Iqaluit, NU demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
7,429
1.9 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$157,000/yr
Private dwellings
3,297

Iqaluit population

How many people live in Iqaluit

Iqaluit is home to 7,429 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.2% identify as male and 49.8% as female.

Total population
7,429
1.9% year-over-year change
Population density
144/km2
Gender ratio
Male
50.2%
3,730
Female
49.8%
3,695
Value Percent
Male 3,730 50.2%
Female 3,695 49.8%
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 Iqaluit is 32.6. Children under 15 make up 23.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.3%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 18.2% are 25 to 34, 17.6% are 35 to 44, and 14.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 10.4% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 3.7%.

Average age
32.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.6%
15 to 24
12.3%
25 to 34
18.2%
35 to 44
17.6%
45 to 54
14.2%
55 to 64
10.4%
Over 65
3.7%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,750 23.6%
15 to 24 915 12.3%
25 to 34 1,350 18.2%
35 to 44 1,305 17.6%
45 to 54 1,055 14.2%
55 to 64 770 10.4%
Over 65 275 3.7%
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 Iqaluit, 89% of residents were born in Canada, while 10.2% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.8% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
89%
Immigrants
10.2%
Non-permanent residents
0.8%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 6,505 89%
Immigrants 745 10.2%
Non-permanent residents 60 0.8%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
12.4%
Non-minorities
87.6%
Value Percent
Minorities 905 12.4%
Non-minorities 6,405 87.6%
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 Iqaluit
English
92.1%
French
6.5%
English and French
0.6%
Neither English nor French
0.8%
Value Percent
English 6,735 92.1%
French 475 6.5%
English and French 45 0.6%
Neither English nor French 55 0.8%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 92.1% of people in Iqaluit speak English as their primary language, 6.5% communicate mainly in French, 0.6% are bilingual, and 0.8% 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 Iqaluit

A peek inside Iqaluit households

Iqaluit has 2,710 households, with an average of 2.7 people living in each. One-person households make up 26.6% of all homes, while 29.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 17%, and homes with four or more people account for 27.3% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
2,710
Average people per household
2.7
1 person
26.6%
2 persons
29.2%
3 persons
17%
4 persons
13.3%
5 or more persons
14%
Value Percent
1 person 720 26.6%
2 persons 790 29.2%
3 persons 460 17%
4 persons 360 13.3%
5 or more persons 380 14%
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 Iqaluit

The housing landscape of Iqaluit

Iqaluit has a total of 3,297 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 25.5% are single-detached houses, 70.8% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 3.7% are apartments. When it comes to space, Iqaluit offers a variety of home sizes: 24% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 62% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 13.7% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
3,297
Housing types
Single-detached homes
25.5%
Attached homes
70.8%
Apartments
3.7%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 690 25.5%
Attached homes 1,920 70.8%
Apartments 100 3.7%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
24%
2 or 3 bedrooms
62%
4 or more bedrooms
13.7%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 660 24%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,675 62%
4 or more bedrooms 370 13.7%
Homes built since 2011
660

The age of buildings in Iqaluit

About 0.4% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 1.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 5.1% went up in the 1960s, 10.1% in the 1970s, and 15% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 20.9% of homes were added, and 22.4% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 10 0.4%
Between 1946 and 1960 50 1.8%
Between 1961 and 1970 140 5.1%
Between 1971 and 1980 275 10.1%
Between 1981 and 1990 410 15%
Between 1991 and 2000 570 20.9%
Between 2001 and 2010 610 22.4%
After 2011 660 24.2%
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.

Iqaluit occupancy rates

In Iqaluit, there are 2,708 occupied private dwellings, of which 25.9% are owner-occupied and 74.1% are rented. Meanwhile, 589 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
2,708
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
74.1%
Owned households
25.9%
Value Percent
Rented households 2,005 74.1%
Owned households 700 25.9%
Unoccupied dwellings
589
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 Iqaluit, homeowners pay a median of $2,960 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,500. About 89.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 10.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$2,960
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,500
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
89.6%
≥30% on shelter
10.4%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 2,425 89.6%
≥30% on shelter 280 10.4%
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 Iqaluit

Iqaluit education at a glance

In Iqaluit, educational attainment varies across the community. About 24.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 21.8% have completed high school and 5.1% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.4% have graduated from college. Finally, 3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 27.3% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,355 24.4%
High school diploma 1,210 21.8%
Apprenticeship diploma 285 5.1%
College diploma 1,025 18.4%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 165 3%
University degree 1,520 27.3%
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 Iqaluit

How much people earn in Iqaluit

In Iqaluit, the median household income sits at $157,000, while the median after-tax household income is $133,000.

Median household income
$157,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$133,000/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.

Iqaluit income by age

Young adults in Iqaluit between 15 and 24 have a median income of $15,900, 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 $81,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $114,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $112,000, followed by $110,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $52,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 15,900
25 - 34 81,000
35 - 44 114,000
45 - 54 112,000
55 - 64 110,000
Over 65 52,800

Employment in Iqaluit

Workforce and job sectors in Iqaluit

In Iqaluit, 4,220 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7.2%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, education, law, community and government services, business, finance and administration, and sales and service employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
4,220
Unemployment rate
7.2%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 135 3.2%
Business, finance and administration 995 24%
Natural and applied sciences 260 6.3%
Health 225 5.4%
Education, law, community and government services 1,150 27.7%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 175 4.2%
Sales and service 660 15.9%
Trades and transport 490 11.8%
Natural resources and agriculture 25 0.6%
Manufacturing and utilities 40 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 Iqaluit

How people get around in Iqaluit

In Iqaluit, the average commute is 9 minutes. The remaining 4.6% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
9 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
85%
15 to 29 minutes
12.9%
30 to 44 minutes
1%
45 to 59 minutes
0.3%
More than 60 minutes
0.7%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 2,860 85%
15 to 29 minutes 435 12.9%
30 to 44 minutes 35 1%
45 to 59 minutes 10 0.3%
More than 60 minutes 25 0.7%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 2,510 74.6%
By bicycle/by walking 700 20.8%
By other methods 155 4.6%
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 Iqaluit demographics 

What is the current total population in Iqaluit?

Iqaluit has a population of 7,429, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.9% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Iqaluit?  

Iqaluit has a population density of 144 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Iqaluit?

Iqaluit has the following gender distribution:
  • 50.2% males (3,730 residents)  
  • 49.8% females (3,695 residents)

What is the age distribution of Iqaluit residents?  

The age distribution of Iqaluit residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 23.6% (1,750 residents)   
  • 15-24: 12.3% (915 residents)   
  • 25-34: 18.2% (1,350 residents)   
  • 35-44: 17.6% (1,305 residents)   
  • 45-54: 14.2% (1,055 residents)   
  • 55-64: 10.4% (770 residents)   
  • Over 64: 3.7% (275 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Iqaluit? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Iqaluit: 
  • 89% non-immigrants (6,505 residents)  
  • 10.2% immigrants (745 residents)  
  • 0.8% non-permanent residents (60 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Iqaluit?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Iqaluit: 
  • English: 92.1% 
  • French: 6.5% 
  • English and French: 0.6% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.8% 

What is the typical household size in Iqaluit?  

The typical household size in Iqaluit is 2.7 people. 

What is the median household income in Iqaluit?  

The median household income in Iqaluit is $157,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Iqaluit residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Iqaluit is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 24.4% (1,355 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 21.8% (1,210 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 5.1% (285 residents) 
  • College diploma: 18.4% (1,025 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3% (165 residents) 
  • University degree: 27.3% (1,520 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Iqaluit?  

The most common occupations in Iqaluit fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 4.2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 24% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 27.7% 
  • Health: 5.4% 
  • Management: 3.2% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 1% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 6.3% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 0.6% 
  • Sales and service: 15.9% 
  • Trades and transport: 11.8% 

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