Population Estimates and Projections
Chilliwack has an estimated population of 107,200 as of 2023, including First Nations communities within city boundaries. The last 5 years have seen steady growth, adding approximately 9,800 residents over this period at a rate of 10.1%.
| 2011 | 2016 | 2021 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOTAL | 82,800 | 91,800 | 102,300 | 107,200 |
The geographic distribution of this population is highly concentrated in the urban corridor area from Fairfield Island in the north through to Promontory in the south. The table below illustrates this population distribution by neighbourhood for the Census years of 2011, 2016, and 2021 (the population below may not add up to the totals above due to methodology differences).
| CENTRAL | 2011 | 2016 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfield Island | 3,900 | 4,070 | 4,220 |
| Little Mountain | 990 | 1,040 | 1,170 |
|
Downtown (inc. Kwaw-Kwaw-A-Pilt) |
27,650 | 29,630 | 31,410 |
|
Sardis (inc. Skowkale, Yakweakwioose) |
9,040 | 9,380 | 10,010 |
|
Vedder (inc. Tzeachten) |
16,280 | 19,280 | 22,620 |
| Promontory | 8,500 | 10,390 | 11,820 |
| WEST | 2011 | 2016 | 2021 |
|
Chilliwack Mountain (inc. Aitchelitz, Squiala, Skway, Skwah, Skwali) |
2,000 | 2,150 | 2,510 |
| Greendale | 2,910 | 3,170 | 3,110 |
| Yarrow | 3,320 | 3,180 | 3,380 |
| EAST | 2011 | 2016 | 2021 |
|
Rosedale (inc. Schelowat) |
5,740 | 5,800 | 5,700 |
| Eastern Hillsides | 1,310 | 1,410 | 3,450 |
| Ryder Lake** | 1,080 | 1,910 | 1,290 |
*population estimates include an undercount and are generally greater than the population shown in the Census.
**Ryder Lake likely did not grow between 2011 and 2016, and then shrink between 2016 and 2021; this population change may be due to Eastern Hillsides growth being allocated in a different Statistics Canada dissemination area in 2016 vs 2021.
Chilliwack’s population is projected to continue growing, with a population of 132,000 being reached between 2035 (at 2.0% per year) and 2040 (at 1.5% per year). More detailed projection and population analysis is provided by BC Stats, which can be found here.