Medicine Hat, AB demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
63,271
2.6 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,000/yr
Private dwellings
28,732

Medicine Hat population

How many people live in Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat is home to 63,271 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.7% identify as male and 51.3% as female.

Total population
63,271
2.6% year-over-year change
Population density
565.1/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.7%
30,795
Female
51.3%
32,480
Value Percent
Male 30,795 48.7%
Female 32,480 51.3%
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 Medicine Hat is 42.7. Children under 15 make up 16.8% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.2%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.7% are 25 to 34, 13.5% are 35 to 44, and 11.6% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 21%.

Average age
42.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.8%
15 to 24
11.2%
25 to 34
11.7%
35 to 44
13.5%
45 to 54
11.6%
55 to 64
14.2%
Over 65
21%
Value Percent
Under 15 10,635 16.8%
15 to 24 7,075 11.2%
25 to 34 7,420 11.7%
35 to 44 8,555 13.5%
45 to 54 7,330 11.6%
55 to 64 8,985 14.2%
Over 65 13,270 21%
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 Medicine Hat, 89.1% of residents were born in Canada, while 9.9% have settled here from abroad. Another 1% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
89.1%
Immigrants
9.9%
Non-permanent residents
1%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 55,115 89.1%
Immigrants 6,110 9.9%
Non-permanent residents 605 1%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
9%
Non-minorities
91%
Value Percent
Minorities 5,585 9%
Non-minorities 56,250 91%
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 Medicine Hat
English
98.7%
French
0.8%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.4%
Value Percent
English 61,295 98.7%
French 515 0.8%
English and French 60 0.1%
Neither English nor French 245 0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.7% of people in Medicine Hat speak English as their primary language, 0.8% 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 Medicine Hat

A peek inside Medicine Hat households

Medicine Hat has 27,215 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 31% of all homes, while 38.1% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.9%, and homes with four or more people account for 18% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
27,215
Average people per household
2.3
1 person
31%
2 persons
38.1%
3 persons
12.9%
4 persons
11.6%
5 or more persons
6.4%
Value Percent
1 person 8,445 31%
2 persons 10,380 38.1%
3 persons 3,505 12.9%
4 persons 3,155 11.6%
5 or more persons 1,740 6.4%
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 Medicine Hat

The housing landscape of Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat has a total of 28,732 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 63.4% are single-detached houses, 32.6% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.8% are apartments. When it comes to space, Medicine Hat offers a variety of home sizes: 9% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 56% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 34.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
28,732
Housing types
Single-detached homes
63.4%
Attached homes
32.6%
Apartments
0.8%
Movable homes
3.1%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 17,250 63.4%
Attached homes 8,875 32.6%
Apartments 225 0.8%
Movable homes 855 3.1%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
9%
2 or 3 bedrooms
56%
4 or more bedrooms
34.9%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 2,410 9%
2 or 3 bedrooms 15,300 56%
4 or more bedrooms 9,500 34.9%
Homes built since 2011
2,100

The age of buildings in Medicine Hat

About 7.2% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 10% between 1946 and 1960. Another 9.8% went up in the 1960s, 21.4% in the 1970s, and 11.3% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 13.9% of homes were added, and 18.7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 1,950 7.2%
Between 1946 and 1960 2,730 10%
Between 1961 and 1970 2,670 9.8%
Between 1971 and 1980 5,830 21.4%
Between 1981 and 1990 3,070 11.3%
Between 1991 and 2000 3,780 13.9%
Between 2001 and 2010 5,095 18.7%
After 2011 2,100 7.7%
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.

Medicine Hat occupancy rates

In Medicine Hat, there are 27,216 occupied private dwellings, of which 70.9% are owner-occupied and 29.1% are rented. Meanwhile, 1,516 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
27,216
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
29.1%
Owned households
70.9%
Value Percent
Rented households 7,930 29.1%
Owned households 19,285 70.9%
Unoccupied dwellings
1,516
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 Medicine Hat, homeowners pay a median of $1,090 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,050. About 80.5% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 19.5% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,090
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,050
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
80.5%
≥30% on shelter
19.5%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 21,830 80.5%
≥30% on shelter 5,290 19.5%
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 Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat education at a glance

In Medicine Hat, educational attainment varies across the community. About 18.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 33% have completed high school and 10.4% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 21.2% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 14.7% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 9,430 18.4%
High school diploma 16,930 33%
Apprenticeship diploma 5,300 10.4%
College diploma 10,845 21.2%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 1,175 2.3%
University degree 7,550 14.7%
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 Medicine Hat

How much people earn in Medicine Hat

In Medicine Hat, the median household income sits at $78,000, while the median after-tax household income is $69,500.

Median household income
$78,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$69,500/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.

Medicine Hat income by age

Young adults in Medicine Hat 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 $44,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $55,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $55,600, followed by $44,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $34,400.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 20,200
25 - 34 44,000
35 - 44 55,200
45 - 54 55,600
55 - 64 44,800
Over 65 34,400

Employment in Medicine Hat

Workforce and job sectors in Medicine Hat

In Medicine Hat, 31,715 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 12%. 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
31,715
Unemployment rate
12%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 155 0.5%
Business, finance and administration 3,965 12.9%
Natural and applied sciences 1,380 4.5%
Health 3,180 10.3%
Education, law, community and government services 3,590 11.6%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 655 2.1%
Sales and service 8,825 28.6%
Trades and transport 6,070 19.7%
Natural resources and agriculture 1,675 5.4%
Manufacturing and utilities 1,325 4.3%
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 Medicine Hat

How people get around in Medicine Hat

In Medicine Hat, the average commute is 16 minutes. About 93% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.5% rely on public transit and 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
56.4%
15 to 29 minutes
31.4%
30 to 44 minutes
4.9%
45 to 59 minutes
2.3%
More than 60 minutes
5%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 14,150 56.4%
15 to 29 minutes 7,880 31.4%
30 to 44 minutes 1,225 4.9%
45 to 59 minutes 570 2.3%
More than 60 minutes 1,250 5%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 23,315 93%
By public transit 375 1.5%
By bicycle/by walking 995 4%
By other methods 390 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 Medicine Hat demographics 

What is the current total population in Medicine Hat?

Medicine Hat has a population of 63,271, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.6% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Medicine Hat?  

Medicine Hat has a population density of 565.1 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Medicine Hat?

Medicine Hat has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.7% males (30,795 residents)  
  • 51.3% females (32,480 residents)

What is the age distribution of Medicine Hat residents?  

The age distribution of Medicine Hat residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 16.8% (10,635 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11.2% (7,075 residents)   
  • 25-34: 11.7% (7,420 residents)   
  • 35-44: 13.5% (8,555 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.6% (7,330 residents)   
  • 55-64: 14.2% (8,985 residents)   
  • Over 64: 21% (13,270 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Medicine Hat? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Medicine Hat: 
  • 89.1% non-immigrants (55,115 residents)  
  • 9.9% immigrants (6,110 residents)  
  • 1% non-permanent residents (605 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Medicine Hat?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Medicine Hat: 
  • English: 98.7% 
  • French: 0.8% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.4% 

What is the typical household size in Medicine Hat?  

The typical household size in Medicine Hat is 2.3 people. 

What is the median household income in Medicine Hat?  

The median household income in Medicine Hat is $78,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Medicine Hat residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Medicine Hat is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 18.4% (9,430 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 33% (16,930 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 10.4% (5,300 residents) 
  • College diploma: 21.2% (10,845 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.3% (1,175 residents) 
  • University degree: 14.7% (7,550 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Medicine Hat?  

The most common occupations in Medicine Hat fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.1% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 12.9% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11.6% 
  • Health: 10.3% 
  • Management: 0.5% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 4.3% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 4.5% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 5.4% 
  • Sales and service: 28.6% 
  • Trades and transport: 19.7% 

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