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

Total population
6,619
3.2 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$100,000/yr
Private dwellings
2,997

Peace River population

How many people live in Peace River

Peace River is home to 6,619 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.3% identify as male and 49.7% as female.

Total population
6,619
3.2% year-over-year change
Population density
261.2/km2
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
3,330
Female
49.7%
3,285
Value Percent
Male 3,330 50.3%
Female 3,285 49.7%
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 Peace River is 36.7. Children under 15 make up 20.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 15%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 14.2% are 25 to 34, 14.7% are 35 to 44, and 12.3% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 11.5% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 12.1%.

Average age
36.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
15%
25 to 34
14.2%
35 to 44
14.7%
45 to 54
12.3%
55 to 64
11.5%
Over 65
12.1%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,335 20.2%
15 to 24 990 15%
25 to 34 935 14.2%
35 to 44 970 14.7%
45 to 54 815 12.3%
55 to 64 760 11.5%
Over 65 800 12.1%
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 Peace River, 83.6% of residents were born in Canada, while 15.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.9% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
83.6%
Immigrants
15.5%
Non-permanent residents
0.9%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 5,410 83.6%
Immigrants 1,000 15.5%
Non-permanent residents 60 0.9%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
15.4%
Non-minorities
84.6%
Value Percent
Minorities 995 15.4%
Non-minorities 5,475 84.6%
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 Peace River
English
95.9%
French
3.4%
English and French
0.3%
Neither English nor French
0.3%
Value Percent
English 6,270 95.9%
French 225 3.4%
English and French 20 0.3%
Neither English nor French 20 0.3%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 95.9% of people in Peace River speak English as their primary language, 3.4% communicate mainly in French, 0.3% are bilingual, and 0.3% 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 Peace River

A peek inside Peace River households

Peace River has 2,590 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 29.8% of all homes, while 31.7% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.1%, and homes with four or more people account for 24.3% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
2,590
Average people per household
2.5
1 person
29.8%
2 persons
31.7%
3 persons
14.1%
4 persons
14.1%
5 or more persons
10.2%
Value Percent
1 person 770 29.8%
2 persons 820 31.7%
3 persons 365 14.1%
4 persons 365 14.1%
5 or more persons 265 10.2%
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 Peace River

The housing landscape of Peace River

Peace River has a total of 2,997 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Peace River offers a variety of home sizes: 12% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 50% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 38.2% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
2,997
Housing types
Single-detached homes
61.7%
Attached homes
32%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
6.4%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,600 61.7%
Attached homes 830 32%
Movable homes 165 6.4%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
12%
2 or 3 bedrooms
50%
4 or more bedrooms
38.2%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 320 12%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,280 50%
4 or more bedrooms 990 38.2%
Homes built since 2011
215

The age of buildings in Peace River

About 3.3% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 7.7% between 1946 and 1960. Another 18.8% went up in the 1960s, 23.2% in the 1970s, and 15.9% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 10.8% of homes were added, and 12% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 85 3.3%
Between 1946 and 1960 200 7.7%
Between 1961 and 1970 485 18.8%
Between 1971 and 1980 600 23.2%
Between 1981 and 1990 410 15.9%
Between 1991 and 2000 280 10.8%
Between 2001 and 2010 310 12%
After 2011 215 8.3%
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.

Peace River occupancy rates

In Peace River, there are 2,590 occupied private dwellings, of which 59% are owner-occupied and 41% are rented. Meanwhile, 407 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
2,590
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
41%
Owned households
59%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,065 41%
Owned households 1,530 59%
Unoccupied dwellings
407
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 Peace River, homeowners pay a median of $1,480 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,100. About 81.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 18.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,480
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,100
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
81.6%
≥30% on shelter
18.4%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 2,105 81.6%
≥30% on shelter 475 18.4%
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 Peace River

Peace River education at a glance

In Peace River, educational attainment varies across the community. About 20.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31.2% have completed high school and 9.9% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 16.6% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,055 20.7%
High school diploma 1,590 31.2%
Apprenticeship diploma 505 9.9%
College diploma 950 18.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 145 2.8%
University degree 845 16.6%
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 Peace River

How much people earn in Peace River

In Peace River, the median household income sits at $100,000, while the median after-tax household income is $86,000.

Median household income
$100,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$86,000/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.

Peace River income by age

Young adults in Peace River between 15 and 24 have a median income of $21,800, 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 $64,500. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $67,000, followed by $54,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $41,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 21,800
25 - 34 50,800
35 - 44 64,500
45 - 54 67,000
55 - 64 54,800
Over 65 41,600

Employment in Peace River

Workforce and job sectors in Peace River

In Peace River, 3,690 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7.9%. 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
3,690
Unemployment rate
7.9%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 515 14.2%
Natural and applied sciences 200 5.5%
Health 260 7.2%
Education, law, community and government services 525 14.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 65 1.8%
Sales and service 1,125 31.1%
Trades and transport 645 17.8%
Natural resources and agriculture 105 2.9%
Manufacturing and utilities 175 4.8%
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 Peace River

How people get around in Peace River

In Peace River, the average commute is 15 minutes. The remaining 1.5% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
15 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
66.3%
15 to 29 minutes
21.3%
30 to 44 minutes
5.2%
45 to 59 minutes
2.8%
More than 60 minutes
4.4%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 2,040 66.3%
15 to 29 minutes 655 21.3%
30 to 44 minutes 160 5.2%
45 to 59 minutes 85 2.8%
More than 60 minutes 135 4.4%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 2,830 92%
By bicycle/by walking 200 6.5%
By other methods 45 1.5%
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.

Explore more communities

FAQs about Peace River demographics 

What is the current total population in Peace River?

Peace River has a population of 6,619, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.2% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Peace River?  

Peace River has a population density of 261.2 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Peace River?

Peace River has the following gender distribution:
  • 50.3% males (3,330 residents)  
  • 49.7% females (3,285 residents)

What is the age distribution of Peace River residents?  

The age distribution of Peace River residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 20.2% (1,335 residents)   
  • 15-24: 15% (990 residents)   
  • 25-34: 14.2% (935 residents)   
  • 35-44: 14.7% (970 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.3% (815 residents)   
  • 55-64: 11.5% (760 residents)   
  • Over 64: 12.1% (800 residents)  

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

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Peace River: 
  • 83.6% non-immigrants (5,410 residents)  
  • 15.5% immigrants (1,000 residents)  
  • 0.9% non-permanent residents (60 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Peace River?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Peace River: 
  • English: 95.9% 
  • French: 3.4% 
  • English and French: 0.3% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.3% 

What is the typical household size in Peace River?  

The typical household size in Peace River is 2.5 people. 

What is the median household income in Peace River?  

The median household income in Peace River is $100,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Peace River residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Peace River is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 20.7% (1,055 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 31.2% (1,590 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 9.9% (505 residents) 
  • College diploma: 18.7% (950 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.8% (145 residents) 
  • University degree: 16.6% (845 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Peace River?  

The most common occupations in Peace River fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.8% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 14.5% 
  • Health: 7.2% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 4.8% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.5% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.9% 
  • Sales and service: 31.1% 
  • Trades and transport: 17.8% 

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