Neighbourhood Demographics Blog Post
Neighbourhood: Routley – Census Tract 9330504.10 (Langley, BC)
Routley is a suburban neighbourhood in the Township of Langley, British Columbia. It used to be called Willoughby but the name's been changed and Willoughby was assigned to a newly developed area. It's located between 196 Street and 208 Street, just south of 68 Avenue and north of 64 Avenue. The area is known for its quiet residential streets, new condo developments, pending SkyTrain addition, and its proximity to major shopping areas like Willowbrook Shopping Mall, Rio Can Centre and Smart Centres Langley. Abundant green space is provided by well-maintained parks such as Routley Park and Langley Meadows Park, while the presence of reputable schools like Langley Meadows Elementary enhances the neighbourhood’s appeal to families seeking a balanced and community-oriented lifestyle.
I used the Statistics Canada 2021 Census Profile for Census Tract 9330504.10 and compared Routley to the wider Vancouver Census Metropolitan Area (CMA). Three demographic statistics stood out the most:
1. Rapid Population Growth
Between 2016 and 2021, Routley’s population grew by approximately 25%, while the Vancouver CMA grew by only 7.3% in the same period. This sharp rise shows how quickly Routley is developing, likely due to its newer housing options and appeal to families looking for space and affordability just outside the city.
2. High Homeownership Rate
About 75% of households in Routley are owner-occupied, compared to the Vancouver CMA’s average of 62.1%. This higher rate of ownership suggests a more settled, long-term community. It may also be linked to the fact that much of Routley’s housing is newer, more affordable, and geared toward first-time buyers and young families.
3. Heavy Car Commuting
Approximately 85% of employed Routley residents commute to work by car, much higher than the 66% average for the Vancouver CMA. This reflects Langley’s lower population density and the lack of rapid transit options in the area. It also shows how car-dependent the neighbourhood is, especially for those who work outside the township.
These trends show that Routley is a young, fast-growing neighbourhood with a strong base of homeowners and a reliance on car travel. It highlights the area’s role in Metro Vancouver’s suburban expansion and the continuing need for thoughtful development and improved transit. There are Zero people in my neighbourhood who ride their bike to work, not hugely interesting enough to make the top 3 but worthy of an honorable mention.
