Total population

144,576

2.6 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$82,000/yr

Private dwellings

67,115

Kelowna population

How many people live in Kelowna

Kelowna is home to 144,576 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.6% identify as male and 51.4% as female.

Total population

144,576

2.6% year-over-year change

Population density

682.4/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48.6%

70,330

Female

51.4%

74,240

	Value	Percent
Male	70,330	48.6%
Female	74,240	51.4%

A larger population often brings more rental variety and a busier pace of life. The gender breakdown, namely the ratio of men to women in the area, offers clues about the community’s vibe and social landscape.

Age demographics

The average age in Kelowna is 43.4. Children under 15 make up 13.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.2%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 14.5% are 25 to 34, 12.8% are 35 to 44, and 11.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.7% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 21.4%.

Average age

43.4

Age breakdown

Under 15: 13.6%
15 to 24: 12.2%
25 to 34: 14.5%
35 to 44: 12.8%
45 to 54: 11.8%
55 to 64: 13.7%
Over 65: 21.4%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	19,585	13.6%
15 to 24	17,645	12.2%
25 to 34	20,910	14.5%
35 to 44	18,555	12.8%
45 to 54	17,115	11.8%
55 to 64	19,765	13.7%
Over 65	31,005	21.4%

Age distribution gives you a glimpse into who makes up the area. Younger communities might feel more energetic or student-friendly, while older ones tend to be calmer and more settled. A mix of age groups usually means a balance of parks, schools, healthcare, and other services for all walks of life.

Residence status

In Kelowna, 82% of residents were born in Canada, while 15.3% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.8% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 82%
Immigrants: 15.3%
Non-permanent residents: 2.8%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	116,175	82%
Immigrants	21,635	15.3%
Non-permanent residents	3,950	2.8%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 14%
Non-minorities: 86%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	19,795	14%
Non-minorities	121,960	86%

Knowing how many people in the area are newcomers, temporary residents, or Canadian-born can give you a feel for how established or internationally connected a community is. It may also hint at the kind of services, food, and cultural touchpoints you’ll find nearby.

Languages used in Kelowna

English: 97.7%
French: 1.4%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.7%

	Value	Percent
English	139,285	97.7%
French	1,980	1.4%
English and French	300	0.2%
Neither English nor French	1,060	0.7%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.7% of people in Kelowna speak English as their primary language, 1.4% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% are bilingual, and 0.7% use other languages.

Language use shapes everything from signage to services. Whether you're looking for bilingual support or just curious about the local vibe, these stats give a quick peek at how people connect day-to-day.

Households in Kelowna

A peek inside Kelowna households

Kelowna has 62,205 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 30.8% of all homes, while 38.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 17.8% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

62,205

Average people per household

2.3

1 person: 30.8%
2 persons: 38.2%
3 persons: 13.2%
4 persons: 11.4%
5 or more persons: 6.4%

	Value	Percent
1 person	19,165	30.8%
2 persons	23,755	38.2%
3 persons	8,220	13.2%
4 persons	7,060	11.4%
5 or more persons	4,010	6.4%

Household size can reveal a lot about how people live in the area. More one- and two-person homes might hint at a mix of young professionals or empty nesters, while larger households often reflect families or multi-generational setups. It’s a good indicator of the kinds of rentals and living spaces you'll find nearby.

Housing in Kelowna

The housing landscape of Kelowna

Kelowna has a total of 67,115 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 42.5% are single-detached houses, 52.4% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 3.9% are apartments. When it comes to space, Kelowna offers a variety of home sizes: 15% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 57% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 27.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

67,115

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 42.5%
Attached homes: 52.4%
Apartments: 3.9%
Movable homes: 1.3%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	26,440	42.5%
Attached homes	32,565	52.4%
Apartments	2,400	3.9%
Movable homes	805	1.3%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 15%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 57%
4 or more bedrooms: 27.8%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	9,245	15%
2 or 3 bedrooms	35,670	57%
4 or more bedrooms	17,290	27.8%

Homes built since 2011

11,520

The age of buildings in Kelowna

About 2.2% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 4.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 8.3% went up in the 1960s, 17% in the 1970s, and 13.7% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 17.3% of homes were added, and 18.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	1,390	2.2%
Between 1946 and 1960	2,600	4.2%
Between 1961 and 1970	5,170	8.3%
Between 1971 and 1980	10,575	17%
Between 1981 and 1990	8,520	13.7%
Between 1991 and 2000	10,745	17.3%
Between 2001 and 2010	11,690	18.8%
After 2011	11,520	18.5%

As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Kelowna occupancy rates

In Kelowna, there are 62,209 occupied private dwellings, of which 64.7% are owner-occupied and 35.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 4,906 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

62,209

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 35.3%
Owned households: 64.7%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	21,955	35.3%
Owned households	40,250	64.7%

Unoccupied dwellings

4,906

Understanding whether homes are owned or rented gives insight into the housing market’s stability and flexibility. High ownership rates may point to longer-term residents and more stable neighbourhoods, while a greater share of rentals can indicate mobility, availability, or housing diversity. Vacancy levels can also hint at supply-and-demand dynamics for renters.

Shelter costs

In Kelowna, homeowners pay a median of $1,340 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,440. About 72.7% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 27.3% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,340

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,440

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 72.7%
≥30% on shelter: 27.3%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	44,840	72.7%
≥30% on shelter	16,870	27.3%

Shelter cost includes all monthly expenses tied to housing—like rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and additional fees. Owners usually cover a wider range of costs, while renters typically just pay rent plus basic services. Comparing these numbers gives a clearer view of what living in the area actually costs, and whether households are stretched beyond the 30% affordability benchmark.

Education in Kelowna

Kelowna education at a glance

In Kelowna, educational attainment varies across the community. About 11.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 30.3% have completed high school and 8.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 20.6% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 25.3% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	14,325	11.7%
High school diploma	36,990	30.3%
Apprenticeship diploma	10,650	8.7%
College diploma	25,105	20.6%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	4,190	3.4%
University degree	30,915	25.3%

Education levels give a snapshot of the local talent pool and job readiness. A strong share of college and university graduates can mean better access to skilled jobs, while trades and apprenticeship diplomas often support hands-on industries. For renters, these stats help paint a picture of the economic opportunities and workforce makeup in the area.

Income in Kelowna

How much people earn in Kelowna

In Kelowna, the median household income sits at $82,000, while the median after-tax household income is $73,500.

Median household income

$82,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$73,500/year

Household income—especially after tax—offers one of the clearest indicators of how affordable a place might feel. It also helps renters understand earning power in the area, whether they're budgeting for rent or comparing communities with similar price tags. Local income trends can reveal whether the economy is growing, steady, or facing challenges.

Kelowna income by age

Young adults in Kelowna between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,800, often reflecting part-time or early career work. For those aged 25 to 34, when many are advancing in their jobs, the figure rises to $43,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $55,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $58,000, followed by $48,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $36,800.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	19,800
25 - 34	43,200
35 - 44	55,600
45 - 54	58,000
55 - 64	48,400
Over 65	36,800

Employment in Kelowna

Workforce and job sectors in Kelowna

In Kelowna, 79,950 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7.9%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

79,950

Unemployment rate

7.9%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	900	1.2%
Business, finance and administration	12,815	16.3%
Natural and applied sciences	5,325	6.8%
Health	7,710	9.8%
Education, law, community and government services	8,710	11.1%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	2,575	3.3%
Sales and service	22,305	28.4%
Trades and transport	13,770	17.5%
Natural resources and agriculture	2,260	2.9%
Manufacturing and utilities	2,215	2.8%

Knowing what kinds of jobs dominate the area can help you understand local culture, income levels, and day-to-day rhythms. When looking for a community that suits your lifestyle, these labour stats offer helpful clues.

Transportation in Kelowna

How people get around in Kelowna

In Kelowna, the average commute is 18 minutes. About 84.3% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 4% rely on public transit and 9.1% walk or bike. The remaining 2.6% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

18 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 41.2%
15 to 29 minutes: 43.6%
30 to 44 minutes: 9.8%
45 to 59 minutes: 2.4%
More than 60 minutes: 3.1%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	24,120	41.2%
15 to 29 minutes	25,505	43.6%
30 to 44 minutes	5,725	9.8%
45 to 59 minutes	1,385	2.4%
More than 60 minutes	1,830	3.1%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	49,355	84.3%
By public transit	2,330	4%
By bicycle/by walking	5,345	9.1%
By other methods	1,535	2.6%

Commute trends hint at both the layout and vibe of a place. If most people drive or take transit, the area may be more spread out. Shorter commutes suggest convenient access to jobs, while longer ones may confirm the area’s low-density layout.

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FAQs about Kelowna demographics

What is the current total population in Kelowna?

Kelowna has a population of 144,576, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.6% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Kelowna?

Kelowna has a population density of 682.4 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Kelowna?

Kelowna has the following gender distribution:

48.6% males (70,330 residents)
51.4% females (74,240 residents)

What is the age distribution of Kelowna residents?

The age distribution of Kelowna residents is as follows:

Under 15: 13.6% (19,585 residents)
15-24: 12.2% (17,645 residents)
25-34: 14.5% (20,910 residents)
35-44: 12.8% (18,555 residents)
45-54: 11.8% (17,115 residents)
55-64: 13.7% (19,765 residents)
Over 64: 21.4% (31,005 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Kelowna?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Kelowna:

82% non-immigrants (116,175 residents)
15.3% immigrants (21,635 residents)
2.8% non-permanent residents (3,950 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Kelowna?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Kelowna:

English: 97.7%
French: 1.4%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.7%

What is the typical household size in Kelowna?

The typical household size in Kelowna is 2.3 people.

What is the median household income in Kelowna?

The median household income in Kelowna is $82,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Kelowna residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Kelowna is as follows:

No diploma: 11.7% (14,325 residents)
High school diploma: 30.3% (36,990 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 8.7% (10,650 residents)
College diploma: 20.6% (25,105 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3.4% (4,190 residents)
University degree: 25.3% (30,915 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Kelowna?

The most common occupations in Kelowna fall within the sectors listed below:

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.3%
Business, finance and administration: 16.3%
Education, law, community and government services: 11.1%
Health: 9.8%
Management: 1.2%
Manufacturing and utilities: 2.8%
Natural and applied sciences: 6.8%
Natural resources and agriculture: 2.9%
Sales and service: 28.4%
Trades and transport: 17.5%

Data source & methodology

Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest census data from Statistics Canada (2021), with the total population figure reflecting the official 2024 population estimate.
Census aggregated data represented here is extracted from Data Tables, by topic, at the census subdivision area level.
Differences may be found between the totals of the various categories due to multiple variables.
The information is updated as soon as new data is made available. No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information.

Page last updated: September 2025

Kelowna, BC demographics:population, income, and more