Sign In Register

Qualicum Beach, BC

British Columbia

Qualicum Beach is a small city in British Columbia with a population of 9,303. Residents earn $76,500 per year, which is 2% above the national average.

2.4 /5.0
C Fair
9,303 Population 1,340/sq mi density
$76,500 Median Income $50,880 per capita
$725,000 Home Value
$1,360 Median Rent 17.5% income on rent
51°F Avg Temperature 227 sunny days/yr
C
Overall
2.4 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.5 / 5.0
$76,500 median income, 7.7% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.3 / 5.0
$725,000 home value, $1,360/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
C
Education
2.2 / 5.0
15.5% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Qualicum Beach, 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 $76,500
2% higher than US avg
Home Value $725,000
157% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 15.5%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,360
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment 7.7%
114% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 9.2%
26% lower than US avg

How Qualicum Beach Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population9,303
Median Age67.5 yrs
Density1,340/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 97%

Economy

B+
Median Income$76,500
Per Capita$50,880
Unemployment7.7%
Poverty9.2%
Commute23 min

Housing

F
Home Value$725,000
Rent$1,360
Ownership87.0%
Housing Units4,435
Rent Burden17.5%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
Rain65.5 in/yr
Sunny Days227/yr
Elevation180 ft (55 m)

Education

C
Bachelor's+15.5%
High School+27.6%
Graduate+8.8%

Community

Commute23 min

Is Qualicum Beach a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Qualicum Beach 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. Qualicum Beach has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Qualicum Beach is $76,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 9.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Qualicum Beach is $725,000, making it a premium housing market at 157% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,360 per month. 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

15.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 27.6% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Qualicum Beach experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 227 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 65.5 inches, including 35.3 inches of snow.

Qualicum Beach has a population of 9,303 with a density of 1,340 people per square mile, spread across 6.9 square miles. The median age is 67.5 years, 74% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55% female and 45.1% male. The city is predominantly White (96.7%), with 2.7% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.3% of residents.

Population

9,303
Total Population
2021 Census
1,340
People / sq mi
67.5yrs
Median Age
74% above US avg
6.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 45.1%
Female 55%

Race & Ethnicity

Qualicum Beach vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 91.3%
16% above US avg
Spanish 1.6%
88% below US avg
Other Languages 7.1%

Social Characteristics

Qualicum Beach vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Qualicum Beach is $76,500, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $50,880 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $978, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 288 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 34.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Qualicum Beach vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$76,500
2% above US avg
Per Capita Income$50,880
Avg Weekly Wage$978

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment7.7%
114% above US avg
Poverty Rate9.2%
26% below US avg
Establishments (County)288

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time22.7 min
Drive Alone80.6%
Public Transit1.3%
Work from Home34.2%

Walkability

The median home value in Qualicum Beach is $725,000, 157% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,360 (17% above the national average of $1,163). 87.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 4,435 total housing units in the city. 17.5% 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$725,000
157% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,360
17% above US avg
Rent Burden17.5%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership87.0%
Owner-Occupied87.0%
Renter-Occupied13.1%
Housing Units4,435

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, Qualicum Beach receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Qualicum Beach 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 →
Qualicum Beach experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 227 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 65.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 35.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 180 feet.

Temperature

41°F Jan (5°C) 67°F Jul (19°C)
Annual Average51.4°F
5% below US avg
January Average41°F (5°C)
July Average67°F (19°C)
Sunny Days227 days/yr

Geography

Elevation180 ft (55 m)
Area6.9 sq mi (18.0 km²)
Population Density1,340/sq mi
Coordinates49.3478°N, 124.4423°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 65.5"
72% above US avg
Snowfall 35.3"
Wettest Month (Nov) 7.17"
Driest Month (Jul) 1.02"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

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

Jan 8, 2015 19 km E of Tofino, Canada M4.8 90 km
Feb 21, 2025 28 km W of Squamish, Canada M4.8 75 km
Aug 1, 2000 40 km NNW of Tofino, Canada M4.6 123 km
Mar 3, 2025 2025 Orcas Island, Washington M4.5 145 km
Jan 24, 2020 46 km WNW of Neah Bay, Washington M4.5 104 km
Jun 24, 1997 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada M4.4 61 km
Jan 23, 2001 9 km NNW of Ucluelet, Canada M4.3 90 km
Feb 19, 1991 31 km E of Squamish, Canada M4.3 130 km
Sep 21, 2002 9 km SW of Friday Harbor, Washington M4.1 136 km
Feb 22, 1996 31 km NNE of South Pender Harbour, Canada M4.1 72 km
Dec 25, 1999 40 km SW of Ucluelet, Canada M4.0 130 km
May 8, 1999 17 km NW of Tofino, Canada M4.0 119 km
Dec 27, 2012 12 km E of North Saanich, Canada M4.0 116 km
Sep 26, 2024 12 km E of Saanichton, Canada M4.0 122 km
May 16, 2001 35 km NE of Tofino, Canada M3.9 80 km
Nov 20, 1994 26 km N of Ucluelet, Canada M3.9 82 km
Apr 7, 2001 36 km NNW of Neah Bay, Washington M3.9 76 km
Sep 5, 2017 9 km NNE of Ucluelet, Canada M3.8 84 km
Aug 19, 2025 17 km NNW of Sekiu, Washington M3.7 104 km
Dec 11, 1999 10 km NNE of Oak Bay, Canada M3.7 126 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

2 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 68 km
1958 RIPPLE ROCK, BC Earthquake + Landslide 0.5 m — 102 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

5 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Garibaldi (118 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Garibaldi Stratovolcano 2,678 m (8,786 ft) -8060 118 km
Cayley Volcanic Field Volcanic field 2,375 m (7,792 ft) Unknown 120 km
Garibaldi Lake Volcanic field 2,316 m (7,598 ft) Unknown 123 km
Meager Complex 2,680 m (8,793 ft) -410 158 km
Bridge River Cones Volcanic field 2,500 m (8,202 ft) Unknown 178 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 41°F (5°C) 6.8 in
February 40°F (5°C) 4.4 in
March 43°F (6°C) 4.1 in
April 48°F (9°C) 2.6 in
May 54°F (12°C) 2.1 in
June 59°F (15°C) 1.8 in
July 67°F (19°C) 1.0 in Warmest, Driest
August 63°F (17°C) 1.4 in
September 58°F (14°C) 1.6 in
October 50°F (10°C) 4.4 in
November 43°F (6°C) 7.2 in Wettest
December 39°F (4°C) 6.3 in Coldest

Qualicum Beach has a seasonal temperature swing of 28°F / from 39°F in December to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.6 inches, with November being the wettest month (7.2") and July the driest (1.0").

View full weather details →
15.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 54% below the national average of 33.7%. 27.6% have completed high school. 8.8% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 80.6% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+15.5%
54% below US avg
High School+27.6%
Graduate Degree+8.8%
C Education Grade (2.2/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density1,340/sq mi
Total Area6.9 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute22.7 min
Drive Alone80.6%
Public Transit1.3%
Work from Home34.2%

Schools in Qualicum Beach

2 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Kwalikum Secondary School — — — —
Arrowview Elementary School — — — —
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Qualicum Beach

7 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
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
CFPW 95.7 "Coast FM" Powell River, BC classic hits AAC+ 57 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 Qualicum Beach

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Parksville Museum
Qualicum Beach Museum

Libraries in Qualicum Beach

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
VIRL: Bowser Branch0.0
VIRL: Hornby Island Branch0.0
VIRL: Parksville Branch0.0
VIRL: Qualicum Beach Branch0.0

Farmers Markets in Qualicum Beach

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Errington Farmers' Market
Old Country Market - Goats on Roof
Qualicum Beach Farmers Market
Ruby's Corner Food Stand

Hotels in Qualicum Beach

4 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Crown Mansion Boutique Hotel & Villas
Qualicum Beach Inn
Qualicum Beach Ocean Suites
Sand Pebbles Inn

Cafes in Qualicum Beach

4 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Courtyard Coffee
French Press Coffee Roasters
The Camellia Tea Room
Village Eatery

Theatres in Qualicum Beach

1 theatres within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

The Village Theatre - E.C.H.O. Players Society

Clinics in Qualicum Beach

13 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Connect Hearing
Current Chiropractic & Wellness - Connor J. Fairweather
Flowerstone Family Health Clinic
Focal Point Optometry
Island Edge Chiropractic
Island Innovative Chiropractic
Memorial Avenue Medical Clinic
Qualicum Beach Naturopathic Clinic
Qualicum Chiropractic & Massage
Qualicum Hearing Clinic
Skin First
Thermography Clinic Vancouver Island
VitalAire

Dentists in Qualicum Beach

4 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Arbutus Dental Clinic
Bayview Dental And Implant Centre
Dr. Bryce D. Tremblay - Orthodontist
Qualicum Dental

Veterinaries in Qualicum Beach

2 veterinaries within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Mid-Isle Veterinary Hospital
Qualicum Beach Animal Hospital

Gas Stations in Qualicum Beach

2 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Petro-Canada
Shell

Banks in Qualicum Beach

4 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

CIBC
Coastal Community Credit Union
RBC: Royal Bank of Canada
TD Bank

Gyms in Qualicum Beach

5 gyms within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Body Sculptors Fitness Ltd.
CrossFit Qualicum Beach
Sage Pilates Studio
The Sweat Project Movement Studio
Yoga Grace

Golf Courses in Qualicum Beach

2 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Pheasant Glen Golf Resort
Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course

Breweries in Qualicum Beach

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Fern + Cedar Brewing Company
Mount Arrowsmith Brewery

Airports Near Qualicum Beach

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
Cortes Island (Hansen Airfield) Airport—Small Airport
Courtenay AirparkYCASmall Airport
Duncan AirportDUQSmall Airport
Sechelt-Gibsons AirportYHSSmall Airport
Smit Field—Small Airport
Texada Gillies Bay AirportYGBSmall Airport

Post Offices in Qualicum Beach

2 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Qualicum Beach Main
Qualicum Centre

Churches & Religious Organizations in Qualicum Beach

1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
St. Stephens United Church

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Qualicum Beach.

Get Report

Frequently Asked Questions About Qualicum Beach

What is the population of Qualicum Beach?

Qualicum Beach has a population of 9,303 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 1,340 people per square mile, spread across 6.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 67.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55% female and 45.1% male.

Is Qualicum Beach expensive to live in?

The median household income is $76,500, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $725,000 (157% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,360 per month, above 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 Qualicum Beach safe?

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

What is the weather like in Qualicum Beach?

Qualicum Beach has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 227 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 65.5 inches, with 35.3 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Qualicum Beach?

The unemployment rate in Qualicum Beach is 7.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $978. There are 288 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 34.2% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Qualicum Beach?

The median home value in Qualicum Beach is $725,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,360. The homeownership rate is 87.0%.

How are the schools in Qualicum Beach?

15.5% of adults in Qualicum Beach hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 27.6% have completed high school. 8.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Qualicum Beach?

The average commute in Qualicum Beach is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.6% of workers drive alone to work, 1.3% use public transit, and 34.2% work from home.

What are the demographics of Qualicum Beach?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Qualicum Beach is 96.7% White, 2.7% Asian. 91.3% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

Coombs, BC 1,612 pop · 3.5 mi French Creek, BC 1,024 pop · 3.9 mi Parksville, BC 13,642 pop · 6.0 mi Nanoose Bay, BC 6,540 pop · 12.4 mi Fairwinds, BC 1,147 pop · 15.0 mi Hornby Island, BC 1,100 pop · 16.4 mi Alberni-Clayoquot F, BC 1,977 pop · 16.5 mi Port Alberni, BC 18,259 pop · 17.8 mi Lantzville, BC 3,817 pop · 18.0 mi Alberni-Clayoquot E, BC 2,946 pop · 18.4 mi Wellington, BC 3,935 pop · 20.2 mi Denman Island, BC 1,020 pop · 21.2 mi Denman Island Trust Area, BC 1,165 pop · 21.3 mi Alberni-Clayoquot D, BC 1,843 pop · 22.1 mi
Compare Qualicum Beach with another city: