Total population

32,199

4.7 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$113,000/yr

Private dwellings

12,578

Cochrane population

How many people live in Cochrane

Cochrane is home to 32,199 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49% identify as male and 51% as female.

Total population

32,199

4.7% year-over-year change

Population density

1,019.5/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49%

15,795

Female

51%

16,405

	Value	Percent
Male	15,795	49%
Female	16,405	51%

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 Cochrane is 39.4. Children under 15 make up 21.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.3%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.2% are 25 to 34, 16.3% are 35 to 44, and 12.6% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 16.2%.

Average age

39.4

Age breakdown

Under 15: 21.2%
15 to 24: 9.3%
25 to 34: 12.2%
35 to 44: 16.3%
45 to 54: 12.6%
55 to 64: 12.2%
Over 65: 16.2%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	6,840	21.2%
15 to 24	3,005	9.3%
25 to 34	3,920	12.2%
35 to 44	5,260	16.3%
45 to 54	4,045	12.6%
55 to 64	3,930	12.2%
Over 65	5,205	16.2%

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 Cochrane, 85.1% of residents were born in Canada, while 14.4% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 85.1%
Immigrants: 14.4%
Non-permanent residents: 0.5%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	26,785	85.1%
Immigrants	4,530	14.4%
Non-permanent residents	155	0.5%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 8.5%
Non-minorities: 91.5%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	2,680	8.5%
Non-minorities	28,790	91.5%

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 Cochrane

English: 97.4%
French: 2.2%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

	Value	Percent
English	30,850	97.4%
French	680	2.2%
English and French	65	0.2%
Neither English nor French	70	0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.4% of people in Cochrane speak English as their primary language, 2.2% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% 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 Cochrane

A peek inside Cochrane households

Cochrane has 12,095 households, with an average of 2.6 people living in each. One-person households make up 20.6% of all homes, while 36.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 16.5%, and homes with four or more people account for 26.3% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

12,095

Average people per household

2.6

1 person: 20.6%
2 persons: 36.6%
3 persons: 16.5%
4 persons: 18%
5 or more persons: 8.3%

	Value	Percent
1 person	2,485	20.6%
2 persons	4,430	36.6%
3 persons	2,000	16.5%
4 persons	2,170	18%
5 or more persons	1,005	8.3%

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 Cochrane

The housing landscape of Cochrane

Cochrane has a total of 12,578 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Cochrane offers a variety of home sizes: 5% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 63% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 32.6% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

12,578

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 59.8%
Attached homes: 40.2%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	7,230	59.8%
Attached homes	4,865	40.2%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 5%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 63%
4 or more bedrooms: 32.6%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	575	5%
2 or 3 bedrooms	7,580	63%
4 or more bedrooms	3,935	32.6%

Homes built since 2011

5,415

The age of buildings in Cochrane

About 0.7% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 0.7% between 1946 and 1960. Another 1.1% went up in the 1960s, 7.3% in the 1970s, and 4.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 19.4% of homes were added, and 21.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	85	0.7%
Between 1946 and 1960	90	0.7%
Between 1961 and 1970	135	1.1%
Between 1971 and 1980	885	7.3%
Between 1981 and 1990	580	4.8%
Between 1991 and 2000	2,350	19.4%
Between 2001 and 2010	2,555	21.1%
After 2011	5,415	44.8%

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.

Cochrane occupancy rates

In Cochrane, there are 12,096 occupied private dwellings, of which 83.7% are owner-occupied and 16.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 482 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

12,096

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 16.3%
Owned households: 83.7%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	1,970	16.3%
Owned households	10,125	83.7%

Unoccupied dwellings

482

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 Cochrane, homeowners pay a median of $1,820 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,500. About 81.2% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 18.8% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,820

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,500

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 81.2%
≥30% on shelter: 18.8%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	9,795	81.2%
≥30% on shelter	2,270	18.8%

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 Cochrane

Cochrane education at a glance

In Cochrane, educational attainment varies across the community. About 9.9% of residents have no formal diploma, while 26.2% have completed high school and 10% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 22.9% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 27.2% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	2,440	9.9%
High school diploma	6,450	26.2%
Apprenticeship diploma	2,470	10%
College diploma	5,635	22.9%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	935	3.8%
University degree	6,705	27.2%

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 Cochrane

How much people earn in Cochrane

In Cochrane, the median household income sits at $113,000, while the median after-tax household income is $96,000.

Median household income

$113,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$96,000/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.

Cochrane income by age

Young adults in Cochrane between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,200, 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 $52,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $69,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $72,000, followed by $58,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $42,000.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	17,200
25 - 34	52,800
35 - 44	69,000
45 - 54	72,000
55 - 64	58,000
Over 65	42,000

Employment in Cochrane

Workforce and job sectors in Cochrane

In Cochrane, 17,075 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 9.5%. 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

17,075

Unemployment rate

9.5%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	215	1.3%
Business, finance and administration	2,755	16.4%
Natural and applied sciences	1,345	8%
Health	1,450	8.6%
Education, law, community and government services	2,465	14.7%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	595	3.5%
Sales and service	3,865	23%
Trades and transport	3,145	18.7%
Natural resources and agriculture	520	3.1%
Manufacturing and utilities	455	2.7%

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 Cochrane

How people get around in Cochrane

In Cochrane, the average commute is 28 minutes. About 90.5% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.2% rely on public transit and 4.4% walk or bike. The remaining 3.9% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

28 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 35.5%
15 to 29 minutes: 16.2%
30 to 44 minutes: 24.2%
45 to 59 minutes: 15.8%
More than 60 minutes: 8.2%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	4,080	35.5%
15 to 29 minutes	1,865	16.2%
30 to 44 minutes	2,775	24.2%
45 to 59 minutes	1,820	15.8%
More than 60 minutes	940	8.2%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	10,390	90.5%
By public transit	135	1.2%
By bicycle/by walking	505	4.4%
By other methods	445	3.9%

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 Cochrane demographics

What is the current total population in Cochrane?

Cochrane has a population of 32,199, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +4.7% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Cochrane?

Cochrane has a population density of 1,019.5 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Cochrane?

Cochrane has the following gender distribution:

49% males (15,795 residents)
51% females (16,405 residents)

What is the age distribution of Cochrane residents?

The age distribution of Cochrane residents is as follows:

Under 15: 21.2% (6,840 residents)
15-24: 9.3% (3,005 residents)
25-34: 12.2% (3,920 residents)
35-44: 16.3% (5,260 residents)
45-54: 12.6% (4,045 residents)
55-64: 12.2% (3,930 residents)
Over 64: 16.2% (5,205 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Cochrane?

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

85.1% non-immigrants (26,785 residents)
14.4% immigrants (4,530 residents)
0.5% non-permanent residents (155 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Cochrane?

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

English: 97.4%
French: 2.2%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

What is the typical household size in Cochrane?

The typical household size in Cochrane is 2.6 people.

What is the median household income in Cochrane?

The median household income in Cochrane is $113,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Cochrane residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Cochrane is as follows:

No diploma: 9.9% (2,440 residents)
High school diploma: 26.2% (6,450 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 10% (2,470 residents)
College diploma: 22.9% (5,635 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3.8% (935 residents)
University degree: 27.2% (6,705 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Cochrane?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.5%
Business, finance and administration: 16.4%
Education, law, community and government services: 14.7%
Health: 8.6%
Management: 1.3%
Manufacturing and utilities: 2.7%
Natural and applied sciences: 8%
Natural resources and agriculture: 3.1%
Sales and service: 23%
Trades and transport: 18.7%

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

Cochrane, AB demographics:population, income, and more