Total population

1,127

5.2 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$61,600/yr

Private dwellings

518

Smoky Lake population

How many people live in Smoky Lake

Smoky Lake is home to 1,127 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 44.2% identify as male and 55.8% as female.

Total population

1,127

5.2% year-over-year change

Population density

264.4/km2

Gender ratio

Male

44.2%

500

Female

55.8%

630

	Value	Percent
Male	500	44.2%
Female	630	55.8%

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 Smoky Lake is 56.1. Children under 15 make up 9.3% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 7.1%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 6.2% are 25 to 34, 8.4% are 35 to 44, and 9.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 44.7%.

Average age

56.1

Age breakdown

Under 15: 9.3%
15 to 24: 7.1%
25 to 34: 6.2%
35 to 44: 8.4%
45 to 54: 9.7%
55 to 64: 14.6%
Over 65: 44.7%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	105	9.3%
15 to 24	80	7.1%
25 to 34	70	6.2%
35 to 44	95	8.4%
45 to 54	110	9.7%
55 to 64	165	14.6%
Over 65	505	44.7%

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 Smoky Lake, 91% of residents were born in Canada, while 6.2% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.2% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 91%
Immigrants: 6.2%
Non-permanent residents: 2.2%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	810	91%
Immigrants	55	6.2%
Non-permanent residents	20	2.2%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 5.6%
Non-minorities: 94.4%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	50	5.6%
Non-minorities	840	94.4%

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 Smoky Lake

English: 97.5%
French: 1.5%
English and French: 0%
Neither English nor French: 1%

	Value	Percent
English	980	97.5%
French	15	1.5%
Neither English nor French	10	1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.5% of people in Smoky Lake speak English as their primary language, 1.5% communicate mainly in French, are bilingual, and 1% 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 Smoky Lake

A peek inside Smoky Lake households

Smoky Lake has 440 households, with an average of 2.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 42% of all homes, while 37.5% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 11.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 9.1% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

440

Average people per household

1 person: 42%
2 persons: 37.5%
3 persons: 11.4%
4 persons: 3.4%
5 or more persons: 5.7%

	Value	Percent
1 person	185	42%
2 persons	165	37.5%
3 persons	50	11.4%
4 persons	15	3.4%
5 or more persons	25	5.7%

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 Smoky Lake

The housing landscape of Smoky Lake

Smoky Lake has a total of 518 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Smoky Lake offers a variety of home sizes: 19% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 52% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 28.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

518

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 78.9%
Attached homes: 15.6%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 5.6%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	355	78.9%
Attached homes	70	15.6%
Movable homes	25	5.6%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 19%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 52%
4 or more bedrooms: 28.4%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	85	19%
2 or 3 bedrooms	230	52%
4 or more bedrooms	125	28.4%

Homes built since 2011

The age of buildings in Smoky Lake

About 5.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 13.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 19.5% went up in the 1960s, 31% in the 1970s, and 13.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 6.9% of homes were added, and 5.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	25	5.8%
Between 1946 and 1960	60	13.8%
Between 1961 and 1970	85	19.5%
Between 1971 and 1980	135	31%
Between 1981 and 1990	60	13.8%
Between 1991 and 2000	30	6.9%
Between 2001 and 2010	25	5.8%
After 2011	15	3.4%

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.

Smoky Lake occupancy rates

In Smoky Lake, there are 442 occupied private dwellings, of which 73.9% are owner-occupied and 26.1% are rented. Meanwhile, 76 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

442

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 26.1%
Owned households: 73.9%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	115	26.1%
Owned households	325	73.9%

Unoccupied dwellings

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 Smoky Lake, homeowners pay a median of $880 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $900. 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

$880

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$900

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 80.5%
≥30% on shelter: 19.5%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	350	80.5%
≥30% on shelter	85	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 Smoky Lake

Smoky Lake education at a glance

In Smoky Lake, educational attainment varies across the community. About 21.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 27.2% have completed high school and 13.9% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.5% have graduated from college. Finally, 8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 10.6% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	165	21.8%
High school diploma	205	27.2%
Apprenticeship diploma	105	13.9%
College diploma	140	18.5%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	60	8%
University degree	80	10.6%

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 Smoky Lake

How much people earn in Smoky Lake

In Smoky Lake, the median household income sits at $61,600, while the median after-tax household income is $57,600.

Median household income

$61,600/year

Median after-tax household income

$57,600/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.

Smoky Lake income by age

Young adults in Smoky Lake between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,800, 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 $56,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $46,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $48,400, followed by $41,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $28,200.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	17,800
25 - 34	56,400
35 - 44	46,800
45 - 54	48,400
55 - 64	41,200
Over 65	28,200

Employment in Smoky Lake

Workforce and job sectors in Smoky Lake

In Smoky Lake, 355 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8.5%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and health employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

355

Unemployment rate

8.5%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Business, finance and administration	40	11.4%
Natural and applied sciences	15	4.3%
Health	55	15.7%
Education, law, community and government services	35	10%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	15	4.3%
Sales and service	80	22.9%
Trades and transport	80	22.9%
Natural resources and agriculture	10	2.9%
Manufacturing and utilities	20	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 Smoky Lake

How people get around in Smoky Lake

In Smoky Lake, the average commute is 18 minutes. The remaining 5.2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

18 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 67.9%
15 to 29 minutes: 12.5%
30 to 44 minutes: 8.9%
45 to 59 minutes: 5.4%
More than 60 minutes: 5.4%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	190	67.9%
15 to 29 minutes	35	12.5%
30 to 44 minutes	25	8.9%
45 to 59 minutes	15	5.4%
More than 60 minutes	15	5.4%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	240	82.8%
By bicycle/by walking	35	12.1%
By other methods	15	5.2%

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 Smoky Lake demographics

What is the current total population in Smoky Lake?

Smoky Lake has a population of 1,127, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +5.2% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Smoky Lake?

Smoky Lake has a population density of 264.4 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Smoky Lake?

Smoky Lake has the following gender distribution:

44.2% males (500 residents)
55.8% females (630 residents)

What is the age distribution of Smoky Lake residents?

The age distribution of Smoky Lake residents is as follows:

Under 15: 9.3% (105 residents)
15-24: 7.1% (80 residents)
25-34: 6.2% (70 residents)
35-44: 8.4% (95 residents)
45-54: 9.7% (110 residents)
55-64: 14.6% (165 residents)
Over 64: 44.7% (505 residents)

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

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

91% non-immigrants (810 residents)
6.2% immigrants (55 residents)
2.2% non-permanent residents (20 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Smoky Lake?

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

English: 97.5%
French: 1.5%
English and French: 0%
Neither English nor French: 1%

What is the typical household size in Smoky Lake?

The typical household size in Smoky Lake is 2 people.

What is the median household income in Smoky Lake?

The median household income in Smoky Lake is $61,600 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Smoky Lake residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Smoky Lake is as follows:

No diploma: 21.8% (165 residents)
High school diploma: 27.2% (205 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 13.9% (105 residents)
College diploma: 18.5% (140 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 8% (60 residents)
University degree: 10.6% (80 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Smoky Lake?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 4.3%
Business, finance and administration: 11.4%
Education, law, community and government services: 10%
Health: 15.7%
Management: 0%
Manufacturing and utilities: 5.7%
Natural and applied sciences: 4.3%
Natural resources and agriculture: 2.9%
Sales and service: 22.9%
Trades and transport: 22.9%

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

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