Total population

36,078

0.7 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$99,000/yr

Private dwellings

14,746

West Kelowna population

How many people live in West Kelowna

West Kelowna is home to 36,078 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.5% identify as male and 50.5% as female.

Total population

36,078

0.7% year-over-year change

Population density

295.5/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49.5%

17,850

Female

50.5%

18,230

	Value	Percent
Male	17,850	49.5%
Female	18,230	50.5%

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 West Kelowna is 43.3. Children under 15 make up 16.3% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.1%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.4% are 25 to 34, 13.2% are 35 to 44, and 12.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 21.4%.

Average age

43.3

Age breakdown

Under 15: 16.3%
15 to 24: 10.1%
25 to 34: 11.4%
35 to 44: 13.2%
45 to 54: 12.7%
55 to 64: 15%
Over 65: 21.4%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	5,880	16.3%
15 to 24	3,655	10.1%
25 to 34	4,105	11.4%
35 to 44	4,770	13.2%
45 to 54	4,575	12.7%
55 to 64	5,395	15%
Over 65	7,705	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 West Kelowna, 86.1% of residents were born in Canada, while 13.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.4% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 86.1%
Immigrants: 13.5%
Non-permanent residents: 0.4%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	30,780	86.1%
Immigrants	4,835	13.5%
Non-permanent residents	135	0.4%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 7.3%
Non-minorities: 92.7%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	2,620	7.3%
Non-minorities	33,130	92.7%

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 West Kelowna

English: 98.2%
French: 1.2%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.4%

	Value	Percent
English	35,320	98.2%
French	450	1.2%
English and French	45	0.1%
Neither English nor French	155	0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.2% of people in West Kelowna speak English as their primary language, 1.2% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.4% 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 West Kelowna

A peek inside West Kelowna households

West Kelowna has 13,975 households, with an average of 2.6 people living in each. One-person households make up 20.5% of all homes, while 40.7% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.1%, and homes with four or more people account for 23.7% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

13,975

Average people per household

2.6

1 person: 20.5%
2 persons: 40.7%
3 persons: 15.1%
4 persons: 14.8%
5 or more persons: 8.9%

	Value	Percent
1 person	2,865	20.5%
2 persons	5,690	40.7%
3 persons	2,110	15.1%
4 persons	2,070	14.8%
5 or more persons	1,245	8.9%

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 West Kelowna

The housing landscape of West Kelowna

West Kelowna has a total of 14,746 private dwellings. When it comes to space, West Kelowna offers a variety of home sizes: 6% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 49% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 44.2% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

14,746

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 68%
Attached homes: 28.6%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 3.4%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	9,505	68%
Attached homes	3,995	28.6%
Movable homes	470	3.4%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 6%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 49%
4 or more bedrooms: 44.2%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	895	6%
2 or 3 bedrooms	6,910	49%
4 or more bedrooms	6,170	44.2%

Homes built since 2011

2,190

The age of buildings in West Kelowna

About 0.9% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 1.3% between 1946 and 1960. Another 4.8% went up in the 1960s, 19.7% in the 1970s, and 12.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 23.4% of homes were added, and 21.5% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	120	0.9%
Between 1946 and 1960	185	1.3%
Between 1961 and 1970	665	4.8%
Between 1971 and 1980	2,755	19.7%
Between 1981 and 1990	1,795	12.8%
Between 1991 and 2000	3,265	23.4%
Between 2001 and 2010	3,010	21.5%
After 2011	2,190	15.7%

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.

West Kelowna occupancy rates

In West Kelowna, there are 13,974 occupied private dwellings, of which 82.6% are owner-occupied and 17.4% are rented. Meanwhile, 772 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

13,974

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 17.4%
Owned households: 82.6%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	2,430	17.4%
Owned households	11,540	82.6%

Unoccupied dwellings

772

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 West Kelowna, homeowners pay a median of $1,540 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,600. About 78.3% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 21.7% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,540

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,600

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 78.3%
≥30% on shelter: 21.7%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	10,905	78.3%
≥30% on shelter	3,020	21.7%

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 West Kelowna

West Kelowna education at a glance

In West Kelowna, educational attainment varies across the community. About 11.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31.4% have completed high school and 10.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 23.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 18.7% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	3,485	11.7%
High school diploma	9,380	31.4%
Apprenticeship diploma	3,225	10.8%
College diploma	7,075	23.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	1,130	3.8%
University degree	5,585	18.7%

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 West Kelowna

How much people earn in West Kelowna

In West Kelowna, the median household income sits at $99,000, while the median after-tax household income is $87,000.

Median household income

$99,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$87,000/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.

West Kelowna income by age

Young adults in West Kelowna between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,800, 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 $45,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $60,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $60,400, followed by $48,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $38,000.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	17,800
25 - 34	45,200
35 - 44	60,000
45 - 54	60,400
55 - 64	48,800
Over 65	38,000

Employment in West Kelowna

Workforce and job sectors in West Kelowna

In West Kelowna, 18,975 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7.5%. 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

18,975

Unemployment rate

7.5%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	220	1.2%
Business, finance and administration	3,105	16.6%
Natural and applied sciences	1,190	6.4%
Health	1,665	8.9%
Education, law, community and government services	1,945	10.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	605	3.2%
Sales and service	4,960	26.6%
Trades and transport	3,810	20.4%
Natural resources and agriculture	525	2.8%
Manufacturing and utilities	655	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 West Kelowna

How people get around in West Kelowna

In West Kelowna, the average commute is 22 minutes. About 91.2% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 2.1% rely on public transit and 3.6% walk or bike. The remaining 3.2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

22 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 35.2%
15 to 29 minutes: 37.8%
30 to 44 minutes: 17.3%
45 to 59 minutes: 5.2%
More than 60 minutes: 4.5%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	5,000	35.2%
15 to 29 minutes	5,370	37.8%
30 to 44 minutes	2,455	17.3%
45 to 59 minutes	740	5.2%
More than 60 minutes	640	4.5%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	12,955	91.2%
By public transit	295	2.1%
By bicycle/by walking	505	3.6%
By other methods	455	3.2%

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 West Kelowna demographics

What is the current total population in West Kelowna?

West Kelowna has a population of 36,078, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.7% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of West Kelowna?

West Kelowna has a population density of 295.5 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in West Kelowna?

West Kelowna has the following gender distribution:

49.5% males (17,850 residents)
50.5% females (18,230 residents)

What is the age distribution of West Kelowna residents?

The age distribution of West Kelowna residents is as follows:

Under 15: 16.3% (5,880 residents)
15-24: 10.1% (3,655 residents)
25-34: 11.4% (4,105 residents)
35-44: 13.2% (4,770 residents)
45-54: 12.7% (4,575 residents)
55-64: 15% (5,395 residents)
Over 64: 21.4% (7,705 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in West Kelowna?

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

86.1% non-immigrants (30,780 residents)
13.5% immigrants (4,835 residents)
0.4% non-permanent residents (135 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in West Kelowna?

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

English: 98.2%
French: 1.2%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.4%

What is the typical household size in West Kelowna?

The typical household size in West Kelowna is 2.6 people.

What is the median household income in West Kelowna?

The median household income in West Kelowna is $99,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of West Kelowna residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in West Kelowna is as follows:

No diploma: 11.7% (3,485 residents)
High school diploma: 31.4% (9,380 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 10.8% (3,225 residents)
College diploma: 23.7% (7,075 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3.8% (1,130 residents)
University degree: 18.7% (5,585 residents)

What are the most common occupations in West Kelowna?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.2%
Business, finance and administration: 16.6%
Education, law, community and government services: 10.4%
Health: 8.9%
Management: 1.2%
Manufacturing and utilities: 3.5%
Natural and applied sciences: 6.4%
Natural resources and agriculture: 2.8%
Sales and service: 26.6%
Trades and transport: 20.4%

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

West Kelowna, BC demographics:population, income, and more