Total population

9,209

3.3 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$82,000/yr

Private dwellings

4,096

Olds population

How many people live in Olds

Olds is home to 9,209 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.3% identify as male and 51.7% as female.

Total population

9,209

3.3% year-over-year change

Population density

617.3/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48.3%

4,445

Female

51.7%

4,765

	Value	Percent
Male	4,445	48.3%
Female	4,765	51.7%

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 Olds is 43.6. Children under 15 make up 16.7% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.9% are 25 to 34, 12.4% are 35 to 44, and 11.4% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 23.8%.

Average age

43.6

Age breakdown

Under 15: 16.7%
15 to 24: 10.8%
25 to 34: 11.9%
35 to 44: 12.4%
45 to 54: 11.4%
55 to 64: 12.9%
Over 65: 23.8%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	1,540	16.7%
15 to 24	995	10.8%
25 to 34	1,100	11.9%
35 to 44	1,145	12.4%
45 to 54	1,055	11.4%
55 to 64	1,190	12.9%
Over 65	2,190	23.8%

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 Olds, 88.6% of residents were born in Canada, while 10.6% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.8% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 88.6%
Immigrants: 10.6%
Non-permanent residents: 0.8%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	7,900	88.6%
Immigrants	945	10.6%
Non-permanent residents	75	0.8%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 9.1%
Non-minorities: 90.9%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	815	9.1%
Non-minorities	8,105	90.9%

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 Olds

English: 99%
French: 0.8%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

	Value	Percent
English	8,930	99%
French	75	0.8%
English and French	5	0.1%
Neither English nor French	15	0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99% of people in Olds 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 Olds

A peek inside Olds households

Olds has 3,810 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 29.2% of all homes, while 38% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 19.4% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

3,810

Average people per household

2.3

1 person: 29.2%
2 persons: 38%
3 persons: 13.4%
4 persons: 11.8%
5 or more persons: 7.6%

	Value	Percent
1 person	1,115	29.2%
2 persons	1,450	38%
3 persons	510	13.4%
4 persons	450	11.8%
5 or more persons	290	7.6%

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 Olds

The housing landscape of Olds

Olds has a total of 4,096 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Olds offers a variety of home sizes: 8% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 53% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 39% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

4,096

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 61.1%
Attached homes: 33.2%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 5.8%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	2,330	61.1%
Attached homes	1,265	33.2%
Movable homes	220	5.8%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 8%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 53%
4 or more bedrooms: 39%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	290	8%
2 or 3 bedrooms	2,030	53%
4 or more bedrooms	1,485	39%

Homes built since 2011

490

The age of buildings in Olds

About 4.2% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 5% between 1946 and 1960. Another 8.4% went up in the 1960s, 17.3% in the 1970s, and 11.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 17.4% of homes were added, and 23.2% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	160	4.2%
Between 1946 and 1960	190	5%
Between 1961 and 1970	320	8.4%
Between 1971 and 1980	660	17.3%
Between 1981 and 1990	450	11.8%
Between 1991 and 2000	665	17.4%
Between 2001 and 2010	885	23.2%
After 2011	490	12.8%

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.

Olds occupancy rates

In Olds, there are 3,810 occupied private dwellings, of which 72.4% are owner-occupied and 27.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 286 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

3,810

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 27.6%
Owned households: 72.4%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	1,050	27.6%
Owned households	2,760	72.4%

Unoccupied dwellings

286

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 Olds, homeowners pay a median of $1,150 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,210. About 81.1% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 18.9% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,150

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,210

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 81.1%
≥30% on shelter: 18.9%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	3,080	81.1%
≥30% on shelter	720	18.9%

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 Olds

Olds education at a glance

In Olds, educational attainment varies across the community. About 17.9% of residents have no formal diploma, while 30.3% have completed high school and 10.1% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 22.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.2% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 16.8% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	1,325	17.9%
High school diploma	2,235	30.3%
Apprenticeship diploma	745	10.1%
College diploma	1,680	22.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	160	2.2%
University degree	1,240	16.8%

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 Olds

How much people earn in Olds

In Olds, the median household income sits at $82,000, while the median after-tax household income is $74,000.

Median household income

$82,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$74,000/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.

Olds income by age

Young adults in Olds between 15 and 24 have a median income of $20,000, 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 $45,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $56,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $54,400, followed by $46,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $34,800.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	20,000
25 - 34	45,200
35 - 44	56,400
45 - 54	54,400
55 - 64	46,400
Over 65	34,800

Employment in Olds

Workforce and job sectors in Olds

In Olds, 4,700 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 9.8%. 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

4,700

Unemployment rate

9.8%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	30	0.6%
Business, finance and administration	565	12.3%
Natural and applied sciences	220	4.8%
Health	375	8.1%
Education, law, community and government services	570	12.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	90	2%
Sales and service	1,230	26.7%
Trades and transport	855	18.6%
Natural resources and agriculture	370	8%
Manufacturing and utilities	300	6.5%

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 Olds

How people get around in Olds

In Olds, the average commute is 17 minutes. About 90.8% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.3% rely on public transit and 7.6% walk or bike. The remaining 1.3% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

17 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 62.5%
15 to 29 minutes: 16.3%
30 to 44 minutes: 10%
45 to 59 minutes: 4.8%
More than 60 minutes: 6.3%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	2,335	62.5%
15 to 29 minutes	610	16.3%
30 to 44 minutes	375	10%
45 to 59 minutes	180	4.8%
More than 60 minutes	235	6.3%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	3,400	90.8%
By public transit	10	0.3%
By bicycle/by walking	285	7.6%
By other methods	50	1.3%

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 Olds demographics

What is the current total population in Olds?

Olds has a population of 9,209, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.3% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Olds?

Olds has a population density of 617.3 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Olds?

Olds has the following gender distribution:

48.3% males (4,445 residents)
51.7% females (4,765 residents)

What is the age distribution of Olds residents?

The age distribution of Olds residents is as follows:

Under 15: 16.7% (1,540 residents)
15-24: 10.8% (995 residents)
25-34: 11.9% (1,100 residents)
35-44: 12.4% (1,145 residents)
45-54: 11.4% (1,055 residents)
55-64: 12.9% (1,190 residents)
Over 64: 23.8% (2,190 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Olds?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Olds:

88.6% non-immigrants (7,900 residents)
10.6% immigrants (945 residents)
0.8% non-permanent residents (75 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Olds?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Olds:

English: 99%
French: 0.8%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

What is the typical household size in Olds?

The typical household size in Olds is 2.3 people.

What is the median household income in Olds?

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

What is the educational attainment level of Olds residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Olds is as follows:

No diploma: 17.9% (1,325 residents)
High school diploma: 30.3% (2,235 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 10.1% (745 residents)
College diploma: 22.8% (1,680 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 2.2% (160 residents)
University degree: 16.8% (1,240 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Olds?

The most common occupations in Olds fall within the sectors listed below:

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2%
Business, finance and administration: 12.3%
Education, law, community and government services: 12.4%
Health: 8.1%
Management: 0.6%
Manufacturing and utilities: 6.5%
Natural and applied sciences: 4.8%
Natural resources and agriculture: 8%
Sales and service: 26.7%
Trades and transport: 18.6%

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

Olds, AB demographics:population, income, and more