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DEMOGRAPHICS
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.
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.
| North Okanagan Population Projections |
| Year |
Population |
Year |
Population |
| 2006 |
78,877 |
2016 |
90,191 |
| 2007 |
80,145 |
2021 |
95,199 |
| 2008 |
81,932 |
2026 |
99,975 |
| 2009 |
82,970 |
2031 |
104,233 |
| 2010 |
84,009 |
2036 |
107,800 |
Source: BC Stats Regional District Demographic Profile, 2006 Census
The North Okanagan business community is characterized by a large percentage of small- and medium-sized enterprises. Ninety-one
percent of all businesses in the region have less than twenty employees and those considered large businesses (200+ employees)
constitute less than 0.5%. The economy is very diverse and no longer relies on one or two industries.
The increase in the service industries in this region can be attributed to the ease of transportability, the availability of technology,
and the desire by professionals to enjoy the North Okanagan lifestyle while at the same time growing their businesses.
| Number of Business Incorporations
|
| Year |
N. Okanagan |
B.C. |
| 2004 |
260 |
24,703 |
| 2005 |
421 |
30,937 |
| 2006 |
479 |
33,273 |
| 2007 |
504 |
34,036 |
| 2008 |
421 |
30,085 |
Source : BC Stats 2006 Census
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.
| All Ages |
N. Okanagan |
% Distribution |
| Male |
Female |
N. Okanagan |
B.C. |
| 37,425 |
39,875 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
| 0 - 14 |
6,300 |
6,330 |
16.3 |
17.6 |
| 15 - 24 |
4,815 |
4,480 |
12.1 |
13.4 |
| 25 - 44 |
8,115 |
8,900 |
22 |
28 |
| 45 - 64 |
11,310 |
12,190 |
30.4 |
27.4 |
| 65 + |
6,880 |
7,980 |
19.2 |
13.6 |
Source : BC Stats 2006 Census
Migration
Migration patterns for the North Okanagan indicate that over the past ten years, the majority of migrants came from other places
within the province. In the recent years there has been a relatively steady increase of migration to the North Okanagan, much
in the way of retirees into the area as the Okanagan Valley is recognized as a popular retirement destination.
Migration to the North Okanagan is a result of many factors but appears especially due to the quality of lifestyle in the region and the
availability of post secondary education. The result of this positive migration is a strong labour force of professionals wishing to establish
businesses and careers in the area.
| |
International Net |
Inter-provincial Net |
Intra-provincial Net |
Total Net Migration |
| 2003-04 |
28 |
287 |
802 |
1117 |
| 2004-05 |
53 |
434 |
976 |
1463 |
| 2005-06 |
121 |
311 |
216 |
648 |
| 2006-07 |
119 |
512 |
132 |
763 |
| 2007-08 |
115 |
764 |
115 |
904 |
| 2008-09 |
143 |
479 |
115 |
797 |
Source : BC Stats 2006 Census
Family Structure
The North Okanagan is considered an ideal location to raise a family. Exceptional schools, recreational opportunities and
low crime rates entice families to move into the region. The chart below shows a breakdown in family structure for the North
Okanagan as of the 2006 Census.
| Total Census Families |
22,985 |
| Husband/Wife Families |
19,670 |
| Now-Married Couples |
16,630 |
| - Without children at home |
56% |
| - With children at home |
44% |
| |
| Common-Law Couples |
3,040 |
| - Without children at home |
61% |
| - With children at home |
39% |
| |
| Single Parent Families |
3,315 |
| - Male parent |
17% |
| - Female parent |
83% |
Source : BC Stats 2006 Census
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 – 2006 Census
The average income level of individuals in the region is $35,317, compared
to the BC average of $38,523. 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.
| Distribution of Income |
| |
North Okanagan |
| Income ( $ ) |
Total |
| Less than 1,000 |
2,240 |
| 1,000-5,000 |
3,330 |
| 5,000-10,000 |
5,280 |
| 10,000-15,000 |
7,320 |
| 15,000-20,000 |
7,230 |
| 20,000-25,000 |
5,180 |
| 25,000-30,000 |
4,440 |
| 30,000-40,000 |
7,550 |
| 40,000-50,000 |
5,810 |
| >50,000 |
12,440 |
Source: Canada Revenue Agency 2006
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