Okanagan Employment Trends

The unemployment rate in Kelowna was 7% as of March 2026, up 0.7% from the previous month. The unemployment rate stood 3.4% below the peak from November 2025 but remains above the long-run average.

There were 1,200 fewer full-time jobs in March 2026 compared to a month earlier. Combined with a loss of 2,000 part-time positions, this led to a decrease of 3,200 total jobs in March.

Full-time employment was down 9,300 jobs from the peak in October 2025.

* All figures are seasonally adjusted, 3-month moving averages. Seasonal adjustment removes normal seasonal fluctuations.

The information contained in this report has been prepared by The Canadian Real Estate Association, in co-operation with the Okanagan Employment Trends. The information has been drawn from sources deemed to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information is not guaranteed. In providing this information, neither The Canadian Real Estate Association nor the Okanagan Employment Trends assumes any responsibility or liability. Copyright ©2026. The Canadian Real Estate Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission.

Association of Interior REALTORS® - Okanagan Branch