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Sidney, BC

British Columbia · Victoria Metro

Sidney is a small city in British Columbia with a population of 12,318. Residents earn $77,000 per year, which is 2% above the national average.

2.5 /5.0
C+ Fair
12,318 Population 6,249/sq mi density
$77,000 Median Income $50,560 per capita
$750,000 Home Value
$1,500 Median Rent 21.7% income on rent
52°F Avg Temperature 242 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.5 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A
Economy
4.0 / 5.0
$77,000 median income, 4.7% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.1 / 5.0
$750,000 home value, $1,500/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
C
Education
2.2 / 5.0
15.1% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Sidney, 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 $77,000
2% higher than US avg
Home Value $750,000
166% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 15.1%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,500
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment 4.7%
31% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 8.1%
35% lower than US avg

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

People

Population12,318
Median Age62.0 yrs
Density6,249/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 91%

Economy

A
Median Income$77,000
Per Capita$50,560
Unemployment4.7%
Poverty8.1%
Commute21 min

Housing

F
Home Value$750,000
Rent$1,500
Ownership76.8%
Housing Units5,980
Rent Burden21.7%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain32.9 in/yr
Sunny Days242/yr
Elevation16 ft (5 m)

Education

C
Bachelor's+15.1%
High School+29.1%
Graduate+7.8%

Community

Commute21 min

Is Sidney a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Sidney receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Sidney has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Sidney is $77,000, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.7%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Sidney is $750,000, making it a premium housing market at 166% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,500 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 9.7x, 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

15.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 29.1% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Sidney experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 242 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 32.9 inches, including 8.0 inches of snow.

Sidney has a population of 12,318 with a density of 6,249 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 62.0 years, 59% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.2% female and 44.8% male. The city is predominantly White (91.1%), with 7.4% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.1% of residents.

Population

12,318
Total Population
2021 Census
6,249
People / sq mi
62.0yrs
Median Age
59% above US avg
2.0mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 44.8%
Female 55.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Sidney vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 87.1%
11% above US avg
Spanish 1.5%
89% below US avg
Other Languages 11.3%

Social Characteristics

Sidney vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Sidney is $77,000, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $50,560 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $972, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 382 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 25.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Sidney vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$77,000
2% above US avg
Per Capita Income$50,560
Avg Weekly Wage$972

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment4.7%
31% above US avg
Poverty Rate8.1%
35% below US avg
Establishments (County)382

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time20.8 min
Drive Alone71.6%
Public Transit3.3%
Work from Home25.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Sidney is $750,000, 166% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,500 (29% above the national average of $1,163). 76.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 5,980 total housing units in the city. 21.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.7x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$750,000
166% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,500
29% above US avg
Rent Burden21.7%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership76.8%
Owner-Occupied76.8%
Renter-Occupied23.2%
Housing Units5,980

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, Sidney receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Sidney 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 →
Sidney experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 242 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.9 inches. The area receives 8.0 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 16 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

42°F Jan (6°C) 66°F Jul (19°C)
Annual Average51.5°F
5% below US avg
January Average42°F (6°C)
July Average66°F (19°C)
Sunny Days242 days/yr

Geography

Elevation16 ft (5 m)
Area2.0 sq mi (5.1 km²)
Population Density6,249/sq mi
Coordinates48.6496°N, 123.4026°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 32.9"
13% below US avg
Snowfall 8.0"
Wettest Month (Nov) 5.91"
Driest Month (Jul) 0.79"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

534 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 94 km
Jun 23, 1997 2 km NE of Enetai, Washington M4.9 132 km
Apr 25, 2003 26 km W of Brinnon, Washington M4.8 110 km
Feb 21, 2025 28 km W of Squamish, Canada M4.8 117 km
Jan 30, 2009 6 km ESE of Lofall, Washington M4.7 114 km
Jul 12, 2019 2 km S of Roosevelt, Washington M4.6 134 km
Jan 24, 2020 46 km WNW of Neah Bay, Washington M4.5 132 km
Mar 3, 2025 2025 Orcas Island, Washington M4.5 44 km
Jun 24, 1997 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada M4.4 67 km
Apr 2, 1990 2 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.3 91 km
Feb 19, 1991 31 km E of Squamish, Canada M4.3 126 km
Feb 22, 1996 31 km NNE of South Pender Harbour, Canada M4.1 143 km
Sep 21, 2002 9 km SW of Friday Harbor, Washington M4.1 27 km
Feb 23, 2017 11 km NE of Hoodsport, Washington M4.1 133 km
Jun 15, 1994 1 km WNW of Hoodsport, Washington M4.0 139 km
Apr 14, 1990 2 km ESE of Deming, Washington M4.0 91 km
Apr 3, 1990 3 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.0 92 km
Sep 26, 2024 12 km E of Saanichton, Canada M4.0 14 km
Dec 27, 2012 12 km E of North Saanich, Canada M4.0 11 km
Jul 1, 2009 4 km SE of Coupeville, Washington M4.0 76 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 — 136 km
1891 WASHINGTON Eruption + Earthquake 2.4 m — 73 km
1820 CAMANO ISLAND, WA Meteorological — — 101 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

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

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Baker Stratovolcano(es) 3,285 m (10,778 ft) 1880 118 km
Garibaldi Stratovolcano 2,678 m (8,786 ft) -8060 137 km
Garibaldi Lake Volcanic field 2,316 m (7,598 ft) Unknown 146 km
Cayley Volcanic Field Volcanic field 2,375 m (7,792 ft) Unknown 164 km
Glacier Peak Stratovolcano 3,213 m (10,541 ft) 1700 179 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 97 km
2016 HAYES TWO 2,679 94 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 42°F (6°C) 5.6 in
February 41°F (5°C) 3.9 in
March 44°F (6°C) 3.1 in
April 48°F (9°C) 2.0 in
May 53°F (12°C) 1.5 in
June 58°F (14°C) 1.2 in
July 66°F (19°C) 0.8 in Warmest, Driest
August 62°F (17°C) 1.0 in
September 58°F (14°C) 1.2 in
October 50°F (10°C) 3.1 in
November 43°F (6°C) 5.9 in Wettest
December 39°F (4°C) 5.8 in Coldest

Sidney has a seasonal temperature swing of 26°F / from 39°F in December to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.1 inches, with November being the wettest month (5.9") and July the driest (0.8").

View full weather details →
15.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 55% below the national average of 33.7%. 29.1% have completed high school. 7.8% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 71.6% of workers drive alone to work, while 3.3% use public transit.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+15.1%
55% below US avg
High School+29.1%
Graduate Degree+7.8%
C Education Grade (2.2/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density6,249/sq mi
Total Area2.0 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute20.8 min
Drive Alone71.6%
Public Transit3.3%
Work from Home25.0%

Schools in Sidney

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

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

Radio Stations near Sidney

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 Sidney

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
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
Craigdarroch Castle
Craigflower Manor
Craigflower Schoolhouse
Crofton Old School Museum
Emily Carr House
Gorge Waterway Nature House
Hand of Man Museum
Helmcken House
Henderson Hangar
Heritage Acres
Main Hangar
Maritime Museum of British Columbia
Mayne Island Museum
Miniature World
Pemberton Memorial Operating Room
Pender Islands Museum
Point Ellice House
Restoration Hangar
Royal BC Museum
Saint Ann's Schoolhouse
Shawnigan Lake Museum
Sidney Museum and Archives
Thunderbird Park
Victoria Chinatown Museum
Wentworth Villa

Libraries in Sidney

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Alan Batey Library & Learning Commons0.0
BC Archives0.0
Galiano Island Community Library0.0
Greater Victoria Public Library - Bruce Hutchison Branch0.0
GVPL: Central Branch0.0
GVPL: Central Saanich Branch0.0
GVPL: Emily Carr Branch0.0
GVPL: Esquimalt Branch0.0
GVPL: Goudy Branch0.0
GVPL: Juan de Fuca Branch0.0
GVPL: Langford Heritage Branch0.0
GVPL: Nellie McClung Branch0.0
GVPL: Oak Bay Branch0.0
GVPL: Saanich Centennial Library Branch0.0
GVPL: sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ James Bay Branch0.0
Library Lounge0.0
Mayne Island Community Library0.0
McPherson Library0.0
Pender Island Public Library0.0
Piers Island Library0.0
Salt Spring Island Public Library0.0
Sidney Archives0.0
VIRL: Sidney / North Saanich Branch0.0
VIRL: South Cowichan Branch0.0

Farmers Markets in Sidney

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Esquimalt Farmers Market
Esquimalt Farmers Market
Food Truck Festival
Gorge Farmers Market
Great Greens Market
James Bay Market
Mayne Island Farmers Market
Moss Street Farmers Market
North Saanich Farm Market
Oaklands Sunset Market
Pender Island Farmers’ Market
Peninsula Country Market
Salt Spring Saturday Market
Salt Spring Tuesday Farmers’ Market

Hotels in Sidney

4 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Best Western Plus Emerald Isle
Days Inn
Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites
The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa

Cafes in Sidney

13 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

3rd Street Cafe
Alexander's Coffee
Beacon Cafe
Bevan Bistro
Gray's Cafe
Quince Cafe & Ice Cream
Serious Coffee
Starbucks
Starbucks
The Red Brick Cafe
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons
Toast Cafe

Cinemas in Sidney

1 cinemas within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Star Cinema

Clinics in Sidney

2 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Shoreline Medical - Sidney
Three Cedars MD

Dentists in Sidney

7 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

5th Street Dental
Denture Clinic
Fine Dentistry
Landmark Dental Centre
ORCCA Dental
Runway Dental
Sidney Harbour Dental

Veterinaries in Sidney

1 veterinaries within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Peninsula Veterinary Hospital

Bus Stations in Sidney

1 bus stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

McTavish Transit Exchange

Gas Stations in Sidney

1 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Chevron

Banks in Sidney

6 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

BMO
CIBC
Coast Capital Savings
RBC
Scotiabank
TD Canada Trust

Shopping Malls in Sidney

3 shopping malls within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Garden Court
Mariner Village Mall
Sidney Centre

Gyms in Sidney

4 gyms within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Anytime Fitness
Curves
Libellula Movement Studio
Westcore Training Centre

Breweries in Sidney

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Brass Monkey Taproom
Category 12
Hoyne Brewing Company
Île Sauvage Brewing Company
Lighthouse Brewing Company
Mayne Brewing
Phillips Tasting Room
Salt Spring Island Ales
Spinnakers
Twin Island Cider
V2V Black Hops Brewing

Stadiums & Teams in Sidney

TeamLeagueDivision

Amtrak Stations in Sidney

2 Amtrak stations.

StationAddressType
Victoria, BC721 Douglas St.BUS
Victoria, BC254 Belleville StreetBUS

Airports Near Sidney

50 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
Pitt Meadows Regional Airport—Medium Airport
Whidbey Island Naval Air Station (Ault Field)NUWMedium Airport
William R Fairchild International AirportCLMMedium Airport
AJ Eisenberg AirportODWSmall Airport
Allan Island Airport—Small Airport
Anacortes AirportOTSSmall 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
Cypress Island 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
Intergalactic Aerodrome—Small Airport
Jefferson County International AirportTWDSmall 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
Sequim Valley AirportSQVSmall Airport
Shaw Island AIrport—Small Airport
Sinclair Island Airport—Small Airport
Sky Valley Airstrip—Small Airport
Stacey's Airport—Small Airport
Stuart Island AirparkSSWSmall Airport
Stuart Island West Airport—Small Airport

Post Offices in Sidney

2 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Beacon Avenue
Sidney Retail

Treatment Centers in Sidney

3 treatment centers.

CenterTypePhone
Maven Pelvic Health
Sobering & Assessment Centre
Victoria Mental Health & Substance Use

Churches & Religious Organizations in Sidney

9 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Bethel Community Baptist Church
Peace Lutheran Church
Saanich Peninsula Christadelphians
Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian
Seventh-day Adventist Church
St. Andrew's Anglican Church
St. Elizabeth's Church
St. Paul's United Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Explore Near Sidney

Shipwrecks
1
Documented shipwreck sites from historical maritime records
View all →

Download Full City Report

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sidney

What is the population of Sidney?

Sidney has a population of 12,318 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 6,249 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.2% female and 44.8% male.

Is Sidney expensive to live in?

The median household income is $77,000, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $750,000 (166% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,500 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Sidney safe?

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

What is the weather like in Sidney?

Sidney has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 242 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 32.9 inches, with 8.0 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Sidney?

Sidney has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $972. There are 382 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 25.0% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Sidney?

The median home value in Sidney is $750,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,500. The homeownership rate is 76.8%.

How are the schools in Sidney?

15.1% of adults in Sidney hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 29.1% have completed high school. 7.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Sidney?

The average commute in Sidney is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.6% of workers drive alone to work, 3.3% use public transit, and 25.0% work from home.

What are the demographics of Sidney?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sidney is 91.1% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.4% Asian. 87.1% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

North Saanich, BC 12,235 pop · 1.4 mi Ardmore, BC 1,014 pop · 3.1 mi Saanichton, BC 1,565 pop · 3.5 mi Deep Cove, BC 1,177 pop · 3.7 mi East Saanich 2, BC 1,790 pop · 4.3 mi Brentwood Bay, BC 7,581 pop · 5.1 mi Southern Gulf Islands, BC 6,101 pop · 5.5 mi Keating, BC 1,403 pop · 5.7 mi Central Saanich, BC 17,385 pop · 5.8 mi Mill Bay, BC 7,200 pop · 6.7 mi Saanich, BC 117,735 pop · 7.1 mi Cowichan Valley A, BC 4,949 pop · 7.6 mi Cordova Bay, BC 8,100 pop · 9.3 mi Rural Saanich, BC 5,025 pop · 10.6 mi
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