Drayton Valley, Alberta Population & Demographics: How Many People Live Here?

Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Drayton Valley census dataset on Statistics Canada

This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Drayton Valley. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 30.90 km2. The town has a population density of 236.00 people per km2.

We highlight the Drayton Valley town's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.

Drayton Valley on the Map

The map and listings below are sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors, not Statistics Canada, and may be incomplete depending on how thoroughly the area has been mapped.

Drayton Valley location on the map. View in Google Map

Population Characteristics

According to the latest census, Drayton Valley has a population of around 7,291 people. The town's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Drayton Valley has increased by 0.77%.

Population in 2016Population in 2021Difference
7,2357,291 +0.77%

2026 Population Projection

Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.15% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Drayton Valley's population is projected to reach approximately 7,347 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 237.77 people per km².

Population in 2021Projected Population in 2026Projected Density in 2026 (per km²)
7,2917,347237.77

This projection is an estimate calculated by CAPopulation from the compound annual growth rate between the 2016 and 2021 censuses. Official 2026 complete census data expected to be released in late 2027.

Population By Genders

The male population of Drayton Valley is around 3,630 while the female population is around 3,660.

Of the 7,291 total population in Drayton Valley, the largest gender is female with around 3,660 women within the population.

MaleFemaleDifference
3,6303,660 +0.82%

Is Drayton Valley a Good Place to Live?

Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Drayton Valley compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against Alberta, its own province. Draw your own conclusions from the actual numbers.

Employment & Economy

11.4%
Unemployment rate
0.1 pts below the province
61.6%
Employment rate
1.4 pts above the province
69.5%
Participation rate
1.5 pts above the province

Income & Affordability

$87,000
Median household income
$9,000 below the province
9.3%
Below low-income threshold (LIM-AT)
0.1 pts above the province

Commute

81.5%
Commute under 30 minutes
11.9 pts above the province
92.9%
Commute by car
5.6 pts above the province
0.3%
Commute by public transit
5.3 pts below the province

Housing Character

63.0%
Single-detached houses
2.1 pts above the province
18.7%
Apartments (any building size)
3.7 pts below the province

Household Composition

2.40 people
Average household size
0.20people below the province
27.9%
One-person households
1.9 pts above the province

Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.

Other Towns Near Drayton Valley

Population by Age Characteristics

Drayton Valley has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 35 to 39 years old, accounting for 7.90% of the total population. The town median age is 37.60.

DataMaleFemaleDifferenceTotal
35 to 39 years305 8.40%275 7.50% 9.84%575 7.90%
30 to 34 years290 8.00%280 7.70% 3.45%570 7.80%
5 to 9 years290 8.00%225 6.10% 22.41%520 7.10%
55 to 59 years250 6.90%260 7.10% 3.85%515 7.10%
10 to 14 years250 6.90%260 7.10% 3.85%510 7.00%
25 to 29 years260 7.20%225 6.10% 13.46%485 6.70%
40 to 44 years230 6.30%255 7.00% 9.80%485 6.70%
15 to 19 years225 6.20%220 6.00% 2.22%445 6.10%
60 to 64 years225 6.20%220 6.00% 2.22%445 6.10%
0 to 4 years225 6.20%220 6.00% 2.22%440 6.00%
50 to 54 years215 5.90%215 5.90% 0.00%430 5.90%
20 to 24 years205 5.60%190 5.20% 7.32%400 5.50%
45 to 49 years195 5.40%180 4.90% 7.69%380 5.20%
65 to 69 years165 4.50%185 5.10% 10.81%345 4.70%
70 to 74 years100 2.80%110 3.00% 9.09%210 2.90%
75 to 79 years85 2.30%115 3.10% 26.09%200 2.70%
85 years and over60 1.70%125 3.40% 52.00%180 2.50%
80 to 84 years55 1.50%85 2.30% 35.29%140 1.90%
85 to 89 years45 1.20%80 2.20% 43.75%125 1.70%
90 to 94 years15 0.40%35 1.00% 57.14%45 0.60%
Average age of the population38 37.50%40 40.10% 7.48%39 38.80%

Broader Age Groups

If the town'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 64.90% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 20.20% and 14.90%, respectively.

If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Drayton Valley are within the 15 to 64 years age group.

DataMaleFemaleTotal
Median age of the population36.40%38.80%37.60%
0 to 14 years21.20%19.30%20.20%
65 years and over12.80%16.80%14.90%

Photos of Places & Sceneries in Drayton Valley

Population of Drayton Valley by Ethnicity and Origin

The population of Drayton Valley is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Drayton Valley 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 20.85% of the total population, followed by German (20.57%), Canadian (17.81%), Irish (17.67%), and Scottish (16.68%).

Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include French, Ukrainian, Norwegian, Polish, and Swedish.

Ethnicity and OriginMaleFemalePercentage in Population
English20.03%21.67%20.85%
German18.76%22.38%20.57%
Canadian17.91%17.85%17.81%
Irish16.36%19.12%17.67%
Scottish14.95%18.41%16.68%
French13.40%12.32%12.79%
Ukrainian7.19%8.64%7.92%
Norwegian7.33%7.79%7.56%
Polish5.64%5.52%5.44%
Swedish3.67%5.67%4.66%

Immigration Profile

Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Drayton Valley's population profile.

About 8.1% of Drayton Valley's population are immigrants (570 people).

The top countries of origin for Drayton Valley's immigrant population are Philippines (250), Croatia (35), India (35), United States of America (30), United Kingdom (20).

Only using 25% sample data.
Country of BirthPopulation
Philippines250
Croatia35
India35
United States of America30
United Kingdom20

Household and Dwelling Characteristics

About 1,825 of Drayton Valley's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.

Household Size

About 17.85% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 13.95% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.05%, 6.45%, and 4.75%, respectively.

Number of Person(s) in HouseholdTotalPercentage
2 persons1,03517.85%
1 person81013.95%
3 persons4107.05%
4 persons3756.45%
5 or more persons2754.75%

Income in Drayton Valley

Analyzing income distribution in Drayton Valley can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.

Per Capita Income

According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Drayton Valley is $44,000.

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 town's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.

Most of Drayton Valley population or around 875 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $30,000 to $49,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 765 and 765 people, respectively.

Household Income

The Drayton Valley's median household income is $87,000, according to 2020 data.

Above national average Drayton Valley's median household income is 3,000 dollars above the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).

The data provides important insights into the town'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 town's income distribution, disparities, and trends.

Education Levels in Drayton Valley

This data sheds light on the distribution of Drayton Valley 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.

45.80% or most of the Drayton Valley population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 37.55% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 16.70% has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 11.65% has Bachelor's degree or higher.

Only using 25% sample data.
DegreeMenWomenTotalPercentage
Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree2,1552,1454,30045.80%
High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate1,6501,9303,58037.55%
No certificate, diploma or degree9556851,64516.70%
Bachelor's degree or higher4106801,09011.65%

Below national average 11.7% of Drayton Valley's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).

Employment in Drayton Valley

This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Drayton Valley. 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 7.94% which is quite high.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusPercentage
Employment rate61.55%
Unemployment rate7.94%

Working as an Employee

The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the town who work as an employee. The majority of Drayton Valley's population (around 71.90%) are working permanent position as an employee.

Self-employed

In the town, there are 295 men and 195 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 490.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusMenWomenTotal
Self-employed295195490

Employment Industry Sectors

The Drayton Valley industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Drayton Valley is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.

Drayton Valley has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (14%) works in the retail trade sector. The Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector comes second at 12%, followed by Accommodation and food services at 11%.

Only using 25% sample data.
IndustryMenWomenPercentage
Retail trade22030514%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction3907512%
Accommodation and food services11529511%
Health care and social assistance4534510%
Construction270458%
Manufacturing180656%
Other services (except public administration)150906%
Educational services501606%
Transportation and warehousing135154%
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services65854%
Public administration75654%
Professional, scientific and technical services80554%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting85353%
Wholesale trade40202%
Utilities30201%
Finance and insurance20251%
Real estate and rental and leasing25201%
Arts, entertainment and recreation30201%
Information and cultural industries15151%
Management of companies and enterprises000%

Labour Market Snapshot

A quick snapshot of where Drayton Valley residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.

Top employer sectors in Drayton Valley: -45 Retail trade (14%), Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (12%), Accommodation and food services (11%)

Top occupation categories in Drayton Valley: Sales and service occupations (30%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (21%), Business, finance and administration occupations (11%)

Places of Work

The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the town. It provides a snapshot of workplaces, showing their geographic distribution and the flow of workers across different areas.

Only using 25% sample data.
Work LocationMenWomenTotalPercentage
Usual place of work1,1751,2752,44570.90%
No fixed workplace address56514571520.70%
Worked at home1001752808.10%
Worked outside Canada100100.30%

Commuting

The data sheds light on how Drayton Valley 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 Drayton Valley residents and sustainable urban planning.

Commuting Duration

This data reveals the average time that the residents of Drayton Valley spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the town's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the town.

Only using 25% sample data.
DurationPercentage
Less than 15 minutes71.70%
15 to 29 minutes9.80%
60 minutes and over9.00%
30 to 44 minutes6.30%
45 to 59 minutes3.20%

Marital Status

The statistics on marital status in Drayton Valleyshed 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 town's social fabric. We can gain insights into Drayton Valley's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.

Married or living common-law
56.79%
Married or living common-law
43.21%

Language Spoken

The data below highlights town'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 Drayton Valley. About 7,165 people living in the province speak English, 55 people speak French, 10 people speak English and French language, and 10 people speak Neither English nor French language.

LanguagePopulation
English7,165
French55
English and French10
Neither English nor French10

Mother Tongue & Home Language

Useful for newcomers researching an area: this shows the language residents first learned at home in childhood (mother tongue) and the language they speak most often at home now, which can differ as families settle in.

LanguageMother TongueSpoken Most Often at Home
English89.6%94.3%
Non-official languages7.8%4.2%
French0.8%0.2%

Religion

Drayton Valley is predominantly Christian. About 3,120 of its population is Christian (1,480 males and 1,480 females).

The second largest religion in the province is Hindu with 1.3% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Muslim and Sikh, both represent 1.0% and 0.4% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.0% of the population.

ReligionPopulation
Christian44.1%
Hindu1.3%
Islam1.0%
Sikh0.4%
Buddhist0.0%
Jewish0.0%

Frequently Asked Questions about Drayton Valley

According to the 2021 census, Drayton Valley has a population of approximately 7,291 people.

Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Drayton Valley increased by 0.77%.

Drayton Valley has a population density of approximately 236.00 people per square kilometre.

Drayton Valley covers a land area of approximately 30.90 km².

The median age of the population in Drayton Valley is 37.60 years.

The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Drayton Valley is English.

The median household income in Drayton Valley is $87,000, based on 2020 data.

English is the most common first official language spoken in Drayton Valley.

Christian is the predominant religion in Drayton Valley.

Statistics Canada (statcan.gc.ca) conducted the 2026 Census of Population in May 2026. However, census data goes through an extensive processing, validation, and quality-assurance period before public release. Based on the release plan, the 2026 Census results begin rolling out on February 10, 2027, with complete community-level profiles available by December 1, 2027. Until then, this page uses 2021 Census data as its primary source, supplemented by a population projection estimate for 2026 calculated using the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from the 2016–2021 Census period.