Electoral Area E, Cowichan ValleyBritish Columbia
With 4,482 residents, it is a town in British Columbia. It belongs to the Duncan metropolitan area.
Is Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley a good place to live?
Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley grades low on several counts. Buying in is costly (D). With a D overall, Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley is better than 10% of Canadian towns. That places it #224 of 250 in British Columbia. Where it does best is jobs & income (B+). Crime runs high (D). Its other grades sit near the middle: B− for health, C+ for walkability and B− for hazard risk.
Safety less sure: no police service names this town, so its crime figure is the nearest police detachment's, shared with a wider area. Health is graded on the health region's survey figures and life expectancy, with the distance to hospital giving the town its own spread.
How Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley grades
Each subject compares Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley with Canadian towns of 2,500 or more, ordered by how far it is from the middle. Towns in other countries are graded separately.
How TownRatings grades Canadian towns →
What makes Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley stand out
The 3 things Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley does most differently from other towns.
The data
Data highlights are ordered by what stands out in Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley.
For cost of living, Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley gets a D
Rent took 23% of household income, near British Columbia’s towns (24%) and higher than Canadian towns (20%). Home ownership covers 80% of households. Behind rent as a share of income and monthly rent for a two-bedroom sits data gathered across the Duncan metro area, with Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley one part of it.
What homes were worth · The median owner’s estimate at the 2021 census
| Census 2021 | Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley | British Columbia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Households owning their home | 80% | 76% | 74% |
| Rent as a share of income | 23% | 24% | 20% |
| Households spending 30%+ on shelter | 17% | 21% | 18% |
Statistics Canada, Census 2021; CMHC Rental Market Survey via Statistics Canada · The 2021 census asked owners what their home was worth; those values, and 2020 incomes, are what this compares.
The police who cover Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley record more serious crime than British Columbia’s towns or Canadian towns: a Crime Severity Index of 132
No police detachment reports under Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley’s name, so these are the nearest detachment’s figures, not the town’s own · Area-wide: Crime Severity Index, Violent Crime Severity Index, violent crime and property crime per 1,000, counted over the Duncan detachment area
Violence across its police area runs at 35.1 per 1,000 residents a year. Property crime in its police area ran at 81.7 per 1,000 residents a year, above both British Columbia’s towns (31) and Canadian towns (31.2).
Year by year · Crime Severity Index for each year
| 2023–2025 | Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley | British Columbia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property crime per 1,000 | 81.7 | 31 | 31.2 |
| Violent crime | 35.1 | 12.5 | 12 |
| Crime Severity Index | 132 | 83 | 67 |
| Violent Crime Severity Index | 150 | 76 | 86 |
Statistics Canada, Uniform Crime Reporting Survey, 2023–2025 average
Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley has milder winters than British Columbia’s towns or Canadian towns: January lows of 1.6°C
Some 39 cm of snow falls in a typical year, below both British Columbia’s towns (51 cm) and Canadian towns (141 cm). Between the last spring frost, 4 April, and the first in autumn, 4 November, lie 213 days. In July, daytime highs in Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley average 22.7°C. December is the snowiest month, with 12 cm on average.
Average high by season · ECCC normals, 1991–2020
| Normals, 1991–2020 | Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley | British Columbia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days with frost a year | 45 | 60 | 159 |
| January night low | 1.6°C | 0.5°C | −13.5°C |
| July afternoon high | 22.7°C | 23.1°C | 25.5°C |
| Snowfall a year | 39 cm | 51 cm | 141 cm |
Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Climate Normals 1991–2020 (Victoria (Airport))
Commuters in Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley have a short way to work, 22 min on average, less than in both British Columbia’s towns and Canadian towns
Driving is how 91% of commuters got to work at the census.
How working residents got to work · census 2021
| Census 2021 | Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley | British Columbia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average trip | 22 min | 26 min | 26 min |
| Car or van | 91% | 87% | 89% |
Statistics Canada, Census 2021 (labour and commuting) · The 2021 census was taken in May 2021, during COVID-19 restrictions: more people than usual worked from home or were off work.
Mixed results around Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley: 3 high and 6 low of 11 schools in British Columbia
In French: one of the 16 schools, where in British Columbia the share is 2%. The 3 km around Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley counts 9 elementary schools, 2 secondary schools, 2 schools for every grade and 3 alternative or adult schools.
| School | Level | Students | System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noorunissa Montessori Academy of Canada IndependentIn Electoral Area E, Cowichan ValleyElementary | Elementary | – | Independent |
| Sunrise Waldorf School IndependentIn Electoral Area E, Cowichan ValleyAll grades | All grades | – | Independent |
| Des Cascades FrenchTeaches in FrenchElementary | Elementary | – | French public |
Schools by system · Schools within 3 km
| Schools within 3 km | Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley | British Columbia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| School boards | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Nearest secondary school | 2.4 km | 1.8 km | 1.2 km |
Provincial school lists and results, 2025/26
A normal November in Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley runs from 3°C to 10°C
Then December: 7°C by day, 2°C at night. Precipitation in November averages 146 mm. Over the year, July is warmest at 23°C by day and February coldest at 1°C by night. For today and the week ahead, the Weather page carries ECCC’s Duncan forecast.
Normal highs, the months ahead · ECCC normals, 1991–2020
| Season | High | Low | Rain and snow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | 8°C | 2°C | 386 mm |
| Spring | 14°C | 5°C | 165 mm |
| Summer | 22°C | 11°C | 73 mm |
| Autumn | 15°C | 6°C | 278 mm |
ECCC normals, 1991–2020 (Victoria (Airport)); the forecast is on the Weather page
Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, which takes in Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley, is held by Jeff Kibble (Conservative Party of Canada)
For local government, Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley is a regional district electoral area.
Wikidata, MAMH, MMAH, Statistics Canada
No public library stands in Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley: the closest, VIRL: Cowichan Branch, is 2 km away
The next is VIRL: South Cowichan Branch (Electoral Area A, Cowichan Valley), 17 km away.
Provincial library statistics, OpenStreetMap, the CRA and Statistics Canada
Within 15 km of Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley: Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
2 beaches are mapped within 5 km, none with a name. The 10 km around town hold 42 protected areas. Of the land within 10 km, 2.8% has protected status, below British Columbia’s towns (6.7%) but above Canadian towns (2.3%). Named trails close by number 3, the Trans-Canada Trail - Cowichan Valley Trail and Vancouver Island Trail among them.
Protected land · of the land within 10 km
| Outdoors | Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley | British Columbia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protected land within 10 km | 2.8% | 6.7% | 2.3% |
| Public protected areas within 10 km | 13 | 14 | 4 |
Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database (CPCAD), OpenStreetMap routes and beaches
Earthquakes are Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley’s biggest hazard: $0.83 of damage a year per $1,000 of buildings, 28 times the norm
Fewer homes than usual carry radon here, 0.9% over the guideline where the typical town has 6.6%. 2 flood studies cover the town, the latest by Cowichan Valley Regional District. Little of the land around Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley has burned: 0.1% within 25 km since 1986, or 0.003% a year.
Radon tests above the guideline · share of tested homes, 200 Bq/m³
| Hazards | Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley | British Columbia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earthquake loss per $1,000 of buildings a year | $0.83 | $0.36 | $0.030 |
| Radon tests above the guideline | 0.9% | 1.8% | 6.6% |
NRCan seismic risk model and burned areas, Health Canada radon survey, the Flood Hazard Map Inventory · Not measured by town: radon tests (the Central Vancouver Island health region)
Life expectancy around Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley is 79.8 years, 1.7 less than for the typical Canadian town
Closer to home, a hospital is 5.3 km from the average resident of Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley, further than the usual 3.7 km. At 12%, the share of adults who smoke tops the 8.9% for British Columbia. Adults who call their own health very good or excellent: 47%, below British Columbia’s towns (50%) and Canadian towns (52%) alike.
Very good or excellent health · adults, age-standardised
| Health | Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley | British Columbia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very good or excellent health | 47% | 50% | 52% |
| Life expectancy at birth | 79.8 | 81.0 | 81.5 |
| Smokers | 12% | 9% | 12% |
| Chronic conditions (average share) | 16% | 15% | 17% |
Statistics Canada, Canadian Community Health Survey 2023/2024 and life expectancy 2022/2024; Open Database of Healthcare Facilities · Health survey and life expectancy: the Central Vancouver Island Health Service Delivery Area
More of Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley’s residents have an Indigenous identity than in British Columbia’s towns or Canadian towns: 7.4%
7.7% of residents came to Canada as immigrants, between British Columbia’s towns (12%) and Canadian towns (6.4%). Under-15s account for 17% of the population. People 65 and over make up just over a fifth of the town.
Ages · Share of residents in each age group, Census 2021
Schooling · Highest qualification, residents 15 and over
Women and men · all residents
49.8% of Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley’s residents are women
Of the 2021 count, 2,120 were women and 2,135 men (women across Canada: 50.9%).
| Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley | British Columbia | Canada | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 15 | 17% | 14% | 16% |
| 15 to 64 | 62% | 64% | 64% |
| 65+ | 21% | 21% | 19% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 18% | 13% | 16% |
| Postsecondary qualification | 51% | 56% | 56% |
Statistics Canada, Census 2021; British Columbia and Canada: medians of towns of 2,500+
Everything we know about Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley
BC Forest Discovery Centre and 5 more in and around Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley
The best-known places to visit in and around Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley come first; the full list is on the Attractions page.
MuseumBC Forest Discovery Centre3.6 km outside town, to the northMuseumMuseumCowichan Valley Museum900 m outside town, to the northeastHeritage railwayHeritage railwayBloedel, Stewart & Welch No. 13.7 km outside town, to the northMuseumMuseumCowichan Bay Maritime Centre1.8 km outside town, to the southeastAttractionAttractionCowichan Valley Lavender Farm3.6 km outside town, to the northeastMuseumMuseumQuw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre700 m outside town, to the northeastPhotos: each place’s Wikidata image, from Wikimedia Commons under the licence below (our copy, resized).
Photo credits (1)
- BC Forest Discovery Centre: SoftwareSimian, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Famous people from around Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley
No notable person born in Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley is on our list; these were born in the towns around it.
Photo credits
Frances Oldham Kelsey: The photographer is unknown., Public domain · Mac DeMarco: Paul Carless from St Albans, UK, CC BY 2.0 · Matt Ellison: This photo is a work by Artem Korzhimanov . You can find more of my works in my gallery and in the category Photos by Artem Korzhimanov . Even more of my works can be found in my galleries at Pic, CC BY 3.0 · Russ Courtnall: Horge, CC BY 3.0
About Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley
Town in British Columbia
TownRatings counts Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley as Statistics Canada does, as one municipality in British Columbia; the census, crime and housing figures all follow that boundary.
Statistics Canada: population estimates 2025 (17-10-0155), Census of Population 2021, 2021 census boundaries.
- Population
- 4,482 (people, 2025 estimate)
- Province or territory
- British Columbia
- Census division
- Cowichan Valley
- Metro area
- Duncan
- Census subdivision
- 5919051
Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley’s neighbours
The nearest places of 1,000 or more. Statistics Canada
| Town | People | km | Overall | Cost | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley | 4,482 | — | D | D | D | B− |
| Cowichan | 2,509 | 1.2 | — | — | — | B− |
| Duncan | 5,745 | 1.5 | D− | D− | D− | B |
| North Cowichan | 34,525 | 5.1 | D | D− | C− | B− |
| Cowichan Bay | 3,713 | 7.3 | D | D | D | B− |
| Cobble Hill | 5,074 | 12 | B | D− | B+ | C+ |
| Shawnigan | 9,903 | 13 | B | D | B+ | C+ |
People: Statistics Canada, Census 2021. Distances: centre to centre.
Questions about Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley
Who are the people of Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley?
At the 2021 census, 8% were immigrants and 3% belonged to a visible minority (Canadian towns’ median: 15%). 7% identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit.
What kind of homes are in Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley?
Mostly 92% single-detached houses (the median of Canadian towns: 64%), with 0% of homes in buildings of five or more storeys. Households hold 2.6 people on average, and 22% have just one.
Has Electoral Area E, Cowichan Valley grown?
Yes: the census counted 4,121 in 2016 and 4,253 in 2021, a rise of 3.2%, against 4.1% for the median of Canadian towns. The 2025 estimate is 4,482.
Sources: Statistics Canada, Census of Population 2021 · population estimates 2025 (17-10-0155) and 2021 census boundaries · Uniform Crime Reporting Survey 2023–25 (35-10-0026, 35-10-0183 to 35-10-0190) · CMHC rents as published by Statistics Canada (34-10-0133) · grades by TownRatings. 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).