Bow Island, AB demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,036
1.4 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$76,500/yr
Private dwellings
724

Bow Island population

How many people live in Bow Island

Bow Island is home to 2,036 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50% identify as male and 50% as female.

Total population
2,036
1.4% year-over-year change
Population density
358.5/km2
Gender ratio
Male
50%
1,020
Female
50%
1,020
Value Percent
Male 1,020 50%
Female 1,020 50%
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 Bow Island is 34.9. Children under 15 make up 28.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 13.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13.7% are 25 to 34, 9.8% are 35 to 44, and 8.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 14.2%.

Average age
34.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
28.2%
15 to 24
13.7%
25 to 34
13.7%
35 to 44
9.8%
45 to 54
8.1%
55 to 64
12.2%
Over 65
14.2%
Value Percent
Under 15 575 28.2%
15 to 24 280 13.7%
25 to 34 280 13.7%
35 to 44 200 9.8%
45 to 54 165 8.1%
55 to 64 250 12.2%
Over 65 290 14.2%
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 Bow Island, 79.5% of residents were born in Canada, while 20.3% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
79.5%
Immigrants
20.3%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 1,510 79.5%
Immigrants 385 20.3%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
2.6%
Non-minorities
97.4%
Value Percent
Minorities 50 2.6%
Non-minorities 1,850 97.4%
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 Bow Island
English
95.5%
French
0.2%
English and French
0.2%
Neither English nor French
4%
Value Percent
English 1,905 95.5%
French 5 0.2%
English and French 5 0.2%
Neither English nor French 80 4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 95.5% of people in Bow Island speak English as their primary language, 0.2% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% are bilingual, and 4% 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 Bow Island

A peek inside Bow Island households

Bow Island has 670 households, with an average of 2.8 people living in each. One-person households make up 24.4% of all homes, while 34.1% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 10.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 31.1% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
670
Average people per household
2.8
1 person
24.4%
2 persons
34.1%
3 persons
10.4%
4 persons
11.8%
5 or more persons
19.3%
Value Percent
1 person 165 24.4%
2 persons 230 34.1%
3 persons 70 10.4%
4 persons 80 11.8%
5 or more persons 130 19.3%
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 Bow Island

The housing landscape of Bow Island

Bow Island has a total of 724 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Bow Island offers a variety of home sizes: 4% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 57% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 38.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
724
Housing types
Single-detached homes
83.6%
Attached homes
13.4%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
3%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 560 83.6%
Attached homes 90 13.4%
Movable homes 20 3%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
4%
2 or 3 bedrooms
57%
4 or more bedrooms
38.5%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 30 4%
2 or 3 bedrooms 385 57%
4 or more bedrooms 260 38.5%
Homes built since 2011
55

The age of buildings in Bow Island

About 6.7% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 17.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 13.4% went up in the 1960s, 20.9% in the 1970s, and 11.2% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 11.9% of homes were added, and 10.4% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 45 6.7%
Between 1946 and 1960 115 17.2%
Between 1961 and 1970 90 13.4%
Between 1971 and 1980 140 20.9%
Between 1981 and 1990 75 11.2%
Between 1991 and 2000 80 11.9%
Between 2001 and 2010 70 10.4%
After 2011 55 8.2%
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.

Bow Island occupancy rates

In Bow Island, there are 674 occupied private dwellings, of which 69.6% are owner-occupied and 30.4% are rented. Meanwhile, 50 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
674
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
30.4%
Owned households
69.6%
Value Percent
Rented households 205 30.4%
Owned households 470 69.6%
Unoccupied dwellings
50
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 Bow Island, homeowners pay a median of $1,250 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $890. About 84.3% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 15.7% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,250
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$890
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
84.3%
≥30% on shelter
15.7%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 565 84.3%
≥30% on shelter 105 15.7%
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 Bow Island

Bow Island education at a glance

In Bow Island, educational attainment varies across the community. About 48.9% of residents have no formal diploma, while 25.6% have completed high school and 3.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 13.3% have graduated from college. Finally, 0.7% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 7.8% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 660 48.9%
High school diploma 345 25.6%
Apprenticeship diploma 50 3.7%
College diploma 180 13.3%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 10 0.7%
University degree 105 7.8%
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 Bow Island

How much people earn in Bow Island

In Bow Island, the median household income sits at $76,500, while the median after-tax household income is $69,500.

Median household income
$76,500/year
Median after-tax household income
$69,500/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.

Bow Island income by age

Young adults in Bow Island between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,200, 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 $44,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $44,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $47,600, followed by $45,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $32,400.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 19,200
25 - 34 44,400
35 - 44 44,800
45 - 54 47,600
55 - 64 45,600
Over 65 32,400

Employment in Bow Island

Workforce and job sectors in Bow Island

In Bow Island, 875 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, natural resources and agriculture, and sales and service employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
875
Unemployment rate
3.4%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 70 8%
Natural and applied sciences 10 1.1%
Health 90 10.3%
Education, law, community and government services 70 8%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 15 1.7%
Sales and service 155 17.7%
Trades and transport 260 29.7%
Natural resources and agriculture 160 18.3%
Manufacturing and utilities 45 5.1%
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 Bow Island

How people get around in Bow Island

In Bow Island, the average commute is 15 minutes. About 87.5% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 2.6% rely on public transit and 9.9% walk or bike.

Average commute time
15 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
72.8%
15 to 29 minutes
11.3%
30 to 44 minutes
7.3%
45 to 59 minutes
3.3%
More than 60 minutes
5.3%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 550 72.8%
15 to 29 minutes 85 11.3%
30 to 44 minutes 55 7.3%
45 to 59 minutes 25 3.3%
More than 60 minutes 40 5.3%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 665 87.5%
By public transit 20 2.6%
By bicycle/by walking 75 9.9%
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 Bow Island demographics 

What is the current total population in Bow Island?

Bow Island has a population of 2,036, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.4% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Bow Island?  

Bow Island has a population density of 358.5 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Bow Island?

Bow Island has the following gender distribution:
  • 50% males (1,020 residents)  
  • 50% females (1,020 residents)

What is the age distribution of Bow Island residents?  

The age distribution of Bow Island residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 28.2% (575 residents)   
  • 15-24: 13.7% (280 residents)   
  • 25-34: 13.7% (280 residents)   
  • 35-44: 9.8% (200 residents)   
  • 45-54: 8.1% (165 residents)   
  • 55-64: 12.2% (250 residents)   
  • Over 64: 14.2% (290 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Bow Island? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Bow Island: 
  • 79.5% non-immigrants (1,510 residents)  
  • 20.3% immigrants (385 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Bow Island?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Bow Island: 
  • English: 95.5% 
  • French: 0.2% 
  • English and French: 0.2% 
  • Neither English nor French: 4% 

What is the typical household size in Bow Island?  

The typical household size in Bow Island is 2.8 people. 

What is the median household income in Bow Island?  

The median household income in Bow Island is $76,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Bow Island residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Bow Island is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 48.9% (660 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 25.6% (345 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 3.7% (50 residents) 
  • College diploma: 13.3% (180 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 0.7% (10 residents) 
  • University degree: 7.8% (105 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Bow Island?  

The most common occupations in Bow Island fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.7% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 8% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 8% 
  • Health: 10.3% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 5.1% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 1.1% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 18.3% 
  • Sales and service: 17.7% 
  • Trades and transport: 29.7% 

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