Total population

28,201

3.8 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$112,000/yr

Private dwellings

11,970

Whitehorse population

How many people live in Whitehorse

Whitehorse is home to 28,201 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.2% identify as male and 50.8% as female.

Total population

28,201

3.8% year-over-year change

Population density

68.1/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49.2%

13,880

Female

50.8%

14,320

	Value	Percent
Male	13,880	49.2%
Female	14,320	50.8%

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 Whitehorse is 38.7. Children under 15 make up 17.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.3%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 16.2% are 25 to 34, 16.2% are 35 to 44, and 12.6% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.7% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 13.5%.

Average age

38.7

Age breakdown

Under 15: 17.6%
15 to 24: 11.3%
25 to 34: 16.2%
35 to 44: 16.2%
45 to 54: 12.6%
55 to 64: 12.7%
Over 65: 13.5%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	4,950	17.6%
15 to 24	3,180	11.3%
25 to 34	4,575	16.2%
35 to 44	4,560	16.2%
45 to 54	3,555	12.6%
55 to 64	3,590	12.7%
Over 65	3,800	13.5%

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 Whitehorse, 81.9% of residents were born in Canada, while 15.1% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.9% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 81.9%
Immigrants: 15.1%
Non-permanent residents: 2.9%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	22,715	81.9%
Immigrants	4,195	15.1%
Non-permanent residents	815	2.9%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 16.8%
Non-minorities: 83.2%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	4,660	16.8%
Non-minorities	23,070	83.2%

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 Whitehorse

English: 94.6%
French: 4.5%
English and French: 0.4%
Neither English nor French: 0.4%

	Value	Percent
English	26,325	94.6%
French	1,250	4.5%
English and French	120	0.4%
Neither English nor French	120	0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 94.6% of people in Whitehorse speak English as their primary language, 4.5% communicate mainly in French, 0.4% are bilingual, and 0.4% 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 Whitehorse

A peek inside Whitehorse households

Whitehorse has 11,435 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 28.9% of all homes, while 33.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 16.1%, and homes with four or more people account for 21.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

11,435

Average people per household

2.4

1 person: 28.9%
2 persons: 33.4%
3 persons: 16.1%
4 persons: 13.9%
5 or more persons: 7.7%

	Value	Percent
1 person	3,310	28.9%
2 persons	3,815	33.4%
3 persons	1,840	16.1%
4 persons	1,595	13.9%
5 or more persons	880	7.7%

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 Whitehorse

The housing landscape of Whitehorse

Whitehorse has a total of 11,970 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 48.4% are single-detached houses, 41.3% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.5% are apartments. When it comes to space, Whitehorse offers a variety of home sizes: 14% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 62% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 23.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

11,970

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 48.4%
Attached homes: 41.3%
Apartments: 0.5%
Movable homes: 9.9%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	5,535	48.4%
Attached homes	4,720	41.3%
Apartments	55	0.5%
Movable homes	1,130	9.9%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 14%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 62%
4 or more bedrooms: 23.5%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	1,605	14%
2 or 3 bedrooms	7,145	62%
4 or more bedrooms	2,685	23.5%

Homes built since 2011

2,425

The age of buildings in Whitehorse

About 1.5% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 6.6% between 1946 and 1960. Another 8.4% went up in the 1960s, 21.7% in the 1970s, and 10.7% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 15.4% of homes were added, and 14.4% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	170	1.5%
Between 1946 and 1960	755	6.6%
Between 1961 and 1970	960	8.4%
Between 1971 and 1980	2,475	21.7%
Between 1981 and 1990	1,225	10.7%
Between 1991 and 2000	1,765	15.4%
Between 2001 and 2010	1,650	14.4%
After 2011	2,425	21.2%

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.

Whitehorse occupancy rates

In Whitehorse, there are 11,436 occupied private dwellings, of which 67.6% are owner-occupied and 32.4% are rented. Meanwhile, 534 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

11,436

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 32.4%
Owned households: 67.6%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	3,700	32.4%
Owned households	7,735	67.6%

Unoccupied dwellings

534

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 Whitehorse, homeowners pay a median of $1,800 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,400. About 82.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 17.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,800

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,400

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 82.9%
≥30% on shelter: 17.1%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	9,465	82.9%
≥30% on shelter	1,955	17.1%

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 Whitehorse

Whitehorse education at a glance

In Whitehorse, educational attainment varies across the community. About 12.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 25.7% have completed high school and 8.6% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.9% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 30.5% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	2,825	12.4%
High school diploma	5,850	25.7%
Apprenticeship diploma	1,970	8.6%
College diploma	4,295	18.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	890	3.9%
University degree	6,955	30.5%

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 Whitehorse

How much people earn in Whitehorse

In Whitehorse, the median household income sits at $112,000, while the median after-tax household income is $98,000.

Median household income

$112,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$98,000/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.

Whitehorse income by age

Young adults in Whitehorse between 15 and 24 have a median income of $22,400, 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 $57,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $75,500. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $79,500, followed by $70,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $45,200.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	22,400
25 - 34	57,200
35 - 44	75,500
45 - 54	79,500
55 - 64	70,000
Over 65	45,200

Employment in Whitehorse

Workforce and job sectors in Whitehorse

In Whitehorse, 16,900 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 5.6%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, and education, law, community and government services employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

16,900

Unemployment rate

5.6%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	270	1.6%
Business, finance and administration	3,230	19.4%
Natural and applied sciences	1,330	8%
Health	1,245	7.5%
Education, law, community and government services	3,230	19.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	560	3.4%
Sales and service	3,460	20.8%
Trades and transport	2,835	17%
Natural resources and agriculture	290	1.7%
Manufacturing and utilities	220	1.3%

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 Whitehorse

How people get around in Whitehorse

In Whitehorse, the average commute is 15 minutes. About 85.4% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 3.3% rely on public transit and 9.6% walk or bike. The remaining 1.7% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

15 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 51.4%
15 to 29 minutes: 41.9%
30 to 44 minutes: 4.2%
45 to 59 minutes: 1.1%
More than 60 minutes: 1.4%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	7,305	51.4%
15 to 29 minutes	5,960	41.9%
30 to 44 minutes	600	4.2%
45 to 59 minutes	150	1.1%
More than 60 minutes	200	1.4%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	12,150	85.4%
By public transit	475	3.3%
By bicycle/by walking	1,360	9.6%
By other methods	240	1.7%

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 Whitehorse demographics

What is the current total population in Whitehorse?

Whitehorse has a population of 28,201, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.8% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Whitehorse?

Whitehorse has a population density of 68.1 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Whitehorse?

Whitehorse has the following gender distribution:

49.2% males (13,880 residents)
50.8% females (14,320 residents)

What is the age distribution of Whitehorse residents?

The age distribution of Whitehorse residents is as follows:

Under 15: 17.6% (4,950 residents)
15-24: 11.3% (3,180 residents)
25-34: 16.2% (4,575 residents)
35-44: 16.2% (4,560 residents)
45-54: 12.6% (3,555 residents)
55-64: 12.7% (3,590 residents)
Over 64: 13.5% (3,800 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Whitehorse?

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

81.9% non-immigrants (22,715 residents)
15.1% immigrants (4,195 residents)
2.9% non-permanent residents (815 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Whitehorse?

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

English: 94.6%
French: 4.5%
English and French: 0.4%
Neither English nor French: 0.4%

What is the typical household size in Whitehorse?

The typical household size in Whitehorse is 2.4 people.

What is the median household income in Whitehorse?

The median household income in Whitehorse is $112,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Whitehorse residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Whitehorse is as follows:

No diploma: 12.4% (2,825 residents)
High school diploma: 25.7% (5,850 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 8.6% (1,970 residents)
College diploma: 18.8% (4,295 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3.9% (890 residents)
University degree: 30.5% (6,955 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Whitehorse?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.4%
Business, finance and administration: 19.4%
Education, law, community and government services: 19.4%
Health: 7.5%
Management: 1.6%
Manufacturing and utilities: 1.3%
Natural and applied sciences: 8%
Natural resources and agriculture: 1.7%
Sales and service: 20.8%
Trades and transport: 17%

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

Whitehorse, YT demographics:population, income, and more