About Yellowknife
Yellowknife, the bustling capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, is a remarkable city that stands as a testament to human resilience and ambition. The city’s position, north of the 60th parallel, has seen it withstand extreme climatic conditions while playing a pivotal role in shaping Canada’s northern narrative.
Once the epicenter of gold mining activity in the 1930s, Yellowknife has gracefully transitioned into a modern urban hub, facilitating a diverse set of economic activities. What’s most striking, perhaps, is its trajectory from a remote outpost to a city teeming with life, amidst one of the planet’s most challenging environments.
The population of Yellowknife, as of the last census, is just over 20,000. This number might seem modest when compared to sprawling metropolitans, but considering the city’s remote location, it’s an impressive figure. These inhabitants, affectionately referred to as ‘Yellowknifers’, bring a medley of cultural influences, offering a cosmopolitan flavor to this northern city.
Geographically, the landscape around Yellowknife is dominated by the expansive Canadian Shield, dense boreal forests, and numerous freshwater lakes. The Great Slave Lake, one of the largest freshwater bodies in the world, lies to its immediate south, offering residents and tourists an array of water-based recreational activities.
The Northwest Territories, a vast expanse covering over a million square kilometers, encapsulates an intriguing mix of indigenous cultures, pristine landscapes, and mineral wealth. Yellowknife, as its capital, serves not just as its administrative nerve center, but also as a gateway to the mysteries of Canada’s Arctic.
This city’s story isn’t just about geography or mining. It’s about the relentless human spirit. Yellowknifers, both indigenous and newcomers, share tales of courage, perseverance, and adaptation. Their stories, interwoven with the city’s growth, serve as a beacon to those who dream of making a life in Canada’s northern frontier.
Yellowknife’s strategic position in the Northwest Territories not only amplifies its importance but also reminds us of the limitless possibilities when humans and nature converge. As more individuals discover the charm and potential of Yellowknife, its population is poised to grow, cementing its status as a pivotal city in Canada’s vast northern expanse.
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Yellowknife
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Yellowknife has a population of around 20,340 people. The city's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Newfoundland and Labrador has increased by 3.94%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 19,569 | 20,340 | +3.94% |
Population By Genders
The male population of Yellowknife is around 10,160 while the female population is around 10,185.
Of the 20,340 total population in Yellowknife, the largest gender is female with around 10,185 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 10,160 | 10,185 | +0.25% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Yellowknife has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 30 to 34 years old, accounting for 9.10% of the total population. The city median age is 35.20.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 to 34 years | 890 8.80% | 960 9.40% | 7.29% | 1,855 9.10% |
| 35 to 39 years | 845 8.30% | 905 8.90% | 6.63% | 1,745 8.60% |
| 40 to 44 years | 790 7.80% | 880 8.60% | 10.23% | 1,670 8.20% |
| 25 to 29 years | 840 8.30% | 795 7.80% | 5.36% | 1,630 8.00% |
| 5 to 9 years | 715 7.00% | 700 6.90% | 2.10% | 1,420 7.00% |
| 45 to 49 years | 705 6.90% | 705 6.90% | 0.00% | 1,410 6.90% |
| 55 to 59 years | 685 6.70% | 700 6.90% | 2.14% | 1,385 6.80% |
| 0 to 4 years | 695 6.80% | 670 6.60% | 3.60% | 1,360 6.70% |
| 10 to 14 years | 670 6.60% | 670 6.60% | 0.00% | 1,340 6.60% |
| 50 to 54 years | 665 6.50% | 655 6.40% | 1.50% | 1,325 6.50% |
| 20 to 24 years | 705 6.90% | 610 6.00% | 13.48% | 1,310 6.40% |
| 15 to 19 years | 585 5.80% | 610 6.00% | 4.10% | 1,195 5.90% |
| 60 to 64 years | 590 5.80% | 525 5.20% | 11.02% | 1,115 5.50% |
| 65 to 69 years | 370 3.60% | 355 3.50% | 4.05% | 725 3.60% |
| 70 to 74 years | 235 2.30% | 195 1.90% | 17.02% | 425 2.10% |
| 75 to 79 years | 110 1.10% | 130 1.30% | 15.38% | 235 1.20% |
| 85 years and over | 35 0.30% | 70 0.70% | 50.00% | 105 0.50% |
| 80 to 84 years | 40 0.40% | 55 0.50% | 27.27% | 95 0.50% |
| 90 to 94 years | 20 0.20% | 45 0.40% | 55.56% | 70 0.30% |
| Average age of the population | 35 35.40% | 36 35.70% | 0.00% | 36 35.50% |
| Median age of the population | 35 34.80% | 36 35.60% | 2.81% | 35 35.20% |
Broader Age Groups
If the city's population is divided into broader age groups, most of the population falls into the 15 to 64 years age group. The group accounts for 71.90% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 20.30% and 7.80%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Yellowknife are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 14 years | 20.50% | 20.00% | 20.30% |
| 65 years and over | 7.70% | 7.90% | 7.80% |
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Population of Yellowknife by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Yellowknife is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Yellowknife is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the province appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in the province are English, which accounts for 19.94% of the total population, followed by Scottish (17.55%), Irish (16.80%), Canadian (11.95%), and French (10.30%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include German, Filipino, Dene, First Nations (North American Indian), and British Isles.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 20.37% | 19.56% | 19.94% |
| Scottish | 16.78% | 18.36% | 17.55% |
| Irish | 17.14% | 16.42% | 16.80% |
| Canadian | 12.03% | 11.88% | 11.95% |
| French | 11.27% | 9.28% | 10.30% |
| German | 9.25% | 8.58% | 8.92% |
| Filipino | 5.92% | 6.89% | 6.40% |
| Dene | 3.13% | 4.44% | 3.79% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 3.29% | 3.84% | 3.57% |
| British Isles | 3.54% | 3.29% | 3.42% |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 3,335 of Yellowknife's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 15.35% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 11.85% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 9.05%, 8.70%, and 5.00%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 2,305 | 15.35% |
| 1 person | 1,785 | 11.85% |
| 3 persons | 1,360 | 9.05% |
| 4 persons | 1,310 | 8.70% |
| 5 or more persons | 755 | 5.00% |
Income in Yellowknife
Analyzing income distribution in Yellowknife can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Yellowknife is $72,000.
A region's per capita data sheds light on the average income earned per person living in it. Since per capita income is calculated by dividing the region's total income by its population, it quantifies the population's economic situation on an individual basis.
Such data offers insights into the city's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Yellowknife population or around 9,235 people falls in the $50,000 to $79,999 group. The next largest groups are the $30,000 to $49,999, and $80,000 to $99,999 with around 6,290 and 5,995 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Yellowknife's median household income is $148,000, according to 2020 data.
The data provides important insights into the city's economic landscape as well as the living standards of its population.
Analyzing such data enables researchers, policymakers, and businesses to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the city's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Yellowknife
This data sheds light on the distribution of Yellowknife residents across educational milestones.
Such information is crucial in shaping the province’s policies on education, workforce development strategies, and initiatives that aim to improve access to quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities.
62.70% or most of the Yellowknife population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 34.60% of the population has a Bachelor's degree or higher, 25.60% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 11.70% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 8,070 | 9,160 | 17,225 | 62.70% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 3,850 | 5,640 | 9,490 | 34.60% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 3,835 | 3,310 | 7,150 | 25.60% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 1,755 | 1,580 | 3,340 | 11.70% |
Employment in Yellowknife
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Yellowknife. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Newfoundland and Labrador is at 4.56% which is pretty low.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 74.42% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.56% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the city who work as an employee. The majority of Yellowknife's population (around 74.90%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the city, there are 535 men and 430 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 965.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 535 | 430 | 965 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Yellowknife industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Yellowknife is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Yellowknife has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (30%) works in the public administration sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 10%, followed by Retail trade at 9%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public administration | 1,650 | 2,025 | 30% |
| Health care and social assistance | 265 | 1,030 | 10% |
| Retail trade | 595 | 480 | 9% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 660 | 210 | 7% |
| Educational services | 200 | 600 | 7% |
| Accommodation and food services | 390 | 325 | 6% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 405 | 295 | 6% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 465 | 140 | 5% |
| Construction | 505 | 60 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 305 | 155 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 185 | 170 | 3% |
| Information and cultural industries | 160 | 110 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 75 | 145 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 160 | 35 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 95 | 95 | 2% |
| Manufacturing | 75 | 50 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 55 | 55 | 1% |
| Utilities | 65 | 10 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 35 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the city. It provides a snapshot of workplaces, showing their geographic distribution and the flow of workers across different areas.
| Work Location | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 4,405 | 4,580 | 8,980 | 76.40% |
| Worked at home | 680 | 865 | 1,540 | 13.10% |
| No fixed workplace address | 900 | 325 | 1,225 | 10.40% |
| Worked outside Canada | 10 | 0 | 10 | 0.10% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Yellowknife residents travel to school or work. It highlights the frequency of different modes of transportation like walking, cycling, carpooling, and public transit.
The data is pivotal in the making of transportation policies as well as the development of transit systems. Ultimately commuting data contributes to improving the quality of life of Yellowknife residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Yellowknife spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the city's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the city.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 72.10% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 21.40% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 2.60% |
| 60 minutes and over | 2.40% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 1.60% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Yellowknifeshed light on its societal dynamics. It captures the diverse types of marital statuses of the population.
Long-term commitments, such as common-law partnerships, civil unions, and marriages, reflect the city's social fabric. We can gain insights into Yellowknife's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights city's linguistic diversity, showing elegances of solo language as well as bilingual harmonies. Other than language, it also shows the cultural landscape in Canada.
English is the most spoken official language in Yellowknife. About 18,930 people living in the province speak English, 875 people speak French, 115 people speak English and French language, and 95 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 18,930 |
| French | 875 |
| English and French | 115 |
| Neither English nor French | 95 |
Religion
Yellowknife is predominantly Christian. About 9,705 of its population is Christian (4,450 males and 4,450 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Muslim with 3.1% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Hindu, both represent 1.1% and 0.7% of the population, while Sikh represent 0.5% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 48.7% |
| Islam | 3.1% |
| Buddhist | 1.1% |
| Hindu | 0.7% |
| Sikh | 0.5% |
| Jewish | 0.2% |