Okanagan Employment Trends

The unemployment rate in Kelowna was 9% as of May 2026, up 1% from the previous month. The unemployment rate stood 1.4% below the peak from November 2025 but remains above the long-run average.

There were 2,100 fewer full-time jobs in May 2026 compared to a month earlier. Combined with a gain of 2,800 part-time positions, this led to an increase of 700 total jobs in May.

Full-time employment was down 15,100 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