Home Value $1,400,000
397% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 27.2%
19% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,300
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment 7.0%
94% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 8.0%
35% lower than US avg

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

People

Population17,990
Median Age54.4 yrs
Density4,429/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 87%

Economy

A
Median Income$107,000
Per Capita$82,100
Unemployment7.0%
Poverty8.0%
Commute22 min

Housing

F
Home Value$1,400,000
Rent$1,300
Ownership74.6%
Housing Units7,805
Rent Burden23.3%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain32.0 in/yr
Sunny Days248/yr
Elevation164 ft (50 m)

Education

B
Bachelor's+27.2%
High School+19.7%
Graduate+22.2%

Community

Commute22 min

Is Oak Bay a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Oak Bay receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Oak Bay has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Oak Bay is $107,000, which is significantly higher than the national average / 42% above $75,149. This places Oak Bay among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 7.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 8.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Oak Bay is $1,400,000, making it a premium housing market at 397% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,300 per month. With a home price-to-income ratio of 13.1x, 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

27.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 19.7% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Oak Bay experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 248 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 32.0 inches, including 10.4 inches of snow.

Oak Bay has a population of 17,990 with a density of 4,429 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age is 54.4 years, 40% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.8% female and 46.3% male. The city is predominantly White (87.2%), with 9.8% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.8% of residents.

Population

17,990
Total Population
2021 Census
4,429
People / sq mi
54.4yrs
Median Age
40% above US avg
4.1mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 46.3%
Female 53.8%

Race & Ethnicity

Oak Bay vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 85.8%
9% above US avg
Spanish 1.4%
89% below US avg
Other Languages 12.8%

Social Characteristics

Oak Bay vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Oak Bay is $107,000, which is 42% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $82,100 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,579. The unemployment rate is 7.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 558 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 60.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Oak Bay vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$107,000
42% above US avg
Per Capita Income$82,100
Avg Weekly Wage$1,579

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment7.0%
94% above US avg
Poverty Rate8.0%
35% below US avg
Establishments (County)558

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time21.5 min
Drive Alone63.8%
Public Transit5.7%
Work from Home60.7%

Walkability

The median home value in Oak Bay is $1,400,000, 397% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,300 (12% above the national average of $1,163). 74.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 7,805 total housing units in the city. 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 13.1x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$1,400,000
397% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,300
12% above US avg
Rent Burden23.3%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership74.6%
Owner-Occupied74.6%
Renter-Occupied25.5%
Housing Units7,805

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, Oak Bay receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Oak 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 →
Oak Bay experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 66°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 164 feet.

Temperature

42°F Jan (5°C) 66°F Jul (19°C)
Annual Average51.8°F
4% below US avg
January Average42°F (5°C)
July Average66°F (19°C)
Sunny Days248 days/yr

Geography

Elevation164 ft (50 m)
Area4.1 sq mi (10.5 km²)
Population Density4,429/sq mi
Coordinates48.4496°N, 123.3026°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 32.0"
16% below US avg
Snowfall 10.4"
Wettest Month (Nov) 4.61"
Driest Month (Jul) 0.67"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

646 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M5.4. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 21, 2025.

May 3, 1996 8 km NNE of Lake Marcel-Stillwater, Washington M5.4 131 km
Jun 10, 2001 18 km N of Satsop, Washington M5.0 143 km
Apr 14, 1990 4 km ENE of Deming, Washington M5.0 95 km
Jan 29, 1995 3 km WSW of Des Moines, Washington M5.0 137 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 87 km
Feb 21, 2025 28 km W of Squamish, Canada M4.8 139 km
Jan 30, 2009 6 km ESE of Lofall, Washington M4.7 91 km
Jul 12, 2019 2 km S of Roosevelt, Washington M4.6 115 km
Mar 3, 2025 2025 Orcas Island, Washington M4.5 41 km
Jan 24, 2020 46 km WNW of Neah Bay, Washington M4.5 139 km
Jun 24, 1997 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada M4.4 91 km
Apr 2, 1990 2 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.3 92 km
Feb 19, 1991 31 km E of Squamish, Canada M4.3 145 km
Sep 21, 2002 9 km SW of Friday Harbor, Washington M4.1 14 km
Feb 23, 2017 11 km NE of Hoodsport, Washington M4.1 110 km
Apr 3, 1990 3 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.0 93 km
Apr 14, 1990 2 km ESE of Deming, Washington M4.0 92 km
Jun 15, 1994 1 km WNW of Hoodsport, Washington M4.0 116 km
Sep 26, 2024 12 km E of Saanichton, Canada M4.0 15 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

5 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 — 147 km
1894 PUYALLUP RIVER DELTA, TACOMA, WA Meteorological 3.0 m 2 144 km
1891 WASHINGTON Eruption + Earthquake 2.4 m — 52 km
1949 PUGET SOUND, WA Meteorological 2.4 m — 140 km
1820 CAMANO ISLAND, WA Meteorological — — 82 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

5 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Baker (115 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Baker Stratovolcano(es) 3,285 m (10,778 ft) 1880 115 km
Garibaldi Stratovolcano 2,678 m (8,786 ft) -8060 157 km
Glacier Peak Stratovolcano 3,213 m (10,541 ft) 1700 166 km
Garibaldi Lake Volcanic field 2,316 m (7,598 ft) Unknown 166 km
Cayley Volcanic Field Volcanic field 2,375 m (7,792 ft) Unknown 186 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Wildfire History

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

Year Name Acres Distance
2023 DELABARRE 4,176 76 km
2018 MAPLE 3,547 98 km
2015 PARADISE 2,818 91 km
2016 HAYES TWO 2,679 72 km
2011 BIG HUMP 1,400 85 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 42°F (5°C) 4.3 in
February 43°F (6°C) 3.1 in
March 45°F (7°C) 2.2 in
April 49°F (9°C) 1.5 in
May 54°F (12°C) 1.2 in
June 59°F (15°C) 1.0 in
July 66°F (19°C) 0.7 in Warmest, Driest
August 63°F (17°C) 0.8 in
September 59°F (15°C) 1.0 in
October 51°F (11°C) 2.4 in
November 44°F (7°C) 4.6 in Wettest
December 41°F (5°C) 4.5 in Coldest

Oak Bay has a seasonal temperature swing of 26°F / from 41°F in December to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.2 inches, with November being the wettest month (4.6") and July the driest (0.7").

View full weather details →
27.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 19% below the national average of 33.7%. 19.7% have completed high school. 22.2% hold a graduate or professional degree (above the 13.1% national rate). 63.8% of workers drive alone to work, while 5.7% use public transit.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+27.2%
19% below US avg
High School+19.7%
Graduate Degree+22.2%
B Education Grade (3.2/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density4,429/sq mi
Total Area4.1 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute21.5 min
Drive Alone63.8%
Public Transit5.7%
Work from Home60.7%

Schools in Oak Bay

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Victoria International High School - Uplands Campus — — — —
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Oak 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 Oak Bay

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
SAN JUAN ISLAND NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARKHISTORIC PRESERVATION3603782240
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
Sidney Museum and Archives
Thunderbird Park
Victoria Chinatown Museum
Wentworth Villa

Libraries in Oak 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

Farmers Markets in Oak Bay

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Esquimalt Farmers Market
Esquimalt Farmers Market
Food Truck Festival
Gorge Farmers Market
James Bay Market
Metchosin Farmers Market
Moss Street Farmers Market
North Saanich Farm Market
Oaklands Sunset Market
Peninsula Country Market
San Juan Farmers MarketCourthouse Parking Lot, 1st Street

Cafes in Oak Bay

1 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Ruth & Dean Restaurant & Bakery

Gyms in Oak Bay

1 gyms within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Curves

Golf Courses in Oak Bay

2 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Henderson Park Golf Course
Uplands Golf Club

Breweries in Oak 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 Oak Bay

TeamLeagueDivision

Cell Towers in Oak Bay

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

Amtrak Stations in Oak Bay

2 Amtrak stations.

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

Airports Near Oak Bay

50 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Vancouver International AirportYVRLarge Airport
Victoria International AirportYYJLarge Airport
Boundary Bay AirportYDTMedium Airport
Friday Harbor AirportFRDMedium Airport
Langley AirportYLYMedium 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
Coupeville Nolf Airport—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
Eliza Island Airport—Small Airport
Fort Langley Airport—Small Airport
Friday West Airport—Small Airport
Grand View International Airport—Small Airport
Horse Fly 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
Meadow Mist Airport—Small Airport
Michell Airpark—Small Airport
Mirth Airport—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

Treatment Centers in Oak Bay

3 treatment centers.

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

Churches & Religious Organizations in Oak Bay

1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
St. Philip's Anglican Church

Download Full City Report

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Oak Bay

What is the population of Oak Bay?

Oak Bay has a population of 17,990 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 4,429 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.8% female and 46.3% male.

Is Oak Bay expensive to live in?

The median household income is $107,000, 42% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $1,400,000 (397% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,300 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 13.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Oak Bay safe?

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

What is the weather like in Oak Bay?

Oak 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 66°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 Oak Bay?

The unemployment rate in Oak Bay is 7.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,579. There are 558 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 60.7% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Oak Bay?

The median home value in Oak Bay is $1,400,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,300. The homeownership rate is 74.6%.

How are the schools in Oak Bay?

27.2% of adults in Oak Bay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 19.7% have completed high school. 22.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Oak Bay?

The average commute in Oak Bay is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 63.8% of workers drive alone to work, 5.7% use public transit, and 60.7% work from home.

What are the demographics of Oak Bay?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Oak Bay is 87.2% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian. 85.8% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

Cadboro Bay, BC 4,000 pop · 1.2 mi Shelbourne, BC 12,525 pop · 1.2 mi Jubilee, BC 5,290 pop · 1.8 mi Oaklands, BC 7,585 pop · 1.8 mi Fernwood, BC 10,200 pop · 2.4 mi Gordon Head, BC 21,270 pop · 2.4 mi Victoria, BC 91,867 pop · 2.4 mi Rockland, BC 3,740 pop · 2.4 mi Hillside-Quadra, BC 7,860 pop · 2.5 mi North Park, BC 3,725 pop · 2.6 mi Gonzales, BC 4,300 pop · 2.6 mi Victoria-Downtown, BC 46,309 pop · 3.1 mi Fairfield, BC 11,740 pop · 3.1 mi Saanich Core, BC 5,470 pop · 3.3 mi
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