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Powell River, BC

British Columbia

Powell River is a small city in British Columbia with a population of 13,943. Residents earn $67,000 per year, which is 11% below the national average.

Data updated June 2026

2.6 /5.0
C+ Fair
13,943 Population 1,249/sq mi density
$67,000 Median Income $43,200 per capita
$452,000 Home Value
$960 Median Rent 19.9% income on rent
52°F Avg Temperature 224 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.6 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.1 / 5.0
$67,000 median income, 7.7% unemployment
C+
Affordability
2.9 / 5.0
$452,000 home value, $960/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
D
Education
1.8 / 5.0
9.7% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Powell 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 $67,000
11% lower than US avg
Home Value $452,000
60% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 9.7%
71% lower than US avg
Median Rent $960
17% lower than US avg
Unemployment 7.7%
114% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 12.6%
2% higher than US avg

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

People

Population13,943
Median Age53.2 yrs
Density1,249/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 94%

Economy

B
Median Income$67,000
Per Capita$43,200
Unemployment7.7%
Poverty12.6%
Commute16 min

Housing

C+
Home Value$452,000
Rent$960
Ownership75.4%
Housing Units6,390
Rent Burden19.9%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain59.5 in/yr
Sunny Days224/yr
Elevation118 ft (36 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+9.7%
High School+30.8%
Graduate+4.8%

Community

Commute16 min

Is Powell River a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Powell River receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Powell River has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Powell River is $67,000, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 12.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Powell River is $452,000, making it a premium housing market at 60% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $960 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 6.7x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.

Education

9.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 30.8% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Powell River experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 224 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 59.5 inches, including 24.0 inches of snow.

Powell River has a population of 13,943 with a density of 1,249 people per square mile, spread across 11.2 square miles. The median age is 53.2 years, 37% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly White (93.9%), with 4.4% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.7% of residents.

Population

13,943
Total Population
2021 Census
1,249
People / sq mi
53.2yrs
Median Age
37% above US avg
11.2mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48.1%
Female 51.9%

Race & Ethnicity

Powell River vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 87.7%
12% above US avg
Spanish 2.1%
84% below US avg
Other Languages 10.2%

Social Characteristics

Powell River vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Powell River is $67,000, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,200 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $831, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 432 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.6% of workers work from home.

Income: Powell River vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$67,000
11% below US avg
Per Capita Income$43,200
Avg Weekly Wage$831

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment7.7%
114% above US avg
Poverty Rate12.6%
2% above US avg
Establishments (County)432

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time16.3 min
Drive Alone80.0%
Public Transit2.0%
Work from Home13.6%

Walkability

The median home value in Powell River is $452,000, 60% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $960 (17% below the national average of $1,163). 75.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 6,390 total housing units in the city. 19.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.7x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$452,000
60% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$960
17% below US avg
Rent Burden19.9%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership75.4%
Owner-Occupied75.4%
Renter-Occupied24.5%
Housing Units6,390

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, Powell River receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Powell 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 →
Powell River experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 224 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 59.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 24.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 118 feet.

Temperature

41°F Jan (5°C) 68°F Jul (20°C)
Annual Average51.6°F
4% below US avg
January Average41°F (5°C)
July Average68°F (20°C)
Sunny Days224 days/yr

Geography

Elevation118 ft (36 m)
Area11.2 sq mi (28.9 km²)
Population Density1,249/sq mi
Coordinates49.8328°N, 124.5237°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 59.5"
57% above US avg
Snowfall 24.0"
Wettest Month (Nov) 6.50"
Driest Month (Jul) 1.42"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

82 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.0 on May 1, 2025.

Feb 21, 2025 28 km W of Squamish, Canada M4.8 72 km
Jan 8, 2015 19 km E of Tofino, Canada M4.8 110 km
Aug 1, 2000 40 km NNW of Tofino, Canada M4.6 122 km
Jun 24, 1997 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada M4.4 93 km
Feb 19, 1991 31 km E of Squamish, Canada M4.3 130 km
Jan 23, 2001 9 km NNW of Ucluelet, Canada M4.3 118 km
Feb 22, 1996 31 km NNE of South Pender Harbour, Canada M4.1 45 km
May 8, 1999 17 km NW of Tofino, Canada M4.0 129 km
Nov 20, 1994 26 km N of Ucluelet, Canada M3.9 103 km
Jun 19, 2017 21 km SSW of Vernon, Canada M3.9 142 km
May 16, 2001 35 km NE of Tofino, Canada M3.9 90 km
Feb 18, 2017 103 km NE of Campbell River, Canada M3.9 105 km
Apr 7, 2001 36 km NNW of Neah Bay, Washington M3.9 128 km
Sep 5, 2017 9 km NNE of Ucluelet, Canada M3.8 114 km
Oct 4, 2024 22 km NNE of Ganges, Canada M3.6 119 km
Aug 17, 2011 37 km NNW of Tofino, Canada M3.5 115 km
Feb 15, 2015 30 km NNE of Sechelt, Canada M3.4 68 km
Nov 10, 2001 6 km SSE of Point Roberts, Washington M3.4 147 km
Jun 13, 1997 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada M3.4 93 km
Sep 30, 1996 3 km SSE of Tofino, Canada M3.2 127 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 29 km
1958 RIPPLE ROCK, BC Earthquake + Landslide 0.5 m - 62 km
2020 ELLIOT CREEK, BC Meteorological - - 127 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

5 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Cayley Volcanic Field (95 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Cayley Volcanic Field Volcanic field 2,375 m (7,792 ft) Unknown 95 km
Garibaldi Stratovolcano 2,678 m (8,786 ft) -8060 109 km
Garibaldi Lake Volcanic field 2,316 m (7,598 ft) Unknown 110 km
Meager Complex 2,680 m (8,793 ft) -410 115 km
Bridge River Cones Volcanic field 2,500 m (8,202 ft) Unknown 134 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 41°F (5°C) 5.7 in
February 40°F (5°C) 4.0 in
March 43°F (6°C) 3.5 in
April 47°F (8°C) 2.8 in
May 53°F (12°C) 2.6 in
June 58°F (15°C) 2.2 in
July 68°F (20°C) 1.4 in Warmest, Driest
August 63°F (17°C) 1.6 in
September 57°F (14°C) 1.8 in
October 49°F (10°C) 4.4 in
November 43°F (6°C) 6.5 in Wettest
December 39°F (4°C) 5.5 in Coldest

Powell River has a seasonal temperature swing of 29°F / from 39°F in December to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.0 inches, with November being the wettest month (6.5") and July the driest (1.4").

View full weather details →
9.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 71% below the national average of 33.7%. 30.8% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 80% of workers drive alone to work, while 2% use public transit.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+9.7%
71% below US avg
High School+30.8%
Graduate Degree+4.8%
D Education Grade (1.8/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density1,249/sq mi
Total Area11.2 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute16.3 min
Drive Alone80.0%
Public Transit2.0%
Work from Home13.6%

Colleges & Universities in Powell River

Institution Type Enrollment Acceptance In-State Tuition Out-of-State
Vancouver Island University - Powell River Campus - - - - -

Schools in Powell River

2 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Westview Elementary - - - -
Assumption School - - - -
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Powell River

3 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CFCP 98.9 "Jet FM" Courtenay, BC active rock AAC+ 57 kbps
CFPW 95.7 "Coast FM" Powell River, BC classic hits AAC+ 57 kbps
CKLR-FM 97.3 "The Eagle" Courtenay, BC hot adult contemporary AAC+ 48 kbps

Museums in Powell River

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Forestry Building
qathet Museum and Archives Society
Texada Island Museum
Townsite Heritage Society

Libraries in Powell River

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Powell River Public Library0.0

Hotels in Powell River

1 hotels within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Marine Inn

Monuments in Powell River

1 monuments within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Millennium Monolith

Gas Stations in Powell River

1 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Petro-Canada

Breweries in Powell River

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Townsite Brewing

Airports Near Powell River

11 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Campbell River AirportYBLMedium Airport
Comox Valley International Airport / CFB ComoxYQQMedium Airport
Powell River AirportYPWMedium Airport
Qualicum Beach AirportXQUMedium Airport
Alberni Valley Regional AirportYPBSmall Airport
Cortes Island (Hansen Airfield) Airport-Small Airport
Courtenay AirparkYCASmall Airport
Moh Creek Airport-Small Airport
Smit Field-Small Airport
Stuart Island AirstripYRRSmall Airport
Texada Gillies Bay AirportYGBSmall Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Powell River

1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Church of the Assumption

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Frequently Asked Questions About Powell River

What is the population of Powell River?

Powell River has a population of 13,943 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 1,249 people per square mile, spread across 11.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.

Is Powell River expensive to live in?

The median household income is $67,000, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $452,000 (60% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $960 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Powell River safe?

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

What is the weather like in Powell River?

Powell River has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 224 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 59.5 inches, with 24.0 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Powell River?

The unemployment rate in Powell River is 7.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $831. There are 432 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 13.6% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Powell River?

The median home value in Powell River is $452,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $960. The homeownership rate is 75.4%.

How are the schools in Powell River?

9.7% of adults in Powell River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 30.8% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Powell River?

The average commute in Powell River is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80% of workers drive alone to work, 2% use public transit, and 13.6% work from home.

What are the demographics of Powell River?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Powell River is 93.9% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 4.4% Asian. 87.7% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

qathet C, BC 2,197 pop · 0.7 mi qathet B, BC 1,664 pop · 0.9 mi qathet D, BC 1,126 pop · 5.5 mi qathet A, BC 1,250 pop · 14.8 mi Comox Valley A, BC 7,926 pop · 18.3 mi Hornby Island, BC 1,100 pop · 21.6 mi Comox Valley B, BC 7,392 pop · 22.6 mi Comox Valley C, BC 9,158 pop · 22.6 mi Royston, BC 1,616 pop · 22.8 mi Denman Island Trust Area, BC 1,165 pop · 23.0 mi Courtenay, BC 28,420 pop · 23.3 mi Denman Island, BC 1,020 pop · 24.6 mi Puntledge, BC 1,387 pop · 25.1 mi South Pender Harbour, BC 1,187 pop · 26.6 mi
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