Wainwright, AB demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,606
2.3 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$84,000/yr
Private dwellings
2,914

Wainwright population

How many people live in Wainwright

Wainwright is home to 6,606 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.2% identify as male and 49.8% as female.

Total population
6,606
2.3% year-over-year change
Population density
543/km2
Gender ratio
Male
50.2%
3,310
Female
49.8%
3,290
Value Percent
Male 3,310 50.2%
Female 3,290 49.8%
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 Wainwright is 40.1. Children under 15 make up 18.8% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 14.3% are 25 to 34, 13.9% are 35 to 44, and 11.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 16.6%.

Average age
40.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.8%
15 to 24
11.8%
25 to 34
14.3%
35 to 44
13.9%
45 to 54
11.7%
55 to 64
12.9%
Over 65
16.6%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,240 18.8%
15 to 24 780 11.8%
25 to 34 945 14.3%
35 to 44 915 13.9%
45 to 54 775 11.7%
55 to 64 850 12.9%
Over 65 1,095 16.6%
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 Wainwright, 86.2% of residents were born in Canada, while 13.4% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.4% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
86.2%
Immigrants
13.4%
Non-permanent residents
0.4%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 5,400 86.2%
Immigrants 840 13.4%
Non-permanent residents 25 0.4%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
13.4%
Non-minorities
86.6%
Value Percent
Minorities 840 13.4%
Non-minorities 5,425 86.6%
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 Wainwright
English
97.2%
French
2.3%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.4%
Value Percent
English 6,175 97.2%
French 145 2.3%
English and French 5 0.1%
Neither English nor French 25 0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.2% of people in Wainwright speak English as their primary language, 2.3% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.4% 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 Wainwright

A peek inside Wainwright households

Wainwright has 2,665 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 31.1% of all homes, while 34.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 20.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
2,665
Average people per household
2.4
1 person
31.1%
2 persons
34.9%
3 persons
13.3%
4 persons
12%
5 or more persons
8.6%
Value Percent
1 person 830 31.1%
2 persons 930 34.9%
3 persons 355 13.3%
4 persons 320 12%
5 or more persons 230 8.6%
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 Wainwright

The housing landscape of Wainwright

Wainwright has a total of 2,914 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 66.1% are single-detached houses, 28.6% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.2% are apartments. When it comes to space, Wainwright offers a variety of home sizes: 9% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 51% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 39.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
2,914
Housing types
Single-detached homes
66.1%
Attached homes
28.6%
Apartments
0.2%
Movable homes
5.1%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,765 66.1%
Attached homes 765 28.6%
Apartments 5 0.2%
Movable homes 135 5.1%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
9%
2 or 3 bedrooms
51%
4 or more bedrooms
39.8%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 250 9%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,355 51%
4 or more bedrooms 1,060 39.8%
Homes built since 2011
325

The age of buildings in Wainwright

About 5.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 12.4% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.6% went up in the 1960s, 17.4% in the 1970s, and 12.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 13.1% of homes were added, and 14.6% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 155 5.8%
Between 1946 and 1960 330 12.4%
Between 1961 and 1970 310 11.6%
Between 1971 and 1980 465 17.4%
Between 1981 and 1990 340 12.8%
Between 1991 and 2000 350 13.1%
Between 2001 and 2010 390 14.6%
After 2011 325 12.2%
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.

Wainwright occupancy rates

In Wainwright, there are 2,664 occupied private dwellings, of which 70.3% are owner-occupied and 29.7% are rented. Meanwhile, 250 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
2,664
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
29.7%
Owned households
70.3%
Value Percent
Rented households 790 29.7%
Owned households 1,870 70.3%
Unoccupied dwellings
250
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 Wainwright, homeowners pay a median of $1,360 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,100. 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
$1,360
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,100
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
80.5%
≥30% on shelter
19.5%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 2,140 80.5%
≥30% on shelter 520 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 Wainwright

Wainwright education at a glance

In Wainwright, educational attainment varies across the community. About 17.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 34.1% have completed high school and 11.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.9% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 15.9% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 895 17.8%
High school diploma 1,715 34.1%
Apprenticeship diploma 565 11.2%
College diploma 905 18%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 145 2.9%
University degree 800 15.9%
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 Wainwright

How much people earn in Wainwright

In Wainwright, the median household income sits at $84,000, while the median after-tax household income is $74,000.

Median household income
$84,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$74,000/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.

Wainwright income by age

Young adults in Wainwright 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 $49,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $58,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $56,800, followed by $50,000 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 20,800
25 - 34 49,200
35 - 44 58,000
45 - 54 56,800
55 - 64 50,000
Over 65 36,800

Employment in Wainwright

Workforce and job sectors in Wainwright

In Wainwright, 3,585 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8.2%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and education, law, community and government services employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
3,585
Unemployment rate
8.2%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 10 0.3%
Business, finance and administration 500 14.2%
Natural and applied sciences 115 3.3%
Health 300 8.6%
Education, law, community and government services 530 15.1%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 50 1.4%
Sales and service 925 26.4%
Trades and transport 730 20.8%
Natural resources and agriculture 245 7%
Manufacturing and utilities 105 3%
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 Wainwright

How people get around in Wainwright

In Wainwright, the average commute is 13 minutes. The remaining 1% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
13 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
78%
15 to 29 minutes
10.7%
30 to 44 minutes
4.2%
45 to 59 minutes
3%
More than 60 minutes
4%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 2,325 78%
15 to 29 minutes 320 10.7%
30 to 44 minutes 125 4.2%
45 to 59 minutes 90 3%
More than 60 minutes 120 4%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 2,705 90.8%
By bicycle/by walking 245 8.2%
By other methods 30 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.

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Wainwright demographics 

What is the current total population in Wainwright?

Wainwright has a population of 6,606, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.3% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Wainwright?  

Wainwright has a population density of 543 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Wainwright?

Wainwright has the following gender distribution:
  • 50.2% males (3,310 residents)  
  • 49.8% females (3,290 residents)

What is the age distribution of Wainwright residents?  

The age distribution of Wainwright residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 18.8% (1,240 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11.8% (780 residents)   
  • 25-34: 14.3% (945 residents)   
  • 35-44: 13.9% (915 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.7% (775 residents)   
  • 55-64: 12.9% (850 residents)   
  • Over 64: 16.6% (1,095 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Wainwright? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Wainwright: 
  • 86.2% non-immigrants (5,400 residents)  
  • 13.4% immigrants (840 residents)  
  • 0.4% non-permanent residents (25 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Wainwright?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Wainwright: 
  • English: 97.2% 
  • French: 2.3% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.4% 

What is the typical household size in Wainwright?  

The typical household size in Wainwright is 2.4 people. 

What is the median household income in Wainwright?  

The median household income in Wainwright is $84,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Wainwright residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Wainwright is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 17.8% (895 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 34.1% (1,715 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 11.2% (565 residents) 
  • College diploma: 18% (905 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.9% (145 residents) 
  • University degree: 15.9% (800 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Wainwright?  

The most common occupations in Wainwright fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.4% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 15.1% 
  • Health: 8.6% 
  • Management: 0.3% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 3% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 3.3% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 7% 
  • Sales and service: 26.4% 
  • Trades and transport: 20.8% 

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