Total population

15,995

2.2 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$92,000/yr

Private dwellings

7,141

Sylvan Lake population

How many people live in Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake is home to 15,995 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.4% identify as male and 50.6% as female.

Total population

15,995

2.2% year-over-year change

Population density

692.8/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49.4%

7,905

Female

50.6%

8,090

	Value	Percent
Male	7,905	49.4%
Female	8,090	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 Sylvan Lake is 36.3. Children under 15 make up 21.4% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.4%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 14.6% are 25 to 34, 16.3% are 35 to 44, and 12.5% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 11.7% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 11%.

Average age

36.3

Age breakdown

Under 15: 21.4%
15 to 24: 12.4%
25 to 34: 14.6%
35 to 44: 16.3%
45 to 54: 12.5%
55 to 64: 11.7%
Over 65: 11%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	3,430	21.4%
15 to 24	1,985	12.4%
25 to 34	2,330	14.6%
35 to 44	2,615	16.3%
45 to 54	2,005	12.5%
55 to 64	1,870	11.7%
Over 65	1,765	11%

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 Sylvan Lake, 93% of residents were born in Canada, while 6.6% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 93%
Immigrants: 6.6%
Non-permanent residents: 0.5%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	14,830	93%
Immigrants	1,045	6.6%
Non-permanent residents	80	0.5%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 5.4%
Non-minorities: 94.6%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	855	5.4%
Non-minorities	15,095	94.6%

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 Sylvan Lake

English: 98.6%
French: 1.2%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.1%

	Value	Percent
English	15,715	98.6%
French	185	1.2%
English and French	15	0.1%
Neither English nor French	15	0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.6% of people in Sylvan Lake speak English as their primary language, 1.2% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.1% 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 Sylvan Lake

A peek inside Sylvan Lake households

Sylvan Lake has 6,400 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 25.6% of all homes, while 34.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 16.7%, and homes with four or more people account for 23.3% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

6,400

Average people per household

2.5

1 person: 25.6%
2 persons: 34.4%
3 persons: 16.7%
4 persons: 15.1%
5 or more persons: 8.2%

	Value	Percent
1 person	1,635	25.6%
2 persons	2,205	34.4%
3 persons	1,070	16.7%
4 persons	965	15.1%
5 or more persons	525	8.2%

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 Sylvan Lake

The housing landscape of Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake has a total of 7,141 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 65.8% are single-detached houses, 29.1% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 2.1% are apartments. When it comes to space, Sylvan Lake offers a variety of home sizes: 5% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 54% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 41.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

7,141

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 65.8%
Attached homes: 29.1%
Apartments: 2.1%
Movable homes: 3%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	4,210	65.8%
Attached homes	1,860	29.1%
Apartments	135	2.1%
Movable homes	190	3%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 5%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 54%
4 or more bedrooms: 41.5%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	310	5%
2 or 3 bedrooms	3,435	54%
4 or more bedrooms	2,655	41.5%

Homes built since 2011

1,655

The age of buildings in Sylvan Lake

About 1.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 1.6% between 1946 and 1960. Another 2.6% went up in the 1960s, 9% in the 1970s, and 5.7% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 21.2% of homes were added, and 32.5% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	100	1.6%
Between 1946 and 1960	100	1.6%
Between 1961 and 1970	165	2.6%
Between 1971 and 1980	575	9%
Between 1981 and 1990	365	5.7%
Between 1991 and 2000	1,355	21.2%
Between 2001 and 2010	2,080	32.5%
After 2011	1,655	25.9%

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.

Sylvan Lake occupancy rates

In Sylvan Lake, there are 6,396 occupied private dwellings, of which 67.9% are owner-occupied and 32.1% are rented. Meanwhile, 745 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

6,396

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 32.1%
Owned households: 67.9%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	2,055	32.1%
Owned households	4,340	67.9%

Unoccupied dwellings

745

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 Sylvan Lake, homeowners pay a median of $1,780 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,360. About 76.2% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 23.8% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,780

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,360

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 76.2%
≥30% on shelter: 23.8%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	4,860	76.2%
≥30% on shelter	1,515	23.8%

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 Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake education at a glance

In Sylvan Lake, educational attainment varies across the community. About 16.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 33.8% have completed high school and 12.3% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 21.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 12.7% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	2,070	16.6%
High school diploma	4,230	33.8%
Apprenticeship diploma	1,535	12.3%
College diploma	2,715	21.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	370	3%
University degree	1,590	12.7%

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 Sylvan Lake

How much people earn in Sylvan Lake

In Sylvan Lake, the median household income sits at $92,000, while the median after-tax household income is $80,000.

Median household income

$92,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$80,000/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.

Sylvan Lake income by age

Young adults in Sylvan Lake 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 $49,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $58,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $58,400, followed by $46,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $36,000.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	20,800
25 - 34	49,600
35 - 44	58,800
45 - 54	58,400
55 - 64	46,800
Over 65	36,000

Employment in Sylvan Lake

Workforce and job sectors in Sylvan Lake

In Sylvan Lake, 8,830 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 14.7%. 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

8,830

Unemployment rate

14.7%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	75	0.9%
Business, finance and administration	1,175	13.7%
Natural and applied sciences	420	4.9%
Health	675	7.9%
Education, law, community and government services	870	10.2%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	135	1.6%
Sales and service	2,085	24.4%
Trades and transport	2,010	23.5%
Natural resources and agriculture	680	8%
Manufacturing and utilities	425	5%

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 Sylvan Lake

How people get around in Sylvan Lake

In Sylvan Lake, the average commute is 26 minutes. About 93.7% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.6% rely on public transit and 3.7% walk or bike. The remaining 2.1% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

26 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 31.7%
15 to 29 minutes: 34.7%
30 to 44 minutes: 19%
45 to 59 minutes: 5%
More than 60 minutes: 9.7%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	2,080	31.7%
15 to 29 minutes	2,280	34.7%
30 to 44 minutes	1,250	19%
45 to 59 minutes	325	5%
More than 60 minutes	635	9.7%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	6,150	93.7%
By public transit	40	0.6%
By bicycle/by walking	240	3.7%
By other methods	135	2.1%

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 Sylvan Lake demographics

What is the current total population in Sylvan Lake?

Sylvan Lake has a population of 15,995, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.2% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Sylvan Lake?

Sylvan Lake has a population density of 692.8 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Sylvan Lake?

Sylvan Lake has the following gender distribution:

49.4% males (7,905 residents)
50.6% females (8,090 residents)

What is the age distribution of Sylvan Lake residents?

The age distribution of Sylvan Lake residents is as follows:

Under 15: 21.4% (3,430 residents)
15-24: 12.4% (1,985 residents)
25-34: 14.6% (2,330 residents)
35-44: 16.3% (2,615 residents)
45-54: 12.5% (2,005 residents)
55-64: 11.7% (1,870 residents)
Over 64: 11% (1,765 residents)

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

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

93% non-immigrants (14,830 residents)
6.6% immigrants (1,045 residents)
0.5% non-permanent residents (80 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Sylvan Lake?

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

English: 98.6%
French: 1.2%
English and French: 0.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.1%

What is the typical household size in Sylvan Lake?

The typical household size in Sylvan Lake is 2.5 people.

What is the median household income in Sylvan Lake?

The median household income in Sylvan Lake is $92,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Sylvan Lake residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Sylvan Lake is as follows:

No diploma: 16.6% (2,070 residents)
High school diploma: 33.8% (4,230 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 12.3% (1,535 residents)
College diploma: 21.7% (2,715 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3% (370 residents)
University degree: 12.7% (1,590 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Sylvan Lake?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.6%
Business, finance and administration: 13.7%
Education, law, community and government services: 10.2%
Health: 7.9%
Management: 0.9%
Manufacturing and utilities: 5%
Natural and applied sciences: 4.9%
Natural resources and agriculture: 8%
Sales and service: 24.4%
Trades and transport: 23.5%

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

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