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West Kelowna, BC

British Columbia · Kelowna Metro

West Kelowna is a mid-size city in British Columbia with a population of 36,078. Residents earn $99,000 per year, which is 32% above the national average.

2.8 /5.0
C+ Fair
36,078 Population 765/sq mi density
$99,000 Median Income $57,150 per capita
$750,000 Home Value
$1,600 Median Rent 21.7% income on rent
50°F Avg Temperature 302 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.8 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A
Economy
4.1 / 5.0
$99,000 median income, 7.5% unemployment
C
Affordability
2.4 / 5.0
$750,000 home value, $1,600/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
C
Education
2.0 / 5.0
13.0% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover West Kelowna, 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 $99,000
32% higher than US avg
Home Value $750,000
166% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 13.0%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,600
38% higher than US avg
Unemployment 7.5%
108% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 7.0%
44% lower than US avg

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

People

Population36,078
Median Age44.0 yrs
Density765/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 93%

Economy

A
Median Income$99,000
Per Capita$57,150
Unemployment7.5%
Poverty7.0%
Commute24 min

Housing

C
Home Value$750,000
Rent$1,600
Ownership82.6%
Housing Units13,975
Rent Burden21.7%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
Rain14.6 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,594 ft (486 m)

Education

C
Bachelor's+13.0%
High School+31.4%
Graduate+4.2%

Community

Commute24 min

Is West Kelowna a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, West Kelowna receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. West Kelowna has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in West Kelowna is $99,000, which is significantly higher than the national average / 32% above $75,149. This places West Kelowna among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 7.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in West Kelowna is $750,000, making it a premium housing market at 166% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,600 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.6x, 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

13.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 31.4% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

West Kelowna experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 14.6 inches, including 38.0 inches of snow.

West Kelowna has a population of 36,078 with a density of 765 people per square mile, spread across 47.1 square miles. The median age is 44.0 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (92.7%), with 5% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.4% of residents.

Population

36,078
Total Population
2021 Census
765
People / sq mi
44.0yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
47.1mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.5%
Female 50.5%

Race & Ethnicity

West Kelowna vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 87.4%
11% above US avg
Spanish 1.3%
90% below US avg
Other Languages 11.3%

Social Characteristics

West Kelowna vs U.S. Average

The median household income in West Kelowna is $99,000, which is 32% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $57,150 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,099, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,118 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 23.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: West Kelowna vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$99,000
32% above US avg
Per Capita Income$57,150
Avg Weekly Wage$1,099

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment7.5%
108% above US avg
Poverty Rate7.0%
44% below US avg
Establishments (County)1,118

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time24.3 min
Drive Alone85.3%
Public Transit2.1%
Work from Home23.2%

Walkability

The median home value in West Kelowna is $750,000, 166% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,600 (38% above the national average of $1,163). 82.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 13,975 total housing units in the city. 21.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.6x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$750,000
166% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,600
38% above US avg
Rent Burden21.7%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership82.6%
Owner-Occupied82.6%
Renter-Occupied17.4%
Housing Units13,975

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, West Kelowna receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: West Kelowna 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 →
West Kelowna experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 302 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 14.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 38.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,594 feet.

Temperature

31°F Jan (-1°C) 73°F Jul (23°C)
Annual Average49.6°F
8% below US avg
January Average31°F (-1°C)
July Average73°F (23°C)
Sunny Days302 days/yr

Geography

Elevation1,594 ft (486 m)
Area47.1 sq mi (122.1 km²)
Population Density765/sq mi
Coordinates49.8625°N, 119.5833°W
TimezoneAmerica/Vancouver

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 14.6"
62% below US avg
Snowfall 38.0"
Wettest Month (Jun) 2.09"
Driest Month (Mar) 1.14"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

83 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 10, 2025.

Aug 17, 2002 39 km ESE of Merritt, Canada M4.5 52 km
Sep 10, 2016 23 km E of Oliver, Canada M3.9 78 km
Sep 19, 1993 32 km ENE of Merritt, Canada M3.8 66 km
Mar 3, 1998 16 km NNE of Grand Forks, Canada M3.8 118 km
Jan 26, 1992 9 km SSE of Okanagan Falls, Canada M3.7 66 km
Jan 12, 1997 15 km N of Princeton, Canada M3.5 72 km
Apr 28, 2023 38 km SW of Princeton, Canada M3.4 118 km
Mar 8, 1992 27 km SW of Princeton, Canada M3.4 107 km
Jul 19, 2025 34 km W of Okanagan Falls, Canada M3.4 63 km
Aug 20, 1990 23 km NW of Nelson, Canada M3.3 149 km
Oct 27, 1991 21 km N of Castlegar, Canada M3.3 147 km
Apr 20, 2025 8 km NW of Tonasket, Washington M3.2 122 km
Mar 3, 1998 15 km NNE of Grand Forks, Canada M3.2 121 km
Apr 13, 2025 7 km NW of Tonasket, Washington M3.2 123 km
Aug 20, 2003 39 km ESE of Merritt, Canada M3.2 52 km
May 28, 2022 55 km NE of Marblemount, Washington M3.2 148 km
May 15, 2025 9 km NW of Tonasket, Washington M3.1 121 km
Apr 13, 2025 6 km NW of Tonasket, Washington M3.1 123 km
Nov 25, 2000 13 km SSE of Oroville, Washington M3.1 115 km
Aug 19, 2017 23 km WNW of Princeton, Canada M3.1 95 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 15 140 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Wildfire History

3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (8,385 ac, 1994).

Year Name Acres Distance
1994 UNNAMED 8,385 93 km
2007 LITTLE CHOPAKA 4,406 100 km
1994 UNNAMED 3,324 99 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 31°F (-1°C) 1.7 in
February 27°F (-3°C) 1.2 in
March 34°F (1°C) 1.1 in Driest
April 42°F (6°C) 1.1 in
May 50°F (10°C) 1.7 in
June 57°F (14°C) 2.1 in Wettest
July 73°F (23°C) 1.7 in Warmest
August 63°F (17°C) 1.4 in
September 54°F (12°C) 1.4 in
October 43°F (6°C) 1.3 in
November 32°F (-0°C) 1.8 in
December 24°F (-5°C) 1.9 in Coldest

West Kelowna has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in December to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.1") and March the driest (1.1").

View full weather details →
13.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 62% below the national average of 33.7%. 31.4% have completed high school. 4.2% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 85.3% of workers drive alone to work, while 2.1% use public transit.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+13.0%
62% below US avg
High School+31.4%
Graduate Degree+4.2%
C Education Grade (2.0/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density765/sq mi
Total Area47.1 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute24.3 min
Drive Alone85.3%
Public Transit2.1%
Work from Home23.2%

Schools in West Kelowna

3 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Constable Neil Bruce Middle School
École Hudson Road Elementary
Mount Boucherie Secondary
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near West Kelowna

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 West Kelowna

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Okanagan Heritage Museum
Okanagan Mission (Pandosy's Farm)
Peachland Museum
Westbank Museum

Libraries in West Kelowna

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
ORL: Kelowna Branch0.0
ORL: Lake Country Branch0.0
ORL: Mission Branch0.0
ORL: Peachland Branch0.0
ORL: Rutland Branch0.0
ORL: UBCO Branch0.0
ORL: West Kelowna Branch0.0
ORL: Westside Learning Lab0.0
University of British Columbia Okanagan Library0.0

Farmers Markets in West Kelowna

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Kelowna Farmers Market
O K Drink'n Water Shops Ltd
Oriental Supermarket
Westbank Farmers' Market

Hotels in West Kelowna

1 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Super 8 by Wyndham West Kelowna BC

Cafes in West Kelowna

2 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Bliss Bakery
Cafe Bella Bean

Gas Stations in West Kelowna

4 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Chevron
Husky
Petro-Canada
Petro-Pass

Gyms in West Kelowna

2 gyms within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

CA #6486333119
World Gym

Breweries in West Kelowna

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Barn Owl Brewing
BNA Brewing
Brittannia Brewing Co.
CRAFT Beer Market
Freddy's Brewing
Grey Fox Brewery
Kettle River Brewing
Kind Brewing
Lake Country Brewing
Tree Brewing
Truck 59 Cider House
Vice & Virtue
Wild Ambition Brewing

Stadiums & Teams in West Kelowna

TeamLeagueDivision

Ski Resorts Near West Kelowna

7 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Nickel Plate Cross-Country Ski Trails Recreation Site 0.0 $0
Apex Mountain Resort 0.0 $0
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

Airports Near West Kelowna

7 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Kelowna International AirportYLWLarge Airport
Penticton AirportYYFMedium Airport
Vernon Regional AirportYVEMedium Airport
Douglas Lake AirportDGFSmall Airport
Kelowna Ogopogo Radio ControllersSmall Airport
Knutsford AirfieldSmall Airport
Oliver AirportSmall Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in West Kelowna

3 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Grace Lutheran Church
Lakeview Heights Baptist Chirch
Westside Alliance Church

Download Full City Report

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About West Kelowna

What is the population of West Kelowna?

West Kelowna has a population of 36,078 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 765 people per square mile, spread across 47.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.

Is West Kelowna expensive to live in?

The median household income is $99,000, 32% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $750,000 (166% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,600 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.6x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is West Kelowna safe?

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

What is the weather like in West Kelowna?

West Kelowna has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 14.6 inches, with 38.0 inches of snow.

How is the job market in West Kelowna?

The unemployment rate in West Kelowna is 7.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,099. There are 1,118 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 23.2% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in West Kelowna?

The median home value in West Kelowna is $750,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,600. The homeownership rate is 82.6%.

How are the schools in West Kelowna?

13.0% of adults in West Kelowna hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 31.4% have completed high school. 4.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in West Kelowna?

The average commute in West Kelowna is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.3% of workers drive alone to work, 2.1% use public transit, and 23.2% work from home.

What are the demographics of West Kelowna?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West Kelowna is 92.7% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 5% Asian. 87.4% of residents speak only English at home.

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