Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Bowden has a population of around 1,280 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Bowden has increased by ▲ 3.23%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,240 | 1,280 | +3.23% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.64% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Bowden's population is projected to reach approximately 1,321 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 381.79 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,280 | 1,321 | 381.79 |
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.
Bowden Population Trend & Context
Bowden had a 2021 census population of 1,280 — an increase of 40 (▲ 3.23%) people from the 1,240 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has grown slightly over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Alberta towns. The town's median age of 42.4 years closely mirrors the national median of 41.9, suggesting a demographic profile in line with the Canadian average.
Population By Genders
The male population of Bowden is around 650 while the female population is around 625.
Of the 1,280 total population in Bowden, the largest gender is male with around 650 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 650 | 625 | +3.85% |
Is Bowden a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Bowden 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.
Bowden Population Compared to Alberta
Alberta's population in 2021 was 4,262,635, spread across the area. Here's how Bowden compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Bowden | Alberta |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $69,500 | $96,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 22.7% | 11.5% |
| Median age | 42.4 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.6% | 28.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 4.3% | 23.2% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Bowden has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 8.20% of the total population. The town median age is 42.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 60 9.20% | 50 8.00% | 16.67% | 105 8.20% |
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 64.50% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 18.80% and 17.20%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Bowden are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 64.60% | 64.00% | 64.50% |
| 65 years and over | 17.70% | 20.00% | 18.80% |
| 0 to 14 years | 18.50% | 15.20% | 17.20% |
Population of Bowden by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Bowden is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Bowden 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 Bowden are German, which accounts for 29.30% of the total population, followed by English (28.91%), Canadian (21.88%), Scottish (21.09%), and Irish (19.14%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Bowden include French, Ukrainian, Dutch, Norwegian, and Russian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| German | 29.23% | 28.80% | 29.30% |
| English | 30.77% | 27.20% | 28.91% |
| Canadian | 20.77% | 24.00% | 21.88% |
| Scottish | 17.69% | 24.80% | 21.09% |
| Irish | 21.54% | 16.00% | 19.14% |
| French | 9.23% | 8.80% | 8.98% |
| Ukrainian | 6.92% | 6.40% | 6.64% |
| Dutch | 8.46% | 4.80% | 6.64% |
| Norwegian | 4.62% | 4.80% | 4.30% |
| Russian | 3.08% | 4.80% | 3.91% |
Indigenous Identity in Bowden
About 10.94% of Bowden's population (140 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 89.06% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 35 people (2.70% of the total population) hold Registered or Treaty Indian status.
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Bowden's population profile.
About 4.3% of Bowden's population are immigrants (55 people).
The top countries of origin for Bowden's immigrant population are Philippines (10), Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0), Guyana (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Philippines | 10 |
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
| Guyana | 0 |
98.4% of Bowden's residents (1,260 people) are Canadian citizens, and 1.6% are not.
By generation status, 5.5% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 9.0% are second generation, and 85.5% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 360 of Bowden's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 17.95% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 16.65% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.40%, 5.55%, and 3.00%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 210 | 17.95% |
| 2 persons | 195 | 16.65% |
| 3 persons | 75 | 6.40% |
| 4 persons | 65 | 5.55% |
| 5 or more persons | 35 | 3.00% |
Family and Household Structure in Bowden
Of census families in Bowden, 80.3% are couple families and 19.7% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.8 people.
36.8% of households in Bowden are one-person households, 44.4% are couple-family households, 8.5% are one-parent-family households, and 1.7% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 215 | 36.8% |
| Couple-family households | 260 | 44.4% |
| One-parent-family households | 50 | 8.5% |
| Multigenerational households | 10 | 1.7% |
Income in Bowden
Analyzing income distribution in Bowden can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Bowden 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 Bowden population or around 160 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 160 and 140 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Bowden's median household income is $69,500, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Bowden's median household income is 14,500 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 Bowden
This data sheds light on the distribution of Bowden 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.
49.30% or most of the Bowden population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 30.00% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 20.70% has a No certificate, diploma or degree. (Individual figures may not sum to exactly 100% due to Statistics Canada's random rounding of small-area 25% sample data.)
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 165 | 175 | 345 | 49.30% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 105 | 100 | 210 | 30.00% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 95 | 45 | 145 | 20.70% |
Below national average 10.7% of Bowden's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Bowden
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Bowden. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Bowden is at 22.56% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 48.58% |
| Unemployment rate | 22.56% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Bowden, 29.7% worked full year full time in the reference year, 30.2% worked part year and/or part time, and 39.6% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 315 | 29.7% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 320 | 30.2% |
| Did not work | 420 | 39.6% |
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 Bowden's population (around 75.90%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 30 men and 20 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 50.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 30 | 20 | 50 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Bowden industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Bowden is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Bowden has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (12%) works in the construction sector. The Manufacturing sector comes second at 11%, followed by Retail trade at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | 75 | 0 | 12% |
| Manufacturing | 40 | 30 | 11% |
| Retail trade | 20 | 50 | 11% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 60 | 0 | 9% |
| Health care and social assistance | 10 | 50 | 8% |
| Public administration | 25 | 20 | 8% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 20 | 25 | 7% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 15 | 15 | 5% |
| Accommodation and food services | 10 | 25 | 5% |
| Utilities | 15 | 10 | 4% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 15 | 10 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 20 | 0 | 3% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 10 | 0 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 10 | 0 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 10 | 2% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 0 | 10 | 2% |
| Educational services | 0 | 10 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Bowden residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Bowden: Construction (12%), Manufacturing (11%), Retail trade (11%)
Top occupation categories in Bowden: Sales and service occupations (29%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (25%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (10%)
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 | 165 | 170 | 335 | 65.00% |
| No fixed workplace address | 95 | 10 | 105 | 20.40% |
| Worked at home | 25 | 40 | 65 | 12.60% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Bowden 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 Bowden residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Bowden 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 |
|---|---|
| 15 to 29 minutes | 32.60% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 30.30% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 19.10% |
| 60 minutes and over | 14.60% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 3.40% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Bowden shed 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 Bowden'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 Bowden. About 1,270 people living in the town speak English, 10 people speak French, 0 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 1,270 |
| French | 10 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 2.3% of Bowden's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 97.7% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 1,250 | 97.7% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 30 | 2.3% |
| Neither English nor French | 0 | 0.0% |
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 | 93.4% | 98.8% |
| Non-official languages | 3.5% | 0.8% |
| French | 1.2% | 0.0% |
Religion
Bowden is predominantly Christian. About 480 of its population is Christian (200 males and 275 females).
The second largest religion in the town 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 | 37.5% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Bowden
Schools
Parks
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Bowden
Museums
Green Spaces in Bowden
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Abby's Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Arena Park | Parks | 3.1 ha |
| Westview Drive Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Bowden
- Innisfail 12.0 km · 7,985 people
- Olds 16.5 km · 9,209 people
- Penhold 25.7 km · 3,484 people
- Didsbury 31.5 km · 5,070 people
- Carstairs 41.4 km · 4,898 people
- Sylvan Lake 42.2 km · 15,995 people
- Sundre 44.2 km · 2,672 people
- Blackfalds 52.6 km · 10,470 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Bowden
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Bowden has a population of 1,280 people, making it the 111th town in Alberta. The population increased moderately from 1,240 in 2016, an increase of 40 people or 3.23%. The town has a population density of 370.2 people per km² across a land area of 3.46 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Bowden's population grew by 3.23% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 1,240 to 1,280 people, a gain of 40 residents. This modest growth reflects patterns seen in many other Alberta towns during this period. The median age of 42.40 years suggests a mature, established community. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (35.9%) 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.
Bowden has a population density of approximately 370.20 people per square kilometre.
Bowden covers a land area of approximately 3.46 km².
The median age of the population in Bowden is 42.40 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Bowden is German.
The median household income in Bowden is $69,500, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Bowden.
Christian is the predominant religion in Bowden.
According to the 2021 Census, 10.9% of Bowden's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
98.4% of Bowden's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 19.7% of census families in Bowden, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 1.7% of all households in Bowden, per the 2021 Census.
2.3% of Bowden's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
Of the population aged 15 and over in Bowden, 29.7% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
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.