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Shirley, BC

British Columbia

Shirley is a small town in British Columbia with a population of 485. Residents earn $76,768 per year, which is 2% above the national average.

Data updated June 2026

3.1 /5.0
B Good
485 Population 1,672/sq mi density
$76,768 Median Income $46,858 per capita
$560,468 Home Value
$1,072 Median Rent 27.8% income on rent
47°F Avg Temperature 192 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 Shirley, 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 Shirley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population485
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density1,672/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 Units194
Rent Burden27.8%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
Rain79.8 in/yr
Sunny Days192/yr
Elevation328 ft (100 m)

Education

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

Community

Commute25 min

Is Shirley a Good Place to Live?

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

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Shirley 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 Shirley 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

Shirley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. With 192 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Annual precipitation totals 79.8 inches.

Shirley has a population of 485 with a density of 1,672 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 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

485
Total Population
1,672
People / sq mi
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
0.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Shirley 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

Shirley vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Shirley 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 15 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 22.1% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Shirley 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)15

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 Shirley 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 194 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 Units194

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, Shirley receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Shirley 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 →
Shirley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. The area gets 192 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 79.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 328 feet.

Temperature

36°F Jan (2°C) 58°F Jul (14°C)
Annual Average46.5°F
14% below US avg
January Average36°F (2°C)
July Average58°F (14°C)
Sunny Days192 days/yr

Geography

Elevation328 ft (100 m)
Area0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²)
Population Density1,672/sq mi
Coordinates48.3891°N, 123.9049°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 79.8"
110% above US avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Nov) 13.03"
Driest Month (Jul) 1.42"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

489 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 21, 2025.

Jul 3, 1999 8 km N of Satsop, Washington M5.8 150 km
Apr 14, 1990 4 km ENE of Deming, Washington M5.0 138 km
Jun 10, 2001 18 km N of Satsop, Washington M5.0 139 km
Jun 23, 1997 2 km NE of Enetai, Washington M4.9 133 km
Feb 21, 2025 28 km W of Squamish, Canada M4.8 147 km
Apr 25, 2003 26 km W of Brinnon, Washington M4.8 94 km
Jan 30, 2009 6 km ESE of Lofall, Washington M4.7 119 km
Jan 24, 2020 46 km WNW of Neah Bay, Washington M4.5 96 km
Mar 3, 2025 2025 Orcas Island, Washington M4.5 85 km
Jun 24, 1997 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada M4.4 97 km
Apr 2, 1990 2 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.3 136 km
Jan 23, 2001 9 km NNW of Ucluelet, Canada M4.3 141 km
Sep 21, 2002 9 km SW of Friday Harbor, Washington M4.1 58 km
Feb 23, 2017 11 km NE of Hoodsport, Washington M4.1 120 km
Dec 25, 1999 40 km SW of Ucluelet, Canada M4.0 148 km
Apr 3, 1990 3 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.0 137 km
Apr 14, 1990 2 km ESE of Deming, Washington M4.0 135 km
Jun 15, 1994 1 km WNW of Hoodsport, Washington M4.0 122 km
Dec 27, 2012 12 km E of North Saanich, Canada M4.0 56 km
Sep 26, 2024 12 km E of Saanichton, Canada M4.0 53 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

2 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 2.4 m (8 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1891 WASHINGTON Eruption + Earthquake 2.4 m 53 km
1820 CAMANO ISLAND, WA Meteorological 120 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

4 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Baker (160 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Baker Stratovolcano(es) 3,285 m (10,778 ft) 1880 160 km
Garibaldi Stratovolcano 2,678 m (8,786 ft) -8060 175 km
Garibaldi Lake Volcanic field 2,316 m (7,598 ft) Unknown 184 km
Cayley Volcanic Field Volcanic field 2,375 m (7,792 ft) Unknown 198 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Wildfire History

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

Year Name Acres Distance
2023 DELABARRE 4,176 76 km
2015 PARADISE 2,818 77 km
2016 HAYES TWO 2,679 76 km
2011 BIG HUMP 1,400 97 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 36°F (2°C) 12.6 in Coldest
February 38°F (4°C) 8.9 in
March 40°F (5°C) 8.0 in
April 44°F (7°C) 5.3 in
May 49°F (10°C) 3.2 in
June 54°F (12°C) 2.2 in
July 58°F (14°C) 1.4 in Driest
August 59°F (15°C) 2.0 in Warmest
September 55°F (13°C) 2.6 in
October 48°F (9°C) 8.0 in
November 41°F (5°C) 13.0 in Wettest
December 36°F (2°C) 12.6 in

Shirley has a seasonal temperature swing of 23°F / from 36°F in January to 59°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 79.8 inches, with November being the wettest month (13.0") and July the driest (1.4").

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 Density1,672/sq mi
Total Area0.3 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

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

Radio Stations near Shirley

1 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CJSU-FM 89.7 "Sun FM" Duncan, BC adult hits AAC+ 57 kbps

Museums in Shirley

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Sooke Region Museum

Libraries in Shirley

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
VIRL: Sooke Branch0.0

Farmers Markets in Shirley

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Sooke Country Market
Sooke Night Market

Hotels in Shirley

2 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Fossil Bay Resort
Point No Point Resort

Breweries in Shirley

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Bad Dog Brewing Company

Airports Near Shirley

18 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Victoria International AirportYYJLarge Airport
Nanaimo AirportYCDMedium Airport
William R Fairchild International AirportCLMMedium Airport
Big Andy AirportSmall Airport
Blue Ribbon AirportSmall Airport
Duncan AirportDUQSmall Airport
Forks AirportSmall Airport
Grand View International AirportSmall Airport
Lawson AirparkSmall Airport
Long Harbour AirportSmall Airport
Michell AirparkSmall Airport
Port Angeles Cgas AirportSmall Airport
Quamichan Lake (Raven Field) AirportSmall Airport
Quillayute AirportUILSmall Airport
Sekiu AirportSmall Airport
Sequim Valley AirportSQVSmall Airport
Stuart Island AirparkSSWSmall Airport
Stuart Island West AirportSmall Airport

Explore Near Shirley

Waterfalls
2
Natural waterfalls documented by USGS and OpenStreetMap contributors
View all →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Shirley

What is the population of Shirley?

Shirley has a population of 485 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 1,672 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 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 Shirley 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 Shirley safe?

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

What is the weather like in Shirley?

Shirley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 58°F in July. The area receives 192 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 79.8 inches.

How is the job market in Shirley?

The unemployment rate in Shirley 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 15 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 Shirley?

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

How are the schools in Shirley?

32.9% of adults in Shirley 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 Shirley?

The average commute in Shirley 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 Shirley?

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

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