Drumheller, AB demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
7,909
0.6 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$74,000/yr
Private dwellings
3,557

Drumheller population

How many people live in Drumheller

Drumheller is home to 7,909 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 53.4% identify as male and 46.6% as female.

Total population
7,909
0.6% year-over-year change
Population density
73.5/km2
Gender ratio
Male
53.4%
4,225
Female
46.6%
3,685
Value Percent
Male 4,225 53.4%
Female 3,685 46.6%
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 Drumheller is 43.9. Children under 15 make up 14.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.4%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13.2% are 25 to 34, 13.6% are 35 to 44, and 12.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.4% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 21.2%.

Average age
43.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.2%
15 to 24
10.4%
25 to 34
13.2%
35 to 44
13.6%
45 to 54
12.1%
55 to 64
15.4%
Over 65
21.2%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,125 14.2%
15 to 24 820 10.4%
25 to 34 1,040 13.2%
35 to 44 1,075 13.6%
45 to 54 955 12.1%
55 to 64 1,215 15.4%
Over 65 1,680 21.2%
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 Drumheller, 86.4% of residents were born in Canada, while 12.3% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.3% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
86.4%
Immigrants
12.3%
Non-permanent residents
1.3%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 5,990 86.4%
Immigrants 850 12.3%
Non-permanent residents 90 1.3%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
12%
Non-minorities
88%
Value Percent
Minorities 830 12%
Non-minorities 6,105 88%
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 Drumheller
English
98.9%
French
0.8%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 6,990 98.9%
French 60 0.8%
English and French 5 0.1%
Neither English nor French 15 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.9% of people in Drumheller speak English as their primary language, 0.8% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% 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 Drumheller

A peek inside Drumheller households

Drumheller has 3,195 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 36.5% of all homes, while 35.5% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 11.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 16.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
3,195
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
36.5%
2 persons
35.5%
3 persons
11.4%
4 persons
10.6%
5 or more persons
6%
Value Percent
1 person 1,165 36.5%
2 persons 1,135 35.5%
3 persons 365 11.4%
4 persons 340 10.6%
5 or more persons 190 6%
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 Drumheller

The housing landscape of Drumheller

Drumheller has a total of 3,557 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 76.4% are single-detached houses, 18.8% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.2% are apartments. When it comes to space, Drumheller offers a variety of home sizes: 10% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 57% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 33.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
3,557
Housing types
Single-detached homes
76.4%
Attached homes
18.8%
Apartments
0.2%
Movable homes
4.7%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 2,445 76.4%
Attached homes 600 18.8%
Apartments 5 0.2%
Movable homes 150 4.7%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
10%
2 or 3 bedrooms
57%
4 or more bedrooms
33.1%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 305 10%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,835 57%
4 or more bedrooms 1,060 33.1%
Homes built since 2011
165

The age of buildings in Drumheller

About 13.9% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 13.9% between 1946 and 1960. Another 14.7% went up in the 1960s, 20% in the 1970s, and 14.4% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 8.8% of homes were added, and 9.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 445 13.9%
Between 1946 and 1960 445 13.9%
Between 1961 and 1970 470 14.7%
Between 1971 and 1980 640 20%
Between 1981 and 1990 460 14.4%
Between 1991 and 2000 280 8.8%
Between 2001 and 2010 290 9.1%
After 2011 165 5.2%
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.

Drumheller occupancy rates

In Drumheller, there are 3,198 occupied private dwellings, of which 70.9% are owner-occupied and 29.1% are rented. Meanwhile, 359 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
3,198
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
29.1%
Owned households
70.9%
Value Percent
Rented households 930 29.1%
Owned households 2,265 70.9%
Unoccupied dwellings
359
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 Drumheller, homeowners pay a median of $1,110 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,000. About 79.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 20.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,110
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,000
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
79.9%
≥30% on shelter
20.1%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 2,540 79.9%
≥30% on shelter 640 20.1%
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 Drumheller

Drumheller education at a glance

In Drumheller, educational attainment varies across the community. About 18.9% of residents have no formal diploma, while 33.4% have completed high school and 10.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 20.2% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.2% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 15.1% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,095 18.9%
High school diploma 1,940 33.4%
Apprenticeship diploma 595 10.2%
College diploma 1,170 20.2%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 130 2.2%
University degree 875 15.1%
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 Drumheller

How much people earn in Drumheller

In Drumheller, the median household income sits at $74,000, while the median after-tax household income is $65,500.

Median household income
$74,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$65,500/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.

Drumheller income by age

Young adults in Drumheller between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,600, 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 $43,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $54,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $55,200, followed by $42,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $35,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 18,600
25 - 34 43,200
35 - 44 54,000
45 - 54 55,200
55 - 64 42,400
Over 65 35,600

Employment in Drumheller

Workforce and job sectors in Drumheller

In Drumheller, 3,710 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8.8%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and education, law, community and government services employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
3,710
Unemployment rate
8.8%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 35 1%
Business, finance and administration 410 11.3%
Natural and applied sciences 120 3.3%
Health 400 11%
Education, law, community and government services 490 13.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 80 2.2%
Sales and service 1,080 29.7%
Trades and transport 630 17.3%
Natural resources and agriculture 230 6.3%
Manufacturing and utilities 165 4.5%
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 Drumheller

How people get around in Drumheller

In Drumheller, the average commute is 15 minutes. About 90.7% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.5% rely on public transit and 7.1% walk or bike. The remaining 1.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
15 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
72.1%
15 to 29 minutes
15.1%
30 to 44 minutes
4.4%
45 to 59 minutes
2.4%
More than 60 minutes
6%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 2,240 72.1%
15 to 29 minutes 470 15.1%
30 to 44 minutes 135 4.4%
45 to 59 minutes 75 2.4%
More than 60 minutes 185 6%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 2,825 90.7%
By public transit 15 0.5%
By bicycle/by walking 220 7.1%
By other methods 55 1.8%
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 Drumheller demographics 

What is the current total population in Drumheller?

Drumheller has a population of 7,909, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.6% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Drumheller?  

Drumheller has a population density of 73.5 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Drumheller?

Drumheller has the following gender distribution:
  • 53.4% males (4,225 residents)  
  • 46.6% females (3,685 residents)

What is the age distribution of Drumheller residents?  

The age distribution of Drumheller residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14.2% (1,125 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10.4% (820 residents)   
  • 25-34: 13.2% (1,040 residents)   
  • 35-44: 13.6% (1,075 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.1% (955 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.4% (1,215 residents)   
  • Over 64: 21.2% (1,680 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Drumheller? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Drumheller: 
  • 86.4% non-immigrants (5,990 residents)  
  • 12.3% immigrants (850 residents)  
  • 1.3% non-permanent residents (90 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Drumheller?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Drumheller: 
  • English: 98.9% 
  • French: 0.8% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Drumheller?  

The typical household size in Drumheller is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Drumheller?  

The median household income in Drumheller is $74,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Drumheller residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Drumheller is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 18.9% (1,095 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 33.4% (1,940 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 10.2% (595 residents) 
  • College diploma: 20.2% (1,170 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.2% (130 residents) 
  • University degree: 15.1% (875 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Drumheller?  

The most common occupations in Drumheller fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 11.3% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 13.5% 
  • Health: 11% 
  • Management: 1% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 4.5% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 3.3% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 6.3% 
  • Sales and service: 29.7% 
  • Trades and transport: 17.3% 

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