Total population

3,169

-0.3 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$129,000/yr

Private dwellings

1,541

Hay River population

How many people live in Hay River

Hay River is home to 3,169 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.6% identify as male and 49.4% as female.

Total population

3,169

-0.3% year-over-year change

Population density

25.9/km2

Gender ratio

Male

50.6%

1,600

Female

49.4%

1,565

	Value	Percent
Male	1,600	50.6%
Female	1,565	49.4%

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 Hay River is 40.4. Children under 15 make up 17.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.4%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13% are 25 to 34, 14.3% are 35 to 44, and 12.5% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 15.1%.

Average age

40.4

Age breakdown

Under 15: 17.6%
15 to 24: 11.4%
25 to 34: 13%
35 to 44: 14.3%
45 to 54: 12.5%
55 to 64: 16.2%
Over 65: 15.1%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	555	17.6%
15 to 24	360	11.4%
25 to 34	410	13%
35 to 44	450	14.3%
45 to 54	395	12.5%
55 to 64	510	16.2%
Over 65	475	15.1%

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 Hay River, 91.3% of residents were born in Canada, while 7.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 1% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 91.3%
Immigrants: 7.7%
Non-permanent residents: 1%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	2,850	91.3%
Immigrants	240	7.7%
Non-permanent residents	30	1%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 9.1%
Non-minorities: 90.9%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	285	9.1%
Non-minorities	2,835	90.9%

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 Hay River

English: 96.8%
French: 2.9%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

	Value	Percent
English	3,025	96.8%
French	90	2.9%
English and French	5	0.2%
Neither English nor French	5	0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 96.8% of people in Hay River speak English as their primary language, 2.9% 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 Hay River

A peek inside Hay River households

Hay River has 1,270 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 28.6% of all homes, while 32.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 16.9%, and homes with four or more people account for 21.9% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

1,270

Average people per household

2.5

1 person: 28.6%
2 persons: 32.6%
3 persons: 16.9%
4 persons: 13.7%
5 or more persons: 8.2%

	Value	Percent
1 person	365	28.6%
2 persons	415	32.6%
3 persons	215	16.9%
4 persons	175	13.7%
5 or more persons	105	8.2%

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 Hay River

The housing landscape of Hay River

Hay River has a total of 1,541 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Hay River offers a variety of home sizes: 8% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 62% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 30.2% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

1,541

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 83.5%
Attached homes: 16.5%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	1,065	83.5%
Attached homes	210	16.5%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 8%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 62%
4 or more bedrooms: 30.2%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	105	8%
2 or 3 bedrooms	785	62%
4 or more bedrooms	385	30.2%

Homes built since 2011

The age of buildings in Hay River

About 0.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 3.1% between 1946 and 1960. Another 16% went up in the 1960s, 27.7% in the 1970s, and 14.1% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 17.6% of homes were added, and 14.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	10	0.8%
Between 1946 and 1960	40	3.1%
Between 1961 and 1970	205	16%
Between 1971 and 1980	355	27.7%
Between 1981 and 1990	180	14.1%
Between 1991 and 2000	225	17.6%
Between 2001 and 2010	190	14.8%
After 2011	75	5.9%

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.

Hay River occupancy rates

In Hay River, there are 1,274 occupied private dwellings, of which 70.2% are owner-occupied and 29.8% are rented. Meanwhile, 267 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

1,274

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 29.8%
Owned households: 70.2%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	380	29.8%
Owned households	895	70.2%

Unoccupied dwellings

267

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 Hay River, homeowners pay a median of $1,470 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $930. About 89.8% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 10.2% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,470

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$930

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 89.8%
≥30% on shelter: 10.2%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	1,145	89.8%
≥30% on shelter	130	10.2%

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 Hay River

Hay River education at a glance

In Hay River, educational attainment varies across the community. About 23.2% of residents have no formal diploma, while 24% have completed high school and 13.6% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 19.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 16.4% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	595	23.2%
High school diploma	615	24%
Apprenticeship diploma	350	13.6%
College diploma	505	19.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	80	3.1%
University degree	420	16.4%

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 Hay River

How much people earn in Hay River

In Hay River, the median household income sits at $129,000, while the median after-tax household income is $110,000.

Median household income

$129,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$110,000/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.

Hay River income by age

Young adults in Hay River between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,200, 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 $56,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $84,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $91,000, followed by $80,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $49,200.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	18,200
25 - 34	56,400
35 - 44	84,000
45 - 54	91,000
55 - 64	80,000
Over 65	49,200

Employment in Hay River

Workforce and job sectors in Hay River

In Hay River, 1,770 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 6.5%. 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

1,770

Unemployment rate

6.5%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	20	1.2%
Business, finance and administration	355	20.4%
Natural and applied sciences	100	5.8%
Health	135	7.8%
Education, law, community and government services	275	15.8%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	25	1.4%
Sales and service	360	20.7%
Trades and transport	380	21.8%
Natural resources and agriculture	50	2.9%
Manufacturing and utilities	40	2.3%

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 Hay River

How people get around in Hay River

In Hay River, the average commute is 14 minutes. About 84.8% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.6% rely on public transit and 8.1% walk or bike. The remaining 6.4% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

14 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 80.4%
15 to 29 minutes: 10.9%
30 to 44 minutes: 2.6%
45 to 59 minutes: 0.6%
More than 60 minutes: 5.5%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	1,250	80.4%
15 to 29 minutes	170	10.9%
30 to 44 minutes	40	2.6%
45 to 59 minutes	10	0.6%
More than 60 minutes	85	5.5%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	1,315	84.8%
By public transit	10	0.6%
By bicycle/by walking	125	8.1%
By other methods	100	6.4%

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 Hay River demographics

What is the current total population in Hay River?

Hay River has a population of 3,169, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a -0.3% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Hay River?

Hay River has a population density of 25.9 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Hay River?

Hay River has the following gender distribution:

50.6% males (1,600 residents)
49.4% females (1,565 residents)

What is the age distribution of Hay River residents?

The age distribution of Hay River residents is as follows:

Under 15: 17.6% (555 residents)
15-24: 11.4% (360 residents)
25-34: 13% (410 residents)
35-44: 14.3% (450 residents)
45-54: 12.5% (395 residents)
55-64: 16.2% (510 residents)
Over 64: 15.1% (475 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Hay River?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Hay River:

91.3% non-immigrants (2,850 residents)
7.7% immigrants (240 residents)
1% non-permanent residents (30 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Hay River?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Hay River:

English: 96.8%
French: 2.9%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

What is the typical household size in Hay River?

The typical household size in Hay River is 2.5 people.

What is the median household income in Hay River?

The median household income in Hay River is $129,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Hay River residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Hay River is as follows:

No diploma: 23.2% (595 residents)
High school diploma: 24% (615 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 13.6% (350 residents)
College diploma: 19.7% (505 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3.1% (80 residents)
University degree: 16.4% (420 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Hay River?

The most common occupations in Hay River fall within the sectors listed below:

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.4%
Business, finance and administration: 20.4%
Education, law, community and government services: 15.8%
Health: 7.8%
Management: 1.2%
Manufacturing and utilities: 2.3%
Natural and applied sciences: 5.8%
Natural resources and agriculture: 2.9%
Sales and service: 20.7%
Trades and transport: 21.8%

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

Hay River, NT demographics:population, income, and more