Population & Growth
The 2006 Census population of Parksville was 10,993 residents with a projected growth rate of approximately 2.5% per annum.
Historically, the growth rate of Parksville has exceeded both the province and the region. Parksville continues to attract residents at a much higher rate than the Regional District and the Province. Current estimates indicate that Parksville's population will be approximately 12,000 in the year 2011, 1,000 more residents than currently estimated.
By 2009, the Regional District of Nanaimo is expected to reach a population of approximately 166,000. Continued growth throughout the region and higher than average growth rates in Parksville are positive signs that the City continues to be an attractive and desirable location.
Parksville's mild climate and excellent location has always attracted retirees and the City can anticipate further growth from this rapidly growing sector of the population.
Parksville will also experience significant growth from new and emerging business due to its attractive lifestyle, fast and easy access to major centers, state-of-the-art communication systems and close proximity to world-class recreational resources. As new businesses realize the advantages of locating in lifestyle-orientated communities, cities such as Parksville will see a higher demand from business. Parksville will experience further growth of residents and businesses well into the foreseeable future.
Due to the high proportion of retirees in Parksville, only 52% of the population is in the labour force. This does not adversely affect the local labour market due to the close proximity of Nanaimo, where a large labour market is readily available. Coupled with excellent local and regional educational and skills centers, Parksville has access to a well-trained pool of both existing and potential employees.
The latest statistics on labour force characteristics suggest that Parksville has a healthy and diverse economic base, a position supported by the City's continuing growth. By encouraging new business and educational facilities, Parksville will continue to attract a skilled, educated and diverse labour force within the community.
Parksville is also developing new resources and facilities to further economic development opportunities for new and emerging business to ensure that our population consists of all age groups and allow our younger people to remain in the community as they enter the work force.
The population of Parksville is noticeably different than the provincial average. This is due to the large number of retirees that come to the area. The result is that 44% of the City's population is over the age of 55. As the majority of this sector are financially independent, there are significant opportunities for supplying housing, goods and services to this largely affluent group.
The residents of Parksville create a friendly mood and small town atmosphere that continues to attract new residents to the area. Parksville is an ideal location for those starting a family, competitive housing costs and a safe, clean, friendly environment.