BCBusiness Magazine has released its 2024 rankings of B.C.’s top 50 most economically resilient cities. The annual survey showcases the most resilient of the province’s 50 largest communities, as they face continuing post-COVID headwinds.
Fort St. John is listed as the 41st most economically resilient city, an increase of two spots from the 2023 rankings. Dawson Creek slipped one spot from the previous year, falling to number 48.
The ranking examines indicators such as social, economic resilience, population growth, resident sense of belonging, and environmental aspects.
The survey shows Fort St. John with 8 per cent population growth over the past five years and a rental vacancy rate of 5.6 per cent per 10,000 residents.
Dawson Creek has a 3 per cent population growth over the past five years and a rental vacancy rate of 5.4 per cent per 10,000 residents.
In addition, both cities posted an 8.6 per cent decrease in available jobs over the past year, with the average annual unemployment rate standing at 6.09 per cent.
The survey also includes data on residential sales per 10,000 people, economic diversity and cities’ household financial vulnerability.
Sidney on Vancouver Island took the top spot in the rankings, while Quesnel ranked 50th. The study covered 50 municipalities in BC with populations of at least 10,000 residents.