Total population

6,836

2.4 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$111,000/yr

Private dwellings

2,681

Slave Lake population

How many people live in Slave Lake

Slave Lake is home to 6,836 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50% identify as male and 50% as female.

Total population

6,836

2.4% year-over-year change

Population density

477.7/km2

Gender ratio

Male

50%

3,420

Female

50%

3,415

	Value	Percent
Male	3,420	50%
Female	3,415	50%

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 Slave Lake is 34.6. Children under 15 make up 23.5% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 15.7% are 25 to 34, 16.3% are 35 to 44, and 12.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 10.5% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 9.1%.

Average age

34.6

Age breakdown

Under 15: 23.5%
15 to 24: 12.7%
25 to 34: 15.7%
35 to 44: 16.3%
45 to 54: 12.2%
55 to 64: 10.5%
Over 65: 9.1%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	1,605	23.5%
15 to 24	865	12.7%
25 to 34	1,070	15.7%
35 to 44	1,115	16.3%
45 to 54	835	12.2%
55 to 64	720	10.5%
Over 65	620	9.1%

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 Slave Lake, 83.5% of residents were born in Canada, while 14.3% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.1% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 83.5%
Immigrants: 14.3%
Non-permanent residents: 2.1%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	5,560	83.5%
Immigrants	955	14.3%
Non-permanent residents	140	2.1%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 19.4%
Non-minorities: 80.6%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	1,290	19.4%
Non-minorities	5,370	80.6%

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 Slave Lake

English: 98.2%
French: 1.4%
English and French: 0.3%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

	Value	Percent
English	6,690	98.2%
French	95	1.4%
English and French	20	0.3%
Neither English nor French	10	0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.2% of people in Slave Lake speak English as their primary language, 1.4% communicate mainly in French, 0.3% 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 Slave Lake

A peek inside Slave Lake households

Slave Lake has 2,405 households, with an average of 2.8 people living in each. One-person households make up 21.8% of all homes, while 30.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 18.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 29.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

2,405

Average people per household

2.8

1 person: 21.8%
2 persons: 30.4%
3 persons: 18.3%
4 persons: 16.6%
5 or more persons: 12.9%

	Value	Percent
1 person	525	21.8%
2 persons	730	30.4%
3 persons	440	18.3%
4 persons	400	16.6%
5 or more persons	310	12.9%

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 Slave Lake

The housing landscape of Slave Lake

Slave Lake has a total of 2,681 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Slave Lake offers a variety of home sizes: 8% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 54% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 38.2% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

2,681

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 51%
Attached homes: 30.8%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 18.1%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	1,225	51%
Attached homes	740	30.8%
Movable homes	435	18.1%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 8%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 54%
4 or more bedrooms: 38.2%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	190	8%
2 or 3 bedrooms	1,295	54%
4 or more bedrooms	920	38.2%

Homes built since 2011

645

The age of buildings in Slave Lake

Another 7.1% went up in the 1960s, 20.7% in the 1970s, and 13.4% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 14.8% of homes were added, and 16.3% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Between 1946 and 1960	20	0.8%
Between 1961 and 1970	170	7.1%
Between 1971 and 1980	495	20.7%
Between 1981 and 1990	320	13.4%
Between 1991 and 2000	355	14.8%
Between 2001 and 2010	390	16.3%
After 2011	645	26.9%

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.

Slave Lake occupancy rates

In Slave Lake, there are 2,405 occupied private dwellings, of which 65.7% are owner-occupied and 34.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 276 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

2,405

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 34.3%
Owned households: 65.7%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	825	34.3%
Owned households	1,580	65.7%

Unoccupied dwellings

276

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 Slave Lake, homeowners pay a median of $1,820 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,430. About 80% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 20% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,820

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,430

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 80%
≥30% on shelter: 20%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	1,920	80%
≥30% on shelter	480	20%

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 Slave Lake

Slave Lake education at a glance

In Slave Lake, educational attainment varies across the community. About 21.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 30.5% have completed high school and 9.6% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.2% have graduated from college. Finally, 3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 17% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	1,080	21.7%
High school diploma	1,520	30.5%
Apprenticeship diploma	480	9.6%
College diploma	910	18.2%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	150	3%
University degree	845	17%

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 Slave Lake

How much people earn in Slave Lake

In Slave Lake, the median household income sits at $111,000, while the median after-tax household income is $95,000.

Median household income

$111,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$95,000/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.

Slave Lake income by age

Young adults in Slave Lake between 15 and 24 have a median income of $21,200, 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 $52,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $63,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $66,500, followed by $61,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $39,200.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	21,200
25 - 34	52,000
35 - 44	63,600
45 - 54	66,500
55 - 64	61,600
Over 65	39,200

Employment in Slave Lake

Workforce and job sectors in Slave Lake

In Slave Lake, 3,755 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 9.6%. 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

3,755

Unemployment rate

9.6%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	55	1.5%
Business, finance and administration	475	13.1%
Natural and applied sciences	170	4.7%
Health	220	6.1%
Education, law, community and government services	410	11.3%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	35	1%
Sales and service	1,025	28.2%
Trades and transport	745	20.5%
Natural resources and agriculture	180	5%
Manufacturing and utilities	315	8.7%

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 Slave Lake

How people get around in Slave Lake

In Slave Lake, the average commute is 15 minutes. About 88.9% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.3% rely on public transit and 9.4% walk or bike. The remaining 1.4% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

15 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 65.9%
15 to 29 minutes: 23.1%
30 to 44 minutes: 3.6%
45 to 59 minutes: 2.4%
More than 60 minutes: 4.9%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	2,080	65.9%
15 to 29 minutes	730	23.1%
30 to 44 minutes	115	3.6%
45 to 59 minutes	75	2.4%
More than 60 minutes	155	4.9%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	2,805	88.9%
By public transit	10	0.3%
By bicycle/by walking	295	9.4%
By other methods	45	1.4%

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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Big cities by the numbers

FAQs about Slave Lake demographics

What is the current total population in Slave Lake?

Slave Lake has a population of 6,836, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.4% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Slave Lake?

Slave Lake has a population density of 477.7 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Slave Lake?

Slave Lake has the following gender distribution:

50% males (3,420 residents)
50% females (3,415 residents)

What is the age distribution of Slave Lake residents?

The age distribution of Slave Lake residents is as follows:

Under 15: 23.5% (1,605 residents)
15-24: 12.7% (865 residents)
25-34: 15.7% (1,070 residents)
35-44: 16.3% (1,115 residents)
45-54: 12.2% (835 residents)
55-64: 10.5% (720 residents)
Over 64: 9.1% (620 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Slave Lake?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Slave Lake:

83.5% non-immigrants (5,560 residents)
14.3% immigrants (955 residents)
2.1% non-permanent residents (140 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Slave Lake?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Slave Lake:

English: 98.2%
French: 1.4%
English and French: 0.3%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

What is the typical household size in Slave Lake?

The typical household size in Slave Lake is 2.8 people.

What is the median household income in Slave Lake?

The median household income in Slave Lake is $111,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Slave Lake residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Slave Lake is as follows:

No diploma: 21.7% (1,080 residents)
High school diploma: 30.5% (1,520 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 9.6% (480 residents)
College diploma: 18.2% (910 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3% (150 residents)
University degree: 17% (845 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Slave Lake?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1%
Business, finance and administration: 13.1%
Education, law, community and government services: 11.3%
Health: 6.1%
Management: 1.5%
Manufacturing and utilities: 8.7%
Natural and applied sciences: 4.7%
Natural resources and agriculture: 5%
Sales and service: 28.2%
Trades and transport: 20.5%

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

Slave Lake, AB demographics:population, income, and more