Vancouver Island Employment Trends

The unemployment rate in Nanaimo was 8.5% as of May 2026, down 0.2% from the previous month. The unemployment rate stood 10.6% below the peak from April 2011 but remains above the long-run average.

There were 900 more full-time jobs in May 2026 compared to a month earlier. Combined with a loss of 500 part-time positions, this led to an increase of 400 total jobs in May.

Full-time employment was down 9,400 jobs from the peak in March 2024 but stood 1,500 jobs above the trough in January 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 Vancouver Island 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 Vancouver Island 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.

Vancouver Island Real Estate Board