Is Victoria moving in the right direction?
12 key measures, each linked to its source. Greater Victoria unless a row says City of Victoria or another area. Updated Nov 12, 2026.
Of 12 key measures: 2 better or ahead of target, 4 worse or above target, 5 about the same, 1 rising with no judgement.
How we label direction
Better or Worse where most agree which way is better. Target labels where a government set a target. Rising or Falling where it is a matter of opinion. Within ±5%: About the same or Steady. How we label direction
Key measures
- Emergency waitRoyal Jubilee7.3 hours, 9 in 109 in 10 saw a doctor within this time
- Surgery waitRoyal Jubilee5.9 weeks
- Rent, 2-bedroomGreater Victoria$2,120 a month
- PricesVictoria area+3.4% in a year
- New homes vs targetCity of Victoria2,359 net new homes
- Large-building permitsCity of Victoria160 days, median
- HomelessnessCapital Region2,531 people
- Toxic drug deathsSouth Vancouver Island124 in 12 months
- Police-reported crimeGreater Victoria74.6 severity indexCrime weighted by seriousness, 2006 = 100
- Employment rateGreater Victoria61.4% 15 and over
- Property taxCity of Victoria$4,557 in 2026
- Finishing high schoolSchool districts 61 to 6391.1% within 6 years
No key measure is mainly decided by a regional body. 7 other measures are, below.
No key measure is mainly decided by a regional body. 7 other measures are, below.
| Measure | Latest | 1 year | Long run (5 years, since 2019, or the longest available) | Trend | Direction | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency waitRoyal Jubilee | 7.3 hours, 9 in 102025/26 | −1.4% within ±5% | +109% 4 yrs, vs 2021/22 | About the same this year (−1.4%, within ±5%). 109% Worse over 4 years. | CIHI: check this number | |
| Surgery waitRoyal Jubilee | 5.9 weeks2025/26 | −15.7% vs 2024/25 | −16.9% 6 yrs, vs 2019/20 | 16% Better | B.C. Ministry of Health: check this number | |
| Rent, 2-bedroomGreater Victoria | $2,120 a monthOct 2025 | +5.1% vs Oct 2024 | +46.4% 6 yrs, vs 2019 | 5.1% Worse | CMHC: check this number | |
| PricesVictoria area | +3.4% in a yearSep 2026 | +3.4% | price level +19.8% 5 yrs, vs Sep 2021 | Above target | Statistics Canada: check this number | |
| New homes vs targetCity of Victoria | 2,359 net new homesOct 2023 to Sep 2025 | +882 in year 2 | – | Ahead of target | City of Victoria: check this number | |
| Large-building permitsCity of Victoria | 160 days, medianPermits issued in 2025 | +42.9% vs 2024 | +68.4% 6 yrs, vs 2019 | 43% Worse | City of Victoria: check this number | |
| HomelessnessCapital Region | 2,531 people2024 | +5.9% vs 2023 | +30.3% 5 yrs, vs 2019 | 5.9% Worse | BC Stats: check this number | |
| Toxic drug deathsSouth Vancouver Island | 124 in 12 months12 months to Sep 2026 | −0.8% within ±5% | −10.1% 5 yrs, vs Sep 2021 | About the same this year (−0.8%, within ±5%). 10.1% Better over 5 years. | BC Coroners Service: check this number | |
| Police-reported crimeGreater Victoria | 74.6 severity index2025 | +4.8% within ±5% | +1.2% 6 yrs, vs 2019 | About the same (+4.8%, within ±5%) | Statistics Canada: check this number | |
| Employment rateGreater Victoria | 61.4% 15 and over3 months to Oct 2026 | −2.0 pt within margin | +2.3 pt 5 yrs, vs Oct 2021 | About the same (−2.0 pt, within the margin of error) | Statistics Canada: check this number | |
| Property taxCity of Victoria | $4,557 in 2026 | +12.1% vs 2025 | +65.3%* 6 yrs, vs 2020 | 12% Rising | B.C., Statistics Canada: check this number | |
| Finishing high schoolSchool districts 61 to 63 | 91.1% within 6 yearsSchool year 2024/25 | +0.9 pt within ±5% | +4.8 pt 5 yrs, vs 2019/20 | About the same this year (+0.9 pt, +1.0%, within ±5%). 4.8 pt Better over 5 years. | Province of B.C.: check this number |
* Property tax: 2020 base, a pandemic year. Its headline is the change since 2020.
Emergency wait: 9 in 10 patients saw a doctor within this time (CIHI’s 90th percentile). Police-reported crime: Statistics Canada index: crimes weighted by seriousness, set to 100 in 2006.
How we label direction
Better, Worse or About the same where most agree which way is better. Rising, Falling or Steady where it is a matter of opinion. Target labels where a government set a target. A change within ±5% has no arrow. Not comparable means the counting or the area changed. The full rule
All 57 measures21 of 57 measures7 of 57 measures2 of 57 measures13 of 57 measures5 of 57 measures
Health care 400040
What was spent or decided
None on this site yet.
Cost of living 600022
What was spent or decided
None on this site yet.
What was delivered
Background
Housing 934020
What was spent or decided
None on this site yet.
What was delivered
- New homes vs targetCity of Victoria2,359 net new homes
- Large-building permitsCity of Victoria160 days, median
- Homes started, CityCity of Victoria5,807 in 5 years
- Under constructionGreater Victoria8,866 homes
- New homes approvedCity of Victoria1,124 in 12 months
- Below-market homesCity of Victoria195 net new, year 2
- Housing startsGreater Victoria4,060 in 12 months
- Homes completedGreater Victoria55 per 100 residents added
- Vacancy rateGreater Victoria3.3% of rentals
Homelessness and drugs 400040
What was spent or decided
None on this site yet.
What was delivered
Safety 1070003
What was spent or decided
What was delivered
- Police-reported crimeGreater Victoria74.6 severity indexCrime weighted by seriousness, 2006 = 100
- Crimes by typeGreater Victoria5,588 per 100,000
- Police callsVictoria and Esquimalt police area54,994 in 12 months
- Police satisfactionCity of Victoria79% very or somewhat satisfied
- Crimes solvedGreater Victoria26.6% weighted
- CrimeCity of Victoria161.2 severity indexCrime weighted by seriousness, 2006 = 100
- Fire dept. incidentsCity of Victoria11,767 a year
- Bylaw callsCity of Victoria10,675 a year
Business and jobs 820010
What was spent or decided
None on this site yet.
What was delivered
- Employment rateGreater Victoria61.4% 15 and over
- Downtown permitsDowntown79 in 12 months
- Family incomeGreater Victoria$121,850 median, 2023
- Downtown foot trafficDowntown1.64M passes
- Business licencesCity of Victoria7,215 issued
- Businesses operatingGreater Victoria11,394 businesses
- UnemploymentGreater Victoria4.8% unemployed
City finances 880000
What was spent or decided
What was delivered
Schools 200200
What was spent or decided
None on this site yet.
Getting around 202000
What was spent or decided
None on this site yet.
Environment 211000
What was spent or decided
None on this site yet.
City government and residents 200000
What was spent or decided
None on this site yet.
What was delivered
Health care 4 measures0 measures0 measures0 measures4 measures0 measures
What was spent or decided
None on this site yet.
What was delivered
| Measure | Latest | 1 year | Long run (5 years, since 2019, or the longest available) | Trend | Direction | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency waitRoyal Jubilee | 7.3 hours, 9 in 102025/26 | −1.4% within ±5% | +109% 4 yrs, vs 2021/22 | About the same this year (−1.4%, within ±5%). 109% Worse over 4 years. | CIHI: check this number | |
| Surgery waitRoyal Jubilee | 5.9 weeks2025/26 | −15.7% vs 2024/25 | −16.9% 6 yrs, vs 2019/20 | 16% Better | B.C. Ministry of Health: check this number | |
| Regular doctor or NP, B.C.All of B.C. | 79.9% of adults2024 | −1.7 pt within margin | not comparable 5 yrs, vs 2019 | About the same (−1.7 pt, within the margin of error) | Statistics Canada: check this number | |
| People waiting for surgeryIsland Health | 19,457 people2025/26 | −8.3% vs 2024/25 | −1.0% 6 yrs, vs 2019/20 | 8.3% Better | B.C. Ministry of Health: check this number |
Cost of living 6 measures0 measures0 measures0 measures2 measures2 measures
What was spent or decided
None on this site yet.
What was delivered
| Measure | Latest | 1 year | Long run (5 years, since 2019, or the longest available) | Trend | Direction | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent, 2-bedroomGreater Victoria | $2,120 a monthOct 2025 | +5.1% vs Oct 2024 | +46.4% 6 yrs, vs 2019 | 5.1% Worse | CMHC: check this number | |
| PricesVictoria area | +3.4% in a yearSep 2026 | +3.4% | price level +19.8% 5 yrs, vs Sep 2021 | Above target | Statistics Canada: check this number | |
| Rent after inflationGreater Victoria | +43% in 10 yearsOct 2015 to Oct 2025 surveys | +4.0% vs 2024 | +21.6% 6 yrs, vs 2019 | 43% Worse | CMHC and Statistics Canada: check this number | |
| Mortgage vs incomeGreater Victoria | 45% of incomeApr–Jun 2026 | −2.5 pt vs Apr–Jun 2025 | +7.8 pt 5 yrs, vs Apr–Jun 2021 | 2.5 pt Better | BC Stats: check this number | |
| Asking rent, 2-bedroomGreater Victoria | $2,640 a monthApr–Jun 2026 | −2.6% within ±5% | +26.9% 5 yrs, vs Apr–Jun 2021 | About the same this year (−2.6%, within ±5%). 26.9% Worse over 5 years. | Statistics Canada: check this number |
Background
| Measure | Latest | 1 year | Long run (5 years, since 2019, or the longest available) | Trend | Direction | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GasolineVictoria area | 183.7 cents a litre12 months to Sep 2026 | +7.1% vs Sep 2025 | +28.2% 5 yrs, vs Sep 2021 | 7.1% Rising | Statistics Canada: check this number |
Housing 9 measures3 measures4 measures0 measures2 measures0 measures
What was spent or decided
None on this site yet.
What was delivered
| Measure | Latest | 1 year | Long run (5 years, since 2019, or the longest available) | Trend | Direction | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New homes vs targetCity of Victoria | 2,359 net new homesOct 2023 to Sep 2025 | +882 in year 2 | – | Ahead of target | City of Victoria: check this number | |
| Large-building permitsCity of Victoria | 160 days, medianPermits issued in 2025 | +42.9% vs 2024 | +68.4% 6 yrs, vs 2019 | 43% Worse | City of Victoria: check this number | |
| Homes started, CityCity of Victoria | 5,807 in 5 yearsCalendar years 2021 to 2025 | +235.5% vs 2024 | – | 60% Better | BC Stats (CMHC data): check this number | |
| Under constructionGreater Victoria | 8,866 homes12 months to Sep 2026 | +6.8% vs Sep 2025 | +79.5% 5 yrs, vs Sep 2021 | 6.8% Better | CMHC: check this number | |
| New homes approvedCity of Victoria | 1,124 in 12 months12 months to Aug 2026 | +17.3% vs Aug 2025 | −22.5% 5 yrs, vs Aug 2021 | Mixed | BC Stats: check this number | |
| Below-market homesCity of Victoria | 195 net new, year 2Oct 2024 to Sep 2025 | +16.1% vs Oct 2023 to Sep 2024 | – | 16% Rising | City of Victoria reports to the Province: check this number | |
| Housing startsGreater Victoria | 4,060 in 12 months12 months to Sep 2026 | −17.0% vs Sep 2025 | −6.7% 5 yrs, vs Sep 2021 | 17% Worse | CMHC, via Statistics Canada: check this number | |
| Homes completedGreater Victoria | 55 per 100 residents added2021 to 2025 | +7.8% vs 2020 to 2024 | +48.6% 6 yrs, vs 2019 | 7.8% Better | CMHC and Statistics Canada: check this number | |
| Vacancy rateGreater Victoria | 3.3% of rentalsOct 2025 | +0.7 pt vs Oct 2024 | +2.3 pt 6 yrs, vs 2019 | 0.7 pt Better | CMHC: check this number |
Homelessness and drugs 4 measures0 measures0 measures0 measures4 measures0 measures
What was spent or decided
None on this site yet.
What was delivered
| Measure | Latest | 1 year | Long run (5 years, since 2019, or the longest available) | Trend | Direction | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HomelessnessCapital Region | 2,531 people2024 | +5.9% vs 2023 | +30.3% 5 yrs, vs 2019 | 5.9% Worse | BC Stats: check this number | |
| Toxic drug deathsSouth Vancouver Island | 124 in 12 months12 months to Sep 2026 | −0.8% within ±5% | −10.1% 5 yrs, vs Sep 2021 | About the same this year (−0.8%, within ±5%). 10.1% Better over 5 years. | BC Coroners Service: check this number | |
| One-night countGreater Victoria (CMA), without reserve lands | 1,749 people, at leastMar 2025 | not comparable | – | Not comparable | Capital Regional District: check this number |
Background
| Measure | Latest | 1 year | Long run (5 years, since 2019, or the longest available) | Trend | Direction | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelter shareCity of Victoria | 86% of region’s unitsMar 2025 | +0.1 pt within ±5% | – | Steady (+0.1 pt, +0.1%, within ±5%) | BC Housing and BC Stats: check this number |
Safety 10 measures7 measures0 measures0 measures0 measures3 measures
What was spent or decided
| Measure | Latest | 1 year | Long run (5 years, since 2019, or the longest available) | Trend | Direction | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Police officersVictoria and Esquimalt police area | 253 officers2025 | – no 2024 figure | +11.5% 4 yrs, vs 2021 | Steady this year (+0.8%, within ±5%). 11.5% Rising over 4 years. | Statistics Canada: check this number | |
| Police costVictoria and Esquimalt police area | $632 per resident2024 | +5.7% vs 2023 | – | 5.7% Rising | B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General: check this number |
What was delivered
| Measure | Latest | 1 year | Long run (5 years, since 2019, or the longest available) | Trend | Direction | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Police-reported crimeGreater Victoria | 74.6 severity index2025 | +4.8% within ±5% | +1.2% 6 yrs, vs 2019 | About the same (+4.8%, within ±5%) | Statistics Canada: check this number | |
| Crimes by typeGreater Victoria | 5,588 per 100,0002025 | +5.8% vs 2024 | −14.6% 6 yrs, vs 2019 | 5.8% Worse | Statistics Canada: check this number | |
| Police callsVictoria and Esquimalt police area | 54,994 in 12 months12 months to Sep 2026 | +7.0% vs Sep 2025 | +6.1% 5 yrs, vs Sep 2021 | 7.0% Rising | Victoria Police Department: check this number | |
| Police satisfactionCity of Victoria | 79% very or somewhat satisfied2024 | −2.0 pt within ±5% | −8.0 pt* 4 yrs, vs 2020 | About the same this year (−2.0 pt, −2.5%, within ±5%). 8.0 pt Worse over 4 years. | Victoria Police Department: check this number | |
| Crimes solvedGreater Victoria | 26.6% weighted2025 | −4.2% within ±5% | +2.6% 6 yrs, vs 2019 | About the same (−4.2%, within ±5%) | Statistics Canada: check this number | |
| CrimeCity of Victoria | 161.2 severity index2025 | +5.9% vs 2024 | −0.9%* 5 yrs, vs 2020 | 5.9% Worse | Statistics Canada: check this number | |
| Fire dept. incidentsCity of Victoria | 11,767 a year2025 | – | – | No label yet | City of Victoria: check this number | |
| Bylaw callsCity of Victoria | 10,675 a year2025 | +12.2% vs 2024 | – | 12% Rising | City of Victoria: check this number |
Business and jobs 8 measures2 measures0 measures0 measures1 measure0 measures
What was spent or decided
None on this site yet.
What was delivered
| Measure | Latest | 1 year | Long run (5 years, since 2019, or the longest available) | Trend | Direction | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment rateGreater Victoria | 61.4% 15 and over3 months to Oct 2026 | −2.0 pt within margin | +2.3 pt 5 yrs, vs Oct 2021 | About the same (−2.0 pt, within the margin of error) | Statistics Canada: check this number | |
| Downtown permitsDowntown | 79 in 12 months12 months to Nov 2026 | +46.3% vs Nov 2025 | +3.9% 5 yrs, vs Nov 2021 | 46% Better | City of Victoria: check this number | |
| Family incomeGreater Victoria | $121,850 median, 2023 | +3.1% within ±5% | +5.4% 5 yrs, vs 2018 | About the same this year (+3.1%, within ±5%). 5.4% Better over 5 years. | Statistics Canada: check this number | |
| Downtown foot trafficDowntown | 1.64M passesApr–Jun 2026 | −11.5% vs Apr–Jun 2025 | – | 12% Worse | City of Victoria: check this number | |
| Business licencesCity of Victoria | 7,215 issuedApr–Jun 2026 | +3.0% within ±5% | – | About the same (+3.0%, within ±5%) | City of Victoria: check this number | |
| Businesses operatingGreater Victoria | 11,394 businessesJul 2026 | +0.5% within ±5% | +3.9% 5 yrs, vs Jul 2021 | About the same (+0.5%, within ±5%) | Statistics Canada: check this number | |
| UnemploymentGreater Victoria | 4.8% unemployed3 months to Oct 2026 | +0.6 pt within margin | +0.5 pt 5 yrs, vs Oct 2021 | About the same this year (+0.6 pt, within the margin of error). 0.5 pt Worse over 5 years. | Statistics Canada: check this number |
Background
| Measure | Latest | 1 year | Long run (5 years, since 2019, or the longest available) | Trend | Direction | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income assistanceCapital Region | 14,896 cases a month12 months to Jul 2026 | +4.0% within ±5% | +25.4% 5 yrs, vs Jul 2021 | Steady this year (+4.0%, within ±5%). 25.4% Rising over 5 years. | Province of B.C.: check this number |
City finances 8 measures8 measures0 measures0 measures0 measures0 measures
What was spent or decided
| Measure | Latest | 1 year | Long run (5 years, since 2019, or the longest available) | Trend | Direction | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property taxCity of Victoria | $4,557 in 2026 | +12.1% vs 2025 | +65.3%* 6 yrs, vs 2020 | 12% Rising | B.C., Statistics Canada: check this number | |
| Tax increase adoptedCity of Victoria | 9.34% residentialTax year 2026 | +1.2 pt vs 2025 | – | 1.2 pt Rising | City of Victoria: check this number | |
| City spending after inflationCity of Victoria | +22.5% per resident, since 2021Calendar years 2021 to 2025 | +22.5% vs 2021 | – | 23% Rising vs 2021 | City of Victoria and Statistics Canada: check this number | |
| City net debtCity of Victoria | $567 per residentDec 2025 | +32.8% vs 2024 | −8.3% 4 yrs, vs 2021 | 33% Rising | City of Victoria: check this number | |
| City reservesCity of Victoria | $316M at year endDec 2025 | +6.5% vs 2024 | +9.1% 4 yrs, vs 2021 | 6.5% Rising | City of Victoria: check this number |
What was delivered
| Measure | Latest | 1 year | Long run (5 years, since 2019, or the longest available) | Trend | Direction | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital done vs planCity of Victoria | 39% % of plan2025 | −11.3 pt vs 2024 | – | 11.3 pt Falling | City of Victoria: check this number |
Background
| Measure | Latest | 1 year | Long run (5 years, since 2019, or the longest available) | Trend | Direction | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business to home rateCity of Victoria | 3.50 times the home rateTax year 2025 | −4.8% within ±5% | +5.1% 4 yrs, vs 2021 | Steady this year (−4.8%, within ±5%). 5.1% Rising over 4 years. | City of Victoria: check this number | |
| Tax per $1,000City of Victoria | $3.72 house valueTax year 2026 | +10.3% vs Tax year 2025 | – | 10% Rising | Province of B.C.: check this number |
Schools 2 measures0 measures0 measures2 measures0 measures0 measures
What was spent or decided
None on this site yet.
What was delivered
| Measure | Latest | 1 year | Long run (5 years, since 2019, or the longest available) | Trend | Direction | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finishing high schoolSchool districts 61 to 63 | 91.1% within 6 yearsSchool year 2024/25 | +0.9 pt within ±5% | +4.8 pt 5 yrs, vs 2019/20 | About the same this year (+0.9 pt, +1.0%, within ±5%). 4.8 pt Better over 5 years. | Province of B.C.: check this number | |
| Grade 7 numeracySchool districts 61 to 63 | 50.9% of writersSchool year 2025/26 | −3.8 pt vs 2024/25 | not comparable 4 yrs, vs 2021/22 | 3.8 pt Worse 69% wrote, down from 77% | Province of B.C.: check this number |
Getting around 2 measures0 measures2 measures0 measures0 measures0 measures
What was spent or decided
None on this site yet.
What was delivered
| Measure | Latest | 1 year | Long run (5 years, since 2019, or the longest available) | Trend | Direction | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buses on timeRegional transit | 72.4% of tripsApr 2026 to Jul 2026 | +1.9 pt within ±5% | – | About the same (+1.9 pt, +2.7%, within ±5%) | BC Transit: check this number | |
| Transit tripsRegional transit | 25.6 million in 12 months12 months to Aug 2026 | +4.0% within ±5% | +2.0% 2 yrs, vs Aug 2024 | About the same (+4.0%, within ±5%) | Statistics Canada (BC Transit data): check this number |
Environment 2 measures1 measure1 measure0 measures0 measures0 measures
What was spent or decided
None on this site yet.
What was delivered
| Measure | Latest | 1 year | Long run (5 years, since 2019, or the longest available) | Trend | Direction | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenhouse gasesCity of Victoria | −31% since 2007Inventory year 2023 | – | – | No label yet | City of Victoria: check this number | |
| Garbage per personCapital Region | 330 kg a year2025 | −8 kg | −17.5% 4 yrs, vs 2021 | Behind target | Capital Regional District: check this number |
City government and residents 2 measures0 measures0 measures0 measures0 measures0 measures
What was spent or decided
None on this site yet.
What was delivered
| Measure | Latest | 1 year | Long run (5 years, since 2019, or the longest available) | Trend | Direction | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voter turnoutCity of Victoria | 41.4% of registered2026 general local election | – no 2025 figure | – | 3.5 pt Better vs 2022 | City of Victoria: check this number |
Background
| Measure | Latest | 1 year | Long run (5 years, since 2019, or the longest available) | Trend | Direction | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Victoria populationGreater Victoria | 445,090 residentsJul 2025 | +0.7% within ±5% | +10.2% 6 yrs, vs 2019 | Steady this year (+0.7%, within ±5%). 10.2% Rising over 6 years. | Statistics Canada: check this number |
Latest updates
- Nov 9Large-building permits City of Victoria
- Nov 9Downtown permits City of Victoria
- Nov 6Unemployment Statistics Canada
- Nov 6Employment rate Statistics Canada
- Nov 2Shelter share BC Housing and BC Stats
Where the numbers come from
Every number is read by script from its source, and every measure page links to the exact table, file or report page. Public bodies come first; each page names its kind of source.
- Public body (56 measures)
- National health data (1 measure)
Most often: Statistics Canada (14), City of Victoria (13), Province of B.C. (4), CMHC (3).
Not measured yet
17 topics matter but have no Victoria number that could be checked, such as waits for detox and addiction treatment and empty storefronts downtown.