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Southern Gulf Islands, BC

British Columbia · Victoria Metro

Southern Gulf Islands is a small city in British Columbia with a population of 6,101. Residents earn $64,500 per year, which is 14% below the national average.

2.4 /5.0
C Fair
6,101 Population 83/sq mi density
$64,500 Median Income $48,000 per capita
$600,000 Home Value
$880 Median Rent 17.2% income on rent
49°F Avg Temperature 265 sunny days/yr
C
Overall
2.4 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.1 / 5.0
$64,500 median income, 6.6% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.4 / 5.0
$600,000 home value, $880/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
C+
Education
2.5 / 5.0
19.0% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Southern Gulf Islands, 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 $64,500
14% lower than US avg
Home Value $600,000
113% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 19.0%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent $880
24% lower than US avg
Unemployment 6.6%
83% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 15.9%
28% higher than US avg

How Southern Gulf Islands Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population6,101
Median Age61.6 yrs
Density83/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 96%

Economy

B
Median Income$64,500
Per Capita$48,000
Unemployment6.6%
Poverty15.9%
Commute21 min

Housing

F
Home Value$600,000
Rent$880
Ownership85.4%
Housing Units3,180
Rent Burden17.2%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
Rain39.2 in/yr
Sunny Days265/yr
Elevation102 ft (31 m)

Education

C+
Bachelor's+19.0%
High School+24.5%
Graduate+15.4%

Community

Commute21 min

Is Southern Gulf Islands a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Southern Gulf Islands receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Southern Gulf Islands has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Southern Gulf Islands is $64,500, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 15.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Southern Gulf Islands is $600,000, making it a premium housing market at 113% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $880 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. With a home price-to-income ratio of 9.3x, 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

19.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 24.5% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Southern Gulf Islands experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. With 265 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches.

Southern Gulf Islands has a population of 6,101 with a density of 83 people per square mile, spread across 73.8 square miles. The median age is 61.6 years, 58% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.2% female and 49.8% male. The city is predominantly White (96.3%), with 2.8% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.3% of residents.

Population

6,101
Total Population
83
People / sq mi
61.6yrs
Median Age
58% above US avg
73.8mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.8%
Female 50.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Southern Gulf Islands vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 90.3%
15% above US avg
Spanish 1.8%
87% below US avg
Other Languages 8.0%

Social Characteristics

Southern Gulf Islands vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Southern Gulf Islands is $64,500, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $48,000 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $923, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 15.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 189 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 51.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Southern Gulf Islands vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$64,500
14% below US avg
Per Capita Income$48,000
Avg Weekly Wage$923

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment6.6%
83% above US avg
Poverty Rate15.9%
28% above US avg
Establishments (County)189

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time20.9 min
Drive Alone73.7%
Public Transit4.2%
Work from Home51.3%

Walkability

The median home value in Southern Gulf Islands is $600,000, 113% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $880 (24% below the national average of $1,163). 85.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,180 total housing units in the city. 17.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.3x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$600,000
113% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$880
24% below US avg
Rent Burden17.2%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership85.4%
Owner-Occupied85.4%
Renter-Occupied14.5%
Housing Units3,180

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, Southern Gulf Islands receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Southern Gulf Islands 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 →
Southern Gulf Islands experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. The area gets 265 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. The city sits at an elevation of 102 feet.

Temperature

39°F Jan (4°C) 61°F Jul (16°C)
Annual Average49.1°F
9% below US avg
January Average39°F (4°C)
July Average61°F (16°C)
Sunny Days265 days/yr

Geography

Elevation102 ft (31 m)
Area73.8 sq mi (191.1 km²)
Population Density83/sq mi
Coordinates48.7263°N, 123.3737°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 39.2"
3% above US avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Nov) 6.54"
Driest Month (Jul) 0.87"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

493 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 90 km
Jun 23, 1997 2 km NE of Enetai, Washington M4.9 139 km
Feb 21, 2025 28 km W of Squamish, Canada M4.8 108 km
Apr 25, 2003 26 km W of Brinnon, Washington M4.8 118 km
Jan 30, 2009 6 km ESE of Lofall, Washington M4.7 120 km
Jul 12, 2019 2 km S of Roosevelt, Washington M4.6 138 km
Jan 24, 2020 46 km WNW of Neah Bay, Washington M4.5 135 km
Mar 3, 2025 2025 Orcas Island, Washington M4.5 44 km
Jun 24, 1997 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada M4.4 60 km
Feb 19, 1991 31 km E of Squamish, Canada M4.3 118 km
Apr 2, 1990 2 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.3 88 km
Sep 21, 2002 9 km SW of Friday Harbor, Washington M4.1 32 km
Feb 22, 1996 31 km NNE of South Pender Harbour, Canada M4.1 136 km
Feb 23, 2017 11 km NE of Hoodsport, Washington M4.1 141 km
Jun 15, 1994 1 km WNW of Hoodsport, Washington M4.0 147 km
Apr 14, 1990 2 km ESE of Deming, Washington M4.0 88 km
Apr 3, 1990 3 km ENE of Deming, Washington M4.0 89 km
Sep 26, 2024 12 km E of Saanichton, Canada M4.0 19 km
Dec 27, 2012 12 km E of North Saanich, Canada M4.0 12 km
Jul 1, 2009 4 km SE of Coupeville, Washington M4.0 80 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 129 km
1891 WASHINGTON Eruption + Earthquake 2.4 m 81 km
1820 CAMANO ISLAND, WA Meteorological 105 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

5 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Baker (115 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Baker Stratovolcano(es) 3,285 m (10,778 ft) 1880 115 km
Garibaldi Stratovolcano 2,678 m (8,786 ft) -8060 128 km
Garibaldi Lake Volcanic field 2,316 m (7,598 ft) Unknown 137 km
Cayley Volcanic Field Volcanic field 2,375 m (7,792 ft) Unknown 155 km
Glacier Peak Stratovolcano 3,213 m (10,541 ft) 1700 180 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 39°F (4°C) 6.3 in Coldest
February 41°F (5°C) 4.1 in
March 43°F (6°C) 3.5 in
April 47°F (8°C) 2.4 in
May 52°F (11°C) 1.8 in
June 57°F (14°C) 1.4 in
July 61°F (16°C) 0.9 in Driest
August 62°F (16°C) 1.1 in Warmest
September 57°F (14°C) 1.3 in
October 50°F (10°C) 3.7 in
November 43°F (6°C) 6.5 in Wettest
December 39°F (4°C) 6.2 in

Southern Gulf Islands has a seasonal temperature swing of 23°F / from 39°F in January to 62°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 39.2 inches, with November being the wettest month (6.5") and July the driest (0.9").

View full weather details →
19.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 44% below the national average of 33.7%. 24.5% have completed high school. 15.4% hold a graduate or professional degree. 73.7% of workers drive alone to work, while 4.2% use public transit.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+19.0%
44% below US avg
High School+24.5%
Graduate Degree+15.4%
C+ Education Grade (2.5/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density83/sq mi
Total Area73.8 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute20.9 min
Drive Alone73.7%
Public Transit4.2%
Work from Home51.3%

Schools in Southern Gulf Islands

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Pender Island School
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Southern Gulf Islands

6 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CBC Radio One - Victoria, BC (MP3 stream) features, news MP3 128 kbps
CJVB-AM 1470 "Fairchild Radio" Vancouver, BC multicultural, multilingual AAC 50 kbps
CHKG-FM 96.1 "Fairchild Radio" Vancouver, BC multicultural, multilingual AAC 50 kbps
CJSU-FM 89.7 "Sun FM" Duncan, BC adult hits AAC+ 57 kbps
SHER E PUNJAB AM 600 abbotsford, punjab AAC 96 kbps
KARI-AM 550 (US) AAC+ 32 kbps

Museums in Southern Gulf Islands

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
British Columbia Aviation Museum
Central Saanich Fire Museum
Centre of the Universe
Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre
Hand of Man Museum
Henderson Hangar
Heritage Acres
Main Hangar
Mayne Island Museum
Pender Islands Museum
Restoration Hangar
Shawnigan Lake Museum
Sidney Museum and Archives

Libraries in Southern Gulf Islands

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Galiano Island Community Library0.0
Greater Victoria Public Library - Bruce Hutchison Branch0.0
GVPL: Central Saanich Branch0.0
Mayne Island Community 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 Southern Gulf Islands

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Mayne Island Farmers Market
North Saanich Farm Market
Pender Island Farmers’ Market
Peninsula Country Market
Salt Spring Saturday Market
Salt Spring Tuesday Farmers’ Market

Hotels in Southern Gulf Islands

2 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Lightwater Cove
Poets Cove Resort & Spa

Cafes in Southern Gulf Islands

3 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Kismet
Slow Coast Coffee
Vanilla Leaf Bakery Cafe

Monuments in Southern Gulf Islands

1 monuments within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Grover Sargent Memorial Cairn

Clinics in Southern Gulf Islands

1 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Pender Islands Health Centre

Gas Stations in Southern Gulf Islands

3 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

CA #13090465001
CA #1368066598
Driftwood Auto Centre

Gyms in Southern Gulf Islands

1 gyms within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

CA #1424214523

Golf Courses in Southern Gulf Islands

1 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Pender Island Golf & Country Club

Breweries in Southern Gulf Islands

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Category 12
Mayne Brewing
Salt Spring Island Ales
Twin Island Cider

Ski Resorts Near Southern Gulf Islands

3 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Mt Seymour 0.0 $0
Grouse Mountain 0.0 $0
Cypress Mountain 0.0 $0

Cell Towers in Southern Gulf Islands

AddressStructure TypeHeight (ft)
236 AFTERGLOW DRIVE (102271)MTOWER28
236 AFTERGLOW DRIVE (102271)MTOWER28

Airports Near Southern Gulf Islands

50 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Vancouver International AirportYVRLarge Airport
Victoria International AirportYYJLarge Airport
Boundary Bay AirportYDTMedium Airport
Friday Harbor AirportFRDMedium Airport
Langley AirportYLYMedium Airport
Nanaimo AirportYCDMedium Airport
Orcas Island AirportESDMedium Airport
Pitt Meadows Regional AirportMedium Airport
Whidbey Island Naval Air Station (Ault Field)NUWMedium Airport
William R Fairchild International AirportCLMMedium Airport
AJ Eisenberg AirportODWSmall Airport
Allan Island AirportSmall Airport
Anacortes AirportOTSSmall Airport
Big Andy AirportSmall Airport
Blakely Island AirportBYWSmall Airport
Blue Heron FieldSmall Airport
Blue Ribbon AirportSmall Airport
Burden Field-(Rabbit Run) AirportSmall Airport
Center Island AirportCWSSmall Airport
Clam Harbor AirportSmall Airport
Coupeville AirparkSmall Airport
Coupeville Nolf AirportSmall Airport
Crane Island AirstripCKRSmall Airport
Crow Valley AirportSmall Airport
Cypress Island AirportSmall Airport
Decatur /Jones/ AirportSmall Airport
Decatur Shores AirportDTRSmall Airport
Delta Heritage Air ParkSmall Airport
Diamond Point AirstripSmall Airport
Duncan AirportDUQSmall Airport
Friday West AirportSmall Airport
Grand View International AirportSmall Airport
Intergalactic AerodromeSmall Airport
Jefferson County International AirportTWDSmall Airport
King AirportSmall Airport
Lawson AirparkSmall Airport
Long Harbour AirportSmall Airport
Lopez Island AirportLPSSmall Airport
Michell AirparkSmall Airport
Olympic FieldSmall Airport
Point Roberts AirparkSmall Airport
Port Angeles Cgas AirportSmall Airport
Quamichan Lake (Raven Field) AirportSmall Airport
Rake's Glen AirportSmall Airport
Roche Harbor AirportRCESmall Airport
Rucilla's Roost AirportSmall Airport
Sechelt-Gibsons AirportYHSSmall Airport
Sequim Valley AirportSQVSmall Airport
Shaw Island AIrportSmall Airport
Sinclair Island AirportSmall Airport

Post Offices in Southern Gulf Islands

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Pender Island

Churches & Religious Organizations in Southern Gulf Islands

3 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Chapel of Saint Teresa Roman Catholic Church
Shin Mei Spiritual Centre
St. Peter's Anglican Church

Explore Near Southern Gulf Islands

UFO Sightings
1
Reported UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center database
View all →
Waterfalls
1
Natural waterfalls documented by USGS and OpenStreetMap contributors
View all →

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Southern Gulf Islands.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Gulf Islands

What is the population of Southern Gulf Islands?

Southern Gulf Islands has a population of 6,101 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 83 people per square mile, spread across 73.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.2% female and 49.8% male.

Is Southern Gulf Islands expensive to live in?

The median household income is $64,500, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $600,000 (113% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $880 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.3x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Southern Gulf Islands safe?

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

What is the weather like in Southern Gulf Islands?

Southern Gulf Islands has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 61°F in July. The area receives 265 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.2 inches.

How is the job market in Southern Gulf Islands?

The unemployment rate in Southern Gulf Islands is 6.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $923. There are 189 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 51.3% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Southern Gulf Islands?

The median home value in Southern Gulf Islands is $600,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $880. The homeownership rate is 85.4%.

How are the schools in Southern Gulf Islands?

19.0% of adults in Southern Gulf Islands hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 24.5% have completed high school. 15.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Southern Gulf Islands?

The average commute in Southern Gulf Islands is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.7% of workers drive alone to work, 4.2% use public transit, and 51.3% work from home.

What are the demographics of Southern Gulf Islands?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Southern Gulf Islands is 96.3% White, 2.8% Asian. 90.3% of residents speak only English at home.

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