Swan Hills, AB demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,201
2.1 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,000/yr
Private dwellings
728

Swan Hills population

How many people live in Swan Hills

Swan Hills is home to 1,201 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 52.1% identify as male and 47.9% as female.

Total population
1,201
2.1% year-over-year change
Population density
46.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
52.1%
625
Female
47.9%
575
Value Percent
Male 625 52.1%
Female 575 47.9%
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 Swan Hills is 39.4. Children under 15 make up 20% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.1% are 25 to 34, 11.7% are 35 to 44, and 17.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.8% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 13.3%.

Average age
39.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
20%
15 to 24
10%
25 to 34
12.1%
35 to 44
11.7%
45 to 54
17.1%
55 to 64
15.8%
Over 65
13.3%
Value Percent
Under 15 240 20%
15 to 24 120 10%
25 to 34 145 12.1%
35 to 44 140 11.7%
45 to 54 205 17.1%
55 to 64 190 15.8%
Over 65 160 13.3%
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 Swan Hills, 95% of residents were born in Canada, while 5% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
95%
Immigrants
5%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 1,135 95%
Immigrants 60 5%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
4.6%
Non-minorities
95.4%
Value Percent
Minorities 55 4.6%
Non-minorities 1,140 95.4%
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 Swan Hills
English
98.3%
French
1.7%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 1,180 98.3%
French 20 1.7%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.3% of people in Swan Hills speak English as their primary language, 1.7% 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 Swan Hills

A peek inside Swan Hills households

Swan Hills has 490 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 27.4% of all homes, while 41.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 11.8%, and homes with four or more people account for 19.7% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
490
Average people per household
2.5
1 person
27.4%
2 persons
41.2%
3 persons
11.8%
4 persons
12.8%
5 or more persons
6.9%
Value Percent
1 person 140 27.4%
2 persons 210 41.2%
3 persons 60 11.8%
4 persons 65 12.8%
5 or more persons 35 6.9%
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 Swan Hills

The housing landscape of Swan Hills

Swan Hills has a total of 728 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Swan Hills offers a variety of home sizes: 4% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 53% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 43.3% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
728
Housing types
Single-detached homes
84.2%
Attached homes
12.9%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
3%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 425 84.2%
Attached homes 65 12.9%
Movable homes 15 3%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
4%
2 or 3 bedrooms
53%
4 or more bedrooms
43.3%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 20 4%
2 or 3 bedrooms 255 53%
4 or more bedrooms 210 43.3%
Homes built since 2011
0

The age of buildings in Swan Hills

Another 23.4% went up in the 1960s, 42.6% in the 1970s, and 25.5% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 5.3% of homes were added, and 3.2% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Between 1961 and 1970 110 23.4%
Between 1971 and 1980 200 42.6%
Between 1981 and 1990 120 25.5%
Between 1991 and 2000 25 5.3%
Between 2001 and 2010 15 3.2%
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.

Swan Hills occupancy rates

In Swan Hills, there are 512 occupied private dwellings, of which 71.4% are owner-occupied and 28.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 216 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
512
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
28.6%
Owned households
71.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 140 28.6%
Owned households 350 71.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
216
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 Swan Hills, homeowners pay a median of $1,070 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $950. About 83.5% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 16.5% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,070
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$950
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
83.5%
≥30% on shelter
16.5%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 405 83.5%
≥30% on shelter 80 16.5%
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 Swan Hills

Swan Hills education at a glance

In Swan Hills, educational attainment varies across the community. About 28.1% of residents have no formal diploma, while 38.8% have completed high school and 8.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 16.3% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.5% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 7.1% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 275 28.1%
High school diploma 380 38.8%
Apprenticeship diploma 80 8.2%
College diploma 160 16.3%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 15 1.5%
University degree 70 7.1%
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 Swan Hills

How much people earn in Swan Hills

In Swan Hills, the median household income sits at $83,000, while the median after-tax household income is $73,000.

Median household income
$83,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$73,000/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.

Swan Hills income by age

Young adults in Swan Hills between 15 and 24 have a median income of $21,400, 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 $44,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $56,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $51,200, followed by $49,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $36,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 21,400
25 - 34 44,400
35 - 44 56,800
45 - 54 51,200
55 - 64 49,200
Over 65 36,800

Employment in Swan Hills

Workforce and job sectors in Swan Hills

In Swan Hills, 600 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 12.5%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, sales and service, and natural resources and agriculture employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
600
Unemployment rate
12.5%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 70 12.2%
Natural and applied sciences 15 2.6%
Health 20 3.5%
Education, law, community and government services 65 11.3%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 20 3.5%
Sales and service 90 15.6%
Trades and transport 130 22.6%
Natural resources and agriculture 85 14.8%
Manufacturing and utilities 80 13.9%
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 Swan Hills

How people get around in Swan Hills

In Swan Hills, the average commute is 22 minutes. The remaining 7.1% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
22 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
57.1%
15 to 29 minutes
15.3%
30 to 44 minutes
5.1%
45 to 59 minutes
10.2%
More than 60 minutes
12.2%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 280 57.1%
15 to 29 minutes 75 15.3%
30 to 44 minutes 25 5.1%
45 to 59 minutes 50 10.2%
More than 60 minutes 60 12.2%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 435 88.8%
By bicycle/by walking 20 4.1%
By other methods 35 7.1%
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 Swan Hills demographics 

What is the current total population in Swan Hills?

Swan Hills has a population of 1,201, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.1% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Swan Hills?  

Swan Hills has a population density of 46.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Swan Hills?

Swan Hills has the following gender distribution:
  • 52.1% males (625 residents)  
  • 47.9% females (575 residents)

What is the age distribution of Swan Hills residents?  

The age distribution of Swan Hills residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 20% (240 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10% (120 residents)   
  • 25-34: 12.1% (145 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.7% (140 residents)   
  • 45-54: 17.1% (205 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.8% (190 residents)   
  • Over 64: 13.3% (160 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Swan Hills? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Swan Hills: 
  • 95% non-immigrants (1,135 residents)  
  • 5% immigrants (60 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Swan Hills?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Swan Hills: 
  • English: 98.3% 
  • French: 1.7% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Swan Hills?  

The typical household size in Swan Hills is 2.5 people. 

What is the median household income in Swan Hills?  

The median household income in Swan Hills is $83,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Swan Hills residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Swan Hills is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 28.1% (275 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 38.8% (380 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 8.2% (80 residents) 
  • College diploma: 16.3% (160 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.5% (15 residents) 
  • University degree: 7.1% (70 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Swan Hills?  

The most common occupations in Swan Hills fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.5% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 12.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11.3% 
  • Health: 3.5% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 13.9% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 2.6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 14.8% 
  • Sales and service: 15.6% 
  • Trades and transport: 22.6% 

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