Drayton Valley, AB demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
7,291
2.9 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$87,000/yr
Private dwellings
3,250

Drayton Valley population

How many people live in Drayton Valley

Drayton Valley is home to 7,291 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.8% identify as male and 50.2% as female.

Total population
7,291
2.9% year-over-year change
Population density
236/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
3,630
Female
50.2%
3,660
Value Percent
Male 3,630 49.8%
Female 3,660 50.2%
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 Drayton Valley is 38.8. Children under 15 make up 20.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.6%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 14.5% are 25 to 34, 14.5% are 35 to 44, and 11.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 14.9%.

Average age
38.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 34
14.5%
35 to 44
14.5%
45 to 54
11.1%
55 to 64
13.2%
Over 65
14.9%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,475 20.2%
15 to 24 845 11.6%
25 to 34 1,055 14.5%
35 to 44 1,060 14.5%
45 to 54 810 11.1%
55 to 64 960 13.2%
Over 65 1,085 14.9%
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 Drayton Valley, 91% of residents were born in Canada, while 8.1% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.9% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
91%
Immigrants
8.1%
Non-permanent residents
0.9%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 6,445 91%
Immigrants 570 8.1%
Non-permanent residents 65 0.9%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
10.2%
Non-minorities
89.8%
Value Percent
Minorities 720 10.2%
Non-minorities 6,360 89.8%
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 Drayton Valley
English
99%
French
0.8%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.1%
Value Percent
English 7,165 99%
French 55 0.8%
English and French 10 0.1%
Neither English nor French 10 0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99% of people in Drayton Valley speak English as their primary language, 0.8% 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 Drayton Valley

A peek inside Drayton Valley households

Drayton Valley has 2,895 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 27.9% of all homes, while 35.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.1%, and homes with four or more people account for 22.4% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
2,895
Average people per household
2.4
1 person
27.9%
2 persons
35.6%
3 persons
14.1%
4 persons
12.9%
5 or more persons
9.5%
Value Percent
1 person 810 27.9%
2 persons 1,035 35.6%
3 persons 410 14.1%
4 persons 375 12.9%
5 or more persons 275 9.5%
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 Drayton Valley

The housing landscape of Drayton Valley

Drayton Valley has a total of 3,250 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Drayton Valley offers a variety of home sizes: 8% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 49% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 42.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
3,250
Housing types
Single-detached homes
62.7%
Attached homes
27.5%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
9.8%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,825 62.7%
Attached homes 800 27.5%
Movable homes 285 9.8%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
8%
2 or 3 bedrooms
49%
4 or more bedrooms
42.5%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 235 8%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,430 49%
4 or more bedrooms 1,230 42.5%
Homes built since 2011
305

The age of buildings in Drayton Valley

About 0.5% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 8.5% between 1946 and 1960. Another 13.1% went up in the 1960s, 23.5% in the 1970s, and 18.1% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 10.5% of homes were added, and 15.2% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 15 0.5%
Between 1946 and 1960 245 8.5%
Between 1961 and 1970 380 13.1%
Between 1971 and 1980 680 23.5%
Between 1981 and 1990 525 18.1%
Between 1991 and 2000 305 10.5%
Between 2001 and 2010 440 15.2%
After 2011 305 10.5%
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.

Drayton Valley occupancy rates

In Drayton Valley, there are 2,897 occupied private dwellings, of which 71.3% are owner-occupied and 28.7% are rented. Meanwhile, 353 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
2,897
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
28.7%
Owned households
71.3%
Value Percent
Rented households 830 28.7%
Owned households 2,065 71.3%
Unoccupied dwellings
353
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 Drayton Valley, homeowners pay a median of $1,340 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,040. About 80.1% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 19.9% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,340
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,040
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
80.1%
≥30% on shelter
19.9%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 2,315 80.1%
≥30% on shelter 575 19.9%
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 Drayton Valley

Drayton Valley education at a glance

In Drayton Valley, educational attainment varies across the community. About 20% of residents have no formal diploma, while 37.8% have completed high school and 12.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 17.3% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 10.4% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,125 20%
High school diploma 2,120 37.8%
Apprenticeship diploma 710 12.7%
College diploma 970 17.3%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 100 1.8%
University degree 585 10.4%
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 Drayton Valley

How much people earn in Drayton Valley

In Drayton Valley, the median household income sits at $87,000, while the median after-tax household income is $75,500.

Median household income
$87,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$75,500/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.

Drayton Valley income by age

Young adults in Drayton Valley between 15 and 24 have a median income of $20,200, 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 $50,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $56,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $57,200, followed by $47,200 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 20,200
25 - 34 50,800
35 - 44 56,000
45 - 54 57,200
55 - 64 47,200
Over 65 33,200

Employment in Drayton Valley

Workforce and job sectors in Drayton Valley

In Drayton Valley, 3,895 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 11.4%. 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
3,895
Unemployment rate
11.4%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 20 0.5%
Business, finance and administration 445 11.7%
Natural and applied sciences 150 4%
Health 235 6.2%
Education, law, community and government services 330 8.7%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 50 1.3%
Sales and service 1,175 31%
Trades and transport 835 22%
Natural resources and agriculture 260 6.9%
Manufacturing and utilities 290 7.6%
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 Drayton Valley

How people get around in Drayton Valley

In Drayton Valley, the average commute is 16 minutes. About 92.7% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.3% rely on public transit and 5.4% walk or bike. The remaining 1.6% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
16 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
71.7%
15 to 29 minutes
9.8%
30 to 44 minutes
6.3%
45 to 59 minutes
3.2%
More than 60 minutes
9%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 2,265 71.7%
15 to 29 minutes 310 9.8%
30 to 44 minutes 200 6.3%
45 to 59 minutes 100 3.2%
More than 60 minutes 285 9%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 2,935 92.7%
By public transit 10 0.3%
By bicycle/by walking 170 5.4%
By other methods 50 1.6%
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 Drayton Valley demographics 

What is the current total population in Drayton Valley?

Drayton Valley has a population of 7,291, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.9% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Drayton Valley?  

Drayton Valley has a population density of 236 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Drayton Valley?

Drayton Valley has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.8% males (3,630 residents)  
  • 50.2% females (3,660 residents)

What is the age distribution of Drayton Valley residents?  

The age distribution of Drayton Valley residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 20.2% (1,475 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11.6% (845 residents)   
  • 25-34: 14.5% (1,055 residents)   
  • 35-44: 14.5% (1,060 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.1% (810 residents)   
  • 55-64: 13.2% (960 residents)   
  • Over 64: 14.9% (1,085 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Drayton Valley? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Drayton Valley: 
  • 91% non-immigrants (6,445 residents)  
  • 8.1% immigrants (570 residents)  
  • 0.9% non-permanent residents (65 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Drayton Valley?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Drayton Valley: 
  • English: 99% 
  • French: 0.8% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.1% 

What is the typical household size in Drayton Valley?  

The typical household size in Drayton Valley is 2.4 people. 

What is the median household income in Drayton Valley?  

The median household income in Drayton Valley is $87,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Drayton Valley residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Drayton Valley is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 20% (1,125 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 37.8% (2,120 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 12.7% (710 residents) 
  • College diploma: 17.3% (970 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.8% (100 residents) 
  • University degree: 10.4% (585 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Drayton Valley?  

The most common occupations in Drayton Valley fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.3% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 11.7% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 8.7% 
  • Health: 6.2% 
  • Management: 0.5% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 7.6% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 4% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 6.9% 
  • Sales and service: 31% 
  • Trades and transport: 22% 

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