Population & Migration · Chart
British Columbia population 2026: 5,710,598
British Columbia's population was 5,710,598 on July 1, 2026, according to Statistics Canada. It grew by 8,054 people (0.14%) over the previous 12 months and holds 13.7% of Canada's population.
- 5,710,598people on July 1, 2026, third of 13 provinces and territories
- 13.7%of Canada's population
- +8,054in the 12 months to July 1, 2026 (+0.14%), 12th of 13 by growth rate
- +9.3%over five years, from 5,226,665 in July 2021
B.C. added 8,054 people, its smallest gain on record
B.C. added 8,054 people, the smallest yearly gain in Statistics Canada's series for B.C., which starts with the year to July 1952. The previous low was 23,608 in 2002. It ranks 3rd in population but 8th in people added. Alberta, with fewer people, added 76,419, and four much smaller provinces also added more: Saskatchewan (12,113), New Brunswick (8,811), Manitoba (8,797), Nova Scotia (8,262). B.C.'s population fell by 10,271 from October 1 to January 1 and by 2,648 from January 1 to April 1.
People added in each 12 months to July 1, 2001 to 2026. Source: Statistics Canada, Table 17-10-0009-01.
Quarter by quarter
| Three months | Population change |
|---|---|
| July 1 to Oct. 1, 2025 | +14,058 |
| Oct. 1, 2025 to Jan. 1, 2026 | −10,271 |
| Jan. 1 to April 1, 2026 | −2,648 |
| April 1 to July 1, 2026 | +6,915 |
Common questions
What is the population of British Columbia in 2026? 5,710,598 on July 1, 2026, according to Statistics Canada's latest estimate, or about 5.71 million.
Is British Columbia's population growing? Yes, but more slowly. It grew 0.14% in the year to July 1, 2026, after adding 43,339 the year before.
How does British Columbia rank? Third of 13 provinces and territories by population, 12th by growth rate and 8th by number of people added.
All provinces and territories on one page: Canada population 2026 by province and territory
Other pages: Canada · Ontario · Quebec · Alberta · Manitoba · Saskatchewan · Nova Scotia · New Brunswick · Newfoundland and Labrador · Prince Edward Island · Yukon · Northwest Territories · Nunavut