Total population

1,100

1.5 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$111,000/yr

Private dwellings

572

Fort Simpson population

How many people live in Fort Simpson

Fort Simpson is home to 1,100 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 51.4% identify as male and 48.6% as female.

Total population

1,100

1.5% year-over-year change

Population density

14.1/km2

Gender ratio

Male

51.4%

565

Female

48.6%

535

	Value	Percent
Male	565	51.4%
Female	535	48.6%

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 Fort Simpson is 40.3. Children under 15 make up 14.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 16.4% are 25 to 34, 13.2% are 35 to 44, and 13.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 13.7%.

Average age

40.3

Age breakdown

Under 15: 14.6%
15 to 24: 12.8%
25 to 34: 16.4%
35 to 44: 13.2%
45 to 54: 13.2%
55 to 64: 16%
Over 65: 13.7%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	160	14.6%
15 to 24	140	12.8%
25 to 34	180	16.4%
35 to 44	145	13.2%
45 to 54	145	13.2%
55 to 64	175	16%
Over 65	150	13.7%

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 Fort Simpson, 95.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 3.7% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 95.8%
Immigrants: 3.7%
Non-permanent residents: 0%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	1,035	95.8%
Immigrants	40	3.7%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 2.8%
Non-minorities: 97.2%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	30	2.8%
Non-minorities	1,050	97.2%

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 Fort Simpson

English: 98.6%
French: 1.4%
English and French: 0%
Neither English nor French: 0%

	Value	Percent
English	1,070	98.6%
French	15	1.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.6% of people in Fort Simpson speak English as their primary language, 1.4% communicate mainly in French, are bilingual, and 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 Fort Simpson

A peek inside Fort Simpson households

Fort Simpson has 450 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 28.9% of all homes, while 34.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 22.3% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

450

Average people per household

2.4

1 person: 28.9%
2 persons: 34.4%
3 persons: 14.4%
4 persons: 15.6%
5 or more persons: 6.7%

	Value	Percent
1 person	130	28.9%
2 persons	155	34.4%
3 persons	65	14.4%
4 persons	70	15.6%
5 or more persons	30	6.7%

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 Fort Simpson

The housing landscape of Fort Simpson

Fort Simpson has a total of 572 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Fort Simpson offers a variety of home sizes: 17% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 70% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 13.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

572

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 67%
Attached homes: 33%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	305	67%
Attached homes	150	33%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 17%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 70%
4 or more bedrooms: 13.5%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	75	17%
2 or 3 bedrooms	310	70%
4 or more bedrooms	60	13.5%

Homes built since 2011

The age of buildings in Fort Simpson

Another 8.9% went up in the 1960s, 14.4% in the 1970s, and 27.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 22.2% of homes were added, and 15.6% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Between 1946 and 1960	15	3.3%
Between 1961 and 1970	40	8.9%
Between 1971 and 1980	65	14.4%
Between 1981 and 1990	125	27.8%
Between 1991 and 2000	100	22.2%
Between 2001 and 2010	70	15.6%
After 2011	35	7.8%

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.

Fort Simpson occupancy rates

In Fort Simpson, there are 452 occupied private dwellings, of which 51.6% are owner-occupied and 48.4% are rented. Meanwhile, 120 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

452

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 48.4%
Owned households: 51.6%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	220	48.4%
Owned households	235	51.6%

Unoccupied dwellings

120

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 Fort Simpson, homeowners pay a median of $1,010 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,110. About 91.1% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 8.9% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,010

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,110

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 91.1%
≥30% on shelter: 8.9%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	410	91.1%
≥30% on shelter	40	8.9%

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 Fort Simpson

Fort Simpson education at a glance

In Fort Simpson, educational attainment varies across the community. About 31.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 26% have completed high school and 11.9% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 15.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.2% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 13% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	290	31.4%
High school diploma	240	26%
Apprenticeship diploma	110	11.9%
College diploma	145	15.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	20	2.2%
University degree	120	13%

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 Fort Simpson

How much people earn in Fort Simpson

In Fort Simpson, the median household income sits at $111,000, while the median after-tax household income is $99,000.

Median household income

$111,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$99,000/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.

Fort Simpson income by age

Young adults in Fort Simpson between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,400, 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 $43,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $60,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $56,000, followed by $84,000 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	17,400
25 - 34	43,200
35 - 44	60,400
45 - 54	56,000
55 - 64	84,000
Over 65	45,600

Employment in Fort Simpson

Workforce and job sectors in Fort Simpson

In Fort Simpson, 605 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 10.7%. 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

605

Unemployment rate

10.7%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	10	1.7%
Business, finance and administration	105	18.3%
Natural and applied sciences	30	5.2%
Health	25	4.4%
Education, law, community and government services	105	18.3%
Sales and service	125	21.7%
Trades and transport	150	26.1%
Natural resources and agriculture	15	2.6%
Manufacturing and utilities	10	1.7%

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 Fort Simpson

How people get around in Fort Simpson

In Fort Simpson, the average commute is 8 minutes. The remaining 2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

8 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 84%
15 to 29 minutes: 12%
30 to 44 minutes: 2%
45 to 59 minutes: 0%
More than 60 minutes: 2%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	420	84%
15 to 29 minutes	60	12%
30 to 44 minutes	10	2%
More than 60 minutes	10	2%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	370	75.5%
By bicycle/by walking	110	22.4%
By other methods	10	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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Big cities by the numbers

FAQs about Fort Simpson demographics

What is the current total population in Fort Simpson?

Fort Simpson has a population of 1,100, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.5% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Fort Simpson?

Fort Simpson has a population density of 14.1 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Fort Simpson?

Fort Simpson has the following gender distribution:

51.4% males (565 residents)
48.6% females (535 residents)

What is the age distribution of Fort Simpson residents?

The age distribution of Fort Simpson residents is as follows:

Under 15: 14.6% (160 residents)
15-24: 12.8% (140 residents)
25-34: 16.4% (180 residents)
35-44: 13.2% (145 residents)
45-54: 13.2% (145 residents)
55-64: 16% (175 residents)
Over 64: 13.7% (150 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Fort Simpson?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Fort Simpson:

95.8% non-immigrants (1,035 residents)
3.7% immigrants (40 residents)
0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Fort Simpson?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Fort Simpson:

English: 98.6%
French: 1.4%
English and French: 0%
Neither English nor French: 0%

What is the typical household size in Fort Simpson?

The typical household size in Fort Simpson is 2.4 people.

What is the median household income in Fort Simpson?

The median household income in Fort Simpson is $111,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Fort Simpson residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Fort Simpson is as follows:

No diploma: 31.4% (290 residents)
High school diploma: 26% (240 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 11.9% (110 residents)
College diploma: 15.7% (145 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 2.2% (20 residents)
University degree: 13% (120 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Fort Simpson?

The most common occupations in Fort Simpson fall within the sectors listed below:

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 0%
Business, finance and administration: 18.3%
Education, law, community and government services: 18.3%
Health: 4.4%
Management: 1.7%
Manufacturing and utilities: 1.7%
Natural and applied sciences: 5.2%
Natural resources and agriculture: 2.6%
Sales and service: 21.7%
Trades and transport: 26.1%

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

Fort Simpson, NT demographics:population, income, and more