Steady population increase predicted in northeast by 2029

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — According to Northern Development, the population in the Northeast of British Columbia is predicted to rise steadily to just under 79,000 by 2029.

Northern Development released the latest update to its digital “State of the North” dashboard, tracking statistics on things like unemployment and the economy, on September 5th.

The latest update includes historical and forecasted population graphs predicting that the population of Northeast British Columbia will increase to 78,990 in 2029, from its current population of 75,451. 

British Columbia’s total population, which is currently 5,673,856, is forecasted to rise to 6,164,800 by 2029. 

The data also shows a decreasing population trend among younger age groups. 

From 2020 to 2023, the population age group 0-14 has declined from 21 per cent to 20.64 per cent. Northern Development forecasts the age group to continue decreasing to 18.27 per cent by 2028. 

The 25 to 54-year-old age group decreased from 42.77 per cent to 41 per cent during the same time period. Forecasting graphs predict the age group will stagnate around 40 per cent toward the end of the decade. 

The 15 to 24 age group saw a slight increase from 12.71 per cent to 14.23 per cent. Forecasts predict the age group to increase to 16.24 per cent by 2028. 

Northern Development also showed a total migration change of just 54 people. The Northeast showed a net natural increase of 466, and a net international immigration of 523. 

Net intraprovincial migration has decreased by 458 people, and a net interprovincial migration decrease of 477. 

More information on the graphs and predictions can be found on Northern Development’s website.