Northwest Territories demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
41,070
0.1 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$127,000/yr
Private dwellings
17,603

Northwest Territories population

How many people live in Northwest Territories

Northwest Territories is home to 41,070 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.7% identify as male and 49.3% as female.

Total population
41,070
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.7%
20,840
Female
49.3%
20,230
Value Percent
Male 20,840 50.7%
Female 20,230 49.3%
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 Northwest Territories is 36.4. Children under 15 make up 20.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.4%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 16.2% are 25 to 34, 14.9% are 35 to 44, and 13% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 10%.

Average age
36.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.6%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 34
16.2%
35 to 44
14.9%
45 to 54
13%
55 to 64
12.9%
Over 65
10%
Value Percent
Under 15 8,475 20.6%
15 to 24 5,085 12.4%
25 to 34 6,660 16.2%
35 to 44 6,115 14.9%
45 to 54 5,350 13%
55 to 64 5,285 12.9%
Over 65 4,110 10%
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 Northwest Territories, 88.7% of residents were born in Canada, while 10.3% have settled here from abroad. Another 1% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
88.7%
Immigrants
10.3%
Non-permanent residents
1%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 35,820 88.7%
Immigrants 4,145 10.3%
Non-permanent residents 410 1%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
12.2%
Non-minorities
87.8%
Value Percent
Minorities 4,915 12.2%
Non-minorities 35,465 87.8%
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 Northwest Territories
English
96.3%
French
2.8%
English and French
0.4%
Neither English nor French
0.5%
Value Percent
English 39,055 96.3%
French 1,135 2.8%
English and French 155 0.4%
Neither English nor French 200 0.5%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 96.3% of people in Northwest Territories speak English as their primary language, 2.8% communicate mainly in French, 0.4% 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 Northwest Territories

A peek inside Northwest Territories households

Northwest Territories has 15,205 households, with an average of 2.7 people living in each. One-person households make up 26.2% of all homes, while 29.5% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 16.8%, and homes with four or more people account for 27.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
15,205
Average people per household
2.7
1 person
26.2%
2 persons
29.5%
3 persons
16.8%
4 persons
15.8%
5 or more persons
11.7%
Value Percent
1 person 3,985 26.2%
2 persons 4,490 29.5%
3 persons 2,560 16.8%
4 persons 2,400 15.8%
5 or more persons 1,775 11.7%
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 Northwest Territories

The housing landscape of Northwest Territories

Northwest Territories has a total of 17,603 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 56.5% are single-detached houses, 37.4% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 2% are apartments. When it comes to space, Northwest Territories offers a variety of home sizes: 15% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 66% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 19.2% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
17,603
Housing types
Single-detached homes
56.5%
Attached homes
37.4%
Apartments
2%
Movable homes
4%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 8,600 56.5%
Attached homes 5,695 37.4%
Apartments 300 2%
Movable homes 615 4%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
15%
2 or 3 bedrooms
66%
4 or more bedrooms
19.2%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 2,325 15%
2 or 3 bedrooms 9,975 66%
4 or more bedrooms 2,915 19.2%
Homes built since 2011
1,665

The age of buildings in Northwest Territories

About 0.7% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 3.4% between 1946 and 1960. Another 10% went up in the 1960s, 19.5% in the 1970s, and 22.1% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 20.1% of homes were added, and 13.2% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 105 0.7%
Between 1946 and 1960 520 3.4%
Between 1961 and 1970 1,525 10%
Between 1971 and 1980 2,960 19.5%
Between 1981 and 1990 3,360 22.1%
Between 1991 and 2000 3,060 20.1%
Between 2001 and 2010 2,010 13.2%
After 2011 1,665 11%
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.

Northwest Territories occupancy rates

In Northwest Territories, there are 15,207 occupied private dwellings, of which 53.5% are owner-occupied and 46.2% are rented. Meanwhile, 2,396 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
15,207
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
46.2%
Owned households
53.5%
Value Percent
Rented households 7,020 46.2%
Owned households 8,140 53.5%
Unoccupied dwellings
2,396
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 Northwest Territories, homeowners pay a median of $1,740 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,450. About 88.1% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 11.9% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,740
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,450
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
88.1%
≥30% on shelter
11.9%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 13,305 88.1%
≥30% on shelter 1,805 11.9%
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 Northwest Territories

Northwest Territories education at a glance

In Northwest Territories, educational attainment varies across the community. About 25.9% of residents have no formal diploma, while 24.3% have completed high school and 8.4% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 16.5% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 22.2% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 8,260 25.9%
High school diploma 7,740 24.3%
Apprenticeship diploma 2,670 8.4%
College diploma 5,270 16.5%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 900 2.8%
University degree 7,070 22.2%
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 Northwest Territories

How much people earn in Northwest Territories

In Northwest Territories, the median household income sits at $127,000, while the median after-tax household income is $109,000.

Median household income
$127,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$109,000/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.

Northwest Territories income by age

Young adults in Northwest Territories between 15 and 24 have a median income of $16,200, 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 $57,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $84,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $84,000, followed by $77,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $44,000.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 16,200
25 - 34 57,200
35 - 44 84,000
45 - 54 84,000
55 - 64 77,000
Over 65 44,000

Employment in Northwest Territories

Workforce and job sectors in Northwest Territories

In Northwest Territories, 22,555 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8.6%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, education, law, community and government services, sales and service, and trades and transport employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
22,555
Unemployment rate
8.6%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 405 1.8%
Business, finance and administration 4,040 18.4%
Natural and applied sciences 1,470 6.7%
Health 1,310 6%
Education, law, community and government services 4,675 21.3%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 525 2.4%
Sales and service 4,405 20.1%
Trades and transport 4,110 18.8%
Natural resources and agriculture 595 2.7%
Manufacturing and utilities 390 1.8%
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 Northwest Territories

How people get around in Northwest Territories

In Northwest Territories, the average commute is 12 minutes. About 72.4% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.8% rely on public transit and 21% walk or bike. The remaining 5.9% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
12 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
77.5%
15 to 29 minutes
16.1%
30 to 44 minutes
2.7%
45 to 59 minutes
1%
More than 60 minutes
2.7%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 14,405 77.5%
15 to 29 minutes 2,990 16.1%
30 to 44 minutes 505 2.7%
45 to 59 minutes 190 1%
More than 60 minutes 505 2.7%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 13,475 72.4%
By public transit 140 0.8%
By bicycle/by walking 3,900 21%
By other methods 1,090 5.9%
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.

Explore more communities

FAQs about Northwest Territories demographics 

What is the current total population in Northwest Territories?

Northwest Territories has a population of 41,070, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.1% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the gender distribution in Northwest Territories?

Northwest Territories has the following gender distribution:
  • 50.7% males (20,840 residents)  
  • 49.3% females (20,230 residents)

What is the age distribution of Northwest Territories residents?  

The age distribution of Northwest Territories residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 20.6% (8,475 residents)   
  • 15-24: 12.4% (5,085 residents)   
  • 25-34: 16.2% (6,660 residents)   
  • 35-44: 14.9% (6,115 residents)   
  • 45-54: 13% (5,350 residents)   
  • 55-64: 12.9% (5,285 residents)   
  • Over 64: 10% (4,110 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Northwest Territories? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Northwest Territories: 
  • 88.7% non-immigrants (35,820 residents)  
  • 10.3% immigrants (4,145 residents)  
  • 1% non-permanent residents (410 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Northwest Territories?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Northwest Territories: 
  • English: 96.3% 
  • French: 2.8% 
  • English and French: 0.4% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.5% 

What is the typical household size in Northwest Territories?  

The typical household size in Northwest Territories is 2.7 people. 

What is the median household income in Northwest Territories?  

The median household income in Northwest Territories is $127,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Northwest Territories residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Northwest Territories is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 25.9% (8,260 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 24.3% (7,740 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 8.4% (2,670 residents) 
  • College diploma: 16.5% (5,270 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.8% (900 residents) 
  • University degree: 22.2% (7,070 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Northwest Territories?  

The most common occupations in Northwest Territories fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.4% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 18.4% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 21.3% 
  • Health: 6% 
  • Management: 1.8% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 1.8% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 6.7% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.7% 
  • Sales and service: 20.1% 
  • Trades and transport: 18.8% 

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