Prince George on the brink of 100,000: what that growth really means for home buyers and sellers
Prince George has been quietly doing something big. According to a recent report from CBC News, the greater Prince George area is now estimated to have passed the 100,000-resident mark. Not officially, not census-final yet, but close enough that it has everyone paying attention.
For a city long known as British Columbia’s northern capital, this milestone matters. It signals momentum. It signals confidence. And for anyone thinking about buying, selling, downsizing, or investing in Prince George real estate, it signals opportunity.
Let’s break down what’s happening and why it matters to you.
What the numbers are telling us
Statistics Canada estimates place the greater Prince George area at just over 100,000 residents as of mid-2025. That includes the city itself plus surrounding rural areas. While the official count won’t be confirmed until the 2026 census, local observations back it up: more traffic, more housing starts, and more activity across neighbourhoods.
Simon Yu has been clear about his vision. He believes Prince George isn’t just growing, but that it should grow, with a long-term goal of doubling the population over the next decade or so. Ambitious? Absolutely. But it’s rooted in infrastructure that was originally built for a much larger city.
A city built ahead of its time
Here’s a fascinating piece of Prince George history: back in the 1970s and 1980s, city planners expected the population to hit 100,000 before 1990. Roads, utilities, and services were built with that future in mind.
Then growth slowed.
Fast-forward to today, and Prince George has something rare: existing infrastructure with room to grow. That’s a huge advantage compared to cities that must constantly expand outward, building costly new roads and services.
From a real estate perspective, this supports smarter growth: more density, revitalized neighbourhoods, infill development, and renewed interest in the downtown core.
Why this matters for buyers
If you’re buying in Prince George, population growth tends to bring a few consistent trends:
• increased housing demand over time
• stronger long-term property values
• more amenities, services, and local businesses
• renewed investment in established neighbourhoods
This doesn’t mean prices jump overnight. Prince George has always been known for relative affordability compared to southern BC markets. But steady growth often rewards buyers who get in before demand fully accelerates.
For first-time buyers, this can be a chance to purchase while the market still offers choice and breathing room. For families, it means growing communities with improving services. For investors, it means watching rental demand and neighbourhood transitions carefully.
Why this matters for sellers
For sellers, growth changes buyer psychology. A growing city attracts people relocating for work, education, healthcare, and lifestyle. That brings fresh eyes to listings and often more competition for well-located homes.
Homes close to schools, hospitals, shopping, and established infrastructure tend to benefit first. Sellers who prepare properly, price realistically, and understand current buyer expectations are often best positioned as the market evolves.
This is where local knowledge really matters. Growth isn’t uniform. Some areas heat up faster than others, and timing can make a meaningful difference.
Smart growth is the key
One message that came through clearly in the CBC coverage is the importance of smart growth. Density over sprawl. Thoughtful development over quick expansion. Maintaining what makes Prince George feel like Prince George.
As a local realtor, I see this balance play out daily. Buyers want space, yes, but they also want walkability, convenience, and community. Sellers want value, but also stability and long-term confidence in their neighbourhood.
Handled well, growth can be a win for everyone.
What this means for your next move
Whether you’re thinking about buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing, or planning a future sale, understanding where Prince George is headed helps you make better decisions today.
Population growth isn’t just a headline. It shapes markets, timelines, and opportunities.
If you’d like to talk about how this growth could affect your specific situation, I’m always happy to help.
Jason Luke
Prince George Realtor
jasonlukehomes@gmail.com
250-301-9960
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