Total population

72,326

4.9 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$184,000/yr

Private dwellings

30,451

Wood Buffalo population

How many people live in Wood Buffalo

Wood Buffalo is home to 72,326 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 52.7% identify as male and 47.3% as female.

Total population

72,326

4.9% year-over-year change

Population density

1.2/km2

Gender ratio

Male

52.7%

38,100

Female

47.3%

34,225

	Value	Percent
Male	38,100	52.7%
Female	34,225	47.3%

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 Wood Buffalo is 33.4. Children under 15 make up 22.9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 17.4% are 25 to 34, 20% are 35 to 44, and 14.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 10.5% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 4.4%.

Average age

33.4

Age breakdown

Under 15: 22.9%
15 to 24: 10.8%
25 to 34: 17.4%
35 to 44: 20%
45 to 54: 14.1%
55 to 64: 10.5%
Over 65: 4.4%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	16,540	22.9%
15 to 24	7,780	10.8%
25 to 34	12,565	17.4%
35 to 44	14,470	20%
45 to 54	10,210	14.1%
55 to 64	7,610	10.5%
Over 65	3,145	4.4%

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 Wood Buffalo, 77.3% of residents were born in Canada, while 21.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.2% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 77.3%
Immigrants: 21.5%
Non-permanent residents: 1.2%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	55,505	77.3%
Immigrants	15,410	21.5%
Non-permanent residents	865	1.2%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 27.3%
Non-minorities: 72.7%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	19,625	27.3%
Non-minorities	52,155	72.7%

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 Wood Buffalo

English: 97.1%
French: 1.9%
English and French: 0.4%
Neither English nor French: 0.6%

	Value	Percent
English	70,205	97.1%
French	1,365	1.9%
English and French	250	0.4%
Neither English nor French	450	0.6%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.1% of people in Wood Buffalo speak English as their primary language, 1.9% communicate mainly in French, 0.4% are bilingual, and 0.6% 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 Wood Buffalo

A peek inside Wood Buffalo households

Wood Buffalo has 25,935 households, with an average of 2.8 people living in each. One-person households make up 21.8% of all homes, while 29.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 18.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 30.2% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

25,935

Average people per household

2.8

1 person: 21.8%
2 persons: 29.6%
3 persons: 18.4%
4 persons: 17.8%
5 or more persons: 12.4%

	Value	Percent
1 person	5,660	21.8%
2 persons	7,670	29.6%
3 persons	4,780	18.4%
4 persons	4,620	17.8%
5 or more persons	3,205	12.4%

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 Wood Buffalo

The housing landscape of Wood Buffalo

Wood Buffalo has a total of 30,451 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 48.1% are single-detached houses, 38.9% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 3.3% are apartments. When it comes to space, Wood Buffalo offers a variety of home sizes: 10% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 52% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 38.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

30,451

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 48.1%
Attached homes: 38.9%
Apartments: 3.3%
Movable homes: 9.7%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	12,480	48.1%
Attached homes	10,090	38.9%
Apartments	845	3.3%
Movable homes	2,520	9.7%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 10%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 52%
4 or more bedrooms: 38.9%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	2,475	10%
2 or 3 bedrooms	13,365	52%
4 or more bedrooms	10,095	38.9%

Homes built since 2011

5,940

The age of buildings in Wood Buffalo

About 0.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 0.7% between 1946 and 1960. Another 3.7% went up in the 1960s, 15.8% in the 1970s, and 11% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 11.2% of homes were added, and 34.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	155	0.6%
Between 1946 and 1960	190	0.7%
Between 1961 and 1970	965	3.7%
Between 1971 and 1980	4,085	15.8%
Between 1981 and 1990	2,850	11%
Between 1991 and 2000	2,915	11.2%
Between 2001 and 2010	8,835	34.1%
After 2011	5,940	22.9%

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.

Wood Buffalo occupancy rates

In Wood Buffalo, there are 25,934 occupied private dwellings, of which 67% are owner-occupied and 33% are rented. Meanwhile, 4,517 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

25,934

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 33%
Owned households: 67%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	8,560	33%
Owned households	17,375	67%

Unoccupied dwellings

4,517

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 Wood Buffalo, homeowners pay a median of $2,780 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,530. About 87.2% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 12.8% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$2,780

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,530

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 87.2%
≥30% on shelter: 12.8%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	22,570	87.2%
≥30% on shelter	3,325	12.8%

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 Wood Buffalo

Wood Buffalo education at a glance

In Wood Buffalo, educational attainment varies across the community. About 11.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 30.5% have completed high school and 14.5% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 20.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 19.5% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	6,425	11.6%
High school diploma	16,840	30.5%
Apprenticeship diploma	8,025	14.5%
College diploma	11,445	20.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	1,725	3.1%
University degree	10,790	19.5%

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 Wood Buffalo

How much people earn in Wood Buffalo

In Wood Buffalo, the median household income sits at $184,000, while the median after-tax household income is $144,000.

Median household income

$184,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$144,000/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.

Wood Buffalo income by age

Young adults in Wood Buffalo between 15 and 24 have a median income of $22,200, 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 $73,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $95,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $100,000, followed by $86,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $45,600.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	22,200
25 - 34	73,000
35 - 44	95,000
45 - 54	100,000
55 - 64	86,000
Over 65	45,600

Employment in Wood Buffalo

Workforce and job sectors in Wood Buffalo

In Wood Buffalo, 42,650 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8.7%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, sales and service, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

42,650

Unemployment rate

8.7%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	225	0.5%
Business, finance and administration	5,505	13.2%
Natural and applied sciences	3,530	8.4%
Health	1,615	3.9%
Education, law, community and government services	3,940	9.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	395	1%
Sales and service	8,940	21.4%
Trades and transport	13,345	31.9%
Natural resources and agriculture	1,690	4%
Manufacturing and utilities	2,595	6.2%

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 Wood Buffalo

How people get around in Wood Buffalo

In Wood Buffalo, the average commute is 29 minutes. About 68.1% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 26.9% rely on public transit and 3.3% walk or bike. The remaining 1.7% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

29 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 26.8%
15 to 29 minutes: 25.2%
30 to 44 minutes: 21.3%
45 to 59 minutes: 13%
More than 60 minutes: 13.8%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	9,180	26.8%
15 to 29 minutes	8,635	25.2%
30 to 44 minutes	7,295	21.3%
45 to 59 minutes	4,470	13%
More than 60 minutes	4,720	13.8%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	23,370	68.1%
By public transit	9,215	26.9%
By bicycle/by walking	1,140	3.3%
By other methods	570	1.7%

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 Wood Buffalo demographics

What is the current total population in Wood Buffalo?

Wood Buffalo has a population of 72,326, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +4.9% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Wood Buffalo?

Wood Buffalo has a population density of 1.2 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Wood Buffalo?

Wood Buffalo has the following gender distribution:

52.7% males (38,100 residents)
47.3% females (34,225 residents)

What is the age distribution of Wood Buffalo residents?

The age distribution of Wood Buffalo residents is as follows:

Under 15: 22.9% (16,540 residents)
15-24: 10.8% (7,780 residents)
25-34: 17.4% (12,565 residents)
35-44: 20% (14,470 residents)
45-54: 14.1% (10,210 residents)
55-64: 10.5% (7,610 residents)
Over 64: 4.4% (3,145 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Wood Buffalo?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Wood Buffalo:

77.3% non-immigrants (55,505 residents)
21.5% immigrants (15,410 residents)
1.2% non-permanent residents (865 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Wood Buffalo?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Wood Buffalo:

English: 97.1%
French: 1.9%
English and French: 0.4%
Neither English nor French: 0.6%

What is the typical household size in Wood Buffalo?

The typical household size in Wood Buffalo is 2.8 people.

What is the median household income in Wood Buffalo?

The median household income in Wood Buffalo is $184,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Wood Buffalo residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Wood Buffalo is as follows:

No diploma: 11.6% (6,425 residents)
High school diploma: 30.5% (16,840 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 14.5% (8,025 residents)
College diploma: 20.7% (11,445 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3.1% (1,725 residents)
University degree: 19.5% (10,790 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Wood Buffalo?

The most common occupations in Wood Buffalo fall within the sectors listed below:

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1%
Business, finance and administration: 13.2%
Education, law, community and government services: 9.4%
Health: 3.9%
Management: 0.5%
Manufacturing and utilities: 6.2%
Natural and applied sciences: 8.4%
Natural resources and agriculture: 4%
Sales and service: 21.4%
Trades and transport: 31.9%

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

Wood Buffalo, AB demographics:population, income, and more