Kelowna\u2019s population shrank for the first time in 25 years, but people in B.C. are still moving to the Thompson-Okanagan from other regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Thompson-Okanagan gained around 4,033 residents since July 2025, according to a press release from the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia issued, July 30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most of the region\u2019s growth came from within the province. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There were 500 new residents from other provinces, 1,752 residents from other countries and 4,327 new residents who were already British Columbians. The region\u2019s natural growth saw the population drop by 2,488 people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnnual population growth slowed to 0.6 per cent, in line with the provincial trend,\u201d chartered accountant Karen Christiansen said in the release. \u201cIt\u2019s a combination of factors, including fewer newcomers from other countries, and weaker interprovincial migration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Between July 2024 and July 2025, Kelowna gained 2,957 people and Kamloops\u2019 population dropped by 259 people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Between July 2025 and July 2026, Kelowna\u2019s population went from 167,659 to 166,278<\/a>, according to BC Statistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christiansen said there used to be more people moving to the area from other parts of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn-migration from other parts of the province has been a consistent source of growth for the region,\u201d Christiansen said. \u201cHowever, we\u2019ve seen interprovincial migration fall quite drastically over the last three years, with higher housing costs relative to other provinces playing a role.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The chartered accountants group pointed to Kelowna’s rental market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n