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Shawnigan Lake, BC

British Columbia · Victoria Metro

Shawnigan Lake is a small town in British Columbia with a population of 3,908. Residents earn $76,768 per year, which is 2% above the national average.

3.1 /5.0
B Good
3,908 Population 437/sq mi density
$76,768 Median Income $46,858 per capita
$560,468 Home Value
$1,072 Median Rent 27.8% income on rent
48°F Avg Temperature 242 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.1 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.6 / 5.0
$76,768 median income, 5.1% unemployment
C+
Affordability
2.5 / 5.0
$560,468 home value, $1,072/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
B+
Education
3.6 / 5.0
32.9% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Shawnigan Lake, 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 $76,768
2% higher than US avg
Home Value $560,468
99% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 32.9%
2% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,072
8% lower than US avg
Unemployment 5.1%
42% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 14.1%
14% higher than US avg

How Shawnigan Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population3,908
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density437/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 93%

Economy

B+
Median Income$76,768
Per Capita$46,858
Unemployment5.1%
Poverty14.1%
Commute25 min

Housing

C+
Home Value$560,468
Rent$1,072
Ownership66.5%
Housing Units1,563
Rent Burden27.8%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
Rain51.8 in/yr
Sunny Days242/yr
Elevation476 ft (145 m)

Education

B+
Bachelor's+32.9%
High School+87.4%
Graduate+17.0%

Community

Commute25 min

Is Shawnigan Lake a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Shawnigan Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Shawnigan Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Shawnigan Lake is $76,768, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 14.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Shawnigan Lake is $560,468, making it a premium housing market at 99% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,072 per month. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.3x, 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

32.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Shawnigan Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. The area gets 242 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 51.8 inches.

Shawnigan Lake has a population of 3,908 with a density of 437 people per square mile, spread across 8.9 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (93.4%), with 4.5% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.8% of residents.

Population

3,908
Total Population
437
People / sq mi
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
8.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Shawnigan Lake vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 87.8%
12% above US avg
Spanish 1.4%
90% below US avg
Other Languages 10.8%

Social Characteristics

Shawnigan Lake vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Shawnigan Lake is $76,768, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,858 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $901, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 121 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 22.1% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Shawnigan Lake vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$76,768
2% above US avg
Per Capita Income$46,858
Avg Weekly Wage$901

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.1%
42% above US avg
Poverty Rate14.1%
14% above US avg
Establishments (County)121

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time24.6 min
Drive Alone79.5%
Public Transit2.3%
Work from Home22.1%

Walkability

The median home value in Shawnigan Lake is $560,468, 99% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,072 (8% below the national average of $1,163). 66.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,563 total housing units in the city. 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.3x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$560,468
99% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,072
8% below US avg
Rent Burden27.8%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership66.5%
Owner-Occupied66.5%
Renter-Occupied33.5%
Housing Units1,563

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, Shawnigan Lake receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Shawnigan Lake 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 →
Shawnigan Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. The area gets 242 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 51.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 476 feet.

Temperature

37°F Jan (3°C) 60°F Jul (16°C)
Annual Average47.7°F
12% below US avg
January Average37°F (3°C)
July Average60°F (16°C)
Sunny Days242 days/yr

Geography

Elevation476 ft (145 m)
Area8.9 sq mi (23.2 km²)
Population Density437/sq mi
Coordinates48.6506°N, 123.6449°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 51.8"
36% above US avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Nov) 8.62"
Driest Month (Jul) 1.02"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

482 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 M5.0 111 km
Jun 23, 1997 2 km NE of Enetai, Washington M4.9 142 km
Apr 25, 2003 26 km W of Brinnon, Washington M4.8 113 km
Feb 21, 2025 28 km W of Squamish, Canada M4.8 116 km
Jan 30, 2009 6 km ESE of Lofall, Washington M4.7 124 km
Jul 12, 2019 2 km S of Roosevelt, Washington M4.6 148 km
Mar 3, 2025 2025 Orcas Island, Washington M4.5 62 km
Jan 24, 2020 46 km WNW of Neah Bay, Washington M4.5 114 km
Jun 24, 1997 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada M4.4 65 km
Feb 19, 1991 31 km E of Squamish, Canada M4.3 134 km
Apr 2, 1990 2 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.3 109 km
Jan 23, 2001 9 km NNW of Ucluelet, Canada M4.3 147 km
Feb 22, 1996 31 km NNE of South Pender Harbour, Canada M4.1 140 km
Sep 21, 2002 9 km SW of Friday Harbor, Washington M4.1 42 km
Feb 23, 2017 11 km NE of Hoodsport, Washington M4.1 138 km
Apr 3, 1990 3 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.0 110 km
Apr 14, 1990 2 km ESE of Deming, Washington M4.0 109 km
Jun 15, 1994 1 km WNW of Hoodsport, Washington M4.0 143 km
Sep 26, 2024 12 km E of Saanichton, Canada M4.0 30 km
Dec 27, 2012 12 km E of North Saanich, Canada M4.0 29 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 — 150 km
1891 WASHINGTON Eruption + Earthquake 2.4 m — 73 km
1820 CAMANO ISLAND, WA Meteorological — — 115 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

5 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Baker (135 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Baker Stratovolcano(es) 3,285 m (10,778 ft) 1880 135 km
Garibaldi Stratovolcano 2,678 m (8,786 ft) -8060 141 km
Garibaldi Lake Volcanic field 2,316 m (7,598 ft) Unknown 150 km
Cayley Volcanic Field Volcanic field 2,375 m (7,792 ft) Unknown 166 km
Glacier Peak Stratovolcano 3,213 m (10,541 ft) 1700 196 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Wildfire History

2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: DELABARRE (4,176 ac, 2023).

Year Name Acres Distance
2023 DELABARRE 4,176 99 km
2016 HAYES TWO 2,679 96 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 37°F (3°C) 8.5 in Coldest
February 39°F (4°C) 5.6 in
March 41°F (5°C) 4.8 in
April 45°F (7°C) 3.2 in
May 51°F (11°C) 2.1 in
June 56°F (13°C) 1.7 in
July 60°F (16°C) 1.0 in Driest
August 61°F (16°C) 1.4 in Warmest
September 57°F (14°C) 1.6 in
October 49°F (9°C) 4.8 in
November 41°F (5°C) 8.6 in Wettest
December 37°F (3°C) 8.5 in

Shawnigan Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 25°F / from 37°F in January to 61°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 51.8 inches, with November being the wettest month (8.6") and July the driest (1.0").

View full weather details →
32.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 2% below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 17.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (above the 13.1% national rate). 79.5% of workers drive alone to work, while 2.3% use public transit.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+32.9%
2% below US avg
High School+87.4%
Graduate Degree+17.0%
B+ Education Grade (3.6/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density437/sq mi
Total Area8.9 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute24.6 min
Drive Alone79.5%
Public Transit2.3%
Work from Home22.1%

Schools in Shawnigan Lake

3 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Discovery Elementary School — — — —
St. John's Academy Shawnigan Lake — — — —
Shawnigan Lake School — — — —
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Shawnigan Lake

2 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CBC Radio One - Victoria, BC (MP3 stream) features, news MP3 128 kbps
CJSU-FM 89.7 "Sun FM" Duncan, BC adult hits AAC+ 57 kbps

Museums in Shawnigan Lake

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
BC Forest Discovery Centre
British Columbia Aviation Museum
Central Saanich Fire Museum
Centre of the Universe
CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum - NAD20
CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum - NAD29
Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre
Cowichan Valley Museum
Craigflower Manor
Craigflower Schoolhouse
Crofton Old School Museum
Gorge Waterway Nature House
Hand of Man Museum
Henderson Hangar
Heritage Acres
Main Hangar
Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre
Restoration Hangar
Shawnigan Lake Museum
Sidney Museum and Archives

Libraries in Shawnigan Lake

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
GVPL: Central Saanich Branch0.0
GVPL: Esquimalt Branch0.0
GVPL: Goudy Branch0.0
GVPL: Juan de Fuca Branch0.0
GVPL: Langford Heritage Branch0.0
GVPL: Saanich Centennial Library Branch0.0
Piers Island Library0.0
Salt Spring Island Public Library0.0
Sidney Archives0.0
VIRL: Cowichan Branch0.0
VIRL: Sidney / North Saanich Branch0.0
VIRL: South Cowichan Branch0.0

Farmers Markets in Shawnigan Lake

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Duncan Farmers’ Market
Esquimalt Farmers Market
Esquimalt Farmers Market
Gorge Farmers Market
Great Greens Market
Grove Hall Farm, Italian Kitchen, Market & Deli
North Saanich Farm Market
Peninsula Country Market
Salt Spring Saturday Market
Salt Spring Tuesday Farmers’ Market
The Old Farm Market

Cafes in Shawnigan Lake

1 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Shawnigan House

Gas Stations in Shawnigan Lake

1 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Shawnigan Garage

Gyms in Shawnigan Lake

1 gyms within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

KaliYoga Studio

Breweries in Shawnigan Lake

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Bad Dog Brewing Company
Category 12
Lighthouse Brewing Company
Red Arrow Brewery
Salt Spring Island Ales
Small Block Brewery
V2V Black Hops Brewing

Stadiums & Teams in Shawnigan Lake

TeamLeagueDivision

Airports Near Shawnigan Lake

39 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
Qualicum Beach AirportXQUMedium Airport
William R Fairchild International AirportCLMMedium Airport
Big Andy Airport—Small Airport
Blue Heron Field—Small Airport
Blue Ribbon Airport—Small Airport
Burden Field-(Rabbit Run) Airport—Small Airport
Clam Harbor Airport—Small Airport
Crane Island AirstripCKRSmall Airport
Crow Valley Airport—Small 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
Olympic Field—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
Sekiu Airport—Small Airport
Sequim Valley AirportSQVSmall Airport
Shaw Island AIrport—Small Airport
Stuart Island AirparkSSWSmall Airport
Stuart Island West Airport—Small Airport
Waldron AirstripWDNSmall Airport
Wilding Farm Airport—Small Airport

Post Offices in Shawnigan Lake

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Shawnigan Lake

Treatment Centers in Shawnigan Lake

1 treatment centers.

CenterTypePhone
Maven Pelvic Health

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Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Shawnigan Lake.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Shawnigan Lake

What is the population of Shawnigan Lake?

Shawnigan Lake has a population of 3,908 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 437 people per square mile, spread across 8.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.

Is Shawnigan Lake expensive to live in?

The median household income is $76,768, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $560,468 (99% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,072 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.3x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Shawnigan Lake safe?

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

What is the weather like in Shawnigan Lake?

Shawnigan Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 37°F in January, while summers reach an average of 60°F in July. The area receives 242 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 51.8 inches.

How is the job market in Shawnigan Lake?

The unemployment rate in Shawnigan Lake is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $901. There are 121 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 22.1% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Shawnigan Lake?

The median home value in Shawnigan Lake is $560,468. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,072. The homeownership rate is 66.5%.

How are the schools in Shawnigan Lake?

32.9% of adults in Shawnigan Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 17.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Shawnigan Lake?

The average commute in Shawnigan Lake is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.5% of workers drive alone to work, 2.3% use public transit, and 22.1% work from home.

What are the demographics of Shawnigan Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shawnigan Lake is 93.4% White, 4.5% Asian. 87.8% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

Mill Bay, BC 7,200 pop · 4.3 mi Cowichan Bay, BC 2,799 pop · 5.9 mi Cowichan, BC 2,420 pop · 5.9 mi Cowichan Valley A, BC 4,949 pop · 7.4 mi Ardmore, BC 1,014 pop · 8.1 mi Koksilah, BC 4,000 pop · 8.2 mi Deep Cove, BC 1,177 pop · 8.4 mi Cowichan Valley D, BC 3,530 pop · 8.5 mi Cowichan Valley E, BC 4,253 pop · 8.5 mi Duncan, BC 5,047 pop · 9.5 mi Brentwood Bay, BC 7,581 pop · 10.0 mi North Saanich, BC 12,235 pop · 10.4 mi Saanichton, BC 1,565 pop · 11.0 mi Sidney, BC 12,318 pop · 11.1 mi
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