The Central Okanagan continues to grow. 

According to the fourth quarter report from the region’s Economic Development Commission, almost all indicators are up. 

Population, labour force, building permit values, business licences, median home prices, rents and job postings have all increased. 

The only two areas of decline are new housing starts and airport passengers. 

Photo credit: File

Between 2018 and 2019, the population increased by 1.9% – from 213,195 to 217,214. 

That makes the region the fastest-growing in British Columbia after Chilliwack. 

Other stats include: 

• Labour force: Up by 2.5% – to 109,742, with an unemployment rate of 4% (down 1% on 2018)

• Building permit values: Up by 17.5%

• Business licences: Up by 5.5% – West Kelowna and Lake Country led the surge

• Median new home prices: Up by 5.6% – it’s now $950,000, well out of reach for most residents

• Average rent: Up by 9% – $1,363 is now the average monthly rent for a two-bed apartment

• Job postings: Up by 7% – The employers posting the most jobs were Interior Health, UBCO, Walmart, Okanagan College and KF Aerospace

The 2019 passenger numbers at Kelowna International Airport, meanwhile, were down 2.3%. 

But 2,032,000 were still logged – making YLW the country’s 10th-busiest airport. 

Housing starts were down by 12.9%, with 2,225 in 2019. 

Of these, 381 were row homes – the highest number ever started in a single year in the Central Okanagan. 

To see the numbers in more detail, click here.