Smoky Lake, Alberta Population & Demographics: How Many People Live Here?

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

This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Smoky Lake. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 4.26 km2. The town has a population density of 264.40 people per km2.

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

Smoky Lake 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.

Smoky Lake location on the map. View in Google Map

Population Characteristics

According to the latest census, Smoky Lake has a population of around 1,127 people. The town's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Smoky Lake has increased by 16.91%.

Population in 2016Population in 2021Difference
9641,127 +16.91%

2026 Population Projection

Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.17% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Smoky Lake's population is projected to reach approximately 1,318 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 309.39 people per km².

Population in 2021Projected Population in 2026Projected Density in 2026 (per km²)
1,1271,318309.39

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 Smoky Lake is around 500 while the female population is around 630.

Of the 1,127 total population in Smoky Lake, the largest gender is female with around 630 women within the population.

MaleFemaleDifference
500630 +20.63%

Is Smoky Lake a Good Place to Live?

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

Employment & Economy

8.5%
Unemployment rate
3.0 pts below the province
43.0%
Employment rate
17.2 pts below the province
47.0%
Participation rate
21.0 pts below the province

Income & Affordability

$61,600
Median household income
$34,400 below the province
17.2%
Below low-income threshold (LIM-AT)
8.0 pts above the province

Commute

77.6%
Commute under 30 minutes
8.0 pts above the province
82.8%
Commute by car
4.5 pts below the province
0.0%
Commute by public transit
5.6 pts below the province

Housing Character

79.8%
Single-detached houses
18.9 pts above the province
8.9%
Apartments (any building size)
13.5 pts below the province

Household Composition

2.00 people
Average household size
0.60people below the province
42.0%
One-person households
16.0 pts above the province

Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.

Other Towns Near Smoky Lake

Population by Age Characteristics

Smoky Lake has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 85 years and over old, accounting for 12.40% of the total population. The town median age is 61.60.

DataMaleFemaleDifferenceTotal
85 years and over45 9.00%95 15.10% 52.63%140 12.40%
75 to 79 years50 10.00%65 10.30% 23.08%120 10.60%
65 to 69 years40 8.00%50 7.90% 20.00%90 8.00%
70 to 74 years30 6.00%65 10.30% 53.85%90 8.00%
60 to 64 years30 6.00%45 7.10% 33.33%85 7.50%
55 to 59 years50 10.00%35 5.60% 30.00%80 7.10%
85 to 89 years30 6.00%45 7.10% 33.33%80 7.10%
Median age of the population58 57.60%65 64.50% 10.85%62 61.60%
80 to 84 years30 6.00%25 4.00% 16.67%60 5.30%
Average age of the population53 52.80%59 58.60% 10.24%56 56.10%
45 to 49 years20 4.00%30 4.80% 33.33%55 4.90%
50 to 54 years20 4.00%35 5.60% 42.86%55 4.90%
90 to 94 years15 3.00%40 6.30% 62.50%55 4.90%
40 to 44 years30 6.00%20 3.20% 33.33%50 4.40%
10 to 14 years20 4.00%25 4.00% 20.00%45 4.00%
35 to 39 years15 3.00%30 4.80% 50.00%45 4.00%
15 to 19 years20 4.00%20 3.20% 0.00%40 3.50%
20 to 24 years15 3.00%25 4.00% 40.00%40 3.50%
25 to 29 years25 5.00%15 2.40% 40.00%40 3.50%
5 to 9 years25 5.00%10 1.60% 60.00%35 3.10%

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 46.00% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 44.70% and 9.30%, respectively.

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

DataMaleFemaleTotal
0 to 14 years12.00%7.90%9.30%

Photos of Places & Sceneries in Smoky Lake

Population of Smoky Lake by Ethnicity and Origin

The population of Smoky Lake is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Smoky Lake 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 Ukrainian, which accounts for 38.98% of the total population, followed by English (16.95%), Irish (14.69%), French (13.56%), and Polish (12.43%).

Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include Scottish, German, Canadian, North American Indigenous, and British Isles.

Ethnicity and OriginMaleFemalePercentage in Population
Ukrainian33.33%44.09%38.98%
English14.29%20.43%16.95%
Irish13.10%17.20%14.69%
French8.33%18.28%13.56%
Polish8.33%16.13%12.43%
Scottish9.52%10.75%10.17%
German7.14%10.75%9.60%
Canadian11.90%5.38%7.91%
North American Indigenous2.38%8.60%5.65%
British Isles5.95%4.30%5.08%

Immigration Profile

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

About 6.2% of Smoky Lake's population are immigrants (55 people).

The top countries of origin for Smoky Lake's immigrant population are Poland (20), Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0), Guyana (0).

Only using 25% sample data.
Country of BirthPopulation
Poland20
Brazil0
Colombia0
El Salvador0
Guyana0

Household and Dwelling Characteristics

About 355 of Smoky Lake's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.

Household Size

About 21.00% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 18.75% of the population. 3 persons, 5 or more persons, and 4 persons households account for 5.70%, 2.85%, and 1.70%, respectively.

Number of Person(s) in HouseholdTotalPercentage
1 person18521.00%
2 persons16518.75%
3 persons505.70%
5 or more persons252.85%
4 persons151.70%

Income in Smoky Lake

Analyzing income distribution in Smoky Lake can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.

Per Capita Income

According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Smoky Lake is $34,400.

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 Smoky Lake population or around 90 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 80 and 80 people, respectively.

Household Income

The Smoky Lake's median household income is $61,600, according to 2020 data.

Below national average Smoky Lake's median household income is 22,400 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 Smoky Lake

This data sheds light on the distribution of Smoky Lake 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.

56.20% or most of the Smoky Lake population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 27.80% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 16.65% has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 11.55% has Bachelor's degree or higher.

Only using 25% sample data.
DegreeMenWomenTotalPercentage
Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree33532065556.20%
High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate12021033027.80%
No certificate, diploma or degree11510521516.65%
Bachelor's degree or higher559013511.55%

Below national average 11.6% of Smoky Lake's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).

Employment in Smoky Lake

This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Smoky Lake. 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 3.97% which is pretty low.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusPercentage
Employment rate43.05%
Unemployment rate3.97%

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 Smoky Lake's population (around 78.90%) are working permanent position as an employee.

Self-employed

In the town, there are 30 men and 15 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 50.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusMenWomenTotal
Self-employed301550

Employment Industry Sectors

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

Smoky Lake has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (21%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector comes second at 14%, followed by Retail trade at 14%.

Only using 25% sample data.
IndustryMenWomenPercentage
Health care and social assistance106521%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction50014%
Retail trade351514%
Public administration152011%
Accommodation and food services15159%
Construction1504%
Manufacturing1504%
Educational services0104%
Other services (except public administration)1504%
Transportation and warehousing1003%
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services003%
Arts, entertainment and recreation003%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting000%
Utilities000%
Wholesale trade000%
Information and cultural industries000%
Finance and insurance000%
Real estate and rental and leasing000%
Professional, scientific and technical services000%
Management of companies and enterprises000%

Labour Market Snapshot

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

Top employer sectors in Smoky Lake: Health care and social assistance (21%), Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (14%), -45 Retail trade (14%)

Top occupation categories in Smoky Lake: Sales and service occupations (23%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (23%), Health occupations (16%)

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 work11511523071.90%
No fixed workplace address50106018.80%
Worked at home15254012.50%
Worked outside Canada0000.00%

Commuting

The data sheds light on how Smoky Lake 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 Smoky Lake residents and sustainable urban planning.

Commuting Duration

This data reveals the average time that the residents of Smoky Lake 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 minutes65.50%
15 to 29 minutes12.10%
30 to 44 minutes8.60%
45 to 59 minutes5.20%
60 minutes and over5.20%

Marital Status

The statistics on marital status in Smoky Lakeshed 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 Smoky Lake's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.

Married or living common-law
44.83%
Married or living common-law
55.17%

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 Smoky Lake. About 980 people living in the province speak English, 15 people speak French, 10 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 0 people speak English and French language.

LanguagePopulation
English980
French15
Neither English nor French10
English and French0

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
English78.7%93.6%
Non-official languages16.8%5.0%
French1.5%0.0%

Religion

Smoky Lake is predominantly Christian. About 530 of its population is Christian (235 males and 235 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.

ReligionPopulation
Christian59.9%
Buddhist0.0%
Hindu0.0%
Jewish0.0%
Islam0.0%
Sikh0.0%

Frequently Asked Questions about Smoky Lake

According to the 2021 census, Smoky Lake has a population of approximately 1,127 people.

Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Smoky Lake increased by 16.91%.

Smoky Lake has a population density of approximately 264.40 people per square kilometre.

Smoky Lake covers a land area of approximately 4.26 km².

The median age of the population in Smoky Lake is 61.60 years.

The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Smoky Lake is Ukrainian.

The median household income in Smoky Lake is $61,600, based on 2020 data.

English is the most common first official language spoken in Smoky Lake.

Christian is the predominant religion in Smoky Lake.

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.