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

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

This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Carstairs. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 11.77 km2. The town has a population density of 416.20 people per km2.

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

Carstairs 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.

Carstairs location on the map. View in Google Map

Population Characteristics

According to the latest census, Carstairs has a population of around 4,898 people. The town's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Carstairs has increased by 20.14%.

Population in 2016Population in 2021Difference
4,0774,898 +20.14%

2026 Population Projection

Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.74% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Carstairs's population is projected to reach approximately 5,884 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 499.92 people per km².

Population in 2021Projected Population in 2026Projected Density in 2026 (per km²)
4,8985,884499.92

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 Carstairs is around 2,455 while the female population is around 2,445.

Of the 4,898 total population in Carstairs, the largest gender is male with around 2,455 women within the population.

MaleFemaleDifference
2,4552,445 +0.41%

Is Carstairs a Good Place to Live?

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

Employment & Economy

10.2%
Unemployment rate
1.3 pts below the province
59.0%
Employment rate
1.2 pts below the province
65.7%
Participation rate
2.3 pts below the province

Income & Affordability

$99,000
Median household income
$3,000 above the province
7.0%
Below low-income threshold (LIM-AT)
2.2 pts below the province

Commute

49.9%
Commute under 30 minutes
19.7 pts below the province
91.2%
Commute by car
3.9 pts above the province
1.4%
Commute by public transit
4.2 pts below the province

Housing Character

79.9%
Single-detached houses
19.0 pts above the province
3.8%
Apartments (any building size)
18.6 pts below the province

Household Composition

2.70 people
Average household size
0.10people above the province
20.4%
One-person households
5.6 pts below the province

Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.

Other Towns Near Carstairs

Population by Age Characteristics

Carstairs has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 10 to 14 years old, accounting for 8.40% of the total population. The town median age is 39.60.

DataMaleFemaleDifferenceTotal
10 to 14 years205 8.40%205 8.40% 0.00%410 8.40%
5 to 9 years195 7.90%180 7.40% 7.69%375 7.70%
35 to 39 years170 6.90%195 8.00% 12.82%370 7.60%
40 to 44 years175 7.10%175 7.20% 0.00%350 7.20%
65 to 69 years170 6.90%165 6.70% 2.94%335 6.80%
30 to 34 years155 6.30%170 7.00% 8.82%325 6.60%
0 to 4 years170 6.90%155 6.30% 8.82%320 6.50%
45 to 49 years170 6.90%135 5.50% 20.59%305 6.20%
50 to 54 years150 6.10%150 6.10% 0.00%295 6.00%
55 to 59 years150 6.10%140 5.70% 6.67%290 5.90%
15 to 19 years150 6.10%130 5.30% 13.33%275 5.60%
60 to 64 years110 4.50%165 6.70% 33.33%275 5.60%
25 to 29 years135 5.50%125 5.10% 7.41%255 5.20%
70 to 74 years125 5.10%110 4.50% 12.00%235 4.80%
75 to 79 years85 3.50%80 3.30% 5.88%165 3.40%
20 to 24 years80 3.30%70 2.90% 12.50%150 3.10%
80 to 84 years40 1.60%40 1.60% 0.00%80 1.60%
85 years and over40 1.60%45 1.80% 11.11%80 1.60%
85 to 89 years25 1.00%30 1.20% 16.67%50 1.00%
Median age of the population40 39.60%40 39.60% 0.00%40 39.60%
Average age of the population39 39.10%40 39.90% 0.00%40 39.50%

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 59.20% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 22.60% and 18.20%, respectively.

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

DataMaleFemaleTotal
0 to 14 years23.00%22.10%22.60%
65 years and over18.30%18.00%18.20%

Photos of Places & Sceneries in Carstairs

Population of Carstairs by Ethnicity and Origin

The population of Carstairs is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Carstairs 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 26.65% of the total population, followed by Scottish (25.21%), German (22.74%), Irish (21.81%), and Canadian (18.83%).

Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include French, Ukrainian, Norwegian, Dutch, and Swedish.

Ethnicity and OriginMaleFemalePercentage in Population
English24.90%28.54%26.65%
Scottish24.27%26.11%25.21%
German23.01%22.47%22.74%
Irish20.29%23.28%21.81%
Canadian19.46%18.02%18.83%
French10.88%14.17%12.55%
Ukrainian7.11%8.50%7.82%
Norwegian4.39%8.50%6.48%
Dutch5.23%4.86%4.94%
Swedish3.97%5.47%4.73%

Immigration Profile

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

About 5.9% of Carstairs's population are immigrants (285 people).

The top countries of origin for Carstairs's immigrant population are United Kingdom (90), Germany (45), Philippines (30), United States of America (20), South Africa, Republic of (10).

Only using 25% sample data.
Country of BirthPopulation
United Kingdom90
Germany45
Philippines30
United States of America20
South Africa, Republic of10

Household and Dwelling Characteristics

About 1,470 of Carstairs's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.

Household Size

About 18.95% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 10.20% of the population. 4 persons, 3 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 8.85%, 6.80%, and 5.20%, respectively.

Number of Person(s) in HouseholdTotalPercentage
2 persons69518.95%
1 person37510.20%
4 persons3258.85%
3 persons2506.80%
5 or more persons1905.20%

Income in Carstairs

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

Per Capita Income

According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Carstairs is $45,600.

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 Carstairs population or around 535 people falls in the $50,000 to $79,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 505 and 380 people, respectively.

Household Income

The Carstairs's median household income is $99,000, according to 2020 data.

Above national average Carstairs's median household income is 15,000 dollars above 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 Carstairs

This data sheds light on the distribution of Carstairs 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.

58.65% or most of the Carstairs population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 29.55% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 12.20% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 11.90% has No certificate, diploma or degree.

Only using 25% sample data.
DegreeMenWomenTotalPercentage
Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree1,7351,8753,61058.65%
High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate8351,0001,84029.55%
Bachelor's degree or higher29045074512.20%
No certificate, diploma or degree45032077511.90%

Below national average 12.2% of Carstairs's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).

Employment in Carstairs

This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Carstairs. 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 6.73% which is quite high.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusPercentage
Employment rate58.95%
Unemployment rate6.73%

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 Carstairs's population (around 67.60%) are working permanent position as an employee.

Self-employed

In the town, there are 210 men and 155 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 365.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusMenWomenTotal
Self-employed210155365

Employment Industry Sectors

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

Carstairs has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (15%) works in the construction sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 12%, followed by Retail trade at 11%.

Only using 25% sample data.
IndustryMenWomenPercentage
Construction3055015%
Health care and social assistance1027512%
Retail trade12015011%
Manufacturing155308%
Public administration90958%
Other services (except public administration)85857%
Transportation and warehousing115356%
Educational services351106%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction95155%
Professional, scientific and technical services45504%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting45153%
Wholesale trade40203%
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services40202%
Accommodation and food services25252%
Finance and insurance10402%
Utilities20151%
Information and cultural industries20151%
Arts, entertainment and recreation0151%
Real estate and rental and leasing1001%
Management of companies and enterprises000%

Labour Market Snapshot

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

Top employer sectors in Carstairs: Construction (15%), Health care and social assistance (12%), -45 Retail trade (11%)

Top occupation categories in Carstairs: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (27%), Sales and service occupations (22%), 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.

Only using 25% sample data.
Work LocationMenWomenTotalPercentage
Usual place of work6706851,35061.60%
No fixed workplace address35512547521.70%
Worked at home16019535016.00%
Worked outside Canada100100.50%

Commuting

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

Commuting Duration

This data reveals the average time that the residents of Carstairs 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 minutes26.30%
15 to 29 minutes23.60%
45 to 59 minutes20.00%
30 to 44 minutes18.10%
60 minutes and over11.80%

Marital Status

The statistics on marital status in Carstairsshed 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 Carstairs's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.

Married or living common-law
67.55%
Married or living common-law
32.45%

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 Carstairs. About 4,830 people living in the province speak English, 65 people speak French, 5 people speak English and French language, and 5 people speak Neither English nor French language.

LanguagePopulation
English4,830
French65
English and French5
Neither English nor French5

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
English93.3%97.7%
Non-official languages4.7%1.3%
French1.1%0.4%

Religion

Carstairs is predominantly Christian. About 2,115 of its population is Christian (1,015 males and 1,015 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
Christian43.5%
Buddhist0.0%
Hindu0.0%
Jewish0.0%
Islam0.0%
Sikh0.0%

Frequently Asked Questions about Carstairs

According to the 2021 census, Carstairs has a population of approximately 4,898 people.

Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Carstairs increased by 20.14%.

Carstairs has a population density of approximately 416.20 people per square kilometre.

Carstairs covers a land area of approximately 11.77 km².

The median age of the population in Carstairs is 39.60 years.

The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Carstairs is English.

The median household income in Carstairs is $99,000, based on 2020 data.

English is the most common first official language spoken in Carstairs.

Christian is the predominant religion in Carstairs.

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.