Norman Wells, NT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
673
-4.9 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$160,000/yr
Private dwellings
404

Norman Wells population

How many people live in Norman Wells

Norman Wells is home to 673 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.8% identify as male and 49.2% as female.

Total population
673
-4.9% year-over-year change
Population density
8.2/km2
Gender ratio
Male
50.8%
340
Female
49.2%
330
Value Percent
Male 340 50.8%
Female 330 49.2%
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 Norman Wells is 33.8. Children under 15 make up 20.7% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 16.3%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 17.8% are 25 to 34, 14.1% are 35 to 44, and 11.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.3% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 6.7%.

Average age
33.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.7%
15 to 24
16.3%
25 to 34
17.8%
35 to 44
14.1%
45 to 54
11.1%
55 to 64
13.3%
Over 65
6.7%
Value Percent
Under 15 140 20.7%
15 to 24 110 16.3%
25 to 34 120 17.8%
35 to 44 95 14.1%
45 to 54 75 11.1%
55 to 64 90 13.3%
Over 65 45 6.7%
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 Norman Wells, 88.1% of residents were born in Canada, while 11.1% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
88.1%
Immigrants
11.1%
Non-permanent residents
1.5%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 595 88.1%
Immigrants 75 11.1%
Non-permanent residents 10 1.5%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
9.6%
Non-minorities
90.4%
Value Percent
Minorities 65 9.6%
Non-minorities 610 90.4%
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 Norman Wells
English
96.3%
French
3%
English and French
0.7%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 650 96.3%
French 20 3%
English and French 5 0.7%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 96.3% of people in Norman Wells speak English as their primary language, 3% communicate mainly in French, 0.7% 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 Norman Wells

A peek inside Norman Wells households

Norman Wells has 270 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 30.9% of all homes, while 27.3% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 18.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 23.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
270
Average people per household
2.5
1 person
30.9%
2 persons
27.3%
3 persons
18.2%
4 persons
10.9%
5 or more persons
12.7%
Value Percent
1 person 85 30.9%
2 persons 75 27.3%
3 persons 50 18.2%
4 persons 30 10.9%
5 or more persons 35 12.7%
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 Norman Wells

The housing landscape of Norman Wells

Norman Wells has a total of 404 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Norman Wells offers a variety of home sizes: 15% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 78% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 7.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
404
Housing types
Single-detached homes
56.4%
Attached homes
32.7%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
10.9%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 155 56.4%
Attached homes 90 32.7%
Movable homes 30 10.9%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
15%
2 or 3 bedrooms
78%
4 or more bedrooms
7.4%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 40 15%
2 or 3 bedrooms 210 78%
4 or more bedrooms 20 7.4%
Homes built since 2011
20

The age of buildings in Norman Wells

Another 7.8% went up in the 1960s, 21.6% in the 1970s, and 23.5% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 23.5% of homes were added, and 15.7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Between 1961 and 1970 20 7.8%
Between 1971 and 1980 55 21.6%
Between 1981 and 1990 60 23.5%
Between 1991 and 2000 60 23.5%
Between 2001 and 2010 40 15.7%
After 2011 20 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.

Norman Wells occupancy rates

In Norman Wells, there are 269 occupied private dwellings, of which 44.4% are owner-occupied and 55.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 135 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
269
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
55.6%
Owned households
44.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 150 55.6%
Owned households 120 44.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
135
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 Norman Wells, homeowners pay a median of $1,640 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,300. About 92.5% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 7.5% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,640
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,300
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
92.5%
≥30% on shelter
7.5%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 245 92.5%
≥30% on shelter 20 7.5%
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 Norman Wells

Norman Wells education at a glance

In Norman Wells, educational attainment varies across the community. About 17.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 29% have completed high school and 10.3% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 23.4% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.9% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 17.8% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 95 17.8%
High school diploma 155 29%
Apprenticeship diploma 55 10.3%
College diploma 125 23.4%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 10 1.9%
University degree 95 17.8%
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 Norman Wells

How much people earn in Norman Wells

In Norman Wells, the median household income sits at $160,000, while the median after-tax household income is $122,000.

Median household income
$160,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$122,000/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.

Norman Wells income by age

Young adults in Norman Wells between 15 and 24 have a median income of $7,350, 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 $84,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $107,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $118,000, followed by $113,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $63,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 7,350
25 - 34 84,000
35 - 44 107,000
45 - 54 118,000
55 - 64 113,000
Over 65 63,600

Employment in Norman Wells

Workforce and job sectors in Norman Wells

In Norman Wells, 415 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 4.8%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, education, law, community and government services, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
415
Unemployment rate
4.8%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 60 15%
Natural and applied sciences 20 5%
Health 20 5%
Education, law, community and government services 90 22.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 10 2.5%
Sales and service 60 15%
Trades and transport 105 26.2%
Natural resources and agriculture 20 5%
Manufacturing and utilities 15 3.8%
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 Norman Wells

How people get around in Norman Wells

In Norman Wells, the average commute is 8 minutes. The remaining 2.6% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
8 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
93.2%
15 to 29 minutes
6.8%
30 to 44 minutes
0%
45 to 59 minutes
0%
More than 60 minutes
0%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 345 93.2%
15 to 29 minutes 25 6.8%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 290 75.3%
By bicycle/by walking 85 22.1%
By other methods 10 2.6%
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 Norman Wells demographics 

What is the current total population in Norman Wells?

Norman Wells has a population of 673, 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 Norman Wells?  

Norman Wells has a population density of 8.2 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Norman Wells?

Norman Wells has the following gender distribution:
  • 50.8% males (340 residents)  
  • 49.2% females (330 residents)

What is the age distribution of Norman Wells residents?  

The age distribution of Norman Wells residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 20.7% (140 residents)   
  • 15-24: 16.3% (110 residents)   
  • 25-34: 17.8% (120 residents)   
  • 35-44: 14.1% (95 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.1% (75 residents)   
  • 55-64: 13.3% (90 residents)   
  • Over 64: 6.7% (45 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Norman Wells? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Norman Wells: 
  • 88.1% non-immigrants (595 residents)  
  • 11.1% immigrants (75 residents)  
  • 1.5% non-permanent residents (10 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Norman Wells?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Norman Wells: 
  • English: 96.3% 
  • French: 3% 
  • English and French: 0.7% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Norman Wells?  

The typical household size in Norman Wells is 2.5 people. 

What is the median household income in Norman Wells?  

The median household income in Norman Wells is $160,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Norman Wells residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Norman Wells is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 17.8% (95 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 29% (155 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 10.3% (55 residents) 
  • College diploma: 23.4% (125 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.9% (10 residents) 
  • University degree: 17.8% (95 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Norman Wells?  

The most common occupations in Norman Wells fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.5% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 15% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 22.5% 
  • Health: 5% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 3.8% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 5% 
  • Sales and service: 15% 
  • Trades and transport: 26.2% 

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