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

Total population
849
-2.7 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,500/yr
Private dwellings
432

Spirit River population

How many people live in Spirit River

Spirit River is home to 849 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.1% identify as male and 50.9% as female.

Total population
849
-2.7% year-over-year change
Population density
272.8/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.1%
415
Female
50.9%
430
Value Percent
Male 415 49.1%
Female 430 50.9%
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 Spirit River is 47.6. Children under 15 make up 14.7% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 8.2% are 25 to 34, 10% are 35 to 44, and 12.4% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 28.8%.

Average age
47.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.7%
15 to 24
10%
25 to 34
8.2%
35 to 44
10%
45 to 54
12.4%
55 to 64
15.9%
Over 65
28.8%
Value Percent
Under 15 125 14.7%
15 to 24 85 10%
25 to 34 70 8.2%
35 to 44 85 10%
45 to 54 105 12.4%
55 to 64 135 15.9%
Over 65 245 28.8%
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 Spirit River, 92.3% of residents were born in Canada, while 8.3% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
92.3%
Immigrants
8.3%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 780 92.3%
Immigrants 70 8.3%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
4.1%
Non-minorities
95.9%
Value Percent
Minorities 35 4.1%
Non-minorities 810 95.9%
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 Spirit River
English
98.2%
French
1.8%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 815 98.2%
French 15 1.8%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.2% of people in Spirit River speak English as their primary language, 1.8% communicate mainly in French, are bilingual, and 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 Spirit River

A peek inside Spirit River households

Spirit River has 385 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 36.8% of all homes, while 38.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 10.5%, and homes with four or more people account for 14.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
385
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
36.8%
2 persons
38.2%
3 persons
10.5%
4 persons
7.9%
5 or more persons
6.6%
Value Percent
1 person 140 36.8%
2 persons 145 38.2%
3 persons 40 10.5%
4 persons 30 7.9%
5 or more persons 25 6.6%
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 Spirit River

The housing landscape of Spirit River

Spirit River has a total of 432 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Spirit River offers a variety of home sizes: 4% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 64% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 31.6% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
432
Housing types
Single-detached homes
80.5%
Attached homes
10.4%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
9.1%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 310 80.5%
Attached homes 40 10.4%
Movable homes 35 9.1%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
4%
2 or 3 bedrooms
64%
4 or more bedrooms
31.6%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 15 4%
2 or 3 bedrooms 245 64%
4 or more bedrooms 120 31.6%
Homes built since 2011
20

The age of buildings in Spirit River

About 15.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 18.4% between 1946 and 1960. Another 14.5% went up in the 1960s, 14.5% in the 1970s, and 11.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 9.2% of homes were added, and 10.5% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 60 15.8%
Between 1946 and 1960 70 18.4%
Between 1961 and 1970 55 14.5%
Between 1971 and 1980 55 14.5%
Between 1981 and 1990 45 11.8%
Between 1991 and 2000 35 9.2%
Between 2001 and 2010 40 10.5%
After 2011 20 5.3%
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.

Spirit River occupancy rates

In Spirit River, there are 378 occupied private dwellings, of which 83.3% are owner-occupied and 16.7% are rented. Meanwhile, 54 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
378
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
16.7%
Owned households
83.3%
Value Percent
Rented households 65 16.7%
Owned households 325 83.3%
Unoccupied dwellings
54
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 Spirit River, homeowners pay a median of $1,050 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,090. About 84.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 15.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,050
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,090
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
84.6%
≥30% on shelter
15.4%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 330 84.6%
≥30% on shelter 60 15.4%
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 Spirit River

Spirit River education at a glance

In Spirit River, educational attainment varies across the community. About 23.2% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31% have completed high school and 12.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 21.1% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 9.9% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 165 23.2%
High school diploma 220 31%
Apprenticeship diploma 90 12.7%
College diploma 150 21.1%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 15 2.1%
University degree 70 9.9%
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 Spirit River

How much people earn in Spirit River

In Spirit River, the median household income sits at $78,500, while the median after-tax household income is $71,000.

Median household income
$78,500/year
Median after-tax household income
$71,000/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.

Spirit River income by age

Young adults in Spirit River between 15 and 24 have a median income of $20,400, 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 $59,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $47,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $72,000, followed by $54,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $37,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 20,400
25 - 34 59,200
35 - 44 47,600
45 - 54 72,000
55 - 64 54,000
Over 65 37,600

Employment in Spirit River

Workforce and job sectors in Spirit River

In Spirit River, 430 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 10.5%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, and trades and transport employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
430
Unemployment rate
10.5%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 10 2.4%
Business, finance and administration 75 17.9%
Natural and applied sciences 20 4.8%
Health 45 10.7%
Education, law, community and government services 50 11.9%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 15 3.6%
Sales and service 80 19%
Trades and transport 65 15.5%
Natural resources and agriculture 30 7.1%
Manufacturing and utilities 30 7.1%
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 Spirit River

How people get around in Spirit River

In Spirit River, the average commute is 15 minutes. The remaining 4.6% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
15 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
63.2%
15 to 29 minutes
17.6%
30 to 44 minutes
10.3%
45 to 59 minutes
2.9%
More than 60 minutes
5.9%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 215 63.2%
15 to 29 minutes 60 17.6%
30 to 44 minutes 35 10.3%
45 to 59 minutes 10 2.9%
More than 60 minutes 20 5.9%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 260 78.8%
By bicycle/by walking 55 16.7%
By other methods 15 4.6%
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 Spirit River demographics 

What is the current total population in Spirit River?

Spirit River has a population of 849, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a -2.7% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Spirit River?  

Spirit River has a population density of 272.8 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Spirit River?

Spirit River has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.1% males (415 residents)  
  • 50.9% females (430 residents)

What is the age distribution of Spirit River residents?  

The age distribution of Spirit River residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14.7% (125 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10% (85 residents)   
  • 25-34: 8.2% (70 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10% (85 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.4% (105 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.9% (135 residents)   
  • Over 64: 28.8% (245 residents)  

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

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Spirit River: 
  • 92.3% non-immigrants (780 residents)  
  • 8.3% immigrants (70 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Spirit River?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Spirit River: 
  • English: 98.2% 
  • French: 1.8% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Spirit River?  

The typical household size in Spirit River is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Spirit River?  

The median household income in Spirit River is $78,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Spirit River residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Spirit River is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 23.2% (165 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 31% (220 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 12.7% (90 residents) 
  • College diploma: 21.1% (150 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.1% (15 residents) 
  • University degree: 9.9% (70 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Spirit River?  

The most common occupations in Spirit River fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.6% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 17.9% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11.9% 
  • Health: 10.7% 
  • Management: 2.4% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 7.1% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 4.8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 7.1% 
  • Sales and service: 19% 
  • Trades and transport: 15.5% 

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