As a new feature in this year’s Vital Signs – we bring you a list of trends to watch. These indicators are updated annually, allowing us to measure progress and monitor change from year-to-year. We hope to add more in future.


Moving Ahead

Property Crime - In 2007, there were 4,941 property crimes for every 100,000 people in Greater Victoria, significantly less than the 5,694 in 2006 and 5,585 in 2005.

Tourism Revenue – Revenue from tourism has grown consistently over the past five years. In 2007, tourism revenue reached $1.233 billion, up from $1.186 in 2006, and $1.163 in 2005.

Solid Waste Disposal - Per person solid waste disposal at the Hartland Landfill in 2006 was 446 kilograms, compared with 448 Kg in 2005 and 431 Kg in 2004.

Children in Care - In the Capital Region in 2007, there were 11.1 children in government care for every 1,000 children under the age of nineteen, compared to 11.7 in 2006 and 14.8 in 2005.

Perceived Health - Of the people in the Capital Region 12 years and over, 66.0% reported having excellent or very good health in 2007 compared to 65.1% in 2005 and 61.1% in 2003.

Composite Learning Index - In 2008, the Composite Learning Index for Greater Victoria was 93, compared to the 84 achieved in 2007 and 80 in 2006.

Family Poverty - Of the 156,230 families living in Greater Victoria in 2006, 17.6% or 27,530 families were considered to be living in poverty, down somewhat from 18.2% in 2005 and 18.8% in 2004.

Unemployment - In 2007, the unemployment rate in the Capital Region was 3.3%, down from 3.7% in 2006 and 4.5% in 2005.

Median Donation - The median amount donated by residents of Greater Victoria filing tax returns in 2006 was $320, compared to $300 in 2005 and $290 in 2004.



Staying the Same

Rental Vacancy - In 2007, the rental vacancy rate in Greater Victoria was 0.4%; the same as it was in 2006, and slightly lower than the rental vacancy rate of 0.5% in 2005.

Transportation Methods - Greater Victoria commuters most commonly drive alone in a vehicle to get to and from work or school at 49% in 2007/08, while 19% used public transit and 8% cycled. In 2006/07, 49% commuted via single occupant vehicle, 18% took the bus and 7% cycled. In 2005/06, 44% drove alone, 18% took the bus and 6% cycled.



Falling Behind

Physical Activity - In 2007, 63.5% of residents on South Vancouver Island 12 years and over reported that they were physically active or moderately active compared with 66.1% in 2005 and 59.3% in 2003.

Income Needed for Shelter - In July 2008, a household income of $70,368 was needed to purchase a median cost condo in Greater Victoria. This is up from $66,892 in July 2007 and $62,923 in July 2006.

Charitable Giving - Of the people in Greater Victoria who filed tax returns in 2006, 28.4% reported making donations to charitable organizations, down from 28.9% in 2005 and 29.7% in 2004.