Economic Profile

Prince George is a city that welcomes investment, promotes growth and hosts a competitive business climate.

Located in the centre of beautiful British Columbia, this college and university city with a manufacturing base is strategically connected to the Asia-Pacific Gateway. A city where knowledge and research, natural resources, industry, transportation, health, urban amenities and an active four-season lifestyle meet.

Prince George is a city with a passion for a sustainable future. Embedded within a picturesque natural landscape, all the residents of this community share a proud history of exploration supported by a solid pioneer work ethic.

Average income

Overall, labour force participants in Prince George (including full and part time workers) earn higher average incomes than their counterparts in other areas of BC.




Prince George Chilliwack Kamloops Kelowna Nanaimo BC

2000

$32,643

$27,592

$30,112

$28,815

$28,027

$31,911

2001

$33,466

$27,800

$30,714

$29,321

$28,502

$32,240

2002

$34,646

$29,170

$31,929

$30,488

$29,224

$33,079

2003

$35,228

$29,439

$32,407

$31,180

$29,781

$33,611

2004

$36,271

$30,480

$33,329

$32,584

$30,667

$34,768

2005

$37,597

$31,815  

$34,542

$33,634

$31,479

$35,994

2006

$39,891

$33,567

$36,780

$35,809

$32,721

$38,145

SOURCE: BC STATS LABOUR FORCE INCOME PROFILE

Incomes for full-time employment in Prince George are generally higher than those in the province as a whole. Persons working full time earned a median income of $45,852/year in 2005 (Statistics Canada 2006 Census) in Prince George.


Housing Starts

  • 1995 -  292
  • 1996 - 441
  • 1997 - 402
  • 1998 - 273
  • 1999 - 166
  • 2000 - 138
  • 2001 - 77
  • 2002 - 100
  • 2003 - 103
  • 2004 - 309
  • 2005 - 284
  • 2006 - 320
  • 2007 - 328

Source: CMHC, Starts and Completions Survey


Average New Home Prices (Single-detached)

  • 1996 - $201,475
  • 1997 - $196,436
  • 1998 - $183,829
  • 1999 - $176,961
  • 2000 - $180,575
  • 2001 - $213,741
  • 2002 - $204,981
  • 2003 - $213,530
  • 2004 - $213,402
  • 2005 - $238,452
  • 2006 - $273,013
  • 2007 - $348,066

Source: CMHC, Starts and Completions Survey


Average MLS Prices by Region (Single-detached)

  • 1996 - $133,698
  • 1997 - $138,561
  • 1998 - $136,319
  • 1999 - $126,454
  • 2000 - $121,338
  • 2001 - $116,581
  • 2002 - $120,606
  • 2003 - $118,319
  • 2004 - $129,761
  • 2005 - $147,828
  • 2006 - $195,943
  • 2007 - $240,245
Source: BC Real Estate Association & BC Northern Real Estate Board

POPULATION

  • 1996 - 78,239
  • 1997 - 78,426
  • 1998 - 77,368
  • 1999 - 76,990
  • 2000 - 77,018
  • 2001 - 75,568
  • 2002 - 74,742
  • 2003 - 75,559
  • 2004 - 76,208
  • 2005 - 75,028
  • 2006 - 74,810
  • 2007 - 75,375
SOURCE: Population Section, BC Stats