Lake and mountains

Cariboo

Regional Profile
Population - age 15+
(Dec 2023)
145,800
Employment
(Dec 2023)
86,800
Unemployment Rate
(Dec 2023)
5.6%
Job Openings
(2022-2032)
18,460

Region Overview

The Cariboo economic region covers much of the northern interior of the province, ranging from the Cariboo plateau in the west to the valleys of the Cariboo and Rocky Mountain ranges. It includes the city of Prince George, which acts as a major service centre for the northern half of the province.

Key Facts

  • Cariboo is one of the less populated regions.
  • The share of the region’s population of working age (15-64) is similar to the provincial share.
  • Unemployment in Cariboo has consistently been higher than in the province as a whole.
  • Manufacturing activities have a strong presence in the region.
  • Jobs in Other Primary (Forestry; Mining, Oil and Gas; Fishing, Hunting and Trapping) are located in the Cariboo region.

Labour Market Statistics

Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.

Employment

Employment for this Region (2021)

86,700
Full-time employment:79%
Part-time employment:21%

Employment for all of B.C. (2021)

2,655,700
Full-time employment (average):78%
Part-time employment (average):22%
Source: 2021 Labour Force Survey

Unemployment Rate for this Region (2021)

6.0%

Unemployment Rate for all of B.C. (2021)

6.5%

10-year Unemployment Rate
Unemployment rate refers to the percentage of the population 15 years and older that are not employed.

Cariboo
Low:
5.6%
High:
10%
British Columbia
Low:
4.7%
High:
8.9%
Source: 2021 Labour Force Survey

Labour Market Outlook

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

Total Forecasted Job Openings (2022-2032)

18,460
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Forecasted Job Openings

Composition of Job Openings

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Forecasted 10-Year Total Employment Growth

18,460

Forecasted Average Annual Employment Growth Rate

0.2%

Forecasted Employment Growth Rate (2022 - 2032)

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Top Occupations

Top occupations are those with stronger demand and offer higher pay compared to other occupations.

Industry Highlights

Services sector

The top three Services sectors ranked by the highest share of employment are: Other Services; Wholesale and Retail Trade; and Public Administration.

Goods sector

B.C.'s Goods sector (Agriculture; Forestry; Mining, Oil and Gas; Fishing, Hunting and Trapping; Utilities; Construction; and Manufacturing) jobs in Cariboo are heavily dependent on Forest sector operations.