By Nick Dube

Statistics Canada estimate shows large growth for Prince George

Feb 2, 2026 | 5:17 PM

PRINCE GEORGE- 100,127 this is the population of Prince George as of July 1st 2025 according to a Statistics Canada estimation. Though it is not an official number and it includes the City itself and the rural areas surrounding it it is a large jump from the most recent census in 2021. 5 years ago the last official census had Prince George’s population at 89,490 with the official city limits number clocking in at 76,708. Whether or not these new numbers are accurate remains to be seen with the next census taking place later this year.

“We need to grow the city to have more taxpayers to pay for the services we already have. Given the housing start number and the volume of permits we issued over the last year which is 431 this is great news. We need to do a little bit more planning. How do we have more population live in the infill area to have less burden during this grow on the existing population. ” said Prince George Mayor Simon Yu.

Though the Official number won’t be released until the 2026 census is released later this year if Prince George’s population reached and exceeds 100,000 it could qualify as a census metropolitan area. With the city’s aging infrastructure built in the 60’s in anticipation of a growth boom that never came this infrastructure over a sprawling landscape is causing headaches for city taxpayers. The local growth will alleviate some of these concerns as there are many benefits of a growing city. When there is significant overall growth in any community there are often indicators or signs providing some insight into the rise.

“Yeah, I think we can see that the community is busier and more units are being built in town. I think the residential need is is high and will remain that way for a bit. As we saw from our building permits over the last year things are up year over year both by number and value. I think that’s sort of a good indication of where things are at. ” said City Economic Development Manager Deklan Corstanje.

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Mayor Yu added this could be the start of a large growth and things to come.

“We are going to have the population eventually reach 200,000. Hopefully in 5 to 10 years time we can get there but that is a tall order. We need to do a lot of, infrastructure upgrading, planning, and that we need the federal and provincial governments help.” said Mayor Yu.

The 2026 Canadian census takes place in May.