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Vernon, BC

British Columbia · Kelowna Metro

Vernon is a mid-size city in British Columbia with a population of 44,519. Residents earn $73,500 per year, which is 2% below the national average.

2.6 /5.0
C+ Fair
44,519 Population 1,196/sq mi density
$73,500 Median Income $47,000 per capita
$524,000 Home Value
$1,170 Median Rent 24.4% income on rent
50°F Avg Temperature 300 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.6 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.2 / 5.0
$73,500 median income, 8.2% unemployment
C+
Affordability
2.6 / 5.0
$524,000 home value, $1,170/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
D
Education
1.9 / 5.0
11.4% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Vernon, BC

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $73,500
2% lower than US avg
Home Value $524,000
86% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 11.4%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,170
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment 8.2%
128% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 11.3%
9% lower than US avg

How Vernon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population44,519
Median Age49.2 yrs
Density1,196/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 92%

Economy

B
Median Income$73,500
Per Capita$47,000
Unemployment8.2%
Poverty11.3%
Commute21 min

Housing

C+
Home Value$524,000
Rent$1,170
Ownership66.0%
Housing Units19,790
Rent Burden24.4%

Crime

C+
Property3,500/100K
Burglary484/100K

Climate

Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
Rain15.7 in/yr
Sunny Days300/yr
Elevation1,257 ft (383 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+11.4%
High School+31.4%
Graduate+4.7%

Community

Commute21 min

Is Vernon a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Vernon receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Vernon has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Vernon is $73,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 8.2%, unemployment is notably high. 11.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Vernon is $524,000, making it a premium housing market at 86% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,170 per month. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.1x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.

Education

11.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 31.4% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Vernon experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 300 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 15.7 inches, including 32.3 inches of snow.

Vernon has a population of 44,519 with a density of 1,196 people per square mile, spread across 37.2 square miles. The median age is 49.2 years, 26% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.4% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly White (92%), with 6.1% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.1% of residents.

Population

44,519
Total Population
2021 Census
1,196
People / sq mi
49.2yrs
Median Age
26% above US avg
37.2mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 47.7%
Female 52.4%

Race & Ethnicity

Vernon vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 87.1%
11% above US avg
Spanish 1.3%
90% below US avg
Other Languages 11.6%

Social Characteristics

Vernon vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Vernon is $73,500, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,000 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $904, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,380 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 15.7% of workers work from home.

Income: Vernon vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$73,500
2% below US avg
Per Capita Income$47,000
Avg Weekly Wage$904

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment8.2%
128% above US avg
Poverty Rate11.3%
9% below US avg
Establishments (County)1,380

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time20.9 min
Drive Alone80.1%
Public Transit1.5%
Work from Home15.7%

Walkability

The median home value in Vernon is $524,000, 86% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,170 (1% above the national average of $1,163). 66.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 19,790 total housing units in the city. 24.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.1x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$524,000
86% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,170
1% above US avg
Rent Burden24.4%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership66.0%
Owner-Occupied66.0%
Renter-Occupied34.0%
Housing Units19,790

Property Tax

Property crime stands at 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,503, burglary at 484, vehicle theft at 505 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Vernon receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Vernon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Total Property3,500.0/100K
79% above US avg
Burglary483.9/100K
Theft2,503.4/100K
Vehicle Theft504.8/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Vernon experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 300 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 15.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 32.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,257 feet.

Temperature

29°F Jan (-2°C) 75°F Jul (24°C)
Annual Average49.8°F
8% below US avg
January Average29°F (-2°C)
July Average75°F (24°C)
Sunny Days300 days/yr

Geography

Elevation1,257 ft (383 m)
Area37.2 sq mi (96.4 km²)
Population Density1,196/sq mi
Coordinates50.2673°N, 119.2734°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 15.7"
59% below US avg
Snowfall 32.3"
Wettest Month (Dec) 2.13"
Driest Month (Mar) 1.14"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

48 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M3.4 on Jul 19, 2025.

Aug 17, 2002 39 km ESE of Merritt, Canada M4.5 80 km
Sep 10, 2016 23 km E of Oliver, Canada M3.9 118 km
Sep 19, 1993 32 km ENE of Merritt, Canada M3.8 78 km
Mar 3, 1998 16 km NNE of Grand Forks, Canada M3.8 139 km
Jan 26, 1992 9 km SSE of Okanagan Falls, Canada M3.7 113 km
Jan 12, 1997 15 km N of Princeton, Canada M3.5 115 km
Jul 19, 2025 34 km W of Okanagan Falls, Canada M3.4 113 km
Aug 20, 1990 23 km NW of Nelson, Canada M3.3 142 km
Oct 27, 1991 21 km N of Castlegar, Canada M3.3 146 km
Mar 3, 1998 15 km NNE of Grand Forks, Canada M3.2 142 km
Aug 20, 2003 39 km ESE of Merritt, Canada M3.2 80 km
Aug 19, 2017 23 km WNW of Princeton, Canada M3.1 136 km
Feb 13, 2010 36 km NNE of Princeton, Canada M3.0 91 km
Oct 23, 1991 21 km N of Castlegar, Canada M3.0 146 km
Mar 19, 1998 31 km SSW of Nakusp, Canada M3.0 103 km
May 18, 2011 18 km NNE of Princeton, Canada M3.0 111 km
Nov 5, 2000 8 km NW of Okanagan Falls, Canada M3.0 99 km
Feb 3, 1994 31 km ENE of Osoyoos, Canada M2.9 131 km
Dec 23, 1997 16 km ESE of Okanagan Falls, Canada M2.9 106 km
Apr 9, 1990 24 km W of Peachland, Canada M2.8 81 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

1 tsunami recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 6.0 m (20 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1905 THOMPSON RIVER Meteorological 6.0 m 15 148 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 29°F (-2°C) 1.9 in
February 29°F (-2°C) 1.2 in
March 37°F (3°C) 1.1 in Driest
April 46°F (8°C) 1.2 in
May 54°F (12°C) 1.8 in
June 61°F (16°C) 2.1 in
July 75°F (24°C) 1.7 in Warmest
August 66°F (19°C) 1.4 in
September 56°F (13°C) 1.6 in
October 45°F (7°C) 1.5 in
November 34°F (1°C) 2.1 in
December 25°F (-4°C) 2.1 in Coldest, Wettest

Vernon has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in December to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.7 inches, with December being the wettest month (2.1") and March the driest (1.1").

View full weather details →
11.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 66% below the national average of 33.7%. 31.4% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 80.1% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+11.4%
66% below US avg
High School+31.4%
Graduate Degree+4.7%
D Education Grade (1.9/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density1,196/sq mi
Total Area37.2 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute20.9 min
Drive Alone80.1%
Public Transit1.5%
Work from Home15.7%

Colleges & Universities in Vernon

Institution Type Enrollment Acceptance In-State Tuition Out-of-State
Okanagan College - Vernon Campus

Schools in Vernon

4 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Beairsto Elementary School
W.L. Seaton Secondary School
Harwood Elementary School
Alexis Park Elementary School
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Vernon

4 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CKLZ-FM 104.7 "The Lizard" Kelowna, BC mainstream rock AAC+ 48 kbps
CKQQ-FM "Beach Radio 103.1" Kelowna, BC adult hits AAC+ 48 kbps
CBC Radio One - Kelowna, BC (MP3 stream) features, news MP3 128 kbps
CJIB-FM "Beach Radio 107.5" Vernon, BC adult hits AAC+ 48 kbps

Museums in Vernon

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
O'Keefe Ranch
Okanagan Science Centre
Vernon Museum & Archives

Libraries in Vernon

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
ORL: Armstrong0.0
ORL: Lake Country Branch0.0
ORL: Vernon Branch0.0

Farmers Markets in Vernon

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Log Barn

Hotels in Vernon

8 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Canada's Best Value Inn & Suites
Days Inn by Wyndham Vernon
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Prestige Hotel
Prestige Vernon Lodge
Quality Inn & Suites
Riviera Plaza & Conference Centre, Vernon, BC
Sandman Hotel

Cafes in Vernon

7 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Bean to Cup
Blenz Coffee
Starbucks
Starbucks
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons
Triumph Coffee

Theatres in Vernon

2 theatres within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

27th St Theatre
Powerhouse Theatre

Zoos in Vernon

1 zoos within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Camelot Haven Alpacas

Clinics in Vernon

2 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

CA #1065215441
Willow Clinic

Dentists in Vernon

1 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

CA #1065215421

Veterinaries in Vernon

1 veterinaries within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Creekside Animal Clinic

Gas Stations in Vernon

15 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Canadian Tire
Co-op
Co-op
Co-op
Esso
Esso
Hunter's Store
Husky
Mobil
Petro-Canada
Petro-Canada
Petro-Canada
Shell
Super Save
Super Save Gas

Banks in Vernon

5 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Prospera Credit Union
Scotiabank
Scotiabank
TD Canada Trust
Vantage One Credit Union

Shopping Malls in Vernon

1 shopping malls within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Village Green Mall

Gyms in Vernon

4 gyms within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

MCK Athletics Training & Health
North Valley Gymnastics Society
Planet Fitness
World Health and Fitness

Breweries in Vernon

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Lake Country Brewing
Marten Brewing Co.
Okanagan Spring Brewery

Ski Resorts Near Vernon

10 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Big White Ski Resort 0.0 $0
McCulloch Cross-Country Ski Trails Recreation Site 0.0 $0
Telemark Cross-Country Ski Trails Recreation Site 0.0 $0
Sovereign Lake Nordic Club 0.0 $0
Silver Star Mountain Resort 0.0 $0
Larch Hills Nordic Ski Trails 0.0 $0
Sun Peaks Resort 0.0 $0
Drop Zone Terrain Park 0.0 $0
Flight School Terrain Park 0.0 $0
Basic Training Terrain Park 0.0 $0

Airports Near Vernon

10 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Kelowna International AirportYLWLarge Airport
Shuswap Regional AirportYSNMedium Airport
Vernon Regional AirportYVEMedium Airport
Kelowna Ogopogo Radio ControllersSmall Airport
Mabel Lake AirportSmall Airport
Monte Creek AirstripSmall Airport
Prichard AirstripSmall Airport
Ross Creek AirportSmall Airport
Shuswap (Skwlax Field) AirportSmall Airport
Shuswap Lake Estates AirfieldSmall Airport

Post Offices in Vernon

4 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
North Vernon
Purolator Ship Centre
Vernon Main
Vernon West End

Churches & Religious Organizations in Vernon

15 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Alexis Park Church
All Saints Anglican Church
Arbour Vernon Alliance Church
Church of God
Community Baptist Church
Faith Baptist Church
Knox Presbyterian Church
Our Lady Queen of Peace Church
Saint Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic Church
Saint Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church
Seventh-Day Adventist Church
Slavic Christians of Evangelical Faith
St Johns Lutheran Church
Trinity United Church
Vernon Alliance Church

Explore Near Vernon

Waterfalls
1
Natural waterfalls documented by USGS and OpenStreetMap contributors
View all →

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Vernon.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Vernon

What is the population of Vernon?

Vernon has a population of 44,519 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 1,196 people per square mile, spread across 37.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.4% female and 47.7% male.

Is Vernon expensive to live in?

The median household income is $73,500, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $524,000 (86% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,170 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Vernon safe?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Vernon receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Vernon?

Vernon has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 300 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 15.7 inches, with 32.3 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Vernon?

The job market in Vernon faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $904. There are 1,380 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 15.7% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Vernon?

The median home value in Vernon is $524,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,170. The homeownership rate is 66.0%.

How are the schools in Vernon?

11.4% of adults in Vernon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 31.4% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Vernon?

The average commute in Vernon is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.1% of workers drive alone to work, 1.5% use public transit, and 15.7% work from home.

What are the demographics of Vernon?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Vernon is 92% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 6.1% Asian. 87.1% of residents speak only English at home.

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