Whitecourt, AB demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,927
1.6 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$100,000/yr
Private dwellings
4,341

Whitecourt population

How many people live in Whitecourt

Whitecourt is home to 9,927 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 51.8% identify as male and 48.2% as female.

Total population
9,927
1.6% year-over-year change
Population density
336.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
51.8%
5,140
Female
48.2%
4,785
Value Percent
Male 5,140 51.8%
Female 4,785 48.2%
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 Whitecourt is 35.7. Children under 15 make up 21.9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 15.4% are 25 to 34, 15.4% are 35 to 44, and 12.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.3% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 9.5%.

Average age
35.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.9%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 34
15.4%
35 to 44
15.4%
45 to 54
12.8%
55 to 64
12.3%
Over 65
9.5%
Value Percent
Under 15 2,175 21.9%
15 to 24 1,265 12.8%
25 to 34 1,530 15.4%
35 to 44 1,530 15.4%
45 to 54 1,265 12.8%
55 to 64 1,220 12.3%
Over 65 940 9.5%
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 Whitecourt, 89.2% of residents were born in Canada, while 9.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.1% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
89.2%
Immigrants
9.7%
Non-permanent residents
1.1%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 8,795 89.2%
Immigrants 960 9.7%
Non-permanent residents 105 1.1%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
10.5%
Non-minorities
89.5%
Value Percent
Minorities 1,040 10.5%
Non-minorities 8,820 89.5%
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 Whitecourt
English
97.9%
French
1.7%
English and French
0.2%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 9,725 97.9%
French 165 1.7%
English and French 25 0.2%
Neither English nor French 15 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.9% of people in Whitecourt speak English as their primary language, 1.7% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% are bilingual, and 0.2% 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 Whitecourt

A peek inside Whitecourt households

Whitecourt has 3,875 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 25.3% of all homes, while 33.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 16.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 24.7% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
3,875
Average people per household
2.5
1 person
25.3%
2 persons
33.6%
3 persons
16.4%
4 persons
15.3%
5 or more persons
9.4%
Value Percent
1 person 980 25.3%
2 persons 1,305 33.6%
3 persons 635 16.4%
4 persons 595 15.3%
5 or more persons 365 9.4%
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 Whitecourt

The housing landscape of Whitecourt

Whitecourt has a total of 4,341 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Whitecourt offers a variety of home sizes: 7% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 53% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 40% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
4,341
Housing types
Single-detached homes
52.4%
Attached homes
29.5%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
18.2%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 2,035 52.4%
Attached homes 1,145 29.5%
Movable homes 705 18.2%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
7%
2 or 3 bedrooms
53%
4 or more bedrooms
40%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 270 7%
2 or 3 bedrooms 2,050 53%
4 or more bedrooms 1,550 40%
Homes built since 2011
465

The age of buildings in Whitecourt

About 1.2% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 1.9% between 1946 and 1960. Another 10.2% went up in the 1960s, 19.4% in the 1970s, and 13.9% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 19.6% of homes were added, and 21.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 45 1.2%
Between 1946 and 1960 75 1.9%
Between 1961 and 1970 395 10.2%
Between 1971 and 1980 750 19.4%
Between 1981 and 1990 540 13.9%
Between 1991 and 2000 760 19.6%
Between 2001 and 2010 845 21.8%
After 2011 465 12%
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.

Whitecourt occupancy rates

In Whitecourt, there are 3,876 occupied private dwellings, of which 68.4% are owner-occupied and 31.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 465 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
3,876
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
31.6%
Owned households
68.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,225 31.6%
Owned households 2,650 68.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
465
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 Whitecourt, homeowners pay a median of $1,530 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,190. About 79.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 20.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,530
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,190
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
79.9%
≥30% on shelter
20.1%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 3,085 79.9%
≥30% on shelter 775 20.1%
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 Whitecourt

Whitecourt education at a glance

In Whitecourt, educational attainment varies across the community. About 21.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 34.7% have completed high school and 10.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 20.2% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.5% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 10.1% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,675 21.8%
High school diploma 2,670 34.7%
Apprenticeship diploma 825 10.7%
College diploma 1,550 20.2%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 190 2.5%
University degree 780 10.1%
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 Whitecourt

How much people earn in Whitecourt

In Whitecourt, the median household income sits at $100,000, while the median after-tax household income is $85,000.

Median household income
$100,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$85,000/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.

Whitecourt income by age

Young adults in Whitecourt between 15 and 24 have a median income of $23,200, 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 $52,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $60,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $64,000, followed by $49,600 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 23,200
25 - 34 52,800
35 - 44 60,400
45 - 54 64,000
55 - 64 49,600
Over 65 36,800

Employment in Whitecourt

Workforce and job sectors in Whitecourt

In Whitecourt, 5,665 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 14.2%. 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
5,665
Unemployment rate
14.2%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 55 1%
Business, finance and administration 710 13%
Natural and applied sciences 305 5.6%
Health 270 5%
Education, law, community and government services 460 8.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 55 1%
Sales and service 1,400 25.7%
Trades and transport 1,295 23.7%
Natural resources and agriculture 420 7.7%
Manufacturing and utilities 485 8.9%
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 Whitecourt

How people get around in Whitecourt

In Whitecourt, the average commute is 20 minutes. About 92% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.8% rely on public transit and 5.8% walk or bike. The remaining 1.5% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
20 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
65.1%
15 to 29 minutes
15.1%
30 to 44 minutes
5.5%
45 to 59 minutes
3.8%
More than 60 minutes
10.4%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 2,885 65.1%
15 to 29 minutes 670 15.1%
30 to 44 minutes 245 5.5%
45 to 59 minutes 170 3.8%
More than 60 minutes 460 10.4%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 4,075 92%
By public transit 35 0.8%
By bicycle/by walking 255 5.8%
By other methods 65 1.5%
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 Whitecourt demographics 

What is the current total population in Whitecourt?

Whitecourt has a population of 9,927, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.6% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Whitecourt?  

Whitecourt has a population density of 336.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Whitecourt?

Whitecourt has the following gender distribution:
  • 51.8% males (5,140 residents)  
  • 48.2% females (4,785 residents)

What is the age distribution of Whitecourt residents?  

The age distribution of Whitecourt residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 21.9% (2,175 residents)   
  • 15-24: 12.8% (1,265 residents)   
  • 25-34: 15.4% (1,530 residents)   
  • 35-44: 15.4% (1,530 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.8% (1,265 residents)   
  • 55-64: 12.3% (1,220 residents)   
  • Over 64: 9.5% (940 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Whitecourt? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Whitecourt: 
  • 89.2% non-immigrants (8,795 residents)  
  • 9.7% immigrants (960 residents)  
  • 1.1% non-permanent residents (105 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Whitecourt?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Whitecourt: 
  • English: 97.9% 
  • French: 1.7% 
  • English and French: 0.2% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Whitecourt?  

The typical household size in Whitecourt is 2.5 people. 

What is the median household income in Whitecourt?  

The median household income in Whitecourt is $100,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Whitecourt residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Whitecourt is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 21.8% (1,675 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 34.7% (2,670 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 10.7% (825 residents) 
  • College diploma: 20.2% (1,550 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.5% (190 residents) 
  • University degree: 10.1% (780 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Whitecourt?  

The most common occupations in Whitecourt fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 13% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 8.4% 
  • Health: 5% 
  • Management: 1% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 8.9% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 7.7% 
  • Sales and service: 25.7% 
  • Trades and transport: 23.7% 

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