High Prairie, AB demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,380
4.6 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$88,000/yr
Private dwellings
1,119

High Prairie population

How many people live in High Prairie

High Prairie is home to 2,380 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.2% identify as male and 50.8% as female.

Total population
2,380
4.6% year-over-year change
Population density
339.5/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
1,170
Female
50.8%
1,210
Value Percent
Male 1,170 49.2%
Female 1,210 50.8%
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 High Prairie is 38.8. Children under 15 make up 20.4% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 13%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13.2% are 25 to 34, 12.8% are 35 to 44, and 12% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 16%.

Average age
38.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.4%
15 to 24
13%
25 to 34
13.2%
35 to 44
12.8%
45 to 54
12%
55 to 64
12.6%
Over 65
16%
Value Percent
Under 15 485 20.4%
15 to 24 310 13%
25 to 34 315 13.2%
35 to 44 305 12.8%
45 to 54 285 12%
55 to 64 300 12.6%
Over 65 380 16%
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 High Prairie, 84.7% of residents were born in Canada, while 14.8% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.4% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
84.7%
Immigrants
14.8%
Non-permanent residents
0.4%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 1,945 84.7%
Immigrants 340 14.8%
Non-permanent residents 10 0.4%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
19.2%
Non-minorities
80.8%
Value Percent
Minorities 440 19.2%
Non-minorities 1,855 80.8%
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 High Prairie
English
97.5%
French
2.3%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 2,300 97.5%
French 55 2.3%
Neither English nor French 5 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.5% of people in High Prairie speak English as their primary language, 2.3% 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 High Prairie

A peek inside High Prairie households

High Prairie has 970 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 31.4% of all homes, while 32.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 21.8% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
970
Average people per household
2.4
1 person
31.4%
2 persons
32.4%
3 persons
14.4%
4 persons
11.2%
5 or more persons
10.6%
Value Percent
1 person 295 31.4%
2 persons 305 32.4%
3 persons 135 14.4%
4 persons 105 11.2%
5 or more persons 100 10.6%
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 High Prairie

The housing landscape of High Prairie

High Prairie has a total of 1,119 private dwellings. When it comes to space, High Prairie offers a variety of home sizes: 12% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 54% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 33.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
1,119
Housing types
Single-detached homes
67.4%
Attached homes
24.1%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
8.6%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 630 67.4%
Attached homes 225 24.1%
Movable homes 80 8.6%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
12%
2 or 3 bedrooms
54%
4 or more bedrooms
33.8%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 120 12%
2 or 3 bedrooms 515 54%
4 or more bedrooms 325 33.8%
Homes built since 2011
30

The age of buildings in High Prairie

About 3.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 15.1% between 1946 and 1960. Another 17.7% went up in the 1960s, 19.3% in the 1970s, and 18.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 13% of homes were added, and 9.4% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 35 3.6%
Between 1946 and 1960 145 15.1%
Between 1961 and 1970 170 17.7%
Between 1971 and 1980 185 19.3%
Between 1981 and 1990 180 18.8%
Between 1991 and 2000 125 13%
Between 2001 and 2010 90 9.4%
After 2011 30 3.1%
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.

High Prairie occupancy rates

In High Prairie, there are 941 occupied private dwellings, of which 60.6% are owner-occupied and 39.4% are rented. Meanwhile, 178 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
941
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
39.4%
Owned households
60.6%
Value Percent
Rented households 380 39.4%
Owned households 585 60.6%
Unoccupied dwellings
178
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 High Prairie, homeowners pay a median of $1,040 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,000. About 87.4% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 12.6% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,040
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,000
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
87.4%
≥30% on shelter
12.6%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 835 87.4%
≥30% on shelter 120 12.6%
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 High Prairie

High Prairie education at a glance

In High Prairie, educational attainment varies across the community. About 24% of residents have no formal diploma, while 25.7% have completed high school and 9.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 17.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.2% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 21.1% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 445 24%
High school diploma 475 25.7%
Apprenticeship diploma 170 9.2%
College diploma 330 17.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 40 2.2%
University degree 390 21.1%
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 High Prairie

How much people earn in High Prairie

In High Prairie, the median household income sits at $88,000, while the median after-tax household income is $76,500.

Median household income
$88,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$76,500/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.

High Prairie income by age

Young adults in High Prairie between 15 and 24 have a median income of $21,400, 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 $50,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $62,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $67,500, followed by $52,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $30,200.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 21,400
25 - 34 50,800
35 - 44 62,000
45 - 54 67,500
55 - 64 52,800
Over 65 30,200

Employment in High Prairie

Workforce and job sectors in High Prairie

In High Prairie, 1,315 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 11.8%. 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
1,315
Unemployment rate
11.8%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 135 10.6%
Natural and applied sciences 20 1.6%
Health 130 10.2%
Education, law, community and government services 250 19.6%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 15 1.2%
Sales and service 350 27.4%
Trades and transport 205 16.1%
Natural resources and agriculture 55 4.3%
Manufacturing and utilities 115 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 High Prairie

How people get around in High Prairie

In High Prairie, the average commute is 14 minutes.

Average commute time
14 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
76.2%
15 to 29 minutes
12.4%
30 to 44 minutes
4.8%
45 to 59 minutes
1.9%
More than 60 minutes
4.8%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 800 76.2%
15 to 29 minutes 130 12.4%
30 to 44 minutes 50 4.8%
45 to 59 minutes 20 1.9%
More than 60 minutes 50 4.8%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 920 88.9%
By bicycle/by walking 115 11.1%
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 High Prairie demographics 

What is the current total population in High Prairie?

High Prairie has a population of 2,380, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +4.6% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of High Prairie?  

High Prairie has a population density of 339.5 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in High Prairie?

High Prairie has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.2% males (1,170 residents)  
  • 50.8% females (1,210 residents)

What is the age distribution of High Prairie residents?  

The age distribution of High Prairie residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 20.4% (485 residents)   
  • 15-24: 13% (310 residents)   
  • 25-34: 13.2% (315 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12.8% (305 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12% (285 residents)   
  • 55-64: 12.6% (300 residents)   
  • Over 64: 16% (380 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in High Prairie? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in High Prairie: 
  • 84.7% non-immigrants (1,945 residents)  
  • 14.8% immigrants (340 residents)  
  • 0.4% non-permanent residents (10 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in High Prairie?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in High Prairie: 
  • English: 97.5% 
  • French: 2.3% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in High Prairie?  

The typical household size in High Prairie is 2.4 people. 

What is the median household income in High Prairie?  

The median household income in High Prairie is $88,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of High Prairie residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in High Prairie is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 24% (445 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 25.7% (475 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 9.2% (170 residents) 
  • College diploma: 17.8% (330 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.2% (40 residents) 
  • University degree: 21.1% (390 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in High Prairie?  

The most common occupations in High Prairie fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 10.6% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 19.6% 
  • Health: 10.2% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 9% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 1.6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 4.3% 
  • Sales and service: 27.4% 
  • Trades and transport: 16.1% 

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