Portage la Prairie, MB demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
13,270
2.5 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$69,000/yr
Private dwellings
6,109

Portage LA Prairie population

How many people live in Portage LA Prairie

Portage LA Prairie is home to 13,270 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.4% identify as male and 51.6% as female.

Total population
13,270
2.5% year-over-year change
Population density
536.8/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
6,425
Female
51.6%
6,845
Value Percent
Male 6,425 48.4%
Female 6,845 51.6%
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 Portage LA Prairie is 41.3. Children under 15 make up 18.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.1%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13% are 25 to 34, 11.5% are 35 to 44, and 11% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.8% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 20.1%.

Average age
41.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.6%
15 to 24
12.1%
25 to 34
13%
35 to 44
11.5%
45 to 54
11%
55 to 64
13.8%
Over 65
20.1%
Value Percent
Under 15 2,475 18.6%
15 to 24 1,605 12.1%
25 to 34 1,720 13%
35 to 44 1,530 11.5%
45 to 54 1,455 11%
55 to 64 1,825 13.8%
Over 65 2,665 20.1%
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 Portage LA Prairie, 89% of residents were born in Canada, while 9.3% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.8% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
89%
Immigrants
9.3%
Non-permanent residents
1.8%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 11,420 89%
Immigrants 1,190 9.3%
Non-permanent residents 225 1.8%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
10.4%
Non-minorities
89.6%
Value Percent
Minorities 1,330 10.4%
Non-minorities 11,495 89.6%
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 Portage LA Prairie
English
98.2%
French
1.2%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.5%
Value Percent
English 12,640 98.2%
French 155 1.2%
English and French 10 0.1%
Neither English nor French 65 0.5%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.2% of people in Portage LA Prairie speak English as their primary language, 1.2% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.5% 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 Portage LA Prairie

A peek inside Portage LA Prairie households

Portage LA Prairie has 5,645 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 35.5% of all homes, while 32.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.7%, and homes with four or more people account for 19% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
5,645
Average people per household
2.3
1 person
35.5%
2 persons
32.9%
3 persons
12.7%
4 persons
11.4%
5 or more persons
7.6%
Value Percent
1 person 2,000 35.5%
2 persons 1,850 32.9%
3 persons 715 12.7%
4 persons 640 11.4%
5 or more persons 425 7.6%
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 Portage LA Prairie

The housing landscape of Portage LA Prairie

Portage LA Prairie has a total of 6,109 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 70.2% are single-detached houses, 23.7% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 4.6% are apartments. When it comes to space, Portage LA Prairie offers a variety of home sizes: 14% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 60% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 25.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
6,109
Housing types
Single-detached homes
70.2%
Attached homes
23.7%
Apartments
4.6%
Movable homes
1.5%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 3,970 70.2%
Attached homes 1,340 23.7%
Apartments 260 4.6%
Movable homes 85 1.5%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
14%
2 or 3 bedrooms
60%
4 or more bedrooms
25.4%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 795 14%
2 or 3 bedrooms 3,410 60%
4 or more bedrooms 1,435 25.4%
Homes built since 2011
390

The age of buildings in Portage LA Prairie

About 14.5% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 19.5% between 1946 and 1960. Another 14.8% went up in the 1960s, 20.3% in the 1970s, and 11.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 6.8% of homes were added, and 5.6% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 820 14.5%
Between 1946 and 1960 1,100 19.5%
Between 1961 and 1970 835 14.8%
Between 1971 and 1980 1,145 20.3%
Between 1981 and 1990 655 11.6%
Between 1991 and 2000 385 6.8%
Between 2001 and 2010 315 5.6%
After 2011 390 6.9%
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.

Portage LA Prairie occupancy rates

In Portage LA Prairie, there are 5,644 occupied private dwellings, of which 65.1% are owner-occupied and 34.9% are rented. Meanwhile, 465 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
5,644
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
34.9%
Owned households
65.1%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,970 34.9%
Owned households 3,670 65.1%
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 Portage LA Prairie, homeowners pay a median of $910 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $880. About 83.1% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 16.9% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$910
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$880
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
83.1%
≥30% on shelter
16.9%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 4,680 83.1%
≥30% on shelter 955 16.9%
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 Portage LA Prairie

Portage LA Prairie education at a glance

In Portage LA Prairie, educational attainment varies across the community. About 21.9% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31.5% have completed high school and 8.1% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 20.4% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 15.8% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 2,265 21.9%
High school diploma 3,265 31.5%
Apprenticeship diploma 835 8.1%
College diploma 2,115 20.4%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 240 2.3%
University degree 1,635 15.8%
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 Portage LA Prairie

How much people earn in Portage LA Prairie

In Portage LA Prairie, the median household income sits at $69,000, while the median after-tax household income is $60,800.

Median household income
$69,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$60,800/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.

Portage LA Prairie income by age

Young adults in Portage LA Prairie between 15 and 24 have a median income of $20,600, 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 $42,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $52,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $54,400, followed by $43,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $33,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 20,600
25 - 34 42,000
35 - 44 52,800
45 - 54 54,400
55 - 64 43,200
Over 65 33,600

Employment in Portage LA Prairie

Workforce and job sectors in Portage LA Prairie

In Portage LA Prairie, 6,440 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7%. 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
6,440
Unemployment rate
7%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 45 0.7%
Business, finance and administration 765 12.1%
Natural and applied sciences 175 2.8%
Health 745 11.8%
Education, law, community and government services 985 15.6%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 80 1.3%
Sales and service 1,765 27.9%
Trades and transport 1,130 17.8%
Natural resources and agriculture 195 3.1%
Manufacturing and utilities 450 7.1%
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 Portage LA Prairie

How people get around in Portage LA Prairie

In Portage LA Prairie, the average commute is 14 minutes. About 89.8% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.4% rely on public transit and 8.7% walk or bike. The remaining 1.2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
14 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
73.4%
15 to 29 minutes
15.9%
30 to 44 minutes
4.1%
45 to 59 minutes
2.6%
More than 60 minutes
4.1%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 4,115 73.4%
15 to 29 minutes 890 15.9%
30 to 44 minutes 230 4.1%
45 to 59 minutes 145 2.6%
More than 60 minutes 230 4.1%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 5,040 89.8%
By public transit 20 0.4%
By bicycle/by walking 490 8.7%
By other methods 65 1.2%
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 Portage LA Prairie demographics 

What is the current total population in Portage LA Prairie?

Portage LA Prairie has a population of 13,270, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.5% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Portage LA Prairie?  

Portage LA Prairie has a population density of 536.8 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Portage LA Prairie?

Portage LA Prairie has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.4% males (6,425 residents)  
  • 51.6% females (6,845 residents)

What is the age distribution of Portage LA Prairie residents?  

The age distribution of Portage LA Prairie residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 18.6% (2,475 residents)   
  • 15-24: 12.1% (1,605 residents)   
  • 25-34: 13% (1,720 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.5% (1,530 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11% (1,455 residents)   
  • 55-64: 13.8% (1,825 residents)   
  • Over 64: 20.1% (2,665 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Portage LA Prairie? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Portage LA Prairie: 
  • 89% non-immigrants (11,420 residents)  
  • 9.3% immigrants (1,190 residents)  
  • 1.8% non-permanent residents (225 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Portage LA Prairie?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Portage LA Prairie: 
  • English: 98.2% 
  • French: 1.2% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.5% 

What is the typical household size in Portage LA Prairie?  

The typical household size in Portage LA Prairie is 2.3 people. 

What is the median household income in Portage LA Prairie?  

The median household income in Portage LA Prairie is $69,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Portage LA Prairie residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Portage LA Prairie is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 21.9% (2,265 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 31.5% (3,265 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 8.1% (835 residents) 
  • College diploma: 20.4% (2,115 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.3% (240 residents) 
  • University degree: 15.8% (1,635 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Portage LA Prairie?  

The most common occupations in Portage LA Prairie fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.3% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 12.1% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 15.6% 
  • Health: 11.8% 
  • Management: 0.7% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 7.1% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 2.8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3.1% 
  • Sales and service: 27.9% 
  • Trades and transport: 17.8% 

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