Richmond's Population Background A  growing dynamic urban centre, Richmond has undergone enormous change over the last several decades, with significant growth in the early 1990's. Today, Richmond is a dynamic, multi-ethnic community. Much of the recent population growth has been made up of  Asian immigrants. People of Chinese or South Asian ancestry now make up nearly sixty percent of Richmond residents. Newcomers have contributed significantly to the growth of the small business and retail sectors and have added to the diversity and vibrancy of the City of Richmond. Did you know that the residents of Richmond have the greatest life expectancy in all of Canada? Statistics Canada recently reported people in Richmond have the lowest smoking and obesity rates in the country and live an average of 81.2 years, almost three years longer than the national average of 78.3 years.  Richmond's Population by Year  Year Population  Growth Rate   March 2005   177,750  2004  177,120  1.28%  2003  174,884  1.53%  2002  172,253  0.72%  2001  171,029  0.33%  2000  170,462  1.13%  1999  168,550  1.67%  1998  165,785  2.20%  1997  162,223  2.85%  1996  157,720  3.91%  1995  151,780  4.08%  1994  145,832  6.39% Ethnic Groups in Richmond In the 2001 census, 59% of Richmond residents identified themselves as a visible minority. Of our total population, 40% are Chinese, 8% are South Asian and 4% are Filipino.   1996   2001 % Change Chinese 50,215  65,325  1.28% English 30,720  25,800  1.53%  Canadian 20,045  23,000  0.72%  Scottish 20,010  16,890  0.33%  Irish 13,140  12,090  1.13%  East Indian 8,635  10,850  1.67% German 11,440  9,880  2.20% Filipino 5,035  8,145  2.85% French 7,345  6,720  3.91% Ukranian 4,770  4,385  4.08%