Calgary, AB demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,306,784
6.1 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$98,000/yr
Private dwellings
531,062

Calgary population

How many people live in Calgary

Calgary is home to 1,306,784 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.6% identify as male and 50.4% as female.

Total population
1,306,784
6.1% year-over-year change
Population density
1,592.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
648,835
Female
50.4%
657,950
Value Percent
Male 648,835 49.6%
Female 657,950 50.4%
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 Calgary is 38.8. Children under 15 make up 18% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.6%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 14.9% are 25 to 34, 16.1% are 35 to 44, and 13.5% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.3% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 13.6%.

Average age
38.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
18%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 34
14.9%
35 to 44
16.1%
45 to 54
13.5%
55 to 64
12.3%
Over 65
13.6%
Value Percent
Under 15 235,855 18%
15 to 24 151,855 11.6%
25 to 34 194,345 14.9%
35 to 44 210,845 16.1%
45 to 54 176,110 13.5%
55 to 64 160,360 12.3%
Over 65 177,405 13.6%
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 Calgary, 64.6% of residents were born in Canada, while 33.3% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.1% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
64.6%
Immigrants
33.3%
Non-permanent residents
2.1%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 834,100 64.6%
Immigrants 430,640 33.3%
Non-permanent residents 27,025 2.1%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
41.4%
Non-minorities
58.6%
Value Percent
Minorities 534,695 41.4%
Non-minorities 757,075 58.6%
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 Calgary
English
95.8%
French
1.3%
English and French
0.5%
Neither English nor French
2.4%
Value Percent
English 1,240,980 95.8%
French 16,810 1.3%
English and French 6,620 0.5%
Neither English nor French 31,705 2.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 95.8% of people in Calgary speak English as their primary language, 1.3% communicate mainly in French, 0.5% are bilingual, and 2.4% 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 Calgary

A peek inside Calgary households

Calgary has 502,305 households, with an average of 2.6 people living in each. One-person households make up 26.4% of all homes, while 31.8% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.9%, and homes with four or more people account for 25.8% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
502,305
Average people per household
2.6
1 person
26.4%
2 persons
31.8%
3 persons
15.9%
4 persons
15.8%
5 or more persons
10%
Value Percent
1 person 132,695 26.4%
2 persons 159,955 31.8%
3 persons 80,020 15.9%
4 persons 79,565 15.8%
5 or more persons 50,070 10%
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 Calgary

The housing landscape of Calgary

Calgary has a total of 531,062 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 55% are single-detached houses, 36.6% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 8.1% are apartments. When it comes to space, Calgary offers a variety of home sizes: 12% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 57% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 31% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
531,062
Housing types
Single-detached homes
55%
Attached homes
36.6%
Apartments
8.1%
Movable homes
0.4%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 276,050 55%
Attached homes 183,755 36.6%
Apartments 40,700 8.1%
Movable homes 1,790 0.4%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
12%
2 or 3 bedrooms
57%
4 or more bedrooms
31%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 62,305 12%
2 or 3 bedrooms 284,520 57%
4 or more bedrooms 155,480 31%
Homes built since 2011
91,900

The age of buildings in Calgary

About 2.3% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 6.4% between 1946 and 1960. Another 9.1% went up in the 1960s, 17.4% in the 1970s, and 11.9% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 15.1% of homes were added, and 19.5% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 11,740 2.3%
Between 1946 and 1960 32,115 6.4%
Between 1961 and 1970 45,485 9.1%
Between 1971 and 1980 87,540 17.4%
Between 1981 and 1990 59,780 11.9%
Between 1991 and 2000 75,685 15.1%
Between 2001 and 2010 98,055 19.5%
After 2011 91,900 18.3%
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.

Calgary occupancy rates

In Calgary, there are 502,301 occupied private dwellings, of which 68.8% are owner-occupied and 31.2% are rented. Meanwhile, 28,761 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
502,301
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
31.2%
Owned households
68.8%
Value Percent
Rented households 156,615 31.2%
Owned households 345,690 68.8%
Unoccupied dwellings
28,761
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 Calgary, homeowners pay a median of $1,720 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,350. About 77.1% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 22.9% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,720
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,350
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
77.1%
≥30% on shelter
22.9%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 385,380 77.1%
≥30% on shelter 114,470 22.9%
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 Calgary

Calgary education at a glance

In Calgary, educational attainment varies across the community. About 12.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 25.9% have completed high school and 5.9% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 16.4% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 35.7% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 134,565 12.7%
High school diploma 273,135 25.9%
Apprenticeship diploma 62,155 5.9%
College diploma 172,905 16.4%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 36,020 3.4%
University degree 377,450 35.7%
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 Calgary

How much people earn in Calgary

In Calgary, the median household income sits at $98,000, while the median after-tax household income is $85,000.

Median household income
$98,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$85,000/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.

Calgary income by age

Young adults in Calgary between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,800, 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 $45,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $58,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $60,400, followed by $49,200 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 18,800
25 - 34 45,600
35 - 44 58,800
45 - 54 60,400
55 - 64 49,200
Over 65 36,000

Employment in Calgary

Workforce and job sectors in Calgary

In Calgary, 730,055 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 12.5%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, and trades and transport employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
730,055
Unemployment rate
12.5%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 8,910 1.3%
Business, finance and administration 135,315 19.2%
Natural and applied sciences 83,405 11.8%
Health 58,670 8.3%
Education, law, community and government services 77,125 10.9%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 20,330 2.9%
Sales and service 175,295 24.9%
Trades and transport 115,655 16.4%
Natural resources and agriculture 10,185 1.4%
Manufacturing and utilities 19,960 2.8%
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 Calgary

How people get around in Calgary

In Calgary, the average commute is 24 minutes. About 83.2% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 8.8% rely on public transit and 5.1% walk or bike. The remaining 2.9% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
24 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
21.5%
15 to 29 minutes
46.9%
30 to 44 minutes
22%
45 to 59 minutes
4.6%
More than 60 minutes
5%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 97,610 21.5%
15 to 29 minutes 213,150 46.9%
30 to 44 minutes 99,695 22%
45 to 59 minutes 20,845 4.6%
More than 60 minutes 22,870 5%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 378,085 83.2%
By public transit 39,905 8.8%
By bicycle/by walking 23,150 5.1%
By other methods 13,035 2.9%
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 Calgary demographics 

What is the current total population in Calgary?

Calgary has a population of 1,306,784, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +6.1% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Calgary?  

Calgary has a population density of 1,592.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Calgary?

Calgary has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.6% males (648,835 residents)  
  • 50.4% females (657,950 residents)

What is the age distribution of Calgary residents?  

The age distribution of Calgary residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 18% (235,855 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11.6% (151,855 residents)   
  • 25-34: 14.9% (194,345 residents)   
  • 35-44: 16.1% (210,845 residents)   
  • 45-54: 13.5% (176,110 residents)   
  • 55-64: 12.3% (160,360 residents)   
  • Over 64: 13.6% (177,405 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Calgary? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Calgary: 
  • 64.6% non-immigrants (834,100 residents)  
  • 33.3% immigrants (430,640 residents)  
  • 2.1% non-permanent residents (27,025 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Calgary?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Calgary: 
  • English: 95.8% 
  • French: 1.3% 
  • English and French: 0.5% 
  • Neither English nor French: 2.4% 

What is the typical household size in Calgary?  

The typical household size in Calgary is 2.6 people. 

What is the median household income in Calgary?  

The median household income in Calgary is $98,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Calgary residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Calgary is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 12.7% (134,565 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 25.9% (273,135 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 5.9% (62,155 residents) 
  • College diploma: 16.4% (172,905 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.4% (36,020 residents) 
  • University degree: 35.7% (377,450 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Calgary?  

The most common occupations in Calgary fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.9% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 19.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 10.9% 
  • Health: 8.3% 
  • Management: 1.3% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 2.8% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 11.8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 1.4% 
  • Sales and service: 24.9% 
  • Trades and transport: 16.4% 

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