Census 2021: A snapshot of British Columbia’s population and dwelling data

VANCOUVER – Canada’s latest census shows British Columbia had the second-highest population growth among the provinces, with immigration, not fertility, hiking B.C.’s numbers.

The western province’s population grew by 7.6 per cent between 2016 and 2021. Data from the census released Wednesday says resort towns like Squamish are among the fastest-growing communities in the country.

Here’s a look at the data:

2021 population: 5 million

2016 population: 4.6 million

Population percentage change: 7.6 per cent

Total private dwellings: 2.2 million

Private dwellings occupied by usual residents: 2.2 million

Population density per square kilometre: 5.4

Land area in square kilometres: 920,687

Some communities with the most growth:

Langford, 31.8 per cent

Squamish, 22.2 per cent

Lake Country, 22.4 per cent

Some communities with the least growth:

Peace River C 4, -10.8 per cent

Peace River B, -4.4 per cent

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 9, 2022.