Total population

4,898

0.3 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$99,000/yr

Private dwellings

1,883

Carstairs population

How many people live in Carstairs

Carstairs is home to 4,898 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.1% identify as male and 49.9% as female.

Total population

4,898

0.3% year-over-year change

Population density

416.2/km2

Gender ratio

Male

50.1%

2,455

Female

49.9%

2,445

	Value	Percent
Male	2,455	50.1%
Female	2,445	49.9%

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 Carstairs is 39.5. Children under 15 make up 22.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 8.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.9% are 25 to 34, 14.7% are 35 to 44, and 12.3% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 11.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 18.2%.

Average age

39.5

Age breakdown

Under 15: 22.6%
15 to 24: 8.7%
25 to 34: 11.9%
35 to 44: 14.7%
45 to 54: 12.3%
55 to 64: 11.6%
Over 65: 18.2%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	1,105	22.6%
15 to 24	425	8.7%
25 to 34	580	11.9%
35 to 44	720	14.7%
45 to 54	600	12.3%
55 to 64	565	11.6%
Over 65	890	18.2%

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 Carstairs, 94.1% of residents were born in Canada, while 5.9% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 94.1%
Immigrants: 5.9%
Non-permanent residents: 0%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	4,570	94.1%
Immigrants	285	5.9%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 3.6%
Non-minorities: 96.4%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	175	3.6%
Non-minorities	4,680	96.4%

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 Carstairs

English: 98.5%
French: 1.3%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.1%

	Value	Percent
English	4,830	98.5%
French	65	1.3%
English and French	5	0.1%
Neither English nor French	5	0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.5% of people in Carstairs speak English as their primary language, 1.3% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% 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 Carstairs

A peek inside Carstairs households

Carstairs has 1,840 households, with an average of 2.6 people living in each. One-person households make up 20.4% of all homes, while 37.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 28.1% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

1,840

Average people per household

2.6

1 person: 20.4%
2 persons: 37.9%
3 persons: 13.6%
4 persons: 17.7%
5 or more persons: 10.4%

	Value	Percent
1 person	375	20.4%
2 persons	695	37.9%
3 persons	250	13.6%
4 persons	325	17.7%
5 or more persons	190	10.4%

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 Carstairs

The housing landscape of Carstairs

Carstairs has a total of 1,883 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Carstairs offers a variety of home sizes: 4% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 56% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 39.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

1,883

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 80.1%
Attached homes: 15.8%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 4.1%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	1,470	80.1%
Attached homes	290	15.8%
Movable homes	75	4.1%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 4%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 56%
4 or more bedrooms: 39.4%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	75	4%
2 or 3 bedrooms	1,040	56%
4 or more bedrooms	725	39.4%

Homes built since 2011

530

The age of buildings in Carstairs

About 4.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 3.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 4.6% went up in the 1960s, 13.3% in the 1970s, and 5.7% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 12.7% of homes were added, and 27.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	75	4.1%
Between 1946 and 1960	70	3.8%
Between 1961 and 1970	85	4.6%
Between 1971 and 1980	245	13.3%
Between 1981 and 1990	105	5.7%
Between 1991 and 2000	235	12.7%
Between 2001 and 2010	500	27.1%
After 2011	530	28.7%

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.

Carstairs occupancy rates

In Carstairs, there are 1,837 occupied private dwellings, of which 86.4% are owner-occupied and 13.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 46 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

1,837

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 13.6%
Owned households: 86.4%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	250	13.6%
Owned households	1,590	86.4%

Unoccupied dwellings

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 Carstairs, homeowners pay a median of $1,640 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,400. About 82.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 17.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,640

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,400

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 82.6%
≥30% on shelter: 17.4%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	1,515	82.6%
≥30% on shelter	320	17.4%

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 Carstairs

Carstairs education at a glance

In Carstairs, educational attainment varies across the community. About 14.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 29.6% have completed high school and 14.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 26.4% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.2% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 11.2% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	550	14.8%
High school diploma	1,100	29.6%
Apprenticeship diploma	550	14.8%
College diploma	980	26.4%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	120	3.2%
University degree	415	11.2%

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 Carstairs

How much people earn in Carstairs

In Carstairs, the median household income sits at $99,000, while the median after-tax household income is $86,000.

Median household income

$99,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$86,000/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.

Carstairs income by age

Young adults in Carstairs between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,000, 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 $52,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $63,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $64,000, followed by $48,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $34,800.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	17,000
25 - 34	52,400
35 - 44	63,200
45 - 54	64,000
55 - 64	48,000
Over 65	34,800

Employment in Carstairs

Workforce and job sectors in Carstairs

In Carstairs, 2,440 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 10.2%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, sales and service, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

2,440

Unemployment rate

10.2%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	30	1.3%
Business, finance and administration	330	14.1%
Natural and applied sciences	125	5.3%
Health	205	8.7%
Education, law, community and government services	250	10.7%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	40	1.7%
Sales and service	530	22.6%
Trades and transport	655	27.9%
Natural resources and agriculture	90	3.8%
Manufacturing and utilities	90	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 Carstairs

How people get around in Carstairs

In Carstairs, the average commute is 30 minutes. About 91.2% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.4% rely on public transit and 4.1% walk or bike. The remaining 3.3% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

30 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 26.4%
15 to 29 minutes: 23.6%
30 to 44 minutes: 18.1%
45 to 59 minutes: 20%
More than 60 minutes: 11.8%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	480	26.4%
15 to 29 minutes	430	23.6%
30 to 44 minutes	330	18.1%
45 to 59 minutes	365	20%
More than 60 minutes	215	11.8%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	1,665	91.2%
By public transit	25	1.4%
By bicycle/by walking	75	4.1%
By other methods	60	3.3%

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 Carstairs demographics

What is the current total population in Carstairs?

Carstairs has a population of 4,898, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.3% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Carstairs?

Carstairs has a population density of 416.2 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Carstairs?

Carstairs has the following gender distribution:

50.1% males (2,455 residents)
49.9% females (2,445 residents)

What is the age distribution of Carstairs residents?

The age distribution of Carstairs residents is as follows:

Under 15: 22.6% (1,105 residents)
15-24: 8.7% (425 residents)
25-34: 11.9% (580 residents)
35-44: 14.7% (720 residents)
45-54: 12.3% (600 residents)
55-64: 11.6% (565 residents)
Over 64: 18.2% (890 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Carstairs?

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

94.1% non-immigrants (4,570 residents)
5.9% immigrants (285 residents)
0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Carstairs?

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

English: 98.5%
French: 1.3%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.1%

What is the typical household size in Carstairs?

The typical household size in Carstairs is 2.6 people.

What is the median household income in Carstairs?

The median household income in Carstairs is $99,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Carstairs residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Carstairs is as follows:

No diploma: 14.8% (550 residents)
High school diploma: 29.6% (1,100 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 14.8% (550 residents)
College diploma: 26.4% (980 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3.2% (120 residents)
University degree: 11.2% (415 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Carstairs?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.7%
Business, finance and administration: 14.1%
Education, law, community and government services: 10.7%
Health: 8.7%
Management: 1.3%
Manufacturing and utilities: 3.8%
Natural and applied sciences: 5.3%
Natural resources and agriculture: 3.8%
Sales and service: 22.6%
Trades and transport: 27.9%

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

Carstairs, AB demographics:population, income, and more