Regional Economy

Agri-tourism is a growing industry in the Shuswap and a unique opportunity to showcase the area’s farms and wineries alongside its strong cultural, historical, and artistic assets.   Over 2,000 workers are employed in real estate, professional, scientific and technical services, and finance and insurance. Educational services are also a major economic contributor, employing over 2,000 workers. Other industries present in the area include public administration, administrative and support services, waste management, wholesale and retail trade, resource extraction, and utilities.   The vast majority of businesses in the Shuswap Economic Development area are small businesses with fewer than 20 employees – of which, half are owner-operated and have no employees. Only seven firms in the area employ over 200 workers. 43% of businesses in the area are home-based. The median family income in the area was $57,642 (2010).