Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Milk River has a population of around 824 people. The town's population is in decreased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Milk River has decreased by -0.36%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 827 | 824 | --0.36% |
2026 Population Projection
Milk River's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 824 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Population By Genders
The male population of Milk River is around 385 while the female population is around 435.
Of the 824 total population in Milk River, the largest gender is female with around 435 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 385 | 435 | -11.49% |
Is Milk River a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Milk River compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against Alberta, its own province. Draw your own conclusions from the actual numbers.
Employment & Economy
Income & Affordability
Commute
Housing Character
Household Composition
Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.
Other Towns Near Milk River
- Magrath (63.7 km)
- Coaldale (74.2 km)
- Fairview (78.1 km)
- Coalhurst (89.6 km)
- Cardston (89.7 km)
- Bow Island (94.4 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Milk River has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 70 to 74 years old, accounting for 9.80% of the total population. The town median age is 57.20.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 to 74 years | 40 10.40% | 45 10.30% | 11.11% | 80 9.80% |
| 65 to 69 years | 25 6.50% | 45 10.30% | 44.44% | 70 8.50% |
| 75 to 79 years | 40 10.40% | 35 8.00% | 12.50% | 70 8.50% |
| 50 to 54 years | 35 9.10% | 25 5.70% | 28.57% | 65 7.90% |
| 55 to 59 years | 25 6.50% | 35 8.00% | 28.57% | 65 7.90% |
| 60 to 64 years | 30 7.80% | 35 8.00% | 14.29% | 65 7.90% |
| Median age of the population | 55 54.80% | 60 59.60% | 8.39% | 57 57.20% |
| Average age of the population | 51 50.50% | 53 53.30% | 5.63% | 52 52.00% |
| 85 years and over | 15 3.90% | 30 6.90% | 50.00% | 50 6.10% |
| 0 to 4 years | 25 6.50% | 25 5.70% | 0.00% | 45 5.50% |
| 35 to 39 years | 25 6.50% | 20 4.60% | 20.00% | 45 5.50% |
| 80 to 84 years | 20 5.20% | 20 4.60% | 0.00% | 40 4.90% |
| 10 to 14 years | 15 3.90% | 15 3.40% | 0.00% | 35 4.30% |
| 25 to 29 years | 20 5.20% | 20 4.60% | 0.00% | 30 3.70% |
| 30 to 34 years | 15 3.90% | 20 4.60% | 25.00% | 30 3.70% |
| 40 to 44 years | 20 5.20% | 15 3.40% | 25.00% | 30 3.70% |
| 85 to 89 years | 10 2.60% | 20 4.60% | 50.00% | 30 3.70% |
| 5 to 9 years | 10 2.60% | 20 4.60% | 50.00% | 25 3.00% |
| 15 to 19 years | 10 2.60% | 10 2.30% | 0.00% | 25 3.00% |
| 20 to 24 years | 15 3.90% | 10 2.30% | 33.33% | 25 3.00% |
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 49.40% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 37.80% and 12.80%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Milk River are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 14 years | 14.30% | 12.60% | 12.80% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Milk River
Population of Milk River by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Milk River is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Milk River 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 German, which accounts for 25.83% of the total population, followed by English (25.17%), Scottish (15.23%), Irish (13.91%), and Canadian (11.26%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include French, Dutch, Austrian, Ukrainian, and British Isles.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| German | 24.00% | 28.95% | 25.83% |
| English | 26.67% | 23.68% | 25.17% |
| Scottish | 18.67% | 10.53% | 15.23% |
| Irish | 14.67% | 14.47% | 13.91% |
| Canadian | 10.67% | 11.84% | 11.26% |
| French | 8.00% | 7.89% | 7.28% |
| Dutch | 5.33% | 9.21% | 7.28% |
| Austrian | 4.00% | 6.58% | 5.30% |
| Ukrainian | 5.33% | 3.95% | 4.64% |
| British Isles | 5.33% | 3.95% | 4.64% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Milk River's population profile.
About 9.9% of Milk River's population are immigrants (75 people).
The top countries of origin for Milk River's immigrant population are United States of America (25), United Kingdom (15), Netherlands (10), Trinidad and Tobago (0), Bosnia and Herzegovina (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United States of America | 25 |
| United Kingdom | 15 |
| Netherlands | 10 |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 0 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 0 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 310 of Milk River's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 20.80% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 18.85% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 3.90%, 2.60%, and 2.60%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 160 | 20.80% |
| 1 person | 145 | 18.85% |
| 3 persons | 30 | 3.90% |
| 4 persons | 20 | 2.60% |
| 5 or more persons | 20 | 2.60% |
Income in Milk River
Analyzing income distribution in Milk River can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Milk River is $37,600.
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 Milk River population or around 95 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $30,000 to $49,999, and $50,000 to $79,999 with around 90 and 80 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Milk River's median household income is $64,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Milk River's median household income is 20,000 dollars below 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 Milk River
This data sheds light on the distribution of Milk River 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.
48.95% or most of the Milk River population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 28.15% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 23.65% has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 8.85% has Bachelor's degree or higher.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 245 | 255 | 515 | 48.95% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 165 | 135 | 295 | 28.15% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 115 | 125 | 250 | 23.65% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 35 | 55 | 95 | 8.85% |
Below national average 8.9% of Milk River's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Milk River
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Milk River. 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 4.41% which is pretty low.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 44.12% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.41% |
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 Milk River's population (around 72.70%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 40 men and 10 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 45.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 40 | 10 | 45 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Milk River industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Milk River is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Milk River has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (17%) works in the retail trade sector. The Public administration sector comes second at 12%, followed by Health care and social assistance at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail trade | 25 | 35 | 17% |
| Public administration | 25 | 15 | 12% |
| Health care and social assistance | 0 | 30 | 11% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 25 | 10 | 9% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 15 | 10 | 8% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 20 | 0 | 6% |
| Construction | 0 | 0 | 5% |
| Manufacturing | 15 | 0 | 5% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 0 | 0 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 0 | 15 | 5% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 10 | 0 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 0 | 3% |
| Accommodation and food services | 0 | 10 | 3% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Educational services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Milk River residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Milk River: -45 Retail trade (17%), Public administration (12%), Health care and social assistance (11%)
Top occupation categories in Milk River: Sales and service occupations (27%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (21%), Business, finance and administration occupations (14%)
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.
| Work Location | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 125 | 110 | 230 | 78.00% |
| No fixed workplace address | 40 | 0 | 45 | 15.30% |
| Worked at home | 10 | 10 | 20 | 6.80% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Milk River 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 Milk River residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Milk River 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.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 63.60% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 12.70% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 12.70% |
| 60 minutes and over | 7.30% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 3.60% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Milk Rivershed 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 Milk River's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
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 Milk River. About 755 people living in the province speak English, 15 people speak French, 0 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 755 |
| French | 15 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
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.
| Language | Mother Tongue | Spoken Most Often at Home |
|---|---|---|
| English | 90.4% | 96.2% |
| Non-official languages | 5.8% | 3.2% |
| French | 1.9% | 0.6% |
Religion
Milk River is predominantly Christian. About 495 of its population is Christian (210 males and 210 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Buddhist with 0.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Jewish, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 65.1% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Frequently Asked Questions about Milk River
According to the 2021 census, Milk River has a population of approximately 824 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Milk River decreased by 0.36%.
Milk River has a population density of approximately 340.90 people per square kilometre.
Milk River covers a land area of approximately 2.42 km².
The median age of the population in Milk River is 57.20 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Milk River is German.
The median household income in Milk River is $64,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Milk River.
Christian is the predominant religion in Milk River.
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.