#1Oak Bay
18,626 peopleScore 75.6·#45 of 2,556 Canadian towns
Strongest: health A+, safety A+·lowest: cost of living D−
Oak Bay, #1 on this list · Photo: rpaterso (CC BY-SA 2.0)British Columbia · 2026
Best places to live in British Columbia
North Vancouver is second on the list, graded A. A− or better goes to 17 towns on the list. From first to last on the list, scores fall from 75.6 to 22.8. Of 250 ranked towns in British Columbia, Oak Bay heads the list, #45 of 2,556 nationally.
The overall score, sorted within the province; the letter compares each town with every town in Canada of 2,500+, and its national rank sits beside it. How grades work
#1A+
#2North Vancouver
97,845 peopleScore 72.4·#98 of 2,556 Canadian towns
Strongest: health A+, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D−
#3Bowen Island
4,501 peopleScore 72.3·#103 of 2,556 Canadian towns
Strongest: schools A+, safety A+·lowest: cost of living D−
All 250 towns, ranked
By overall score against Canadian towns; ranks are within the province, and each national rank links to the national list.
250 towns
#TownScoreGrade · national rankWhat drives it
1Oak Bay18,626 people75.6top 2.3%A+#45 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A+, safety A+·lowest: cost of living D−
2North Vancouver97,845 people72.4top 5.2%A#98 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A+, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D−
3Bowen Island4,501 people72.3top 5.5%A#103 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A+, safety A+·lowest: cost of living D−
4Central Saanich18,184 people70.7top 8.4%A#151 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
5Comox15,884 people67.7top 12.6%A#228 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D−
6Saltspring Island12,429 people67.6top 12.7%A#230 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D
7Saanich126,011 people66.8top 14.0%A#253 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A+, walkability A+·lowest: cost of living D−
8North Saanich12,986 people64.6top 17.5%A−#349 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D
9Southern Gulf Islands6,691 people64.3top 17.7%A−#360 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: safety A, health A·lowest: cost of living D
10Rossland4,355 people64.1top 18.2%A−#370 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living C−
11Fernie7,086 people63.9top 18.7%A−#381 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, jobs & income A·lowest: hazard risk C
12Squamish28,578 people63.8top 19.1%A−#395 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A+, schools A+·lowest: cost of living D−
13Anmore2,508 people63.5top 19.5%A−#403 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, safety A·lowest: cost of living C−
14Coldstream11,380 people63.2top 20.0%A−#424 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A, schools A·lowest: hazard risk D−
15Golden4,433 people62.1top 22.1%A−#483 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, jobs & income A·lowest: hazard risk C−
16Port Moody38,285 people61.9top 22.4%A−#491 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
17Electoral Area F, Central Kootenay4,209 people61.6top 23.2%A−#509 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A+, safety A·lowest: cost of living D
18Kimberley9,037 people60.0top 26.5%B+#609 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A, walkability A−·lowest: cost of living C−
19Esquimalt19,512 people59.9top 26.8%B+#614 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
20Whistler15,090 people59.9top 27.1%B+#619 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
21West Vancouver47,929 people59.2top 28.9%B+#667 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A+, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D−
22Elkford3,030 people58.8top 30.2%B+#698 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: cost of living A−, safety B+·lowest: schools C
23Electoral Area E, Central Kootenay4,309 people58.7top 30.5%B+#702 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A+, safety A·lowest: cost of living D
24Sparwood4,486 people58.7top 30.6%B+#704 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A, cost of living A−·lowest: hazard risk C
25North Vancouver66,624 people57.9top 32.5%B+#760 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A+, walkability A+·lowest: cost of living D−
26Sidney13,445 people57.8top 32.7%B+#764 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
27Fairview33,969 people57.3top 33.6%B+#804 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
28View Royal12,795 people57.3top 33.7%B+#806 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A+, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D−
29Heights22,141 people57.2top 33.9%B+#813 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, schools A+·lowest: cost of living D−
30Kitsilano27,320 people56.8top 34.4%B+#835 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
31Brentwood22,170 people56.7top 34.4%B+#844 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
32Greektown16,618 people56.6top 34.5%B+#847 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
33Pitt Meadows20,892 people56.0top 35.8%B#886 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D−
34Electoral Area C, North Okanagan5,029 people55.9top 36.3%B#897 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A, schools A−·lowest: cost of living C−
35Port Coquitlam67,724 people55.6top 37.2%B#925 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
36Nelson12,126 people55.5top 37.5%B#933 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, schools A·lowest: cost of living D−
37Roberts Creek3,779 people55.4top 37.6%B#936 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A+, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D−
38Electoral Area D (Rural Grand Forks), Kootenay Boundary3,570 people55.2top 38.4%B#953 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A−, health A−·lowest: cost of living C−
39Broadview8,008 people55.1top 38.6%B#961 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
40Fort Nelson4,144 people55.0top 38.9%B#973 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: cost of living A+, jobs & income A·lowest: safety D
41West Point Grey13,429 people54.9top 39.3%B#981 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, schools A+·lowest: cost of living D−
42Grand Forks4,308 people54.8top 39.8%B#994 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D
43Colwood22,794 people54.8top 39.8%B#997 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A+, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D−
44Holdom7,976 people54.8top 39.9%B#998 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, schools A·lowest: cost of living D−
45Revelstoke9,464 people54.7top 39.9%B#1,002 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A+, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D
46Pemberton3,620 people54.7top 40.1%B#1,005 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D−
47Invermere4,305 people54.7top 40.3%B#1,007 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A+, walkability A+·lowest: cost of living D
48Dunbar-Southlands21,117 people54.6top 40.5%B#1,016 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D
49Deer Lake8,417 people54.5top 40.7%B#1,025 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
50Summerland12,343 people54.4top 40.7%B#1,027 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A−, walkability A−·lowest: hazard risk D−
51Electoral Area B (Lazo North), Comox Valley7,830 people54.3top 41.0%B#1,037 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A−, jobs & income B+·lowest: cost of living D
52Delta124,670 people54.2top 41.0%B#1,041 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
53Metchosin5,207 people53.9top 41.6%B#1,060 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, safety A−·lowest: cost of living D−
54Riley Park23,682 people53.7top 41.9%B#1,068 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
55Cobble Hill5,074 people53.7top 42.0%B#1,070 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A+, jobs & income B+·lowest: cost of living D−
56Lake City3,240 people53.6top 42.4%B#1,080 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D
57Electoral Area B, Central Kootenay5,243 people53.6top 42.4%B#1,082 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: safety A, schools B+·lowest: cost of living C−
58Mount Pleasant37,091 people53.5top 42.8%B#1,090 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
59Sunnyside16,784 people53.5top 42.8%B#1,092 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
60Lochdale7,463 people53.4top 42.9%B#1,096 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, schools A+·lowest: cost of living D−
61Qualicum Beach9,640 people53.4top 42.9%B#1,097 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A, walkability A−·lowest: cost of living D−
62Electoral Area G, Nanaimo8,412 people53.3top 43.3%B#1,103 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A−, safety A−·lowest: cost of living D
63Shaughnessy8,034 people53.3top 43.5%B#1,107 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D
64Shawnigan9,903 people53.0top 44.4%B#1,135 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A+, safety B+·lowest: cost of living D
65South Slope8,989 people53.0top 44.4%B#1,138 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
66Montecito10,734 people52.9top 44.4%B#1,143 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
67Kerrisdale14,105 people52.9top 44.4%B#1,146 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, schools A+·lowest: cost of living D−
68Garden Village6,492 people52.7top 44.8%B#1,163 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
69South Cambie9,846 people52.5top 45.0%B#1,168 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
70White Rock25,057 people52.5top 45.1%B−#1,170 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
71Clayton Heights8,961 people52.3top 45.4%B−#1,176 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D−
72Buckingham Heights8,794 people52.3top 45.4%B−#1,182 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
73Bainbridge3,015 people52.2top 45.6%B−#1,192 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
74East Burnaby17,233 people52.1top 45.7%B−#1,194 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
75Yaletown40,297 people52.0top 45.8%B−#1,202 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
76Lantzville4,276 people52.0top 45.9%B−#1,207 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A, schools A−·lowest: cost of living D−
77Little Saigon11,086 people51.9top 46.3%B−#1,216 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
78Electoral Area A, Cowichan Valley5,156 people51.8top 46.3%B−#1,218 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A, safety B+·lowest: cost of living D
79Electoral Area H, Central Kootenay5,390 people51.7top 46.7%B−#1,226 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: safety A, schools A·lowest: jobs & income D−
80Royal Oak18,364 people51.6top 46.8%B−#1,234 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
81Aloha Estates13,194 people51.6top 46.8%B−#1,235 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D
82Coquitlam173,599 people51.6top 47.1%B−#1,240 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
83Electoral Area A, Bulkley-Nechako5,829 people51.3top 47.8%B−#1,260 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A+, hazard risk A·lowest: health D
84South Surrey6,431 people51.2top 48.0%B−#1,270 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
85Hastings-Sunrise36,072 people50.8top 48.8%B−#1,303 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
86Cumberland4,974 people50.8top 48.8%B−#1,304 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A, walkability A−·lowest: cost of living D
87Sechelt11,558 people50.7top 49.3%B−#1,315 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A+, jobs & income A−·lowest: cost of living D−
88Langford59,664 people50.7top 49.4%B−#1,318 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A+, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D−
89Electoral Area F, East Kootenay3,893 people50.4top 49.7%B−#1,338 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A, walkability B·lowest: hazard risk C−
90Gibsons5,090 people50.3top 49.9%B−#1,345 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
91Crescent Heights9,033 people50.2bottom 49.3%B−#1,361 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D
92Collingwood18,399 people50.2bottom 49.3%B−#1,362 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
93Grandview-Woodland28,119 people50.0bottom 49.0%B−#1,376 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
94Electoral Area A, Columbia-Shuswap3,672 people49.9bottom 48.7%B−#1,385 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A−, jobs & income B+·lowest: cost of living C−
95Electoral Area B, North Okanagan3,415 people49.8bottom 48.5%B−#1,392 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A−, jobs & income A−·lowest: hazard risk D−
96Electoral Area E, Sunshine Coast4,279 people49.8bottom 48.5%B−#1,393 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A+, jobs & income A−·lowest: cost of living D−
97Electoral Area A, Comox Valley8,415 people49.8bottom 48.3%B−#1,398 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: safety B+, health B+·lowest: cost of living D−
98Arbutus Ridge15,083 people49.7bottom 48.2%B−#1,401 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
99Ocean Park10,845 people49.6bottom 48.0%B−#1,407 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
100Semiahmoo Town Centre13,381 people49.6bottom 47.9%B−#1,409 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
101Smithers5,627 people49.5bottom 47.6%B−#1,419 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A+, walkability A+·lowest: safety D
102Coal Harbour10,407 people49.4bottom 47.5%B−#1,426 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
103Renfrew-Collingwood23,392 people49.4bottom 47.4%B−#1,434 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A+, walkability A+·lowest: cost of living D−
104Metrotown36,594 people49.3bottom 47.3%B−#1,437 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
105Douglas4,555 people49.2bottom 47.1%B−#1,445 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D−
106Electoral Area E, Alberni-Clayoquot3,069 people49.1bottom 46.9%B−#1,458 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income B+, safety B+·lowest: cost of living C−
107West End30,785 people48.7bottom 45.5%B−#1,492 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
108Granville Entertainment District19,125 people48.4bottom 45.0%B−#1,505 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
109Victoria103,888 people48.3bottom 45.0%B−#1,507 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
110Langley163,885 people48.2bottom 44.3%C+#1,519 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, walkability A−·lowest: cost of living D−
111Kensington-Cedar Cottage39,668 people48.1bottom 44.0%C+#1,524 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
112New Westminster92,124 people48.0bottom 43.8%C+#1,530 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
113Davie Village16,833 people48.0bottom 43.7%C+#1,532 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
114Electoral Area C, East Kootenay7,006 people47.9bottom 43.3%C+#1,540 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A−, health B·lowest: walkability D
115Spallumcheen5,843 people47.8bottom 43.3%C+#1,541 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income B+, safety B+·lowest: cost of living D
116Oakridge14,071 people47.8bottom 43.1%C+#1,545 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
117Courtenay32,869 people47.8bottom 43.0%C+#1,546 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, schools A−·lowest: cost of living D−
118Electoral Area I, Central Kootenay2,758 people47.6bottom 42.6%C+#1,558 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: safety A−, health B·lowest: walkability D
119Welcome Beach3,130 people47.5bottom 42.5%C+#1,567 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A+, schools B+·lowest: cost of living D−
120Electoral Area F, Nanaimo8,810 people47.5bottom 42.4%C+#1,569 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A−, safety A−·lowest: cost of living D
121Fraser Heights17,688 people47.4bottom 42.1%C+#1,577 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, walkability A−·lowest: cost of living D−
122Armstrong5,643 people47.2bottom 41.6%C+#1,594 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A−, walkability B+·lowest: cost of living D
123Anniedale6,715 people47.2bottom 41.3%C+#1,599 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, schools A−·lowest: cost of living D−
124Lougheed15,442 people46.8bottom 40.1%C+#1,632 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
125Electoral Area J, Central Kootenay3,915 people46.7bottom 39.7%C+#1,646 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: safety A−, health B·lowest: cost of living C−
126Vanderhoof4,545 people46.6bottom 39.4%C+#1,651 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A, cost of living B+·lowest: safety D
127Edmonds34,805 people46.5bottom 39.0%C+#1,659 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
128Sunset37,186 people46.2bottom 38.8%C+#1,670 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
129Fort St. John24,383 people46.2bottom 38.6%C+#1,673 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A+, walkability A−·lowest: safety D
130Electoral Area F, Sunshine Coast2,691 people46.2bottom 38.5%C+#1,675 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A+, walkability B+·lowest: cost of living D−
131Electoral Area D, North Okanagan3,184 people46.1bottom 38.1%C+#1,686 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools B+, safety B+·lowest: walkability C−
132Oliver5,262 people46.0bottom 37.6%C+#1,693 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, schools A−·lowest: hazard risk D−
133Electoral Area E, Peace River2,737 people45.5bottom 36.9%C+#1,721 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: cost of living A−, jobs & income B+·lowest: safety D
134Juan de Fuca (Part 1)5,439 people45.5bottom 36.8%C+#1,724 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A−, schools B+·lowest: cost of living D−
135Killarney32,167 people45.4bottom 36.3%C+#1,734 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
136Burnaby Mountain9,248 people45.2bottom 35.7%C+#1,747 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
137Lake Country17,637 people45.1bottom 35.4%C+#1,755 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A−, schools B+·lowest: hazard risk D−
138Electoral Area C, Fraser-Fort George3,811 people45.1bottom 35.2%C+#1,758 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income B+, hazard risk B·lowest: walkability D−
139Fairwinds7,125 people44.9bottom 34.7%C#1,767 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: safety A−, schools B·lowest: cost of living D−
140Electoral Area C (Part 1), Kitimat-Stikine3,189 people44.9bottom 34.6%C#1,770 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A, hazard risk A−·lowest: health D−
141Parksville15,371 people44.6bottom 33.5%C#1,795 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, schools A·lowest: cost of living D−
142Okanagan Falls4,002 people44.5bottom 33.4%C#1,800 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A−, jobs & income B·lowest: hazard risk D−
143Electoral Area E, Kitimat-Stikine4,153 people44.5bottom 33.0%C#1,805 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: hazard risk A−, jobs & income A−·lowest: health D
144Kent7,093 people44.4bottom 32.8%C#1,815 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A−, schools A−·lowest: cost of living D
145Surrey Centre16,482 people44.3bottom 32.6%C#1,825 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, walkability B+·lowest: cost of living D
146Marpole28,182 people44.2bottom 32.4%C#1,828 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
147Electoral Area H, Nanaimo4,815 people44.2bottom 32.2%C#1,833 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A, safety B+·lowest: jobs & income D
148Maple Ridge105,925 people44.1bottom 32.1%C#1,836 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, walkability A−·lowest: cost of living D−
149Morgan Creek8,084 people44.1bottom 32.0%C#1,839 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, hazard risk B·lowest: cost of living D
150Victoria-Fraserview31,095 people44.1bottom 32.0%C#1,840 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
151Provinceton11,625 people44.0bottom 32.0%C#1,843 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, walkability B+·lowest: cost of living D
152Norquay Village11,287 people44.0bottom 32.0%C#1,845 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
153Peachland6,302 people43.6bottom 31.4%C#1,867 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: safety A−, walkability B·lowest: cost of living D−
154Cranbrook22,703 people43.6bottom 31.1%C#1,872 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A−, walkability A−·lowest: safety D
155Sullivan42,135 people43.5bottom 31.1%C#1,876 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
156Richmond239,584 people43.5bottom 31.1%C#1,877 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
157Electoral Area C (Puntledge - Black Creek), Comox Valley9,803 people43.4bottom 30.5%C#1,886 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: safety B+, health B+·lowest: cost of living D
158Strathcona13,783 people43.2bottom 30.3%C#1,896 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A+·lowest: cost of living D−
159Electoral Area C, Peace River6,344 people42.9bottom 29.4%C#1,917 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A, hazard risk B+·lowest: walkability D
160Penticton39,068 people42.9bottom 29.3%C#1,919 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, schools A−·lowest: cost of living D−
161Houston3,114 people42.8bottom 29.1%C#1,922 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: hazard risk A, cost of living A−·lowest: health D−
162Cultus Lake2,773 people42.7bottom 28.9%C#1,927 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A+, health B−·lowest: cost of living D−
163Dawson Creek13,635 people42.7bottom 28.7%C#1,932 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A−, jobs & income A−·lowest: safety D
164Colebrook3,617 people42.4bottom 28.2%C#1,944 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, jobs & income A−·lowest: cost of living D
165Powell River14,947 people42.3bottom 27.9%C#1,951 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A+, walkability A−·lowest: cost of living D
166Port Mann5,988 people42.2bottom 27.9%C#1,952 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, walkability A−·lowest: cost of living D−
167Vernon49,527 people42.0bottom 27.4%C#1,966 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A−, schools A−·lowest: hazard risk D−
168Rosewood Park9,004 people42.0bottom 27.2%C#1,973 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, jobs & income A−·lowest: cost of living D−
169Creston5,976 people41.9bottom 26.4%C#1,985 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health B+·lowest: cost of living D
170Prince Rupert12,903 people41.7bottom 25.8%C#2,001 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A+, walkability A·lowest: safety D
171Electoral Area B, Peace River5,814 people41.7bottom 25.7%C#2,003 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: hazard risk B+, schools B·lowest: health D
172Mackenzie3,442 people41.5bottom 25.5%C#2,009 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A, walkability A−·lowest: schools D
173Electoral Area D, Peace River5,100 people41.4bottom 25.3%C#2,016 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income B+, hazard risk B+·lowest: walkability D
174Kamloops108,793 people41.3bottom 25.0%C#2,020 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, hazard risk A−·lowest: cost of living D
175Highlands2,753 people41.2bottom 24.4%C−#2,035 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D
176Grandview16,947 people41.1bottom 24.1%C−#2,041 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, walkability B+·lowest: cost of living D−
177Trail8,539 people41.1bottom 24.1%C−#2,042 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, walkability A−·lowest: safety C−
178Bridgeview3,511 people40.9bottom 24.0%C−#2,050 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, walkability A−·lowest: cost of living D−
179Anderson Walk4,210 people40.8bottom 23.7%C−#2,056 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, walkability B·lowest: cost of living D−
180Enderby3,292 people40.7bottom 23.3%C−#2,066 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, health B·lowest: cost of living D
181Terrace13,648 people40.5bottom 22.8%C−#2,078 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A+, walkability A−·lowest: safety D
182Cloverdale13,615 people40.5bottom 22.8%C−#2,079 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, walkability A−·lowest: cost of living D−
183Salmon Arm20,891 people40.5bottom 22.5%C−#2,083 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: hazard risk A, jobs & income A−·lowest: cost of living D
184West Kelowna40,274 people40.3bottom 22.1%C−#2,092 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A, health B·lowest: hazard risk D−
185Tumbler Ridge2,663 people40.2bottom 21.8%C−#2,102 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: cost of living A, walkability A·lowest: schools D−
186Port Hardy4,201 people40.2bottom 21.7%C−#2,103 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A−, health A−·lowest: safety D
187Electoral Area D, Cariboo3,057 people40.1bottom 21.5%C−#2,109 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A, safety B+·lowest: hazard risk D−
188Fleetwood63,957 people40.0bottom 21.1%C−#2,120 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
189Langley35,444 people39.9bottom 21.1%C−#2,127 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
190Castlegar9,465 people39.8bottom 21.0%C−#2,131 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A−, health B·lowest: safety C−
191Kitimat10,019 people39.6bottom 20.8%C−#2,139 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A, walkability B+·lowest: health C−
192Sunrise Estates4,292 people39.4bottom 20.5%C−#2,159 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, walkability B·lowest: cost of living D−
193Panorama Ridge36,473 people39.4bottom 20.5%C−#2,160 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
194Abbotsford175,358 people39.3bottom 20.4%C−#2,162 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A−, jobs & income B·lowest: cost of living D
195Electoral Area E, Cariboo4,242 people39.2bottom 20.0%C−#2,178 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A−, safety B+·lowest: hazard risk D−
196Kelowna167,654 people39.1bottom 19.9%C−#2,183 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, jobs & income A·lowest: cost of living D−
197Electoral Area A, Sunshine Coast3,256 people39.1bottom 19.8%C−#2,184 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A, walkability B·lowest: cost of living D−
198Chilliwack105,520 people38.9bottom 19.3%C−#2,198 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability B+, schools B·lowest: cost of living D
199Johnston Heights30,971 people38.6bottom 18.6%C−#2,213 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
200Osoyoos5,724 people38.5bottom 18.3%C−#2,227 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, schools B·lowest: hazard risk D−
201Electoral Area C, Nanaimo3,733 people38.3bottom 17.7%C−#2,245 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income B, safety B−·lowest: cost of living D
202Electoral Area C, Okanagan-Similkameen4,103 people38.2bottom 17.5%C−#2,250 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A−, health B·lowest: hazard risk D−
203Central Okanagan4,784 people38.1bottom 17.2%C−#2,255 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A−, schools B+·lowest: cost of living D−
204Electoral Area D, Fraser-Fort George4,802 people37.4bottom 16.3%C−#2,280 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A−, hazard risk B·lowest: schools D
205Sooke17,248 people37.4bottom 16.2%C−#2,281 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A−, walkability B+·lowest: cost of living D−
206Tofino2,772 people37.2bottom 15.7%C−#2,293 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A, walkability A·lowest: cost of living D−
207Electoral Area A, Fraser-Fort George3,764 people37.0bottom 15.4%C−#2,303 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: hazard risk B, cost of living B−·lowest: health D
208Brownsville23,515 people36.9bottom 15.3%C−#2,305 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
209Birdland10,745 people36.6bottom 14.7%D#2,320 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
210Campbell River38,300 people36.5bottom 14.3%D#2,328 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health A−, walkability A−·lowest: cost of living D−
211Newton51,222 people36.3bottom 14.1%D#2,334 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
212Guildford14,663 people36.3bottom 14.1%D#2,335 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
213Strawberry Hill37,037 people36.3bottom 14.1%D#2,336 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
214Electoral Area D (Oyster Bay - Buttle Lake), Strathcona4,546 people36.3bottom 14.0%D#2,337 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health B+, schools B+·lowest: safety D
215Ladysmith9,926 people36.0bottom 13.7%D#2,345 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A−, health B·lowest: cost of living D
216Cowichan Bay3,713 people35.7bottom 13.1%D#2,359 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A−, walkability B−·lowest: cost of living D
217Electoral Area A, Cariboo6,172 people35.5bottom 13.0%D#2,365 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: hazard risk B+, jobs & income B−·lowest: schools D
218Whalley52,642 people35.5bottom 13.0%D#2,366 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health A·lowest: cost of living D−
219Nanaimo111,845 people35.3bottom 12.5%D#2,373 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, jobs & income B·lowest: cost of living D−
220North Cowichan34,525 people34.9bottom 11.6%D#2,393 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability B+, jobs & income B·lowest: cost of living D−
221Electoral Area C, Strathcona2,981 people34.7bottom 11.0%D#2,401 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health B+, hazard risk B·lowest: safety D
222Princeton3,050 people34.5bottom 10.8%D#2,404 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, health B+·lowest: cost of living D
223Clearwater2,500 people33.9bottom 10.0%D#2,422 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: hazard risk A, walkability B+·lowest: schools D
224Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley4,482 people33.6bottom 9.6%D#2,430 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income B+, health B−·lowest: cost of living D
225Prince George85,944 people33.1bottom 9.3%D#2,437 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income A−, walkability B+·lowest: safety D
226Electoral Area H, Cowichan Valley2,761 people32.4bottom 8.5%D#2,454 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income B, health B−·lowest: schools D
227Electoral Area F, North Okanagan4,969 people32.3bottom 8.3%D#2,457 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health B−, safety B−·lowest: cost of living D
228Blind Bay9,984 people32.3bottom 8.2%D#2,458 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: safety A−, walkability C+·lowest: hazard risk D−
229Electoral Area F, Cariboo5,016 people31.3bottom 7.2%D#2,471 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: hazard risk A−, safety B+·lowest: walkability D
230Electoral Area G, Cowichan Valley2,597 people31.1bottom 6.6%D#2,479 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability B−, health B−·lowest: cost of living D−
231Central Okanagan West3,298 people30.7bottom 6.1%D#2,483 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools A, health B−·lowest: hazard risk D−
232Mission47,280 people30.5bottom 5.8%D#2,487 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability B+, health B·lowest: cost of living D
233Electoral Area D, Columbia-Shuswap4,829 people30.2bottom 5.6%D#2,490 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: safety A−, walkability C+·lowest: hazard risk D−
234Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary3,361 people30.2bottom 5.5%D#2,491 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: health B, walkability B·lowest: jobs & income D
235Electoral Area B, Nanaimo4,702 people29.2bottom 4.5%D−#2,503 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability B, safety B−·lowest: cost of living D−
236Williams Lake11,462 people28.8bottom 3.9%D−#2,510 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A−, jobs & income B+·lowest: hazard risk D−
237Electoral Area L (Grasslands), Thompson-Nicola3,543 people28.5bottom 3.4%D−#2,516 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability C+, jobs & income C+·lowest: hazard risk D−
238Electoral Area A, Nanaimo7,825 people28.5bottom 3.2%D−#2,518 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: jobs & income B, hazard risk B−·lowest: cost of living D−
239Port Alberni19,671 people28.3bottom 2.9%D−#2,522 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, health B−·lowest: safety D
240Electoral Area B, Cariboo4,169 people28.0bottom 2.4%D−#2,528 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: hazard risk B+, safety B−·lowest: schools D
241Electoral Area F, Bulkley-Nechako3,643 people27.6bottom 2.1%D−#2,531 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: hazard risk B, cost of living C+·lowest: health D
242Lake Cowichan3,757 people27.2bottom 2.0%D−#2,532 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, hazard risk B−·lowest: jobs & income D
243Sicamous2,854 people27.2bottom 2.0%D−#2,533 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: hazard risk A, walkability A−·lowest: safety D
244Electoral Area P (Rivers and the Peaks), Thompson-Nicola4,540 people26.9bottom 1.5%D−#2,538 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: schools B−, jobs & income C+·lowest: hazard risk D−
245Duncan5,745 people26.7bottom 1.4%D−#2,539 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, health B·lowest: cost of living D−
245Merritt7,190 people26.7bottom 1.4%D−#2,539 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A, hazard risk B·lowest: schools D−
247Quesnel10,253 people24.3bottom 1.0%D−#2,544 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability B+, hazard risk B+·lowest: safety D
248Hope7,183 people23.8bottom 0.8%D−#2,547 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A−, hazard risk B+·lowest: schools D−
249Chase2,591 people23.1bottom 0.6%D−#2,549 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability A+, safety C·lowest: hazard risk D−
250Electoral Area F, Columbia-Shuswap3,475 people22.8bottom 0.4%D−#2,551 of 2,556 nationallyStrongest: walkability C+, safety C·lowest: hazard risk D−
Quick answers
Questions people ask
How are these towns ranked?
By the overall grade, which blends seven graded subjects (safety, cost of living, schools, health, jobs & income, walkability and hazard risk) from public data, each comparing a town with every town in Canada of 1,000 or more. The rank is among the towns of 2,500 or more in British Columbia, where five or more have an overall grade.
Why isn’t my town on this list?
The list covers places of 2,500 or more with an overall grade. Smaller places, and towns missing figures the overall grade needs, show their grades on their own pages; every town is listed on the British Columbia page.
Province by province
Best places to live, province by province
Photos: Oak Bay, rpaterso (CC BY-SA 2.0) · North Vancouver, Xicotencatl (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Bowen Island, Hameltion (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons.
Sources: TownRatings grades: our own summary of the data, ranking Canadian towns against each other only, run #73 of 10 November 2026. Under the Statistics Canada Open Licence.
Adapted from Statistics Canada (Census of Population 2021, population estimates 2025, 2021 census boundaries) under the Statistics Canada Open Licence; this does not constitute an endorsement by Statistics Canada. Neighbourhood names in some cities © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).