Total population

4,262,635

4.4 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$96,000/yr

Private dwellings

1,772,670

Alberta population

How many people live in Alberta

Alberta is home to 4,262,635 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.9% identify as male and 50.1% as female.

Total population

4,262,635

4.4% year-over-year change

Population density

6.7/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49.9%

2,127,935

Female

50.1%

2,134,700

	Value	Percent
Male	2,127,935	49.9%
Female	2,134,700	50.1%

A larger population often brings more rental variety and a busier pace of life. The gender breakdown, namely the ratio of men to women in the area, offers clues about the community’s vibe and social landscape.

Age demographics

The average age in Alberta is 39.0. Children under 15 make up 19% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 14% are 25 to 34, 15.2% are 35 to 44, and 12.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 14.8%.

Average age

Age breakdown

Under 15: 19%
15 to 24: 11.7%
25 to 34: 14%
35 to 44: 15.2%
45 to 54: 12.7%
55 to 64: 12.6%
Over 65: 14.8%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	809,640	19%
15 to 24	498,505	11.7%
25 to 34	598,725	14%
35 to 44	646,610	15.2%
45 to 54	540,540	12.7%
55 to 64	539,390	12.6%
Over 65	629,220	14.8%

Age distribution gives you a glimpse into who makes up the area. Younger communities might feel more energetic or student-friendly, while older ones tend to be calmer and more settled. A mix of age groups usually means a balance of parks, schools, healthcare, and other services for all walks of life.

Residence status

In Alberta, 75.2% of residents were born in Canada, while 23.2% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.6% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 75.2%
Immigrants: 23.2%
Non-permanent residents: 1.6%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	3,141,915	75.2%
Immigrants	970,970	23.2%
Non-permanent residents	64,830	1.6%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 27.8%
Non-minorities: 72.2%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	1,161,420	27.8%
Non-minorities	3,016,295	72.2%

Knowing how many people in the area are newcomers, temporary residents, or Canadian-born can give you a feel for how established or internationally connected a community is. It may also hint at the kind of services, food, and cultural touchpoints you’ll find nearby.

Languages used in Alberta

English: 96.6%
French: 1.5%
English and French: 0.4%
Neither English nor French: 1.5%

	Value	Percent
English	4,078,135	96.6%
French	64,440	1.5%
English and French	15,525	0.4%
Neither English nor French	63,735	1.5%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 96.6% of people in Alberta speak English as their primary language, 1.5% communicate mainly in French, 0.4% are bilingual, and 1.5% use other languages.

Language use shapes everything from signage to services. Whether you're looking for bilingual support or just curious about the local vibe, these stats give a quick peek at how people connect day-to-day.

Households in Alberta

A peek inside Alberta households

Alberta has 1,633,220 households, with an average of 2.6 people living in each. One-person households make up 26% of all homes, while 33.8% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 25% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

1,633,220

Average people per household

2.6

1 person: 26%
2 persons: 33.8%
3 persons: 15.2%
4 persons: 14.9%
5 or more persons: 10.1%

	Value	Percent
1 person	424,055	26%
2 persons	551,420	33.8%
3 persons	249,135	15.2%
4 persons	243,400	14.9%
5 or more persons	165,215	10.1%

Household size can reveal a lot about how people live in the area. More one- and two-person homes might hint at a mix of young professionals or empty nesters, while larger households often reflect families or multi-generational setups. It’s a good indicator of the kinds of rentals and living spaces you'll find nearby.

Housing in Alberta

The housing landscape of Alberta

Alberta has a total of 1,772,670 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 60.9% are single-detached houses, 31.7% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 4.6% are apartments. When it comes to space, Alberta offers a variety of home sizes: 10% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 56% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 33.6% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

1,772,670

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 60.9%
Attached homes: 31.7%
Apartments: 4.6%
Movable homes: 2.8%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	994,565	60.9%
Attached homes	518,450	31.7%
Apartments	74,880	4.6%
Movable homes	45,325	2.8%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 10%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 56%
4 or more bedrooms: 33.6%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	167,460	10%
2 or 3 bedrooms	917,150	56%
4 or more bedrooms	548,610	33.6%

Homes built since 2011

301,030

The age of buildings in Alberta

About 3.2% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 7.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 8.8% went up in the 1960s, 17.4% in the 1970s, and 11.5% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 13.7% of homes were added, and 19.7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	51,855	3.2%
Between 1946 and 1960	117,075	7.2%
Between 1961 and 1970	143,730	8.8%
Between 1971 and 1980	284,920	17.4%
Between 1981 and 1990	188,545	11.5%
Between 1991 and 2000	224,315	13.7%
Between 2001 and 2010	321,740	19.7%
After 2011	301,030	18.4%

As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Alberta occupancy rates

In Alberta, there are 1,633,220 occupied private dwellings, of which 70.9% are owner-occupied and 28.5% are rented. Meanwhile, 139,450 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

1,633,220

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 28.5%
Owned households: 70.9%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	465,220	28.5%
Owned households	1,157,495	70.9%

Unoccupied dwellings

139,450

Understanding whether homes are owned or rented gives insight into the housing market’s stability and flexibility. High ownership rates may point to longer-term residents and more stable neighbourhoods, while a greater share of rentals can indicate mobility, availability, or housing diversity. Vacancy levels can also hint at supply-and-demand dynamics for renters.

Shelter costs

In Alberta, homeowners pay a median of $1,600 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,280. About 78.8% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 21.2% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,600

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,280

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 78.8%
≥30% on shelter: 21.2%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	1,251,370	78.8%
≥30% on shelter	337,585	21.2%

Shelter cost includes all monthly expenses tied to housing—like rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and additional fees. Owners usually cover a wider range of costs, while renters typically just pay rent plus basic services. Comparing these numbers gives a clearer view of what living in the area actually costs, and whether households are stretched beyond the 30% affordability benchmark.

Education in Alberta

Alberta education at a glance

In Alberta, educational attainment varies across the community. About 15.5% of residents have no formal diploma, while 28.8% have completed high school and 8.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.2% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.2% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 25.6% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	522,835	15.5%
High school diploma	972,110	28.8%
Apprenticeship diploma	295,285	8.8%
College diploma	612,690	18.2%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	106,840	3.2%
University degree	865,370	25.6%

Education levels give a snapshot of the local talent pool and job readiness. A strong share of college and university graduates can mean better access to skilled jobs, while trades and apprenticeship diplomas often support hands-on industries. For renters, these stats help paint a picture of the economic opportunities and workforce makeup in the area.

Income in Alberta

How much people earn in Alberta

In Alberta, the median household income sits at $96,000, while the median after-tax household income is $83,000.

Median household income

$96,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$83,000/year

Household income—especially after tax—offers one of the clearest indicators of how affordable a place might feel. It also helps renters understand earning power in the area, whether they're budgeting for rent or comparing communities with similar price tags. Local income trends can reveal whether the economy is growing, steady, or facing challenges.

Alberta income by age

Young adults in Alberta between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,400, often reflecting part-time or early career work. For those aged 25 to 34, when many are advancing in their jobs, the figure rises to $46,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $59,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $60,800, followed by $50,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $36,000.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	19,400
25 - 34	46,400
35 - 44	59,200
45 - 54	60,800
55 - 64	50,400
Over 65	36,000

Employment in Alberta

Workforce and job sectors in Alberta

In Alberta, 2,295,380 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 11.5%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

2,295,380

Unemployment rate

11.5%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	23,120	1%
Business, finance and administration	373,795	16.8%
Natural and applied sciences	182,880	8.2%
Health	182,480	8.2%
Education, law, community and government services	246,625	11.1%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	51,815	2.3%
Sales and service	538,930	24.2%
Trades and transport	441,955	19.9%
Natural resources and agriculture	99,430	4.5%
Manufacturing and utilities	83,895	3.8%

Knowing what kinds of jobs dominate the area can help you understand local culture, income levels, and day-to-day rhythms. When looking for a community that suits your lifestyle, these labour stats offer helpful clues.

Transportation in Alberta

How people get around in Alberta

In Alberta, the average commute is 23 minutes. About 87.3% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 5.6% rely on public transit and 4.7% walk or bike. The remaining 2.4% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

23 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 30.9%
15 to 29 minutes: 38.7%
30 to 44 minutes: 19.2%
45 to 59 minutes: 5.5%
More than 60 minutes: 5.8%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	487,710	30.9%
15 to 29 minutes	610,485	38.7%
30 to 44 minutes	302,735	19.2%
45 to 59 minutes	87,230	5.5%
More than 60 minutes	90,815	5.8%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	1,378,685	87.3%
By public transit	88,255	5.6%
By bicycle/by walking	74,180	4.7%
By other methods	37,865	2.4%

Commute trends hint at both the layout and vibe of a place. If most people drive or take transit, the area may be more spread out. Shorter commutes suggest convenient access to jobs, while longer ones may confirm the area’s low-density layout.

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FAQs about Alberta demographics

What is the current total population in Alberta?

Alberta has a population of 4,262,635, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +4.4% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Alberta?

Alberta has a population density of 6.7 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Alberta?

Alberta has the following gender distribution:

49.9% males (2,127,935 residents)
50.1% females (2,134,700 residents)

What is the age distribution of Alberta residents?

The age distribution of Alberta residents is as follows:

Under 15: 19% (809,640 residents)
15-24: 11.7% (498,505 residents)
25-34: 14% (598,725 residents)
35-44: 15.2% (646,610 residents)
45-54: 12.7% (540,540 residents)
55-64: 12.6% (539,390 residents)
Over 64: 14.8% (629,220 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Alberta?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Alberta:

75.2% non-immigrants (3,141,915 residents)
23.2% immigrants (970,970 residents)
1.6% non-permanent residents (64,830 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Alberta?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Alberta:

English: 96.6%
French: 1.5%
English and French: 0.4%
Neither English nor French: 1.5%

What is the typical household size in Alberta?

The typical household size in Alberta is 2.6 people.

What is the median household income in Alberta?

The median household income in Alberta is $96,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Alberta residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Alberta is as follows:

No diploma: 15.5% (522,835 residents)
High school diploma: 28.8% (972,110 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 8.8% (295,285 residents)
College diploma: 18.2% (612,690 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3.2% (106,840 residents)
University degree: 25.6% (865,370 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Alberta?

The most common occupations in Alberta fall within the sectors listed below:

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.3%
Business, finance and administration: 16.8%
Education, law, community and government services: 11.1%
Health: 8.2%
Management: 1%
Manufacturing and utilities: 3.8%
Natural and applied sciences: 8.2%
Natural resources and agriculture: 4.5%
Sales and service: 24.2%
Trades and transport: 19.9%

Data source & methodology

Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest census data from Statistics Canada (2021), with the total population figure reflecting the official 2024 population estimate.
Census aggregated data represented here is extracted from Data Tables, by topic, at the census subdivision area level.
Differences may be found between the totals of the various categories due to multiple variables.
The information is updated as soon as new data is made available. No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information.

Page last updated: September 2025

Alberta demographics:population, income, and more