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
OwnershipN/A
Housing Units5,120
Rent Burden24.6%
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+26.1%
Graduate+14.9%
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. 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.
Education
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 26.1% have completed high school.
Saltspring Island has a population of 11,635 with a density of 165 people per square mile. The median age is 56.4 years, 45% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (94.1%), with 4.1% Asian.
Population
56.4yrs
Median Age
45% above US avg
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. The unemployment rate is 5.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes.
Income: Saltspring Island vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,500 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $55,350 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.4% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.7% |
| 10% above US avg |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.7% |
| Public Transit | 2.9% |
| Work from Home | 51.7% |
The median home value in Saltspring Island is $800,000, 184% above the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,050 (10% below US avg).
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 Burden | 24.6% |
Ownership & Property
| Owner-Occupied | 81.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.6% |
| Housing Units | 5,120 |
Property Tax
Health Metrics: Saltspring Island vs U.S. Average (%)
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
Food & Exercise
Crime Rates: Saltspring Island vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Geography
| Area | 70.6 sq mi (182.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 165/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 0.0000°N, 0.0000°W |