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Smithers, BC

British Columbia

Smithers is a small city in British Columbia with a population of 5,378. Residents earn $85,000 per year, which is 13% above the national average.

Data updated June 2026

3.2 /5.0
B Good
5,378 Population 913/sq mi density
$85,000 Median Income $51,350 per capita
$400,000 Home Value
$1,000 Median Rent 12.3% income on rent
43°F Avg Temperature 234 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.2 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A
Economy
4.0 / 5.0
$85,000 median income, 6.0% unemployment
A
Affordability
4.0 / 5.0
$400,000 home value, $1,000/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
C
Education
2.2 / 5.0
15.4% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Smithers, 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 $85,000
13% higher than US avg
Home Value $400,000
42% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 15.4%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,000
14% lower than US avg
Unemployment 6.0%
67% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 8.0%
35% lower than US avg

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

People

Population5,378
Median Age39.6 yrs
Density913/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 90%

Economy

A
Median Income$85,000
Per Capita$51,350
Unemployment6.0%
Poverty8.0%
Commute15 min

Housing

A
Home Value$400,000
Rent$1,000
Ownership70.8%
Housing Units2,310
Rent Burden12.3%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
Rain27.3 in/yr
Sunny Days234/yr
Elevation1,621 ft (494 m)

Education

C
Bachelor's+15.4%
High School+31.5%
Graduate+5.8%

Community

Commute15 min

Is Smithers a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Smithers receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Smithers offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Smithers is $85,000, 13% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The unemployment rate of 6.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 8.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Smithers is $400,000, 42% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,000 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.

Education

15.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 31.5% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Smithers has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. The area gets 234 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 27.3 inches, including 88.1 inches of snow.

Smithers has a population of 5,378 with a density of 913 people per square mile, spread across 5.9 square miles. The median age is 39.6 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.7% female and 48.3% male. The city is predominantly White (90%), with 1.1% Black, 7.5% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.1% of residents.

Population

5,378
Total Population
2021 Census
913
People / sq mi
39.6yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
5.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48.3%
Female 51.7%

Race & Ethnicity

Smithers vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 86.1%
10% above US avg
Spanish 1.3%
90% below US avg
Other Languages 12.6%

Social Characteristics

Smithers vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Smithers is $85,000, which is 13% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $51,350 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $988, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 167 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 15.5% of workers work from home.

Income: Smithers vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$85,000
13% above US avg
Per Capita Income$51,350
Avg Weekly Wage$988

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment6.0%
67% above US avg
Poverty Rate8.0%
35% below US avg
Establishments (County)167

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time15.2 min
Drive Alone66.7%
Public Transit1.0%
Work from Home15.5%

Walkability

The median home value in Smithers is $400,000, 42% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,000 (14% below the national average of $1,163). 70.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,310 total housing units in the city. 12.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.7x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$400,000
42% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,000
14% below US avg
Rent Burden12.3%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership70.8%
Owner-Occupied70.8%
Renter-Occupied29.4%
Housing Units2,310

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, Smithers receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Smithers 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 →
Smithers has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. The area gets 234 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 27.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 88.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,621 feet.

Temperature

28°F Jan (-3°C) 63°F Jul (17°C)
Annual Average42.8°F
21% below US avg
January Average28°F (-3°C)
July Average63°F (17°C)
Sunny Days234 days/yr

Geography

Elevation1,621 ft (494 m)
Area5.9 sq mi (15.3 km²)
Population Density913/sq mi
Coordinates54.7804°N, 127.1743°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 27.3"
28% below US avg
Snowfall 88.1"
Wettest Month (Oct) 3.43"
Driest Month (Apr) 1.22"

Air Quality

Tsunami History

2 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 4.1 m (13 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1975 KITIMAT INLET, BRITISH COLUMBIA Meteorological 4.1 m 132 km
1974 KITIMAT INLET, BRITISH COLOMBIA Meteorological 2.8 m 132 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 28°F (-3°C) 3.0 in
February 23°F (-5°C) 1.9 in
March 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 in
April 35°F (2°C) 1.2 in Driest
May 43°F (6°C) 1.8 in
June 50°F (10°C) 2.4 in
July 63°F (17°C) 2.2 in Warmest
August 54°F (12°C) 2.1 in
September 47°F (8°C) 2.7 in
October 37°F (3°C) 3.4 in Wettest
November 26°F (-4°C) 3.0 in
December 19°F (-7°C) 2.8 in Coldest

Smithers has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 19°F in December to 63°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.1 inches, with October being the wettest month (3.4") and April the driest (1.2").

View full weather details →
15.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 54% below the national average of 33.7%. 31.5% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 66.7% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+15.4%
54% below US avg
High School+31.5%
Graduate Degree+5.8%
C Education Grade (2.2/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density913/sq mi
Total Area5.9 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute15.2 min
Drive Alone66.7%
Public Transit1.0%
Work from Home15.5%

Schools in Smithers

6 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Muheim Elementary School
St. Joseph's Catholic School
Smithers Secondary Highschool
BV Christian Elementary School
Walnut Park Elementary School
Muheim Elementary School
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Smithers

1 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CFBV "The Moose" 870 Smithers, 106.5 Houston, 760 Burns Lake, BC variety hits AAC+ 57 kbps

Museums in Smithers

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Bulkley Valley Museum
Telkwa Museum
Widzin Kwah Canyon House Museum (Widzin Kwah Diyik Be Yikh)

Libraries in Smithers

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Smithers Public Library0.0
Telkwa Reading Room0.0

Farmers Markets in Smithers

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Bulkley Valley Farmers' Market

Hotels in Smithers

4 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Sandman Inn Smithers
Stork Nest Inn
Sunshine Inn Hotel
Twin Valley Inn

Cafes in Smithers

3 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Bugwood
Tim Hortons
Two Sisters

Cinemas in Smithers

1 cinemas within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Roi Theater

Clinics in Smithers

2 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Counselling and Couples Therapy in Smithers
Smithers Primary Care Clinic

Dentists in Smithers

1 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Eckland Denture Clinic

Train Stations in Smithers

1 train stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Smithers

Gas Stations in Smithers

3 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Chevron
Esso
Petro-Canada

Banks in Smithers

4 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Bulkley Valley Credit Union
CIBC
Royal Bank Canada
Scotiabank

Shopping Malls in Smithers

1 shopping malls within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Smithers Mall

Golf Courses in Smithers

1 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Smithers Golf and Country Club

Breweries in Smithers

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Smithers Brewing Co.

Ski Resorts Near Smithers

3 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Morrice Mountain Nordic Ski Area 0.0 $0
Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre 0.0 $0
Hudson Bay Mountain 0.0 $0

Airports Near Smithers

4 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Smithers AirportYYDMedium Airport
Houston AirportSmall Airport
Private AirstripSmall Airport
Seeley Lake FieldSmall Airport

Post Offices in Smithers

2 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Alpine Village
Smithers Main

Churches & Religious Organizations in Smithers

3 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Fellowship Baptist Church
Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall
Smithers United Church

Explore Near Smithers

Bigfoot Sightings
1
Eyewitness reports filed with the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization
View all →

Download Full City Report

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Smithers

What is the population of Smithers?

Smithers has a population of 5,378 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 913 people per square mile, spread across 5.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.6 years. The population is 51.7% female and 48.3% male.

Is Smithers expensive to live in?

The median household income is $85,000, 13% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $400,000 (42% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,000 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Smithers safe?

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

What is the weather like in Smithers?

Smithers has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 63°F in July. The area receives 234 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 27.3 inches, with 88.1 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Smithers?

The unemployment rate in Smithers is 6.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $988. There are 167 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 15.5% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Smithers?

The median home value in Smithers is $400,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,000. The homeownership rate is 70.8%.

How are the schools in Smithers?

15.4% of adults in Smithers hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 31.5% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Smithers?

The average commute in Smithers is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.7% of workers drive alone to work, 1% use public transit, and 15.5% work from home.

What are the demographics of Smithers?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Smithers is 90% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 7.5% Asian. 86.1% of residents speak only English at home.

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