Quick Business Stats

For more detailed statistics on each of the following please go to our Economic Profile.

Population
Labour Force
Major Employers List
Household Income
Proximity to Markets

Population

The estimated population of the Regional District in 2003 is 159,790. This is an increase of 8.1% over the 2001 census figure of 147,739 for the region. Kelowna and the Central Okanagan continues to be one of the fastest growing areas in British Columbia. The chart below illustrates the dramatic population increase our region has experienced in the past 10 –15 years.



Approximately two-thirds of the population in Central Okanagan is located in the City of Kelowna. The table below shows steady population growth in all the communities within the Central Okanagan, particularly the Westside.

Population Distribution

Area	1991 Population	1996 Population	2001 Population	1996 – 2001 Population Change	2004 Estimated Population
City of Kelowna	75,953	89,442	96,288	7.7%	103,157
Peachland DM	3,459	4,524	4,654	2.9%	5,017
Lake Country DM	7,622	9,007	9,267	2.9%	9,806
Electoral Area Joe Rich – Ellison	2,468	3,446	3,672	6.6%	4,155
Electoral Area Westside	17,770	22,901	26,001	12.8%	37,426
Reserves (IR 9,10 and Duck Lake Reserve)	4,574	7,221	7,857	8.1%	7,984
RDCO	111,846	136,541	147,739	8.2%	167,545

Source: Statistics Canada Census Data, B.C. Stats and Economic Development Commission


Our region will continue to see an increase in population over the coming years with our population expected to reach nearly 220,000 by the year 2020.

Regional District of the Central Okanagan (RDCO) Projected Population Growth Rates

Year	Population	Natural Increase	Net Migration	Population Growth Rate
2004	159,836	62	2,342	1.5%
2005	162,634	-21	2,819	1.8%
2006	165,552	-59	2,977	1.8%
2007	168,450	-103	3,001	1.8%
2008	171,453	-175	3,178	1.8%
2009	174,637	-191	3,375	1.9%
2010	177,945	-198	3,506	1.9%
2011	181,296	-213	3,564	1.9%
2012	184,857	-215	3,776	2.0%
2013	188,466	-2226	3,835	2.0%
2014	192,134	-233	3,901	1.9%
2015	195,795	-244	3,905	1.9%
2016	199.408	-253	3,866	1.8%
2017	202,930	-261	3,783	1.8%
2018	206,398	-282	3,750	1.7%
2019	209,858	-301	3,761	1.7%
2020	213,319	-319	3,780	1.6%
2021	216,738	-343	3,762	1.6%
2022	220,144	-380	3,786	1.6%
2023	223,555	-415	3,826	1.5%
2024	226,946	-452	3,843	1.5%
2025	2300,307	-492	3,853	1.5%
2026	233,628	-544	3,865	1.4%
2027	236,923	-579	3,874	1.4%
2028	240,194	-610	3,881	1.4%
2029	243,435	-653	3,894	1.3%
2030	246,640	-699	3,904	1.3%
2031	249,809	-746	3,915	1.3%

Source: B.C. Stats, P.E.O.P.L.E 28. ,July 2003


Though the population in our region is gradually aging, our largest age group is in the 25 –44 years of age (24.9% of total population). This compares to 18.5% of total population in the 65+ years age group.



For additional information regarding population statistics including age distribution, ethnic orgin, household size, gender and education levels please download the population section from our Economic Profile.