Athabasca, AB demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,759
-0.2 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$81,000/yr
Private dwellings
1,325

Athabasca population

How many people live in Athabasca

Athabasca is home to 2,759 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 46.6% identify as male and 53.4% as female.

Total population
2,759
-0.2% year-over-year change
Population density
155.1/km2
Gender ratio
Male
46.6%
1,285
Female
53.4%
1,470
Value Percent
Male 1,285 46.6%
Female 1,470 53.4%
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 Athabasca is 43.0. Children under 15 make up 18% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.1%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 10.5% are 25 to 34, 13.1% are 35 to 44, and 12.3% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 22.1%.

Average age
43
Age breakdown
Under 15
18%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 34
10.5%
35 to 44
13.1%
45 to 54
12.3%
55 to 64
12.9%
Over 65
22.1%
Value Percent
Under 15 495 18%
15 to 24 305 11.1%
25 to 34 290 10.5%
35 to 44 360 13.1%
45 to 54 340 12.3%
55 to 64 355 12.9%
Over 65 610 22.1%
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 Athabasca, 88.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 10% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.2% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
88.8%
Immigrants
10%
Non-permanent residents
1.2%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 2,260 88.8%
Immigrants 255 10%
Non-permanent residents 30 1.2%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
12.4%
Non-minorities
87.6%
Value Percent
Minorities 315 12.4%
Non-minorities 2,230 87.6%
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 Athabasca
English
98.5%
French
1.3%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 2,590 98.5%
French 35 1.3%
Neither English nor French 5 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.5% of people in Athabasca speak English as their primary language, 1.3% communicate mainly in French, are bilingual, and 0.2% 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 Athabasca

A peek inside Athabasca households

Athabasca has 1,155 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 35.2% of all homes, while 33% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13%, and homes with four or more people account for 18.7% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
1,155
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
35.2%
2 persons
33%
3 persons
13%
4 persons
12.2%
5 or more persons
6.5%
Value Percent
1 person 405 35.2%
2 persons 380 33%
3 persons 150 13%
4 persons 140 12.2%
5 or more persons 75 6.5%
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 Athabasca

The housing landscape of Athabasca

Athabasca has a total of 1,325 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Athabasca offers a variety of home sizes: 11% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 61% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 28.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
1,325
Housing types
Single-detached homes
67.7%
Attached homes
31%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
1.3%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 785 67.7%
Attached homes 360 31%
Movable homes 15 1.3%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
11%
2 or 3 bedrooms
61%
4 or more bedrooms
28.1%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 125 11%
2 or 3 bedrooms 705 61%
4 or more bedrooms 325 28.1%
Homes built since 2011
90

The age of buildings in Athabasca

About 5.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 10.7% between 1946 and 1960. Another 7.3% went up in the 1960s, 15.8% in the 1970s, and 11.5% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 20.5% of homes were added, and 20.9% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 65 5.6%
Between 1946 and 1960 125 10.7%
Between 1961 and 1970 85 7.3%
Between 1971 and 1980 185 15.8%
Between 1981 and 1990 135 11.5%
Between 1991 and 2000 240 20.5%
Between 2001 and 2010 245 20.9%
After 2011 90 7.7%
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.

Athabasca occupancy rates

In Athabasca, there are 1,155 occupied private dwellings, of which 58% are owner-occupied and 42% are rented. Meanwhile, 170 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
1,155
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
42%
Owned households
58%
Value Percent
Rented households 485 42%
Owned households 670 58%
Unoccupied dwellings
170
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 Athabasca, homeowners pay a median of $1,270 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,100. About 77% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 23% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,270
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,100
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
77%
≥30% on shelter
23%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 885 77%
≥30% on shelter 265 23%
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 Athabasca

Athabasca education at a glance

In Athabasca, educational attainment varies across the community. About 17.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 30.2% have completed high school and 12% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 17.9% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.5% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 19.7% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 360 17.7%
High school diploma 615 30.2%
Apprenticeship diploma 245 12%
College diploma 365 17.9%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 50 2.5%
University degree 400 19.7%
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 Athabasca

How much people earn in Athabasca

In Athabasca, the median household income sits at $81,000, while the median after-tax household income is $71,500.

Median household income
$81,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$71,500/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.

Athabasca income by age

Young adults in Athabasca between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,800, 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 $47,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $51,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $68,000, followed by $47,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $33,200.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 19,800
25 - 34 47,200
35 - 44 51,600
45 - 54 68,000
55 - 64 47,600
Over 65 33,200

Employment in Athabasca

Workforce and job sectors in Athabasca

In Athabasca, 1,285 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8.2%. 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
1,285
Unemployment rate
8.2%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 15 1.2%
Business, finance and administration 170 13.5%
Natural and applied sciences 95 7.5%
Health 100 7.9%
Education, law, community and government services 140 11.1%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 35 2.8%
Sales and service 400 31.8%
Trades and transport 190 15.1%
Natural resources and agriculture 45 3.6%
Manufacturing and utilities 70 5.6%
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 Athabasca

How people get around in Athabasca

In Athabasca, the average commute is 15 minutes. About 90.6% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1% rely on public transit and 6.3% walk or bike. The remaining 2.1% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
15 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
65.8%
15 to 29 minutes
13%
30 to 44 minutes
12.4%
45 to 59 minutes
3.6%
More than 60 minutes
5.2%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 635 65.8%
15 to 29 minutes 125 13%
30 to 44 minutes 120 12.4%
45 to 59 minutes 35 3.6%
More than 60 minutes 50 5.2%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 865 90.6%
By public transit 10 1%
By bicycle/by walking 60 6.3%
By other methods 20 2.1%
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.

Explore more communities

FAQs about Athabasca demographics 

What is the current total population in Athabasca?

Athabasca has a population of 2,759, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a -0.2% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Athabasca?  

Athabasca has a population density of 155.1 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Athabasca?

Athabasca has the following gender distribution:
  • 46.6% males (1,285 residents)  
  • 53.4% females (1,470 residents)

What is the age distribution of Athabasca residents?  

The age distribution of Athabasca residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 18% (495 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11.1% (305 residents)   
  • 25-34: 10.5% (290 residents)   
  • 35-44: 13.1% (360 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.3% (340 residents)   
  • 55-64: 12.9% (355 residents)   
  • Over 64: 22.1% (610 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Athabasca? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Athabasca: 
  • 88.8% non-immigrants (2,260 residents)  
  • 10% immigrants (255 residents)  
  • 1.2% non-permanent residents (30 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Athabasca?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Athabasca: 
  • English: 98.5% 
  • French: 1.3% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Athabasca?  

The typical household size in Athabasca is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Athabasca?  

The median household income in Athabasca is $81,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Athabasca residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Athabasca is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 17.7% (360 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 30.2% (615 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 12% (245 residents) 
  • College diploma: 17.9% (365 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.5% (50 residents) 
  • University degree: 19.7% (400 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Athabasca?  

The most common occupations in Athabasca fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.8% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 13.5% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11.1% 
  • Health: 7.9% 
  • Management: 1.2% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 5.6% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 7.5% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3.6% 
  • Sales and service: 31.8% 
  • Trades and transport: 15.1% 

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