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Saltspring Island, BC

British Columbia · Vancouver Metro

Saltspring Island is a small city in British Columbia with a population of 11,635. Residents earn $77,500 per year, which is 3% above the national average.

2.4 /5.0
C Fair
11,635 Population 165/sq mi density
$77,500 Median Income $55,350 per capita
$800,000 Home Value
$1,050 Median Rent 24.6% income on rent
49°F Avg Temperature 265 sunny days/yr
C
Overall
2.4 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.6 / 5.0
$77,500 median income, 5.4% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.0 / 5.0
$800,000 home value, $1,050/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
C+
Education
2.6 / 5.0
20.1% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Saltspring Island, 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 $77,500
3% higher than US avg
Home Value $800,000
184% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,050
10% lower than US avg
Unemployment 5.4%
50% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 13.7%
10% higher than US avg

How Saltspring Island Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population11,635
Median Age56.4 yrs
Density165/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 94%

Economy

B+
Median Income$77,500
Per Capita$55,350
Unemployment5.4%
Poverty13.7%
Commute18 min

Housing

F
Home Value$800,000
Rent$1,050
Ownership81.5%
Housing Units5,120
Rent Burden24.6%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
Rain39.2 in/yr
Sunny Days265/yr
Elevation942 ft (287 m)

Education

C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+26.1%
Graduate+14.9%

Community

Commute18 min

Is Saltspring Island a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Saltspring Island receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Saltspring Island has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Saltspring Island is $77,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Saltspring Island is $800,000, making it a premium housing market at 184% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,050 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. With a home price-to-income ratio of 10.3x, 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

20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 26.1% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Saltspring Island experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. With 265 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches.

Saltspring Island has a population of 11,635 with a density of 165 people per square mile, spread across 70.6 square miles. The median age is 56.4 years, 45% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (94.1%), with 4.1% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.5% of residents.

Population

11,635
Total Population
165
People / sq mi
56.4yrs
Median Age
45% above US avg
70.6mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48%
Female 52%

Race & Ethnicity

Saltspring Island vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 89.5%
14% above US avg
Spanish 2.1%
85% below US avg
Other Languages 8.4%

Social Characteristics

Saltspring Island vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Saltspring Island is $77,500, which is 3% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $55,350 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,064, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 361 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 51.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Saltspring Island vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$77,500
3% above US avg
Per Capita Income$55,350
Avg Weekly Wage$1,064

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.4%
50% above US avg
Poverty Rate13.7%
10% above US avg
Establishments (County)361

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time17.7 min
Drive Alone75.7%
Public Transit2.9%
Work from Home51.7%

Walkability

The median home value in Saltspring Island is $800,000, 184% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,050 (10% below the national average of $1,163). 81.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 5,120 total housing units in the city. 24.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 10.3x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$800,000
184% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,050
10% below US avg
Rent Burden24.6%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership81.5%
Owner-Occupied81.5%
Renter-Occupied18.6%
Housing Units5,120

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, Saltspring Island receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Saltspring Island 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 →
Saltspring Island experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. The area gets 265 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. The city sits at an elevation of 942 feet.

Temperature

39°F Jan (4°C) 61°F Jul (16°C)
Annual Average49.1°F
9% below US avg
January Average39°F (4°C)
July Average61°F (16°C)
Sunny Days265 days/yr

Geography

Elevation942 ft (287 m)
Area70.6 sq mi (182.9 km²)
Population Density165/sq mi
Coordinates48.8116°N, 123.4973°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 39.2"
3% above US avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Nov) 6.54"
Driest Month (Jul) 0.87"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

427 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M5.0. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 21, 2025.

Apr 14, 1990 4 km ENE of Deming, Washington M5.0 98 km
Feb 21, 2025 28 km W of Squamish, Canada M4.8 98 km
Apr 25, 2003 26 km W of Brinnon, Washington M4.8 128 km
Jan 30, 2009 6 km ESE of Lofall, Washington M4.7 133 km
Mar 3, 2025 2025 Orcas Island, Washington M4.5 56 km
Jan 24, 2020 46 km WNW of Neah Bay, Washington M4.5 127 km
Jun 24, 1997 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada M4.4 48 km
Apr 2, 1990 2 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.3 96 km
Feb 19, 1991 31 km E of Squamish, Canada M4.3 113 km
Feb 22, 1996 31 km NNE of South Pender Harbour, Canada M4.1 124 km
Sep 21, 2002 9 km SW of Friday Harbor, Washington M4.1 45 km
Apr 14, 1990 2 km ESE of Deming, Washington M4.0 96 km
Apr 3, 1990 3 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.0 97 km
Dec 27, 2012 12 km E of North Saanich, Canada M4.0 25 km
Sep 26, 2024 12 km E of Saanichton, Canada M4.0 32 km
Jul 1, 2009 4 km SE of Coupeville, Washington M4.0 93 km
Apr 7, 2001 36 km NNW of Neah Bay, Washington M3.9 92 km
Mar 6, 2025 14 km SW of Blyn, Washington M3.9 102 km
Jul 24, 2011 21 km W of Brinnon, Washington M3.9 125 km
Mar 17, 2004 3 km SW of Clear Lake, Washington M3.8 99 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

3 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 — 130 km
1891 WASHINGTON Eruption + Earthquake 2.4 m — 90 km
1820 CAMANO ISLAND, WA Meteorological — — 118 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

5 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Garibaldi (121 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Garibaldi Stratovolcano 2,678 m (8,786 ft) -8060 121 km
Baker Stratovolcano(es) 3,285 m (10,778 ft) 1880 123 km
Garibaldi Lake Volcanic field 2,316 m (7,598 ft) Unknown 130 km
Cayley Volcanic Field Volcanic field 2,375 m (7,792 ft) Unknown 146 km
Glacier Peak Stratovolcano 3,213 m (10,541 ft) 1700 192 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 39°F (4°C) 6.3 in Coldest
February 41°F (5°C) 4.1 in
March 43°F (6°C) 3.5 in
April 47°F (8°C) 2.4 in
May 52°F (11°C) 1.8 in
June 57°F (14°C) 1.4 in
July 61°F (16°C) 0.9 in Driest
August 62°F (16°C) 1.1 in Warmest
September 57°F (14°C) 1.3 in
October 50°F (10°C) 3.7 in
November 43°F (6°C) 6.5 in Wettest
December 39°F (4°C) 6.2 in

Saltspring Island has a seasonal temperature swing of 23°F / from 39°F in January to 62°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 39.2 inches, with November being the wettest month (6.5") and July the driest (0.9").

View full weather details →
20.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 40% below the national average of 33.7%. 26.1% have completed high school. 14.9% hold a graduate or professional degree. 75.7% of workers drive alone to work, while 2.9% use public transit.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+20.1%
40% below US avg
High School+26.1%
Graduate Degree+14.9%
C+ Education Grade (2.6/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density165/sq mi
Total Area70.6 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute17.7 min
Drive Alone75.7%
Public Transit2.9%
Work from Home51.7%

Schools in Saltspring Island

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Fulford Elementary School — — — —
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Saltspring Island

18 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
80's New Wave Radio 80's, alternative MP3 128 kbps
CBC Music Pacific (Vancouver) MP3 Stream blues, classical MP3 128 kbps
CBC Radio One - Vancouver, BC (MP3 stream) features, news MP3 128 kbps
CBC Radio One - Victoria, BC (MP3 stream) features, news MP3 128 kbps
CJVB-AM 1470 "Fairchild Radio" Vancouver, BC multicultural, multilingual AAC 50 kbps
CKAY 91.7 "Coast FM" Nanaimo, BC hits, nanaimo AAC+ 57 kbps
CHKG-FM 96.1 "Fairchild Radio" Vancouver, BC multicultural, multilingual AAC 50 kbps
CJSU-FM 89.7 "Sun FM" Duncan, BC adult hits AAC+ 57 kbps
CIWV-FM "Wave 98.3" Vancouver, BC smooth jazz MP3 128 kbps
CJJR 93.7 "JR Country" Vancouver, BC country AAC+ 48 kbps
CHLG-FM 104.3 "The Breeze" - Vancouver, BC new format rebranding, soft adult contemporary AAC 132 kbps
CITR - University of British Columbia campus radio, eclectic AAC
Ritmo X99 — MP3 128 kbps
Radio Emily.ca - Emily Carr University of Art & Design - Vancouver, BC campus radio, student radio MP3 192 kbps
La Bonita X101 2000s, 60s MP3 128 kbps
Radio Canada Ici Première (Colombie-Britannique-Yukon, Grand Nord) Vancouver, BC radio publique AAC 48 kbps
Radio Canada Ici Musique (Colombie-Britannique-Yukon, Grand Nord) Vancouver, BC blues, classical AAC 48 kbps
CJNY-FM 106.3 "The Journey" Vancouver, BC classic hits, community radio AAC 64 kbps

Museums in Saltspring Island

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
BC Forest Discovery Centre
British Columbia Aviation Museum
Central Saanich Fire Museum
Chemainus Valley Museum
Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre
Cowichan Valley Museum
Crofton Old School Museum
Hand of Man Museum
Henderson Hangar
Heritage Acres
Main Hangar
Mayne Island Museum
Pender Islands Museum
Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre
Restoration Hangar
Shawnigan Lake Museum
Sidney Museum and Archives

Libraries in Saltspring Island

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Galiano Island Community Library0.0
GVPL: Central Saanich Branch0.0
Mayne Island Community Library0.0
Pender Island Public Library0.0
Piers Island Library0.0
Salt Spring Island Public Library0.0
Sidney Archives0.0
VIRL: Chemainus Branch0.0
VIRL: Cowichan Branch0.0
VIRL: Sidney / North Saanich Branch0.0
VIRL: South Cowichan Branch0.0

Farmers Markets in Saltspring Island

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Chemainus Public Market
Duncan Farmers’ Market
Great Greens Market
Grove Hall Farm, Italian Kitchen, Market & Deli
Mayne Island Farmers Market
North Saanich Farm Market
Pender Island Farmers’ Market
Peninsula Country Market
Salt Spring Saturday Market
Salt Spring Tuesday Farmers’ Market
The Old Farm Market

Hotels in Saltspring Island

2 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Cusheon Lake Resort
Wetherly Inn & Spa

Cafes in Saltspring Island

1 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Morningside Organic Bakery and Cafe

Breweries in Saltspring Island

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Category 12
Mayne Brewing
Red Arrow Brewery
Salt Spring Island Ales
Serious Brewing
Small Block Brewery
Twin Island Cider

Ski Resorts Near Saltspring Island

3 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Mt Seymour 0.0 — — $0 — — —
Grouse Mountain 0.0 — — $0 — — —
Cypress Mountain 0.0 — — $0 — — —

Airports Near Saltspring Island

43 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Vancouver International AirportYVRLarge Airport
Victoria International AirportYYJLarge Airport
Boundary Bay AirportYDTMedium Airport
Friday Harbor AirportFRDMedium Airport
Nanaimo AirportYCDMedium Airport
Orcas Island AirportESDMedium Airport
William R Fairchild International AirportCLMMedium 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
Crane Island AirstripCKRSmall Airport
Crow Valley 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
Friday West Airport—Small Airport
Grand View International Airport—Small Airport
King Airport—Small Airport
Lawson Airpark—Small Airport
Long Harbour Airport—Small Airport
Lopez Island AirportLPSSmall Airport
Michell Airpark—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
Rucilla's Roost Airport—Small Airport
Sechelt-Gibsons AirportYHSSmall Airport
Sequim Valley AirportSQVSmall Airport
Shaw Island AIrport—Small Airport
Sky Valley Airstrip—Small Airport
Stuart Island AirparkSSWSmall Airport
Stuart Island West Airport—Small Airport
Waldron AirstripWDNSmall Airport
Wilding Farm Airport—Small Airport
Windsock Airport—Small Airport

Post Offices in Saltspring Island

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Fulford Harbour

Churches & Religious Organizations in Saltspring Island

3 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Burgoyne United Church
St. Mary's Anglican Church
St. Paul's Catholic Church

Explore Near Saltspring Island

UFO Sightings
1
Reported UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center database
View all →

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Saltspring Island.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Saltspring Island

What is the population of Saltspring Island?

Saltspring Island has a population of 11,635 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 165 people per square mile, spread across 70.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.

Is Saltspring Island expensive to live in?

The median household income is $77,500, 3% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $800,000 (184% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,050 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 10.3x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Saltspring Island safe?

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

What is the weather like in Saltspring Island?

Saltspring Island has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 61°F in July. The area receives 265 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.2 inches.

How is the job market in Saltspring Island?

The unemployment rate in Saltspring Island is 5.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,064. There are 361 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 51.7% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Saltspring Island?

The median home value in Saltspring Island is $800,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,050. The homeownership rate is 81.5%.

How are the schools in Saltspring Island?

20.1% of adults in Saltspring Island hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 26.1% have completed high school. 14.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Saltspring Island?

The average commute in Saltspring Island is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.7% of workers drive alone to work, 2.9% use public transit, and 51.7% work from home.

What are the demographics of Saltspring Island?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Saltspring Island is 94.1% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 4.1% Asian. 89.5% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

Ganges, BC 6,000 pop · 2.9 mi Maple Bay, BC 2,640 pop · 5.6 mi Cowichan Bay, BC 2,799 pop · 7.7 mi Cowichan, BC 2,420 pop · 7.7 mi Crofton, BC 1,446 pop · 8.0 mi Southern Gulf Islands, BC 6,101 pop · 8.1 mi North Cowichan, BC 31,990 pop · 8.8 mi Deep Cove, BC 1,177 pop · 9.0 mi Koksilah, BC 4,000 pop · 9.0 mi Duncan, BC 5,047 pop · 9.6 mi Cowichan Valley D, BC 3,530 pop · 9.6 mi Cowichan Valley E, BC 4,253 pop · 9.6 mi North Saanich, BC 12,235 pop · 10.6 mi Mill Bay, BC 7,200 pop · 11.4 mi
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