Fort Macleod, AB demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,297
4.7 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$75,000/yr
Private dwellings
1,440

Fort Macleod population

How many people live in Fort Macleod

Fort Macleod is home to 3,297 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.5% identify as male and 51.5% as female.

Total population
3,297
4.7% year-over-year change
Population density
146.2/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.5%
1,600
Female
51.5%
1,700
Value Percent
Male 1,600 48.5%
Female 1,700 51.5%
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 Fort Macleod is 42.4. Children under 15 make up 18.5% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.6%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.5% are 25 to 34, 10% are 35 to 44, and 10.5% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.5% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 23.4%.

Average age
42.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.5%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 34
12.5%
35 to 44
10%
45 to 54
10.5%
55 to 64
13.5%
Over 65
23.4%
Value Percent
Under 15 610 18.5%
15 to 24 380 11.6%
25 to 34 410 12.5%
35 to 44 330 10%
45 to 54 345 10.5%
55 to 64 445 13.5%
Over 65 770 23.4%
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 Fort Macleod, 87.4% of residents were born in Canada, while 11.3% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.3% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
87.4%
Immigrants
11.3%
Non-permanent residents
1.3%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 2,785 87.4%
Immigrants 360 11.3%
Non-permanent residents 40 1.3%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
6.6%
Non-minorities
93.4%
Value Percent
Minorities 210 6.6%
Non-minorities 2,975 93.4%
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 Fort Macleod
English
99.4%
French
0.5%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 3,180 99.4%
French 15 0.5%
Neither English nor French 5 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99.4% of people in Fort Macleod speak English as their primary language, 0.5% communicate mainly in French, 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 Fort Macleod

A peek inside Fort Macleod households

Fort Macleod has 1,325 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 31.2% of all homes, while 35.7% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.8%, and homes with four or more people account for 19.4% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
1,325
Average people per household
2.4
1 person
31.2%
2 persons
35.7%
3 persons
13.8%
4 persons
9.7%
5 or more persons
9.7%
Value Percent
1 person 420 31.2%
2 persons 480 35.7%
3 persons 185 13.8%
4 persons 130 9.7%
5 or more persons 130 9.7%
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 Fort Macleod

The housing landscape of Fort Macleod

Fort Macleod has a total of 1,440 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 77% are single-detached houses, 12.6% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 1.5% are apartments. When it comes to space, Fort Macleod offers a variety of home sizes: 6% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 60% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 34.7% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
1,440
Housing types
Single-detached homes
77%
Attached homes
12.6%
Apartments
1.5%
Movable homes
8.9%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,035 77%
Attached homes 170 12.6%
Apartments 20 1.5%
Movable homes 120 8.9%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
6%
2 or 3 bedrooms
60%
4 or more bedrooms
34.7%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 75 6%
2 or 3 bedrooms 790 60%
4 or more bedrooms 460 34.7%
Homes built since 2011
90

The age of buildings in Fort Macleod

About 18.9% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 13.3% between 1946 and 1960. Another 12.9% went up in the 1960s, 15.5% in the 1970s, and 12.5% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 7.6% of homes were added, and 12.5% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 250 18.9%
Between 1946 and 1960 175 13.3%
Between 1961 and 1970 170 12.9%
Between 1971 and 1980 205 15.5%
Between 1981 and 1990 165 12.5%
Between 1991 and 2000 100 7.6%
Between 2001 and 2010 165 12.5%
After 2011 90 6.8%
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.

Fort Macleod occupancy rates

In Fort Macleod, there are 1,342 occupied private dwellings, of which 77.4% are owner-occupied and 22.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 98 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
1,342
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
22.6%
Owned households
77.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 300 22.6%
Owned households 1,025 77.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
98
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 Fort Macleod, homeowners pay a median of $960 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,000. About 83.3% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 16.7% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$960
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,000
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
83.3%
≥30% on shelter
16.7%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 1,095 83.3%
≥30% on shelter 220 16.7%
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 Fort Macleod

Fort Macleod education at a glance

In Fort Macleod, educational attainment varies across the community. About 24.1% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31% have completed high school and 12.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 20.2% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.5% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 8.5% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 625 24.1%
High school diploma 805 31%
Apprenticeship diploma 330 12.7%
College diploma 525 20.2%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 90 3.5%
University degree 220 8.5%
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 Fort Macleod

How much people earn in Fort Macleod

In Fort Macleod, the median household income sits at $75,000, while the median after-tax household income is $67,000.

Median household income
$75,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$67,000/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.

Fort Macleod income by age

Young adults in Fort Macleod between 15 and 24 have a median income of $22,400, 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 $42,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $49,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $51,600, followed by $47,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $30,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 22,400
25 - 34 42,800
35 - 44 49,600
45 - 54 51,600
55 - 64 47,600
Over 65 30,800

Employment in Fort Macleod

Workforce and job sectors in Fort Macleod

In Fort Macleod, 1,430 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 6.3%. 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
1,430
Unemployment rate
6.3%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 160 11.4%
Natural and applied sciences 25 1.8%
Health 110 7.8%
Education, law, community and government services 150 10.7%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 20 1.4%
Sales and service 370 26.3%
Trades and transport 425 30.2%
Natural resources and agriculture 65 4.6%
Manufacturing and utilities 80 5.7%
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 Fort Macleod

How people get around in Fort Macleod

In Fort Macleod, the average commute is 15 minutes. The remaining 2.1% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
15 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
63.8%
15 to 29 minutes
14.2%
30 to 44 minutes
16.2%
45 to 59 minutes
2.5%
More than 60 minutes
3.3%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 765 63.8%
15 to 29 minutes 170 14.2%
30 to 44 minutes 195 16.2%
45 to 59 minutes 30 2.5%
More than 60 minutes 40 3.3%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 1,060 88.3%
By bicycle/by walking 115 9.6%
By other methods 25 2.1%
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 Fort Macleod demographics 

What is the current total population in Fort Macleod?

Fort Macleod has a population of 3,297, 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 Fort Macleod?  

Fort Macleod has a population density of 146.2 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Fort Macleod?

Fort Macleod has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.5% males (1,600 residents)  
  • 51.5% females (1,700 residents)

What is the age distribution of Fort Macleod residents?  

The age distribution of Fort Macleod residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 18.5% (610 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11.6% (380 residents)   
  • 25-34: 12.5% (410 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10% (330 residents)   
  • 45-54: 10.5% (345 residents)   
  • 55-64: 13.5% (445 residents)   
  • Over 64: 23.4% (770 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Fort Macleod? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Fort Macleod: 
  • 87.4% non-immigrants (2,785 residents)  
  • 11.3% immigrants (360 residents)  
  • 1.3% non-permanent residents (40 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Fort Macleod?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Fort Macleod: 
  • English: 99.4% 
  • French: 0.5% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Fort Macleod?  

The typical household size in Fort Macleod is 2.4 people. 

What is the median household income in Fort Macleod?  

The median household income in Fort Macleod is $75,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Fort Macleod residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Fort Macleod is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 24.1% (625 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 31% (805 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 12.7% (330 residents) 
  • College diploma: 20.2% (525 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.5% (90 residents) 
  • University degree: 8.5% (220 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Fort Macleod?  

The most common occupations in Fort Macleod fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.4% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 11.4% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 10.7% 
  • Health: 7.8% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 5.7% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 1.8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 4.6% 
  • Sales and service: 26.3% 
  • Trades and transport: 30.2% 

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