Total population

20,340

0.4 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$148,000/yr

Private dwellings

7,975

Yellowknife population

How many people live in Yellowknife

Yellowknife is home to 20,340 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.9% identify as male and 50.1% as female.

Total population

20,340

0.4% year-over-year change

Population density

196.8/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49.9%

10,160

Female

50.1%

10,185

	Value	Percent
Male	10,160	49.9%
Female	10,185	50.1%

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 Yellowknife is 35.5. Children under 15 make up 20.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.3%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 17.1% are 25 to 34, 16.8% are 35 to 44, and 13.4% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.3% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 7.8%.

Average age

35.5

Age breakdown

Under 15: 20.2%
15 to 24: 12.3%
25 to 34: 17.1%
35 to 44: 16.8%
45 to 54: 13.4%
55 to 64: 12.3%
Over 65: 7.8%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	4,120	20.2%
15 to 24	2,505	12.3%
25 to 34	3,485	17.1%
35 to 44	3,415	16.8%
45 to 54	2,735	13.4%
55 to 64	2,500	12.3%
Over 65	1,590	7.8%

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 Yellowknife, 81.9% of residents were born in Canada, while 16.4% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.7% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 81.9%
Immigrants: 16.4%
Non-permanent residents: 1.7%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	16,300	81.9%
Immigrants	3,265	16.4%
Non-permanent residents	345	1.7%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 20%
Non-minorities: 80%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	3,990	20%
Non-minorities	15,920	80%

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 Yellowknife

English: 94.6%
French: 4.4%
English and French: 0.6%
Neither English nor French: 0.5%

	Value	Percent
English	18,930	94.6%
French	875	4.4%
English and French	115	0.6%
Neither English nor French	95	0.5%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 94.6% of people in Yellowknife speak English as their primary language, 4.4% communicate mainly in French, 0.6% 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 Yellowknife

A peek inside Yellowknife households

Yellowknife has 7,520 households, with an average of 2.7 people living in each. One-person households make up 23.8% of all homes, while 30.7% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 18.1%, and homes with four or more people account for 27.4% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

7,520

Average people per household

2.7

1 person: 23.8%
2 persons: 30.7%
3 persons: 18.1%
4 persons: 17.4%
5 or more persons: 10%

	Value	Percent
1 person	1,785	23.8%
2 persons	2,305	30.7%
3 persons	1,360	18.1%
4 persons	1,310	17.4%
5 or more persons	755	10%

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 Yellowknife

The housing landscape of Yellowknife

Yellowknife has a total of 7,975 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 44.3% are single-detached houses, 44.5% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 4% are apartments. When it comes to space, Yellowknife offers a variety of home sizes: 15% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 66% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 19.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

7,975

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 44.3%
Attached homes: 44.5%
Apartments: 4%
Movable homes: 7.2%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	3,335	44.3%
Attached homes	3,355	44.5%
Apartments	300	4%
Movable homes	545	7.2%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 15%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 66%
4 or more bedrooms: 19.1%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	1,115	15%
2 or 3 bedrooms	4,960	66%
4 or more bedrooms	1,435	19.1%

Homes built since 2011

1,045

The age of buildings in Yellowknife

About 0.7% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 2.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 7.9% went up in the 1960s, 19.4% in the 1970s, and 24.4% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 18.8% of homes were added, and 12% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	55	0.7%
Between 1946 and 1960	210	2.8%
Between 1961 and 1970	595	7.9%
Between 1971 and 1980	1,455	19.4%
Between 1981 and 1990	1,835	24.4%
Between 1991 and 2000	1,415	18.8%
Between 2001 and 2010	905	12%
After 2011	1,045	13.9%

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.

Yellowknife occupancy rates

In Yellowknife, there are 7,519 occupied private dwellings, of which 56.9% are owner-occupied and 43.1% are rented. Meanwhile, 456 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

7,519

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 43.1%
Owned households: 56.9%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	3,240	43.1%
Owned households	4,275	56.9%

Unoccupied dwellings

456

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 Yellowknife, homeowners pay a median of $2,360 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,820. About 84.2% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 15.8% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$2,360

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,820

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 84.2%
≥30% on shelter: 15.8%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	6,335	84.2%
≥30% on shelter	1,185	15.8%

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 Yellowknife

Yellowknife education at a glance

In Yellowknife, educational attainment varies across the community. About 14.2% of residents have no formal diploma, while 27% have completed high school and 6.6% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 16.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 32.2% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	2,240	14.2%
High school diploma	4,265	27%
Apprenticeship diploma	1,040	6.6%
College diploma	2,635	16.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	530	3.4%
University degree	5,085	32.2%

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 Yellowknife

How much people earn in Yellowknife

In Yellowknife, the median household income sits at $148,000, while the median after-tax household income is $126,000.

Median household income

$148,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$126,000/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.

Yellowknife income by age

Young adults in Yellowknife between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,600, 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 $68,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $97,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $98,000, followed by $89,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $56,800.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	18,600
25 - 34	68,000
35 - 44	97,000
45 - 54	98,000
55 - 64	89,000
Over 65	56,800

Employment in Yellowknife

Workforce and job sectors in Yellowknife

In Yellowknife, 12,475 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 5.8%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, education, law, community and government services, 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

12,475

Unemployment rate

5.8%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	235	1.9%
Business, finance and administration	2,435	19.7%
Natural and applied sciences	1,070	8.7%
Health	770	6.2%
Education, law, community and government services	2,695	21.8%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	320	2.6%
Sales and service	2,485	20.1%
Trades and transport	1,940	15.7%
Natural resources and agriculture	265	2.2%
Manufacturing and utilities	130	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 Yellowknife

How people get around in Yellowknife

In Yellowknife, the average commute is 13 minutes. About 73.4% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.3% rely on public transit and 19.6% walk or bike. The remaining 5.7% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

13 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 72.1%
15 to 29 minutes: 21.4%
30 to 44 minutes: 2.6%
45 to 59 minutes: 1.6%
More than 60 minutes: 2.4%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	7,360	72.1%
15 to 29 minutes	2,180	21.4%
30 to 44 minutes	265	2.6%
45 to 59 minutes	160	1.6%
More than 60 minutes	245	2.4%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	7,495	73.4%
By public transit	135	1.3%
By bicycle/by walking	2,000	19.6%
By other methods	585	5.7%

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 Yellowknife demographics

What is the current total population in Yellowknife?

Yellowknife has a population of 20,340, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.4% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Yellowknife?

Yellowknife has a population density of 196.8 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Yellowknife?

Yellowknife has the following gender distribution:

49.9% males (10,160 residents)
50.1% females (10,185 residents)

What is the age distribution of Yellowknife residents?

The age distribution of Yellowknife residents is as follows:

Under 15: 20.2% (4,120 residents)
15-24: 12.3% (2,505 residents)
25-34: 17.1% (3,485 residents)
35-44: 16.8% (3,415 residents)
45-54: 13.4% (2,735 residents)
55-64: 12.3% (2,500 residents)
Over 64: 7.8% (1,590 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Yellowknife?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Yellowknife:

81.9% non-immigrants (16,300 residents)
16.4% immigrants (3,265 residents)
1.7% non-permanent residents (345 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Yellowknife?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Yellowknife:

English: 94.6%
French: 4.4%
English and French: 0.6%
Neither English nor French: 0.5%

What is the typical household size in Yellowknife?

The typical household size in Yellowknife is 2.7 people.

What is the median household income in Yellowknife?

The median household income in Yellowknife is $148,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Yellowknife residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Yellowknife is as follows:

No diploma: 14.2% (2,240 residents)
High school diploma: 27% (4,265 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 6.6% (1,040 residents)
College diploma: 16.7% (2,635 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3.4% (530 residents)
University degree: 32.2% (5,085 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Yellowknife?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.6%
Business, finance and administration: 19.7%
Education, law, community and government services: 21.8%
Health: 6.2%
Management: 1.9%
Manufacturing and utilities: 1%
Natural and applied sciences: 8.7%
Natural resources and agriculture: 2.2%
Sales and service: 20.1%
Trades and transport: 15.7%

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

Yellowknife, NT demographics:population, income, and more