Kelowna

The Okanagan's population has grown by almost 22,000 people over the last five years.

That according to the 2011 Canadian Census released Wednesday morning by Statistics Canada.

According to Stats Can, 280,784 people resided in the Okanagan in 2011, up from the 2006 Census figures of 258,997. An increase of 21,787 (8.4%).

Overall the Okanagan metropolitan regions surrounding Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton outpaced population growth in both BC (7%) and nationally (5.9%).

Not surprising, the Kelowna metropolitan region nearly doubled the national growth rate.

The metro Kelowna area, which stretches from Peachland to Oyama, grew 10.8 %.

The population increased from 162,276 in 2006 to 179,839 in 2011.

Kelowna itself saw a 9.6% increase from 107,035 to 117,312.

Other 2011 population figures include:

• West Kelowna - 30,892 (up 13.5%)
• Lake Country - 11,708 (up 21.9%)
• Peachland - 5,200 (up 6.5%)
• Westbank First Nation IR 9/10 - 7,068 (13.9%)

The Greater Vernon region grew by 5.7% with 58,584 people in 2011 compared to 55,418 five years earlier.

The City of Vernon saw a population increase of 6%, rising from 35,979 in 2006 to 38,150 in 2011.

Coldstream saw an 8.9% population growth to 10,314.

The growth in the metro Penticton area was relatively slow in comparison.

The greater Penticton area grew by 2.6% with a population of 42,361 in 2011 compared to 41,303 five years earlier.

The City of Penticton has a population of 32,877, an increase of 3%.

Wednesday's release is the first of four planned by Stats Can.

A breakdown of population by age and sex will be released at the end of May.