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Whistler, BC

British Columbia

Whistler is a small city in British Columbia with a population of 13,982. Residents earn $99,000 per year, which is 32% above the national average.

Data updated June 2026

2.6 /5.0
C+ Fair
13,982 Population 151/sq mi density
$99,000 Median Income $59,350 per capita
$1,200,000 Home Value
$1,780 Median Rent 34.2% income on rent
46°F Avg Temperature 221 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.6 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.7 / 5.0
$99,000 median income, 17.5% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.0 / 5.0
$1,200,000 home value, $1,780/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
B
Education
3.1 / 5.0
25.9% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Whistler, 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 $99,000
32% higher than US avg
Home Value $1,200,000
326% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 25.9%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,780
53% higher than US avg
Unemployment 17.5%
386% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 6.8%
45% lower than US avg

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

People

Population13,982
Median Age35.6 yrs
Density151/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 87%

Economy

B+
Median Income$99,000
Per Capita$59,350
Unemployment17.5%
Poverty6.8%
Commute19 min

Housing

F
Home Value$1,200,000
Rent$1,780
Ownership56.2%
Housing Units5,595
Rent Burden34.2%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
Rain65.5 in/yr
Sunny Days221/yr
Elevation2,198 ft (670 m)

Education

B
Bachelor's+25.9%
High School+28.6%
Graduate+8.9%

Community

Commute19 min

Is Whistler a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Whistler receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Whistler has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Whistler is $99,000, which is significantly higher than the national average / 32% above $75,149. This places Whistler among higher-income communities. At 17.5%, unemployment is notably high. Only 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Whistler is $1,200,000, making it a premium housing market at 326% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,780 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 12.1x, 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

25.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 28.6% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Whistler experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 221 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 65.5 inches, including 267.2 inches of snow.

Whistler has a population of 13,982 with a density of 151 people per square mile, spread across 92.7 square miles. The median age is 35.6 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.3% female and 53.7% male. The city is predominantly White (87.3%), with 1% Hispanic, 10.3% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 79.3% of residents.

Population

13,982
Total Population
2021 Census
151
People / sq mi
35.6yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
92.7mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 53.7%
Female 46.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Whistler vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 79.3%
1% above US avg
Spanish 4.4%
67% below US avg
Other Languages 16.4%

Social Characteristics

Whistler vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Whistler is $99,000, which is 32% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $59,350 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,141, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 17.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 433 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 29.4% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Whistler vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$99,000
32% above US avg
Per Capita Income$59,350
Avg Weekly Wage$1,141

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment17.5%
386% above US avg
Poverty Rate6.8%
45% below US avg
Establishments (County)433

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time18.7 min
Drive Alone63.7%
Public Transit10.6%
Work from Home29.4%

Walkability

The median home value in Whistler is $1,200,000, 326% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,780 (53% above the national average of $1,163). 56.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 5,595 total housing units in the city. 34.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 12.1x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$1,200,000
326% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,780
53% above US avg
Rent Burden34.2%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership56.2%
Owner-Occupied56.2%
Renter-Occupied43.9%
Housing Units5,595

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, Whistler receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Whistler 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 →
Whistler experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 221 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 65.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 267.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 2,198 feet.

Temperature

32°F Jan (0°C) 64°F Jul (18°C)
Annual Average45.6°F
16% below US avg
January Average32°F (0°C)
July Average64°F (18°C)
Sunny Days221 days/yr

Geography

Elevation2,198 ft (670 m)
Area92.7 sq mi (240.0 km²)
Population Density151/sq mi
Coordinates50.1182°N, 122.9540°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 65.5"
72% above US avg
Snowfall 267.2"
Wettest Month (Nov) 7.17"
Driest Month (Jul) 2.20"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

63 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 5, 2025.

Feb 21, 2025 28 km W of Squamish, Canada M4.8 64 km
Jun 24, 1997 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada M4.4 109 km
Feb 19, 1991 31 km E of Squamish, Canada M4.3 50 km
Feb 22, 1996 31 km NNE of South Pender Harbour, Canada M4.1 72 km
Feb 18, 2017 103 km NE of Campbell River, Canada M3.9 126 km
Oct 4, 2024 22 km NNE of Ganges, Canada M3.6 123 km
Feb 15, 2015 30 km NNE of Sechelt, Canada M3.4 63 km
Jun 13, 1997 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada M3.4 109 km
Nov 10, 2001 6 km SSE of Point Roberts, Washington M3.4 132 km
Jul 5, 2015 7 km ENE of Sumas, Washington M3.3 135 km
Aug 12, 2011 38 km NNE of Maple Ridge, Canada M3.3 75 km
Jun 8, 2018 20 km SSW of Point Roberts, Washington M3.2 145 km
Apr 4, 2016 29 km NNE of Sechelt, Canada M3.1 64 km
Aug 3, 2004 13 km NE of Fairwinds, Canada M3.1 113 km
Jan 26, 2024 36 km WNW of Squamish, Canada M3.1 55 km
Jan 21, 1999 19 km SSW of Gibsons, Canada M3.0 109 km
Feb 15, 2011 5 km NNE of Ganges, Canada M3.0 141 km
Mar 19, 1998 15 km WNW of Coombs, Canada M3.0 149 km
Jul 3, 1991 6 km ENE of Maple Ridge, Canada M3.0 103 km
Jul 3, 2002 6 km SSE of Point Roberts, Washington M3.0 132 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

4 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 99 km
1946 BRITISH COLUMBIA Eruption + Earthquake 9.0 m 1 143 km
1905 THOMPSON RIVER Meteorological 6.0 m 15 119 km
2020 ELLIOT CREEK, BC Meteorological 150 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

6 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Garibaldi Lake (21 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Garibaldi Lake Volcanic field 2,316 m (7,598 ft) Unknown 21 km
Cayley Volcanic Field Volcanic field 2,375 m (7,792 ft) Unknown 23 km
Garibaldi Stratovolcano 2,678 m (8,786 ft) -8060 30 km
Meager Complex 2,680 m (8,793 ft) -410 69 km
Bridge River Cones Volcanic field 2,500 m (8,202 ft) Unknown 82 km
Baker Stratovolcano(es) 3,285 m (10,778 ft) 1880 170 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 32°F (0°C) 6.6 in
February 25°F (-4°C) 4.4 in
March 28°F (-2°C) 4.0 in
April 34°F (1°C) 3.2 in
May 41°F (5°C) 3.0 in
June 47°F (8°C) 2.9 in
July 64°F (18°C) 2.2 in Warmest, Driest
August 54°F (12°C) 2.2 in
September 48°F (9°C) 2.3 in
October 39°F (4°C) 5.3 in
November 28°F (-2°C) 7.2 in Wettest
December 22°F (-6°C) 6.2 in Coldest

Whistler has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 22°F in December to 64°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.4 inches, with November being the wettest month (7.2") and July the driest (2.2").

View full weather details →
25.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 23% below the national average of 33.7%. 28.6% have completed high school. 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 63.7% of workers drive alone to work, while 10.6% use public transit.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+25.9%
23% below US avg
High School+28.6%
Graduate Degree+8.9%
B Education Grade (3.1/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density151/sq mi
Total Area92.7 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute18.7 min
Drive Alone63.7%
Public Transit10.6%
Work from Home29.4%

Schools in Whistler

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Whistler Secondary School
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Whistler

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

Museums in Whistler

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Audain Art Museum
Fougberg Archives
Henry Place Archives
Miller (Shantz) House
Old Pemberton Meadows Schoolhouse
Pemberton Museum
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
Whistler Museum & Archives

Libraries in Whistler

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Pemberton & District Public Library0.0
Whistler Public Library0.0

Farmers Markets in Whistler

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Whistler Farmers Market

Hotels in Whistler

14 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Bear Lodge
Coast Blackcomb Suites
Eagle Lodge
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Four Seasons Resort Whistler
Glacier Lodge
Greystone Lodge
Horstman House
Le Chamois
Lost Lake Lodge
The Marquise
Whistler Reception Services
Wildwood Lodge
Woodrun Lodge

Cafes in Whistler

7 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Blenz Coffee
Cranked Espresso Bar
Green Lake Station
Lost Lake Passivhaus
purebread
The Bunker
Thunderbird Cafe

Clinics in Whistler

2 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Town Plaza Medical Clinic
Whistler Health Care Centre

Dentists in Whistler

1 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Whistler Dental

Gas Stations in Whistler

2 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Chevron
Columbia Fuels

Banks in Whistler

1 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

CIBC

Gyms in Whistler

1 gyms within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Meadow Park Sports Centre

Golf Courses in Whistler

2 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club
Nicklaus North Golf Course

Breweries in Whistler

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Coast Mountain Brewing
High Mountain Brewing
Whistler Brewing Company

Ski Resorts Near Whistler

6 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Dakota Ridge Recreation Site 0.0 $0
Whistler Blackcomb 0.0 $0
Blackcomb Tube Park 0.0 $0
Old Blackcomb Halfpipe 0.0 $0
Biathlon Range 0.0 $0
Ski Callaghan 0.0 $0

Airports Near Whistler

2 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Pemberton Regional AirportSmall Airport
Squamish AirportYSESmall Airport

Post Offices in Whistler

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Whistler Main

Churches & Religious Organizations in Whistler

1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Whistler Community Church

Explore Near Whistler

Waterfalls
7
Natural waterfalls documented by USGS and OpenStreetMap contributors
View all →

Download Full City Report

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Whistler

What is the population of Whistler?

Whistler has a population of 13,982 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 151 people per square mile, spread across 92.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.3% female and 53.7% male.

Is Whistler expensive to live in?

The median household income is $99,000, 32% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $1,200,000 (326% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,780 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 12.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Whistler safe?

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

What is the weather like in Whistler?

Whistler has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 221 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 65.5 inches, with 267.2 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Whistler?

The job market in Whistler faces challenges, with unemployment at 17.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,141. There are 433 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 29.4% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Whistler?

The median home value in Whistler is $1,200,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,780. The homeownership rate is 56.2%.

How are the schools in Whistler?

25.9% of adults in Whistler hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 28.6% have completed high school. 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Whistler?

The average commute in Whistler is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 63.7% of workers drive alone to work, 10.6% use public transit, and 29.4% work from home.

What are the demographics of Whistler?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Whistler is 87.3% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino, 10.3% Asian. 79.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.4% speak Spanish.

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