Cardston, AB demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,724
1.0 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$77,000/yr
Private dwellings
1,335

Cardston population

How many people live in Cardston

Cardston is home to 3,724 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.5% identify as male and 51.5% as female.

Total population
3,724
1.0% year-over-year change
Population density
434.1/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.5%
1,805
Female
51.5%
1,920
Value Percent
Male 1,805 48.5%
Female 1,920 51.5%
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 Cardston is 41.9. Children under 15 make up 23.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 9.1% are 25 to 34, 10% are 35 to 44, and 9.5% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 10% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 26.1%.

Average age
41.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.2%
15 to 24
11.9%
25 to 34
9.1%
35 to 44
10%
45 to 54
9.5%
55 to 64
10%
Over 65
26.1%
Value Percent
Under 15 865 23.2%
15 to 24 445 11.9%
25 to 34 340 9.1%
35 to 44 375 10%
45 to 54 355 9.5%
55 to 64 375 10%
Over 65 975 26.1%
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 Cardston, 90.1% of residents were born in Canada, while 9.8% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
90.1%
Immigrants
9.8%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 3,225 90.1%
Immigrants 350 9.8%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
6%
Non-minorities
94%
Value Percent
Minorities 215 6%
Non-minorities 3,365 94%
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 Cardston
English
99.3%
French
0.6%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0.1%
Value Percent
English 3,605 99.3%
French 20 0.6%
Neither English nor French 5 0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99.3% of people in Cardston speak English as their primary language, 0.6% communicate mainly in French, are bilingual, and 0.1% 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 Cardston

A peek inside Cardston households

Cardston has 1,260 households, with an average of 2.8 people living in each. One-person households make up 22.4% of all homes, while 36.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13%, and homes with four or more people account for 27.9% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
1,260
Average people per household
2.8
1 person
22.4%
2 persons
36.6%
3 persons
13%
4 persons
10.2%
5 or more persons
17.7%
Value Percent
1 person 285 22.4%
2 persons 465 36.6%
3 persons 165 13%
4 persons 130 10.2%
5 or more persons 225 17.7%
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 Cardston

The housing landscape of Cardston

Cardston has a total of 1,335 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Cardston offers a variety of home sizes: 5% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 40% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 54.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
1,335
Housing types
Single-detached homes
85.3%
Attached homes
13.5%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
1.2%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,075 85.3%
Attached homes 170 13.5%
Movable homes 15 1.2%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
5%
2 or 3 bedrooms
40%
4 or more bedrooms
54.9%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 65 5%
2 or 3 bedrooms 505 40%
4 or more bedrooms 695 54.9%
Homes built since 2011
95

The age of buildings in Cardston

About 18.2% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 11.1% between 1946 and 1960. Another 9.5% went up in the 1960s, 19.8% in the 1970s, and 9.5% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 13% of homes were added, and 11.5% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 230 18.2%
Between 1946 and 1960 140 11.1%
Between 1961 and 1970 120 9.5%
Between 1971 and 1980 250 19.8%
Between 1981 and 1990 120 9.5%
Between 1991 and 2000 165 13%
Between 2001 and 2010 145 11.5%
After 2011 95 7.5%
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.

Cardston occupancy rates

In Cardston, there are 1,261 occupied private dwellings, of which 73.8% are owner-occupied and 26.2% are rented. Meanwhile, 74 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
1,261
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
26.2%
Owned households
73.8%
Value Percent
Rented households 330 26.2%
Owned households 930 73.8%
Unoccupied dwellings
74
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 Cardston, homeowners pay a median of $1,040 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,000. About 86.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 13.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,040
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,000
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
86.9%
≥30% on shelter
13.1%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 1,090 86.9%
≥30% on shelter 165 13.1%
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 Cardston

Cardston education at a glance

In Cardston, educational attainment varies across the community. About 15.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 33.2% have completed high school and 7.4% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 17.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 22.4% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 440 15.8%
High school diploma 925 33.2%
Apprenticeship diploma 205 7.4%
College diploma 495 17.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 95 3.4%
University degree 625 22.4%
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 Cardston

How much people earn in Cardston

In Cardston, the median household income sits at $77,000, while the median after-tax household income is $73,000.

Median household income
$77,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$73,000/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.

Cardston income by age

Young adults in Cardston between 15 and 24 have a median income of $13,200, 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 $37,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $49,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $48,800, followed by $46,000 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 13,200
25 - 34 37,600
35 - 44 49,600
45 - 54 48,800
55 - 64 46,000
Over 65 33,200

Employment in Cardston

Workforce and job sectors in Cardston

In Cardston, 1,515 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7.3%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, education, law, community and government services, and trades and transport employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
1,515
Unemployment rate
7.3%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 15 1%
Business, finance and administration 195 13%
Natural and applied sciences 40 2.7%
Health 180 12%
Education, law, community and government services 270 18.1%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 20 1.3%
Sales and service 450 30.1%
Trades and transport 235 15.7%
Natural resources and agriculture 70 4.7%
Manufacturing and utilities 20 1.3%
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 Cardston

How people get around in Cardston

In Cardston, the average commute is 16 minutes. About 91.5% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.8% rely on public transit and 5.6% walk or bike. The remaining 2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
16 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
66.1%
15 to 29 minutes
14.5%
30 to 44 minutes
9.3%
45 to 59 minutes
5.2%
More than 60 minutes
4.8%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 820 66.1%
15 to 29 minutes 180 14.5%
30 to 44 minutes 115 9.3%
45 to 59 minutes 65 5.2%
More than 60 minutes 60 4.8%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 1,135 91.5%
By public transit 10 0.8%
By bicycle/by walking 70 5.6%
By other methods 25 2%
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 Cardston demographics 

What is the current total population in Cardston?

Cardston has a population of 3,724, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.0% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Cardston?  

Cardston has a population density of 434.1 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Cardston?

Cardston has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.5% males (1,805 residents)  
  • 51.5% females (1,920 residents)

What is the age distribution of Cardston residents?  

The age distribution of Cardston residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 23.2% (865 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11.9% (445 residents)   
  • 25-34: 9.1% (340 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10% (375 residents)   
  • 45-54: 9.5% (355 residents)   
  • 55-64: 10% (375 residents)   
  • Over 64: 26.1% (975 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Cardston? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Cardston: 
  • 90.1% non-immigrants (3,225 residents)  
  • 9.8% immigrants (350 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Cardston?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Cardston: 
  • English: 99.3% 
  • French: 0.6% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.1% 

What is the typical household size in Cardston?  

The typical household size in Cardston is 2.8 people. 

What is the median household income in Cardston?  

The median household income in Cardston is $77,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Cardston residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Cardston is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 15.8% (440 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 33.2% (925 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 7.4% (205 residents) 
  • College diploma: 17.8% (495 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.4% (95 residents) 
  • University degree: 22.4% (625 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Cardston?  

The most common occupations in Cardston fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.3% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 13% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 18.1% 
  • Health: 12% 
  • Management: 1% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 1.3% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 2.7% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 4.7% 
  • Sales and service: 30.1% 
  • Trades and transport: 15.7% 

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