[ Home > Regional Profile > Demographics ]

DEMOGRAPHICS

• Population
• Age
• Migration
• Family Structure
• Income

Population

Demographics are often invaluable sources of research for the market analysis of new businesses and new product lines. The central components of the North Okanagan population are outlined below. Full and extensive detail of these demographic statistics can be found at BC Stats. Statistics Canada link to community profile search, and BC Stats North Okanagan community fact sheets

.

Presented below are basic characteristics of population growth, age distribution, gender, migration, family structures and income levels.

Click here to view more information on population estimates.

While population growth in the Okanagan Region has slowed after several years of strong gains, the overall population growth is expected to continue throughout most of the projection period (ranging from 0.1% - 2.4% annually throughout the 25-year period). Growth in population is predicted to be primarily due to large net inflows of migrants.

Source : BC Stats 2001 Census

[ Back to Top ]

Age Distribution

The population of the Region appears to be slowly aging, however, the percentage of individuals over 65 years of age is not rapidly increasing. Rather, many older individuals are migrating to the area for work and business opportunities. While there is still a desire to locate for retirement reasons and young individuals continue migrate to larger urban centres for educational opportunities, the overall benefits of an aging population has resulted in a more experienced workforce.

2001 Census Profile of BC Census Subdivisions

[ Back to Top ]

Regional Migration Components

Migration patterns for the Region indicate that over the past ten years, the majority of migrants (74% in 2002/03) came from other places within BC. In 2002/03 Inter-provincial migration accounted for 25% and international migrants account for 1%. Intra-provincial migration to the North Okanagan is a result of many factors but appears especially due to the quality of lifestyle available in the region and the introduction of the University to the region. Individuals moving to the Region often represent professionals wishing to establish businesses and careers in an area where access to housing and lifestyle are key site selectors.

Click here to see more information on regional migration components.

[ Back to Top ]

Family Structure - North Okanagan

The North Okanagan is considered an ideal location to raise a family. Exceptional schools, recreational opportunities, affordable housing and low crime rates entice families to move into the region.

Source: 2001 BC Stats Regional District Demographic Profile

[ Back to Top ]

North Okanagan Sources of Income

The North Okanagan has a diverse economy which caters to different income-generating activities. By far, most individuals are involved in some aspect of employment, however, there has been considerable investment into small and medium enterprise (SME) development as people discover the entrepreneurial support available for the SME community.

Source: Canada Customs and Revenue Agency – 2001 Census

The average income level of individuals in the region is $19,094, compared to the BC average of $22,095. Employment wages have traditionally been lower in this Region (often referred to as the "sunshine tax" of living in the North Okanagan). In addition, the industries of the area have low union representation, thus wages from the private sector tend to average lower than in other more industrialized/unionized regions.

Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population and Housing 2001

[ Back to Top ]