Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Calgary has a population of around 1,306,784 people. The city's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Calgary has increased by 5.45%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,239,220 | 1,306,784 | +5.45% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.07% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Calgary's population is projected to reach approximately 1,378,032 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 1,679.26 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,306,784 | 1,378,032 | 1,679.26 |
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 Calgary is around 648,835 while the female population is around 657,950.
Of the 1,306,784 total population in Calgary, the largest gender is female with around 657,950 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 648,835 | 657,950 | +1.39% |
Is Calgary a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Calgary 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 Cities Near Calgary
- Chestermere (16.3 km)
- Airdrie (26.9 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Calgary has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 35 to 39 years old, accounting for 8.50% of the total population. The city median age is 38.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 to 39 years | 54,785 8.40% | 55,985 8.50% | 2.14% | 110,765 8.50% |
| 30 to 34 years | 52,030 8.00% | 53,930 8.20% | 3.52% | 105,960 8.10% |
| 40 to 44 years | 49,490 7.60% | 50,595 7.70% | 2.18% | 100,080 7.70% |
| 45 to 49 years | 45,430 7.00% | 45,945 7.00% | 1.12% | 91,385 7.00% |
| 25 to 29 years | 43,930 6.80% | 44,460 6.80% | 1.19% | 88,385 6.80% |
| 50 to 54 years | 42,550 6.60% | 42,175 6.40% | 0.88% | 84,725 6.50% |
| 55 to 59 years | 41,000 6.30% | 41,570 6.30% | 1.37% | 82,570 6.30% |
| 10 to 14 years | 42,055 6.50% | 39,370 6.00% | 6.38% | 81,425 6.20% |
| 5 to 9 years | 41,225 6.40% | 39,365 6.00% | 4.51% | 80,585 6.20% |
| 20 to 24 years | 40,280 6.20% | 38,085 5.80% | 5.45% | 78,365 6.00% |
| 60 to 64 years | 38,450 5.90% | 39,345 6.00% | 2.27% | 77,790 6.00% |
| 0 to 4 years | 37,865 5.80% | 35,980 5.50% | 4.98% | 73,840 5.70% |
| 15 to 19 years | 37,720 5.80% | 35,770 5.40% | 5.17% | 73,490 5.60% |
| 65 to 69 years | 30,410 4.70% | 31,710 4.80% | 4.10% | 62,120 4.80% |
| 70 to 74 years | 22,225 3.40% | 24,270 3.70% | 8.43% | 46,495 3.60% |
| 75 to 79 years | 13,485 2.10% | 15,485 2.40% | 12.92% | 28,965 2.20% |
| 85 years and over | 7,540 1.20% | 12,875 2.00% | 41.44% | 20,420 1.60% |
| 80 to 84 years | 8,370 1.30% | 11,035 1.70% | 24.15% | 19,405 1.50% |
| 85 to 89 years | 4,995 0.80% | 7,625 1.20% | 34.49% | 12,620 1.00% |
| 90 to 94 years | 2,115 0.30% | 4,110 0.60% | 48.54% | 6,225 0.50% |
| 95 to 99 years | 390 0.10% | 990 0.20% | 60.61% | 1,375 0.10% |
| 100 years and over | 45 0.00% | 155 0.00% | 70.97% | 195 0.00% |
Broader Age Groups
If the city'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 68.40% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 18.00% and 13.60%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Calgary are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 68.70% | 68.10% | 68.40% |
| Average age of the population | 38.20% | 39.50% | 38.80% |
| Median age of the population | 37.60% | 38.80% | 38.00% |
| 0 to 14 years | 18.70% | 17.40% | 18.00% |
| 65 years and over | 12.60% | 14.50% | 13.60% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Calgary
Explore Calgary Through Videos
Population of Calgary by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Calgary is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Calgary 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 15.95% of the total population, followed by Scottish (13.74%), Irish (11.91%), German (11.38%), and Canadian (9.71%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include Chinese, French, Filipino, Indian (India), and Ukrainian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 15.95% | 15.94% | 15.95% |
| Scottish | 13.65% | 13.83% | 13.74% |
| Irish | 11.63% | 12.19% | 11.91% |
| German | 11.33% | 11.42% | 11.38% |
| Canadian | 10.19% | 9.25% | 9.71% |
| Chinese | 7.21% | 7.68% | 7.45% |
| French | 6.09% | 6.23% | 6.16% |
| Filipino | 5.70% | 6.56% | 6.13% |
| Indian (India) | 5.60% | 5.41% | 5.51% |
| Ukrainian | 5.24% | 5.45% | 5.34% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Calgary's population profile.
About 33.3% of Calgary's population are immigrants (430,640 people).
The top countries of origin for Calgary's immigrant population are Philippines (65,430), India (56,510), China (36,245), United Kingdom (20,420), Pakistan (18,375).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Philippines | 65,430 |
| India | 56,510 |
| China | 36,245 |
| United Kingdom | 20,420 |
| Pakistan | 18,375 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 276,050 of Calgary's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 15.90% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 13.20% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.95%, 7.90%, and 5.00%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 159,955 | 15.90% |
| 1 person | 132,695 | 13.20% |
| 3 persons | 80,020 | 7.95% |
| 4 persons | 79,565 | 7.90% |
| 5 or more persons | 50,070 | 5.00% |
Income in Calgary
Analyzing income distribution in Calgary can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Calgary is $44,400.
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 city's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Calgary population or around 150,030 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $50,000 to $79,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 146,940 and 122,130 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Calgary's median household income is $98,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Calgary's median household income is 14,000 dollars above the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the city'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 city's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Calgary
This data sheds light on the distribution of Calgary 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.
66.20% or most of the Calgary population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 39.30% of the population has a Bachelor's degree or higher, 23.65% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 10.15% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 566,025 | 606,015 | 1,172,035 | 66.20% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 328,745 | 365,000 | 693,745 | 39.30% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 220,825 | 210,395 | 431,225 | 23.65% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 98,970 | 91,745 | 190,715 | 10.15% |
Above national average 39.3% of Calgary's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Calgary
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Calgary. 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 8.65% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 60.46% |
| Unemployment rate | 8.65% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the city who work as an employee. The majority of Calgary's population (around 68.30%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the city, there are 66,635 men and 42,130 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 108,770.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 66,635 | 42,130 | 108,770 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Calgary industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Calgary is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Calgary has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (13%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Professional, scientific and technical services sector comes second at 12%, followed by Retail trade at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 18,065 | 72,845 | 13% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 48,655 | 35,310 | 12% |
| Retail trade | 38,770 | 41,340 | 11% |
| Construction | 49,750 | 9,055 | 8% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 34,225 | 12,610 | 6% |
| Educational services | 14,690 | 32,005 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 19,585 | 23,200 | 6% |
| Manufacturing | 24,105 | 9,030 | 5% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 20,860 | 11,545 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 17,855 | 13,640 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 12,560 | 17,415 | 4% |
| Finance and insurance | 12,325 | 14,125 | 4% |
| Public administration | 12,265 | 11,920 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 15,400 | 6,895 | 3% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 7,345 | 7,125 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 7,965 | 6,215 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 7,585 | 5,205 | 2% |
| Utilities | 5,525 | 2,960 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 1,590 | 1,050 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 995 | 1,250 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Calgary residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Calgary: Health care and social assistance (13%), Professional, scientific and technical services (12%), -45 Retail trade (11%)
Top occupation categories in Calgary: Sales and service occupations (24%), Business, finance and administration occupations (19%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (16%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the city. 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 | 177,790 | 186,730 | 364,515 | 57.10% |
| Worked at home | 89,915 | 92,100 | 182,015 | 28.50% |
| No fixed workplace address | 66,145 | 23,505 | 89,650 | 14.00% |
| Worked outside Canada | 1,800 | 660 | 2,460 | 0.40% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Calgary 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 Calgary residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Calgary spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the city's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the city.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 15 to 29 minutes | 46.90% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 22.00% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 21.50% |
| 60 minutes and over | 5.00% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 4.60% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Calgaryshed 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 city's social fabric. We can gain insights into Calgary's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights city'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 Calgary. About 1,240,980 people living in the province speak English, 31,705 people speak Neither English nor French, 16,810 people speak French language, and 6,620 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 1,240,980 |
| Neither English nor French | 31,705 |
| French | 16,810 |
| English and French | 6,620 |
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 | 64.1% | 75.4% |
| Non-official languages | 29.6% | 18.7% |
| French | 1.2% | 0.4% |
Religion
Calgary is predominantly Christian. About 575,250 of its population is Christian (270,555 males and 270,555 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Muslim with 7.4% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Sikh and Hindu, both represent 3.8% and 2.6% of the population, while Buddhist represent 1.6% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 44.5% |
| Islam | 7.4% |
| Sikh | 3.8% |
| Hindu | 2.6% |
| Buddhist | 1.6% |
| Jewish | 0.5% |
Points of Interest in Calgary
Hospitals
- Rockyview General Hospital EMERGENCY ENTRANCE
- Mayfair Diagnostics
- Harvest Medicine Calgary & Alberta
- Bright Horizon Therapies
Schools
- Glenmore Sailing School
- Sylvan Learning
- Academy for Mathematics & English
- Anacrus's Music
- Keyboard Academy of Music
- Janus Academy
- Montessori School of Calgary
- National Sport School
- Discovering Choices Start Outreach
- Calgary Arts Academy
- West View School
- Alberta Ballet School
- Piitoayis Family School
- Calgary Islamic School – Akram Jomaa Campus
Universities
Parks
- Devonian Gardens
- Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs
- Elbow Park
- Chinook Rotary Nature Park
- Viewpoint
- Liony
- Sunbridge Park
- Cedarglen Living Park Area
- Carrington Pond FootPath
- Carrington Lake Greenspace
Libraries
- Calgary Public Library - Judith Ubach branch (Thorncliffe)
- Calgary Public Library - Country Hills
- Calgary Public Library - Southwood
- Calgary Public Library - Village Square
- Calgary Public Library - Bowness
- Calgary Public Library - Saddletowne
- Nicholls Family Library
- Quarry Park Library
- Gallagher Library
- Sage Hill Public Library
- Seton Calgary Public Library
- Little Library
Community Centres
- Riverbend Community Centre
- Falconridge/Castleridge Community Playschool
- Crossroads Community Association
- Fairview Community Centre
- Bridgeland-Riverside Community Hall
- Spruce Cliff Community Association
- Bow Cliff Seniors
- La Cité des Rocheuses
- Cliff Bungalow-Mission Community Association
- Fukienese Association of Calgary
- Fiji Canada Center
- Lifeconnection Church
- 15 Degrees NE
Places to Visit in Calgary
Attractions
- Heritage Park
- Big Horn Sheep
- Rocky Mountain Goat
- American Woodland Caribou
- Grey wolf
- Wapiti (Canadian Elk)
- Whooping Crane
- Lowland Gorillas
- Mandrills
- Red River Hogs
- Butterflies
- Alpaca
- Peccary
- Prehistoric Park
- Rock Hyrax
- Meerkats
- Hippos
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Ostrich
- Muskox
- River Otters
- Markhor
- Eurasian Wild Boar
- Colobus Monkey
- Dwarf Crocodile
Historic Sites
- Curious Hair Skin Body
- Holodomor Monument
- CF-5 Freedom Fighter
- John L. Laurie
- Eau Claire Smokestack
- Andrew Hamilton Gault (PPCLI)
- PPCLI
- Lord Strathcona
- The big "H"
- Rev. George McDougal Memorial
- New Brighton Bell tower
- Stephen Avenue
- Hanson Square
Theatres
- Jack Singer Concert Hall
- Pumphouse Theatre
- Max Bell Theatre
- Engineered Air Theatre
- Big Secret Theatre
- Alberta Ballet
- Martha Cohen Theatre
Green Spaces in Calgary
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Devonian Gardens | Parks | — |
| Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs | Parks | — |
| Elbow Park | Parks | — |
| Chinook Rotary Nature Park | Parks | — |
| Viewpoint | Parks | — |
| Liony | Parks | — |
| Sunbridge Park | Parks | — |
| Cedarglen Living Park Area | Parks | — |
| Carrington Pond FootPath | Parks | — |
| Carrington Lake Greenspace | Parks | — |
| Nose Hill Park | Parks | 1,127.5 ha |
| West Confederation Park | Parks | 16.5 ha |
| Shouldice Park | Parks | 9.0 ha |
| North Glenmore Park | Parks | 72.2 ha |
| South Glenmore Park | Parks | 97.4 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Calgary
According to the 2021 census, Calgary has a population of approximately 1,306,784 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Calgary increased by 5.45%.
Calgary has a population density of approximately 1,592.40 people per square kilometre.
Calgary covers a land area of approximately 820.62 km².
The median age of the population in Calgary is 38.00 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Calgary is English.
The median household income in Calgary is $98,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Calgary.
Christian is the predominant religion in Calgary.
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.