Nelson, a scenic city in British Columbia, has a 2024 population of 20,371, representing approximately 0.36% of the province’s total population of 5,698,430. Known for its historic charm and vibrant arts community, Nelson has a steadily growing population with a median age above the provincial average, indicating a mature and stable community.
Nelson City Statistics
- Population, 2021: 11,106
- Population, 2016: 10,572
- Population percentage change, 2016 to 2021: 5.1
- Total private dwellings: 5,314
- Private dwellings occupied by usual residents: 4,948
- Population density per square kilometre: 930.6
- Land area in square kilometres: 11.93
Population by Age and Gender
Demographics by Race
| Demographic | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Asian | 245 | 2.3% |
| Chinese | 115 | 1.1% |
| Black | 80 | 0.8% |
| Filipino | 205 | 1.9% |
| Arab | 10 | 0.1% |
| Latin American | 90 | 0.9% |
| Southeast Asian | 25 | 0.2% |
| West Asian | 0 | 0.0% |
| Korean | 0 | 0.0% |
| Japanese | 0 | 0.0% |
| Visible minority, n.i.e. | 20 | 0.2% |
| Multiple visible minorities | 55 | 0.5% |
| Not a visible minority | 9,720 | 92.0% |
| Total | 10,565 | 100.0% |
Religion of the Population
Income Statistics
FAQ
Nelson’s population in 2024 is 20,371, making up about 0.36% of British Columbia’s total population.
The median age in Nelson is 44.5 years, indicating a slightly older population compared to the provincial average.
In 2024, there are 4,647 residents aged 65 and over, representing 22.8% of the city’s population.
Based on 2021 Census data, Nelson has a population density of 15.6 people per square kilometre.
The largest visible minority groups are Filipino, South Asian, and Japanese, though over 85% of residents identify as not part of a visible minority group.
Source:
- Statistics Canada. Table 17-10-0148-01 Population estimates, July 1, by census metropolitan area and census agglomeration, 2021 boundaries
- Statistics Canada. Table 98-10-0005-01 Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations
- Statistics Canada. Table 98-10-0351-01 Visible minority by gender and age: Canada, provinces and territories

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