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Prince George City Overview

Prince George - BC's Northern Capital

Population

Prince George is home to 83,225 people (census agglomeration) and 313,556 people in the trading area.

Housing

Average cost of purchasing a home in Prince George in 2007 was $240,245. Average cost of renting an apartment or townhome in 2007 was $650/month.

Climate

Prince George enjoys a dry climate with four complete seasons – lots of sun between May and September and lots of snow between November and March. Average January temperature is -10°C and average July temperature is 22°C, though most years bring temperature extremes above 30°C and below -20°C on occasion.

Earnings

Average annual labour force income is nearly $40,000, significantly higher than the BC average.

Employment

Employment rate in Prince George is 69.9% (2007).

Commuting

Maximum commute to downtown Prince George from most of the city's residential areas is 15 minutes.

Culture

A variety of active ethnic and cultural groups exist in Prince George to provide programming and assistance to all residents in social, cultural and economic capacities.

Education

Prince George educational institutions include the internationally recognized University of Northern British Columbia, the main campus of full-service College of New Caledonia, two additional community colleges, numerous trades and technical education facilities, close to 50 regional public schools and an assortment of private schools and specialty programs.

Newcomers

The Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society, the Multicultural Heritage Society of Prince George, Le Cercle des Canadiens Français de Prince George, the Prince George Native Friendship Centre, the Welcome Wagon, and numerous employment service providers assist newcomers in getting settled in Prince George.

Shopping

From a seasonal Farmers' Market to malls and big box establishments, Prince George offers a complete variety of shopping experiences.

Recreation

Eighteen outdoor and six indoor soccer fields, seven ice rinks, two aquatic facilities (one deemed world class), numerous gyms / self defense / dance clubs, 120 parks within city limits, 1,600 lakes and streams within one hour, downhill and cross country ski facilities and much more… Prince George is known to be sports crazy!

Transportation

Home to an international airport (YXS), VIA Rail daylight passenger train service, Greyhound and other charter bus services and an ever improving highway infrastructure, there are many ways to travel in and out of Prince George.