Red Deer, AB demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
100,844
3.7 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$85,000/yr
Private dwellings
43,404

Red Deer population

How many people live in Red Deer

Red Deer is home to 100,844 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.4% identify as male and 50.6% as female.

Total population
100,844
3.7% year-over-year change
Population density
966.5/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
49,800
Female
50.6%
51,050
Value Percent
Male 49,800 49.4%
Female 51,050 50.6%
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 Red Deer is 39.4. Children under 15 make up 18.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.2%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13.9% are 25 to 34, 15.3% are 35 to 44, and 12.4% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 15%.

Average age
39.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.2%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 34
13.9%
35 to 44
15.3%
45 to 54
12.4%
55 to 64
13%
Over 65
15%
Value Percent
Under 15 18,370 18.2%
15 to 24 12,250 12.2%
25 to 34 13,975 13.9%
35 to 44 15,420 15.3%
45 to 54 12,545 12.4%
55 to 64 13,105 13%
Over 65 15,180 15%
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 Red Deer, 82.3% of residents were born in Canada, while 16.9% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.9% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
82.3%
Immigrants
16.9%
Non-permanent residents
0.9%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 80,665 82.3%
Immigrants 16,540 16.9%
Non-permanent residents 840 0.9%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
18.9%
Non-minorities
81.1%
Value Percent
Minorities 18,520 18.9%
Non-minorities 79,525 81.1%
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 Red Deer
English
98%
French
1.1%
English and French
0.2%
Neither English nor French
0.7%
Value Percent
English 96,545 98%
French 1,110 1.1%
English and French 200 0.2%
Neither English nor French 690 0.7%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98% of people in Red Deer speak English as their primary language, 1.1% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% are bilingual, and 0.7% 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 Red Deer

A peek inside Red Deer households

Red Deer has 40,510 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 28.8% of all homes, while 34.7% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.7%, and homes with four or more people account for 21.8% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
40,510
Average people per household
2.4
1 person
28.8%
2 persons
34.7%
3 persons
14.7%
4 persons
13.4%
5 or more persons
8.4%
Value Percent
1 person 11,685 28.8%
2 persons 14,065 34.7%
3 persons 5,950 14.7%
4 persons 5,425 13.4%
5 or more persons 3,385 8.4%
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 Red Deer

The housing landscape of Red Deer

Red Deer has a total of 43,404 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 53.1% are single-detached houses, 42.8% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 1.5% are apartments. When it comes to space, Red Deer offers a variety of home sizes: 10% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 53% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 36.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
43,404
Housing types
Single-detached homes
53.1%
Attached homes
42.8%
Apartments
1.5%
Movable homes
2.6%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 21,520 53.1%
Attached homes 17,355 42.8%
Apartments 595 1.5%
Movable homes 1,045 2.6%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
10%
2 or 3 bedrooms
53%
4 or more bedrooms
36.4%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 4,205 10%
2 or 3 bedrooms 21,560 53%
4 or more bedrooms 14,750 36.4%
Homes built since 2011
5,035

The age of buildings in Red Deer

About 1.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 5.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 8.6% went up in the 1960s, 18.1% in the 1970s, and 14% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 13.7% of homes were added, and 25.7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 650 1.6%
Between 1946 and 1960 2,370 5.8%
Between 1961 and 1970 3,470 8.6%
Between 1971 and 1980 7,345 18.1%
Between 1981 and 1990 5,680 14%
Between 1991 and 2000 5,550 13.7%
Between 2001 and 2010 10,420 25.7%
After 2011 5,035 12.4%
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.

Red Deer occupancy rates

In Red Deer, there are 40,512 occupied private dwellings, of which 64.8% are owner-occupied and 35.2% are rented. Meanwhile, 2,892 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
40,512
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
35.2%
Owned households
64.8%
Value Percent
Rented households 14,255 35.2%
Owned households 26,255 64.8%
Unoccupied dwellings
2,892
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 Red Deer, homeowners pay a median of $1,500 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,160. About 78.7% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 21.3% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,500
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,160
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
78.7%
≥30% on shelter
21.3%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 31,740 78.7%
≥30% on shelter 8,615 21.3%
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 Red Deer

Red Deer education at a glance

In Red Deer, educational attainment varies across the community. About 16.3% of residents have no formal diploma, while 32.2% have completed high school and 10.1% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 20.9% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.9% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 17.6% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 12,965 16.3%
High school diploma 25,680 32.2%
Apprenticeship diploma 8,025 10.1%
College diploma 16,690 20.9%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 2,300 2.9%
University degree 14,055 17.6%
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 Red Deer

How much people earn in Red Deer

In Red Deer, the median household income sits at $85,000, while the median after-tax household income is $75,000.

Median household income
$85,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$75,000/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.

Red Deer income by age

Young adults in Red Deer between 15 and 24 have a median income of $20,800, 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 $43,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $55,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $56,400, followed by $47,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $36,400.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 20,800
25 - 34 43,600
35 - 44 55,200
45 - 54 56,400
55 - 64 47,200
Over 65 36,400

Employment in Red Deer

Workforce and job sectors in Red Deer

In Red Deer, 53,410 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 12.3%. 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
53,410
Unemployment rate
12.3%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 325 0.6%
Business, finance and administration 7,500 14.5%
Natural and applied sciences 2,695 5.2%
Health 5,465 10.6%
Education, law, community and government services 5,705 11%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 905 1.8%
Sales and service 14,525 28.1%
Trades and transport 9,690 18.7%
Natural resources and agriculture 1,980 3.8%
Manufacturing and utilities 2,940 5.7%
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 Red Deer

How people get around in Red Deer

In Red Deer, the average commute is 18 minutes. About 92% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 2.5% rely on public transit and 3.9% walk or bike. The remaining 1.5% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
18 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
45.4%
15 to 29 minutes
39.1%
30 to 44 minutes
8.8%
45 to 59 minutes
2.2%
More than 60 minutes
4.4%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 18,460 45.4%
15 to 29 minutes 15,870 39.1%
30 to 44 minutes 3,575 8.8%
45 to 59 minutes 910 2.2%
More than 60 minutes 1,805 4.4%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 37,380 92%
By public transit 1,030 2.5%
By bicycle/by walking 1,585 3.9%
By other methods 625 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.

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FAQs about Red Deer demographics 

What is the current total population in Red Deer?

Red Deer has a population of 100,844, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.7% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Red Deer?  

Red Deer has a population density of 966.5 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Red Deer?

Red Deer has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.4% males (49,800 residents)  
  • 50.6% females (51,050 residents)

What is the age distribution of Red Deer residents?  

The age distribution of Red Deer residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 18.2% (18,370 residents)   
  • 15-24: 12.2% (12,250 residents)   
  • 25-34: 13.9% (13,975 residents)   
  • 35-44: 15.3% (15,420 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.4% (12,545 residents)   
  • 55-64: 13% (13,105 residents)   
  • Over 64: 15% (15,180 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Red Deer? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Red Deer: 
  • 82.3% non-immigrants (80,665 residents)  
  • 16.9% immigrants (16,540 residents)  
  • 0.9% non-permanent residents (840 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Red Deer?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Red Deer: 
  • English: 98% 
  • French: 1.1% 
  • English and French: 0.2% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.7% 

What is the typical household size in Red Deer?  

The typical household size in Red Deer is 2.4 people. 

What is the median household income in Red Deer?  

The median household income in Red Deer is $85,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Red Deer residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Red Deer is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 16.3% (12,965 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 32.2% (25,680 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 10.1% (8,025 residents) 
  • College diploma: 20.9% (16,690 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.9% (2,300 residents) 
  • University degree: 17.6% (14,055 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Red Deer?  

The most common occupations in Red Deer fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.8% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14.5% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11% 
  • Health: 10.6% 
  • Management: 0.6% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 5.7% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.2% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3.8% 
  • Sales and service: 28.1% 
  • Trades and transport: 18.7% 

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