Demographics

Ladysmith’s appeal as highly unique and a desirable community for people of all ages has been a major factor in the town’s ongoing growth. The population has increased consistently over the past couple of decades. The latest Census showed a significant increase (10.7%) between 2001 and 2006. Similarly, BC Stats Municipal Population Estimates show an increase of 17.6% between 2001 and 2010, making Ladysmith one of the fastest growing communities in the province.

Continued growth, albeit at a more moderate pace, is expected for the entire Cowichan Valley Regional District throughout the next two decades. Most of this growth remains a result of relocations. Census 2006 estimated that approximately 27.5% (2,075) of the Town’s population relocated to Ladysmith within the five years before the census; the majority (77.5%) moved from within British Columbia.

Age

Ladysmith is an increasingly popular retirement destination. Statistics Canada Census data show that Ladysmith’s median age increased from 37.5 years in 1996, to 41.1 in 2001, to 45.9 in 2006. Similarly, the portion of the Town’s population over 15 years old increased from 78% in 1996, to 80.1% in 2001, to 83% in 2006.

Marital Status

Diversity

Ladysmith boasts a diverse population - according to the latest Census, some 940 of its residents are immigrants, 955 residents are first generation Canadians, and another 1,520 consider themselves to be second generation Canadians.

Income

According to the 2006 Census, the median income of Ladysmith residents (persons 15 years and over with income) in 2005 was $25,498, slightly more than the provincial average of $24,867.

The median household income in Ladysmith in 2005 was $58,623, slightly less than the provincial average of $62,346.

For more detailed information about Ladysmith, see the complete 2011 Community Profile.