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

Total population
14,324
1.2 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$82,000/yr
Private dwellings
5,950

High River population

How many people live in High River

High River is home to 14,324 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49% identify as male and 51% as female.

Total population
14,324
1.2% year-over-year change
Population density
645.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49%
7,020
Female
51%
7,305
Value Percent
Male 7,020 49%
Female 7,305 51%
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 River is 44.0. Children under 15 make up 17.1% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 9.5% are 25 to 34, 12.8% are 35 to 44, and 11.6% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.4% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 24.6%.

Average age
44
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.1%
15 to 24
10.9%
25 to 34
9.5%
35 to 44
12.8%
45 to 54
11.6%
55 to 64
13.4%
Over 65
24.6%
Value Percent
Under 15 2,450 17.1%
15 to 24 1,560 10.9%
25 to 34 1,355 9.5%
35 to 44 1,835 12.8%
45 to 54 1,665 11.6%
55 to 64 1,925 13.4%
Over 65 3,530 24.6%
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 River, 80.2% of residents were born in Canada, while 18.8% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.1% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
80.2%
Immigrants
18.8%
Non-permanent residents
1.1%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 11,315 80.2%
Immigrants 2,650 18.8%
Non-permanent residents 150 1.1%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
17.5%
Non-minorities
82.5%
Value Percent
Minorities 2,475 17.5%
Non-minorities 11,635 82.5%
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 River
English
98.6%
French
0.9%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.4%
Value Percent
English 14,070 98.6%
French 130 0.9%
English and French 15 0.1%
Neither English nor French 60 0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.6% of people in High River speak English as their primary language, 0.9% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.4% 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 River

A peek inside High River households

High River has 5,790 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 26.7% of all homes, while 39.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 21.4% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
5,790
Average people per household
2.4
1 person
26.7%
2 persons
39.2%
3 persons
12.6%
4 persons
12.1%
5 or more persons
9.3%
Value Percent
1 person 1,545 26.7%
2 persons 2,270 39.2%
3 persons 730 12.6%
4 persons 700 12.1%
5 or more persons 540 9.3%
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 River

The housing landscape of High River

High River has a total of 5,950 private dwellings. When it comes to space, High River offers a variety of home sizes: 6% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 65% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 28.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
5,950
Housing types
Single-detached homes
50.4%
Attached homes
44.9%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
4.8%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 2,915 50.4%
Attached homes 2,595 44.9%
Movable homes 275 4.8%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
6%
2 or 3 bedrooms
65%
4 or more bedrooms
28.9%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 365 6%
2 or 3 bedrooms 3,750 65%
4 or more bedrooms 1,670 28.9%
Homes built since 2011
795

The age of buildings in High River

About 3.2% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 3.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 4.7% went up in the 1960s, 12.2% in the 1970s, and 12.9% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 20.5% of homes were added, and 28.9% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 185 3.2%
Between 1946 and 1960 220 3.8%
Between 1961 and 1970 275 4.7%
Between 1971 and 1980 710 12.2%
Between 1981 and 1990 750 12.9%
Between 1991 and 2000 1,190 20.5%
Between 2001 and 2010 1,675 28.9%
After 2011 795 13.7%
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 River occupancy rates

In High River, there are 5,787 occupied private dwellings, of which 75.4% are owner-occupied and 24.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 163 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
5,787
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
24.6%
Owned households
75.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,420 24.6%
Owned households 4,365 75.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
163
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 River, homeowners pay a median of $1,290 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,280. About 80.7% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 19.3% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,290
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,280
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
80.7%
≥30% on shelter
19.3%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 4,665 80.7%
≥30% on shelter 1,115 19.3%
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 River

High River education at a glance

In High River, educational attainment varies across the community. About 15.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 34.4% have completed high school and 10.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 20.5% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 15.2% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,825 15.6%
High school diploma 4,010 34.4%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,245 10.7%
College diploma 2,395 20.5%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 420 3.6%
University degree 1,775 15.2%
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 River

How much people earn in High River

In High River, the median household income sits at $82,000, while the median after-tax household income is $73,000.

Median household income
$82,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$73,000/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.

High River income by age

Young adults in High River between 15 and 24 have a median income of $16,400, 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 $42,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $57,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $58,400, followed by $47,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $35,200.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 16,400
25 - 34 42,400
35 - 44 57,200
45 - 54 58,400
55 - 64 47,200
Over 65 35,200

Employment in High River

Workforce and job sectors in High River

In High River, 7,025 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 9.9%. 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
7,025
Unemployment rate
9.9%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 35 0.5%
Business, finance and administration 905 13.2%
Natural and applied sciences 260 3.8%
Health 400 5.8%
Education, law, community and government services 650 9.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 145 2.1%
Sales and service 1,960 28.6%
Trades and transport 1,540 22.5%
Natural resources and agriculture 215 3.1%
Manufacturing and utilities 730 10.7%
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 High River

How people get around in High River

In High River, the average commute is 21 minutes. About 92.1% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.4% rely on public transit and 4.5% walk or bike. The remaining 2.9% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
21 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
48.9%
15 to 29 minutes
21.7%
30 to 44 minutes
13.6%
45 to 59 minutes
9.9%
More than 60 minutes
6%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 2,705 48.9%
15 to 29 minutes 1,200 21.7%
30 to 44 minutes 750 13.6%
45 to 59 minutes 550 9.9%
More than 60 minutes 330 6%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 5,085 92.1%
By public transit 25 0.4%
By bicycle/by walking 250 4.5%
By other methods 160 2.9%
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 River demographics 

What is the current total population in High River?

High River has a population of 14,324, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.2% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of High River?  

High River has a population density of 645.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in High River?

High River has the following gender distribution:
  • 49% males (7,020 residents)  
  • 51% females (7,305 residents)

What is the age distribution of High River residents?  

The age distribution of High River residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 17.1% (2,450 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10.9% (1,560 residents)   
  • 25-34: 9.5% (1,355 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12.8% (1,835 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.6% (1,665 residents)   
  • 55-64: 13.4% (1,925 residents)   
  • Over 64: 24.6% (3,530 residents)  

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

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in High River: 
  • 80.2% non-immigrants (11,315 residents)  
  • 18.8% immigrants (2,650 residents)  
  • 1.1% non-permanent residents (150 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in High River?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in High River: 
  • English: 98.6% 
  • French: 0.9% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.4% 

What is the typical household size in High River?  

The typical household size in High River is 2.4 people. 

What is the median household income in High River?  

The median household income in High River is $82,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of High River residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in High River is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 15.6% (1,825 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 34.4% (4,010 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 10.7% (1,245 residents) 
  • College diploma: 20.5% (2,395 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.6% (420 residents) 
  • University degree: 15.2% (1,775 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in High River?  

The most common occupations in High River fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.1% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 13.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 9.5% 
  • Health: 5.8% 
  • Management: 0.5% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 10.7% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 3.8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3.1% 
  • Sales and service: 28.6% 
  • Trades and transport: 22.5% 

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