Economic Profile ending 2007

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.



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