Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Barrhead has a population of around 4,320 people. The town's population is in decreased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Barrhead has decreased by ▼ -5.66%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 4,579 | 4,320 | --5.66% |
2026 Population Projection
Barrhead's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 4,320 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Barrhead Population Trend & Context
Barrhead is the 59th-largest town in Alberta, with a 2021 census population of 4,320 — a decline of 259 (▼ 5.66%) people from the 4,579 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has declined noticeably over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing Alberta towns. The town's median age of 47.6 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
How does Barrhead compare to other Alberta towns?
- Jasper: 4,738 (2021)
- Blood 148: 4,572 (2021)
- Barrhead: 4,320 (2021) ← 59th largest
- Raymond: 4,199 (2021)
- Vermilion: 3,948 (2021)
Population By Genders
The male population of Barrhead is around 2,025 while the female population is around 2,295.
Of the 4,320 total population in Barrhead, the largest gender is female with around 2,295 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 2,025 | 2,295 | -11.76% |
Is Barrhead a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Barrhead 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.
Barrhead Population Compared to Alberta
Alberta's population in 2021 was 4,262,635, spread across the area. Here's how Barrhead compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Barrhead | Alberta |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $67,500 | $96,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.5% | 11.5% |
| Median age | 47.6 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.2% | 28.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 12.1% | 23.2% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Barrhead has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 65 to 69 years old, accounting for 6.90% of the total population. The town median age is 47.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 to 69 years | 140 6.90% | 160 7.00% | 12.50% | 300 6.90% |
| 10 to 14 years | 125 6.20% | 150 6.50% | 16.67% | 270 6.30% |
| 30 to 34 years | 140 6.90% | 125 5.40% | 10.71% | 270 6.30% |
| 60 to 64 years | 130 6.40% | 140 6.10% | 7.14% | 270 6.30% |
| 70 to 74 years | 120 5.90% | 145 6.30% | 17.24% | 270 6.30% |
| 85 years and over | 90 4.40% | 175 7.60% | 48.57% | 270 6.30% |
| 35 to 39 years | 125 6.20% | 135 5.90% | 7.41% | 265 6.10% |
| 55 to 59 years | 120 5.90% | 145 6.30% | 17.24% | 265 6.10% |
| 75 to 79 years | 110 5.40% | 150 6.50% | 26.67% | 255 5.90% |
| 15 to 19 years | 125 6.20% | 110 4.80% | 12.00% | 235 5.40% |
| 50 to 54 years | 90 4.40% | 145 6.30% | 37.93% | 235 5.40% |
| 0 to 4 years | 115 5.70% | 105 4.60% | 8.70% | 230 5.30% |
| 5 to 9 years | 120 5.90% | 105 4.60% | 12.50% | 225 5.20% |
| 25 to 29 years | 100 4.90% | 105 4.60% | 4.76% | 205 4.70% |
| 40 to 44 years | 105 5.20% | 95 4.10% | 9.52% | 200 4.60% |
| 80 to 84 years | 85 4.20% | 115 5.00% | 26.09% | 200 4.60% |
| 45 to 49 years | 95 4.70% | 100 4.40% | 5.00% | 190 4.40% |
| 20 to 24 years | 90 4.40% | 75 3.30% | 16.67% | 170 3.90% |
| 85 to 89 years | 45 2.20% | 100 4.40% | 55.00% | 150 3.50% |
| 90 to 94 years | 35 1.70% | 50 2.20% | 30.00% | 80 1.90% |
| Median age of the population | 43 42.80% | 51 51.20% | 17.58% | 48 47.60% |
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 53.40% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 30.00% and 16.80%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Barrhead are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average age of the population | 44.10% | 48.40% | 46.40% |
| 65 years and over | 26.90% | 32.70% | 30.00% |
| 0 to 14 years | 18.00% | 15.70% | 16.80% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Barrhead
Population of Barrhead by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Barrhead is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Barrhead is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the town appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Barrhead are German, which accounts for 27.16% of the total population, followed by Scottish (18.40%), English (18.02%), Canadian (16.52%), and Irish (15.77%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Barrhead include Dutch, French, Ukrainian, Polish, and Swedish.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| German | 27.95% | 26.34% | 27.16% |
| Scottish | 19.49% | 17.56% | 18.40% |
| English | 17.44% | 18.54% | 18.02% |
| Canadian | 16.67% | 16.34% | 16.52% |
| Irish | 16.15% | 15.37% | 15.77% |
| Dutch | 10.77% | 12.44% | 11.76% |
| French | 10.26% | 8.54% | 9.51% |
| Ukrainian | 7.44% | 8.54% | 8.14% |
| Polish | 6.67% | 6.83% | 6.76% |
| Swedish | 5.13% | 4.63% | 4.88% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Barrhead's population profile.
About 12.1% of Barrhead's population are immigrants (485 people).
The top countries of origin for Barrhead's immigrant population are Philippines (110), Germany (50), India (45), Netherlands (40), United Kingdom (35).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Philippines | 110 |
| Germany | 50 |
| India | 45 |
| Netherlands | 40 |
| United Kingdom | 35 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 1,265 of Barrhead's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 18.65% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 17.70% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.20%, 4.65%, and 3.80%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 685 | 18.65% |
| 2 persons | 650 | 17.70% |
| 3 persons | 190 | 5.20% |
| 4 persons | 170 | 4.65% |
| 5 or more persons | 140 | 3.80% |
Income in Barrhead
Analyzing income distribution in Barrhead can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Barrhead is $38,800.
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 Barrhead population or around 480 people falls in the $30,000 to $49,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $50,000 to $79,999 with around 425 and 410 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Barrhead's median household income is $67,500, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Barrhead's median household income is 16,500 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 Barrhead
This data sheds light on the distribution of Barrhead 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.
49.80% or most of the Barrhead population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 29.80% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 20.40% has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 15.15% has Bachelor's degree or higher.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 1,245 | 1,295 | 2,545 | 49.80% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 670 | 870 | 1,535 | 29.80% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 590 | 510 | 1,095 | 20.40% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 305 | 460 | 770 | 15.15% |
Below national average 15.2% of Barrhead's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Barrhead
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Barrhead. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Barrhead is at 6.01% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 51.00% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.01% |
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 Barrhead's population (around 68.60%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 145 men and 120 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 260.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 145 | 120 | 260 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Barrhead industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Barrhead is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Barrhead has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (21%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 12%, followed by Construction at 9%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 75 | 320 | 21% |
| Retail trade | 115 | 105 | 12% |
| Construction | 135 | 30 | 9% |
| Educational services | 55 | 95 | 8% |
| Public administration | 65 | 55 | 6% |
| Manufacturing | 90 | 10 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 55 | 50 | 5% |
| Accommodation and food services | 50 | 35 | 5% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 45 | 15 | 4% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 55 | 0 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 50 | 10 | 3% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 25 | 35 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 50 | 3% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 10 | 40 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 30 | 10 | 2% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 40 | 0 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 10 | 10 | 1% |
| Utilities | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 10 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Barrhead residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Barrhead: Health care and social assistance (21%), -45 Retail trade (12%), Construction (9%)
Top occupation categories in Barrhead: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (23%), Sales and service occupations (23%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (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 | 635 | 685 | 1,320 | 79.80% |
| No fixed workplace address | 175 | 45 | 220 | 13.30% |
| Worked at home | 45 | 80 | 120 | 7.30% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Barrhead 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 Barrhead residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Barrhead 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 | 70.10% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 12.00% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 8.40% |
| 60 minutes and over | 7.10% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.30% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Barrheadshed 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 Barrhead'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 Barrhead. About 4,110 people living in the province speak English, 40 people speak French, 5 people speak English and French language, and 5 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 4,110 |
| French | 40 |
| English and French | 5 |
| Neither English nor French | 5 |
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 | 85.8% | 94.6% |
| Non-official languages | 11.2% | 3.7% |
| French | 1.1% | 0.2% |
Religion
Barrhead is predominantly Christian. About 2,570 of its population is Christian (1,190 males and 1,190 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Hindu with 1.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Jewish, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 64.3% |
| Hindu | 1.0% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Barrhead
Hospitals
Schools
Parks
- Legion Memorial Park
- Cecil Martin Memorial Park
- Beaver Brook Park
- Blue Heron Park
- Barrmanor Park
- Denthor Park
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Barrhead
Museums
Attractions
Green Spaces in Barrhead
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Legion Memorial Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Cecil Martin Memorial Park | Parks | 3.6 ha |
| Beaver Brook Park | Parks | 2.4 ha |
| Blue Heron Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Barrmanor Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Denthor Park | Parks | 0.6 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Other Towns in Alberta
- Cochrane 32,199
- Okotoks 30,405
- Stony Plain 17,993
- Sylvan Lake 15,995
- Canmore 15,990
- Strathmore 14,339
- High River 14,324
- Blackfalds 10,470
- Morinville 10,385
- Whitecourt 9,927
- Hinton 9,817
- Olds 9,209
- Coaldale 8,771
- Edson 8,374
- Banff 8,305
- Innisfail 7,985
- Drumheller 7,909
- Ponoka 7,331
- Drayton Valley 7,291
- Slave Lake 6,836
- Rocky Mountain House 6,765
- Peace River 6,619
- Wainwright 6,606
- Devon 6,545
- Bonnyville 6,404
- St. Paul 5,863
- Stettler 5,695
- Vegreville 5,689
- Redcliff 5,581
- Didsbury 5,070
- Westlock 4,921
- Carstairs 4,898
- Raymond 4,199
- Vermilion 3,948
- High Level 3,922
- Claresholm 3,804
- Cardston 3,724
- Pincher Creek 3,622
- Crossfield 3,599
- Penhold 3,484
- Fort Macleod 3,297
- Gibbons 3,218
- Three Hills 3,042
- Coalhurst 2,869
- Fairview 2,817
- Athabasca 2,759
- Black Diamond 2,730
- Sundre 2,672
- Turner Valley 2,611
- Grimshaw 2,601
- Magrath 2,481
- Rimbey 2,470
- Sexsmith 2,427
- Hanna 2,394
- High Prairie 2,380
- Beaverlodge 2,271
- Calmar 2,183
- Nanton 2,167
- Redwater 2,115
- Tofield 2,045
- Bow Island 2,036
- Picture Butte 1,930
- Provost 1,900
- Millet 1,890
- Vulcan 1,769
- Lamont 1,744
- Valleyview 1,673
- Fox Creek 1,639
- Bon Accord 1,461
- Nobleford 1,438
- Wembley 1,432
- Two Hills 1,416
- Elk Point 1,399
- Bruderheim 1,329
- Vauxhall 1,286
- Bowden 1,280
- Mayerthorpe 1,259
- Legal 1,232
- Swan Hills 1,201
- Irricana 1,179
- Smoky Lake 1,127
- Manning 1,126
- Bentley 1,042
- Eckville 1,014
- Falher 1,001
- Trochu 998
- Viking 986
- Thorsby 967
- Onoway 966
- Killam 918
- Oyen 917
- Coronation 868
- Spirit River 849
- Bashaw 848
- Milk River 824
- Castor 803
- Daysland 789
- Sedgewick 761
- McLennan 695
- Mundare 689
- Hardisty 548
- Stavely 544
- Rainbow Lake 495
Frequently Asked Questions about Barrhead
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Barrhead has a population of 4,320 people, making it the 59th town in Alberta. The population declined significantly from 4,579 in 2016, a decrease of 259 people or 5.66%. The town has a population density of 527.1 people per km² across a land area of 8.20 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Barrhead's population declined by 5.66% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 4,579 to 4,320 people, a loss of 259 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Alberta towns during this period. The median age of 47.60 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (37.3%) may indicate young adults leaving for larger centres. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Barrhead has a population density of approximately 527.10 people per square kilometre.
Barrhead covers a land area of approximately 8.20 km².
The median age of the population in Barrhead is 47.60 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Barrhead is German.
The median household income in Barrhead is $67,500, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Barrhead.
Christian is the predominant religion in Barrhead.
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.