Cold Lake, AB demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
15,661
3.9 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$105,000/yr
Private dwellings
6,767

Cold Lake population

How many people live in Cold Lake

Cold Lake is home to 15,661 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 51.7% identify as male and 48.3% as female.

Total population
15,661
3.9% year-over-year change
Population density
235.1/km2
Gender ratio
Male
51.7%
8,100
Female
48.3%
7,560
Value Percent
Male 8,100 51.7%
Female 7,560 48.3%
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 Cold Lake is 33.9. Children under 15 make up 22.9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.3%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 20.2% are 25 to 34, 16.3% are 35 to 44, and 9.6% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 10.5% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 8.1%.

Average age
33.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.9%
15 to 24
12.3%
25 to 34
20.2%
35 to 44
16.3%
45 to 54
9.6%
55 to 64
10.5%
Over 65
8.1%
Value Percent
Under 15 3,585 22.9%
15 to 24 1,930 12.3%
25 to 34 3,160 20.2%
35 to 44 2,550 16.3%
45 to 54 1,510 9.6%
55 to 64 1,650 10.5%
Over 65 1,270 8.1%
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 Cold Lake, 90.1% of residents were born in Canada, while 9.2% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.6% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
90.1%
Immigrants
9.2%
Non-permanent residents
0.6%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 13,830 90.1%
Immigrants 1,415 9.2%
Non-permanent residents 95 0.6%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
10.1%
Non-minorities
89.9%
Value Percent
Minorities 1,545 10.1%
Non-minorities 13,805 89.9%
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 Cold Lake
English
94.8%
French
4.8%
English and French
0.3%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 14,735 94.8%
French 750 4.8%
English and French 40 0.3%
Neither English nor French 25 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 94.8% of people in Cold Lake speak English as their primary language, 4.8% communicate mainly in French, 0.3% 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 Cold Lake

A peek inside Cold Lake households

Cold Lake has 6,115 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 26.8% of all homes, while 33.1% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 16.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 23.9% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
6,115
Average people per household
2.5
1 person
26.8%
2 persons
33.1%
3 persons
16.2%
4 persons
14.8%
5 or more persons
9.1%
Value Percent
1 person 1,640 26.8%
2 persons 2,025 33.1%
3 persons 990 16.2%
4 persons 905 14.8%
5 or more persons 555 9.1%
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 Cold Lake

The housing landscape of Cold Lake

Cold Lake has a total of 6,767 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Cold Lake offers a variety of home sizes: 6% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 54% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 40.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
6,767
Housing types
Single-detached homes
65.7%
Attached homes
29.8%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
4.5%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 4,015 65.7%
Attached homes 1,820 29.8%
Movable homes 275 4.5%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
6%
2 or 3 bedrooms
54%
4 or more bedrooms
40.1%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 350 6%
2 or 3 bedrooms 3,315 54%
4 or more bedrooms 2,450 40.1%
Homes built since 2011
1,300

The age of buildings in Cold Lake

About 0.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 8.9% between 1946 and 1960. Another 5% went up in the 1960s, 16.1% in the 1970s, and 14.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 11.6% of homes were added, and 21.7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 50 0.8%
Between 1946 and 1960 545 8.9%
Between 1961 and 1970 305 5%
Between 1971 and 1980 985 16.1%
Between 1981 and 1990 895 14.6%
Between 1991 and 2000 710 11.6%
Between 2001 and 2010 1,325 21.7%
After 2011 1,300 21.3%
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.

Cold Lake occupancy rates

In Cold Lake, there are 6,114 occupied private dwellings, of which 63.9% are owner-occupied and 36.1% are rented. Meanwhile, 653 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
6,114
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
36.1%
Owned households
63.9%
Value Percent
Rented households 2,205 36.1%
Owned households 3,910 63.9%
Unoccupied dwellings
653
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 Cold Lake, homeowners pay a median of $1,780 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,190. About 83.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 16.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,780
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,190
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
83.9%
≥30% on shelter
16.1%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 5,115 83.9%
≥30% on shelter 985 16.1%
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 Cold Lake

Cold Lake education at a glance

In Cold Lake, educational attainment varies across the community. About 15.2% of residents have no formal diploma, while 30.4% have completed high school and 11.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 25.4% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 15.7% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,790 15.2%
High school diploma 3,580 30.4%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,395 11.8%
College diploma 2,990 25.4%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 170 1.4%
University degree 1,850 15.7%
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 Cold Lake

How much people earn in Cold Lake

In Cold Lake, the median household income sits at $105,000, while the median after-tax household income is $90,000.

Median household income
$105,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$90,000/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.

Cold Lake income by age

Young adults in Cold Lake between 15 and 24 have a median income of $23,600, 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 $61,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $68,500. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $72,500, followed by $56,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $41,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 23,600
25 - 34 61,200
35 - 44 68,500
45 - 54 72,500
55 - 64 56,400
Over 65 41,600

Employment in Cold Lake

Workforce and job sectors in Cold Lake

In Cold Lake, 8,740 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7.8%. 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
8,740
Unemployment rate
7.8%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 15 0.2%
Business, finance and administration 970 11.3%
Natural and applied sciences 615 7.2%
Health 575 6.7%
Education, law, community and government services 1,880 21.8%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 140 1.6%
Sales and service 1,925 22.4%
Trades and transport 1,580 18.4%
Natural resources and agriculture 485 5.6%
Manufacturing and utilities 420 4.9%
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 Cold Lake

How people get around in Cold Lake

In Cold Lake, the average commute is 20 minutes. About 92.2% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.4% rely on public transit and 4.7% walk or bike. The remaining 1.7% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
20 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
52%
15 to 29 minutes
25.6%
30 to 44 minutes
11.5%
45 to 59 minutes
4.8%
More than 60 minutes
6.2%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 3,900 52%
15 to 29 minutes 1,920 25.6%
30 to 44 minutes 860 11.5%
45 to 59 minutes 360 4.8%
More than 60 minutes 465 6.2%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 6,920 92.2%
By public transit 105 1.4%
By bicycle/by walking 355 4.7%
By other methods 125 1.7%
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 Cold Lake demographics 

What is the current total population in Cold Lake?

Cold Lake has a population of 15,661, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.9% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Cold Lake?  

Cold Lake has a population density of 235.1 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Cold Lake?

Cold Lake has the following gender distribution:
  • 51.7% males (8,100 residents)  
  • 48.3% females (7,560 residents)

What is the age distribution of Cold Lake residents?  

The age distribution of Cold Lake residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 22.9% (3,585 residents)   
  • 15-24: 12.3% (1,930 residents)   
  • 25-34: 20.2% (3,160 residents)   
  • 35-44: 16.3% (2,550 residents)   
  • 45-54: 9.6% (1,510 residents)   
  • 55-64: 10.5% (1,650 residents)   
  • Over 64: 8.1% (1,270 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Cold Lake? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Cold Lake: 
  • 90.1% non-immigrants (13,830 residents)  
  • 9.2% immigrants (1,415 residents)  
  • 0.6% non-permanent residents (95 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Cold Lake?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Cold Lake: 
  • English: 94.8% 
  • French: 4.8% 
  • English and French: 0.3% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Cold Lake?  

The typical household size in Cold Lake is 2.5 people. 

What is the median household income in Cold Lake?  

The median household income in Cold Lake is $105,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Cold Lake residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Cold Lake is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 15.2% (1,790 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 30.4% (3,580 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 11.8% (1,395 residents) 
  • College diploma: 25.4% (2,990 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.4% (170 residents) 
  • University degree: 15.7% (1,850 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Cold Lake?  

The most common occupations in Cold Lake fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.6% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 11.3% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 21.8% 
  • Health: 6.7% 
  • Management: 0.2% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 4.9% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 7.2% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 5.6% 
  • Sales and service: 22.4% 
  • Trades and transport: 18.4% 

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