Total population

36,885

0.2 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$68,000/yr

Private dwellings

18,457

Penticton population

How many people live in Penticton

Penticton is home to 36,885 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 46.9% identify as male and 53.1% as female.

Total population

36,885

0.2% year-over-year change

Population density

857.3/km2

Gender ratio

Male

46.9%

17,300

Female

53.1%

19,585

	Value	Percent
Male	17,300	46.9%
Female	19,585	53.1%

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 Penticton is 48.9. Children under 15 make up 11.9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 8.3%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 10.5% are 25 to 34, 11.4% are 35 to 44, and 11.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.4% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 30.3%.

Average age

48.9

Age breakdown

Under 15: 11.9%
15 to 24: 8.3%
25 to 34: 10.5%
35 to 44: 11.4%
45 to 54: 11.1%
55 to 64: 16.4%
Over 65: 30.3%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	4,395	11.9%
15 to 24	3,075	8.3%
25 to 34	3,870	10.5%
35 to 44	4,225	11.4%
45 to 54	4,110	11.1%
55 to 64	6,035	16.4%
Over 65	11,175	30.3%

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 Penticton, 85.6% of residents were born in Canada, while 13.4% have settled here from abroad. Another 1% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 85.6%
Immigrants: 13.4%
Non-permanent residents: 1%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	30,585	85.6%
Immigrants	4,795	13.4%
Non-permanent residents	345	1%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 8.9%
Non-minorities: 91.1%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	3,195	8.9%
Non-minorities	32,530	91.1%

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 Penticton

English: 97.7%
French: 1.6%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.6%

	Value	Percent
English	35,245	97.7%
French	560	1.6%
English and French	65	0.2%
Neither English nor French	200	0.6%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.7% of people in Penticton speak English as their primary language, 1.6% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% are bilingual, and 0.6% 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 Penticton

A peek inside Penticton households

Penticton has 17,360 households, with an average of 2.1 people living in each. One-person households make up 37.5% of all homes, while 38.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 11.5%, and homes with four or more people account for 12.8% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

17,360

Average people per household

2.1

1 person: 37.5%
2 persons: 38.2%
3 persons: 11.5%
4 persons: 8.5%
5 or more persons: 4.3%

	Value	Percent
1 person	6,515	37.5%
2 persons	6,630	38.2%
3 persons	1,995	11.5%
4 persons	1,475	8.5%
5 or more persons	745	4.3%

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 Penticton

The housing landscape of Penticton

Penticton has a total of 18,457 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 40.3% are single-detached houses, 49.2% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 6.9% are apartments. When it comes to space, Penticton offers a variety of home sizes: 16% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 63% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 20.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

18,457

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 40.3%
Attached homes: 49.2%
Apartments: 6.9%
Movable homes: 3.6%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	6,990	40.3%
Attached homes	8,545	49.2%
Apartments	1,200	6.9%
Movable homes	625	3.6%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 16%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 63%
4 or more bedrooms: 20.4%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	2,845	16%
2 or 3 bedrooms	10,970	63%
4 or more bedrooms	3,550	20.4%

Homes built since 2011

2,300

The age of buildings in Penticton

About 5.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 10.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.7% went up in the 1960s, 18.5% in the 1970s, and 14.9% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 15.8% of homes were added, and 10.5% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	885	5.1%
Between 1946 and 1960	1,770	10.2%
Between 1961 and 1970	2,035	11.7%
Between 1971 and 1980	3,210	18.5%
Between 1981 and 1990	2,590	14.9%
Between 1991 and 2000	2,735	15.8%
Between 2001 and 2010	1,825	10.5%
After 2011	2,300	13.3%

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.

Penticton occupancy rates

In Penticton, there are 17,361 occupied private dwellings, of which 63.3% are owner-occupied and 36.7% are rented. Meanwhile, 1,096 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

17,361

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 36.7%
Owned households: 63.3%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	6,375	36.7%
Owned households	10,985	63.3%

Unoccupied dwellings

1,096

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 Penticton, homeowners pay a median of $940 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,200. About 74.1% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 25.9% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$940

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,200

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 74.1%
≥30% on shelter: 25.9%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	12,805	74.1%
≥30% on shelter	4,480	25.9%

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 Penticton

Penticton education at a glance

In Penticton, educational attainment varies across the community. About 15.3% of residents have no formal diploma, while 33.4% have completed high school and 9.3% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 21.2% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 17.6% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	4,805	15.3%
High school diploma	10,455	33.4%
Apprenticeship diploma	2,920	9.3%
College diploma	6,645	21.2%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	980	3.1%
University degree	5,530	17.6%

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 Penticton

How much people earn in Penticton

In Penticton, the median household income sits at $68,000, while the median after-tax household income is $61,600.

Median household income

$68,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$61,600/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.

Penticton income by age

Young adults in Penticton between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,200, 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 $41,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $51,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $51,200, followed by $42,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $32,400.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	19,200
25 - 34	41,600
35 - 44	51,200
45 - 54	51,200
55 - 64	42,000
Over 65	32,400

Employment in Penticton

Workforce and job sectors in Penticton

In Penticton, 17,420 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8.4%. 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

17,420

Unemployment rate

8.4%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	135	0.8%
Business, finance and administration	2,770	16.2%
Natural and applied sciences	750	4.4%
Health	1,810	10.6%
Education, law, community and government services	1,550	9.1%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	515	3%
Sales and service	5,335	31.2%
Trades and transport	3,165	18.5%
Natural resources and agriculture	470	2.8%
Manufacturing and utilities	605	3.5%

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 Penticton

How people get around in Penticton

In Penticton, the average commute is 15 minutes. About 80.5% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.9% rely on public transit and 14.2% walk or bike. The remaining 3.4% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

15 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 64.3%
15 to 29 minutes: 21.2%
30 to 44 minutes: 7.3%
45 to 59 minutes: 3.4%
More than 60 minutes: 3.8%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	8,765	64.3%
15 to 29 minutes	2,885	21.2%
30 to 44 minutes	995	7.3%
45 to 59 minutes	465	3.4%
More than 60 minutes	525	3.8%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	10,970	80.5%
By public transit	260	1.9%
By bicycle/by walking	1,930	14.2%
By other methods	465	3.4%

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 Penticton demographics

What is the current total population in Penticton?

Penticton has a population of 36,885, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.2% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Penticton?

Penticton has a population density of 857.3 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Penticton?

Penticton has the following gender distribution:

46.9% males (17,300 residents)
53.1% females (19,585 residents)

What is the age distribution of Penticton residents?

The age distribution of Penticton residents is as follows:

Under 15: 11.9% (4,395 residents)
15-24: 8.3% (3,075 residents)
25-34: 10.5% (3,870 residents)
35-44: 11.4% (4,225 residents)
45-54: 11.1% (4,110 residents)
55-64: 16.4% (6,035 residents)
Over 64: 30.3% (11,175 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Penticton?

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

85.6% non-immigrants (30,585 residents)
13.4% immigrants (4,795 residents)
1% non-permanent residents (345 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Penticton?

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

English: 97.7%
French: 1.6%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.6%

What is the typical household size in Penticton?

The typical household size in Penticton is 2.1 people.

What is the median household income in Penticton?

The median household income in Penticton is $68,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Penticton residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Penticton is as follows:

No diploma: 15.3% (4,805 residents)
High school diploma: 33.4% (10,455 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 9.3% (2,920 residents)
College diploma: 21.2% (6,645 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3.1% (980 residents)
University degree: 17.6% (5,530 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Penticton?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3%
Business, finance and administration: 16.2%
Education, law, community and government services: 9.1%
Health: 10.6%
Management: 0.8%
Manufacturing and utilities: 3.5%
Natural and applied sciences: 4.4%
Natural resources and agriculture: 2.8%
Sales and service: 31.2%
Trades and transport: 18.5%

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

Penticton, BC demographics:population, income, and more