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
OwnershipN/A
Housing Units6,390
Rent Burden19.9%
Climate
Avg TempN/A
AQIN/A
Elevation118 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.7%
High School+30.8%
Graduate+4.8%
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.
Education
9.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 30.8% have completed high school.
Powell River has a population of 13,943 with a density of 1,249 people per square mile. The median age is 53.2 years, 37% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (93.9%), with 4.4% Asian.
Population
13,943
Total Population
2021 Census
53.2yrs
Median Age
37% above US avg
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. The unemployment rate is 7.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes.
Income: Powell River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,000 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,200 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.7% |
| 114% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.6% |
| 2% above US avg |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.0% |
| Public Transit | 2.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.6% |
The median home value in Powell River is $452,000, 60% above the national average. Monthly rent averages $960 (17% below US avg).
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 Burden | 19.9% |
Ownership & Property
| Owner-Occupied | 75.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.5% |
| Housing Units | 6,390 |
Property Tax
Health Metrics: Powell River vs U.S. Average (%)
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
Food & Exercise
Crime Rates: Powell River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Geography
| Elevation | 118 ft (36 m) |
| Area | 11.2 sq mi (28.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,249/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 49.8328°N, 124.5237°W |
| Timezone | America/Vancouver |