Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Chestermere has a population of around 22,163 people. The city's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Chestermere has increased by ▲ 11.44%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 19,887 | 22,163 | +11.44% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.19% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Chestermere's population is projected to reach approximately 24,699 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 752.33 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 22,163 | 24,699 | 752.33 |
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.
Chestermere Population Trend & Context
Chestermere had a 2021 census population of 22,163 — an increase of 2,276 (▲ 11.44%) people from the 19,887 recorded in 2016.
The city's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Alberta cities. The city's median age of 37.6 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
Population By Genders
The male population of Chestermere is around 11,085 while the female population is around 11,075.
Of the 22,163 total population in Chestermere, the largest gender is male with around 11,085 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 11,085 | 11,075 | +0.09% |
Is Chestermere a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Chestermere 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.
Chestermere Population Compared to Alberta
Alberta's population in 2021 was 4,262,635, spread across the area. Here's how Chestermere compares to the city's key indicators:
| Indicator | Chestermere | Alberta |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $135,000 | $96,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 11.2% | 11.5% |
| Median age | 37.6 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 28.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 27.8% | 23.2% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Chestermere has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 10 to 14 years old, accounting for 8.90% of the total population. The city median age is 37.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 to 14 years | 1,010 9.10% | 960 8.70% | 4.95% | 1,970 8.90% |
| 40 to 44 years | 930 8.40% | 1,015 9.20% | 8.37% | 1,940 8.80% |
| 35 to 39 years | 840 7.60% | 975 8.80% | 13.85% | 1,815 8.20% |
| 45 to 49 years | 915 8.30% | 890 8.00% | 2.73% | 1,805 8.10% |
| 5 to 9 years | 890 8.00% | 875 7.90% | 1.69% | 1,765 8.00% |
| 15 to 19 years | 855 7.70% | 775 7.00% | 9.36% | 1,630 7.40% |
| 50 to 54 years | 790 7.10% | 745 6.70% | 5.70% | 1,530 6.90% |
| 30 to 34 years | 630 5.70% | 745 6.70% | 15.44% | 1,375 6.20% |
| 55 to 59 years | 665 6.00% | 675 6.10% | 1.48% | 1,335 6.00% |
| 0 to 4 years | 670 6.00% | 630 5.70% | 5.97% | 1,300 5.90% |
| 60 to 64 years | 635 5.70% | 630 5.70% | 0.79% | 1,265 5.70% |
| 20 to 24 years | 620 5.60% | 530 4.80% | 14.52% | 1,150 5.20% |
| 25 to 29 years | 515 4.60% | 475 4.30% | 7.77% | 990 4.50% |
| 65 to 69 years | 490 4.40% | 495 4.50% | 1.01% | 985 4.40% |
| 70 to 74 years | 335 3.00% | 315 2.80% | 5.97% | 650 2.90% |
| 75 to 79 years | 185 1.70% | 180 1.60% | 2.70% | 360 1.60% |
| 80 to 84 years | 80 0.70% | 90 0.80% | 11.11% | 175 0.80% |
| 85 years and over | 40 0.40% | 75 0.70% | 46.67% | 115 0.50% |
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 67.00% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 22.70% and 10.30%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Chestermere are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 66.60% | 67.30% | 67.00% |
| 0 to 14 years | 23.10% | 22.30% | 22.70% |
| 65 years and over | 10.20% | 10.40% | 10.30% |
Explore Chestermere Through Videos
Population of Chestermere by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Chestermere is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Chestermere is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the city appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Chestermere are English, which accounts for 14.07% of the total population, followed by Scottish (12.46%), Canadian (12.12%), German (12.01%), and Indian (India) (9.78%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Chestermere include Irish, French, Ukrainian, Punjabi, and Sikh.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 13.41% | 14.77% | 14.07% |
| Scottish | 11.24% | 13.69% | 12.46% |
| Canadian | 12.46% | 11.79% | 12.12% |
| German | 11.65% | 12.38% | 12.01% |
| Indian (India) | 10.11% | 9.49% | 9.78% |
| Irish | 9.35% | 10.16% | 9.75% |
| French | 5.46% | 6.46% | 5.98% |
| Ukrainian | 5.37% | 5.65% | 5.49% |
| Punjabi | 4.60% | 5.06% | 4.85% |
| Sikh | 4.65% | 4.52% | 4.58% |
Indigenous Identity in Chestermere
About 2.57% of Chestermere's population (570 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 97.43% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 170 people (0.80% 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 Chestermere's population profile.
About 27.8% of Chestermere's population are immigrants (6,160 people).
The top countries of origin for Chestermere's immigrant population are India (2,000), Viet Nam (615), Philippines (605), United Kingdom (305), Pakistan (270).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| India | 2,000 |
| Viet Nam | 615 |
| Philippines | 605 |
| United Kingdom | 305 |
| Pakistan | 270 |
93.5% of Chestermere's residents (20,715 people) are Canadian citizens, and 6.5% are not.
By generation status, 29.0% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 24.9% are second generation, and 46.1% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 5,400 of Chestermere's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 13.90% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 4 persons households ranked second, accounting for 11.40% of the population. 5 or more persons, 3 persons, and 1 person households account for 10.00%, 9.30%, and 5.30%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 1,875 | 13.90% |
| 4 persons | 1,535 | 11.40% |
| 5 or more persons | 1,350 | 10.00% |
| 3 persons | 1,255 | 9.30% |
| 1 person | 715 | 5.30% |
Family and Household Structure in Chestermere
Of census families in Chestermere, 88.8% are couple families and 11.2% are one-parent families. The average census family has 3.2 people.
10.6% of households in Chestermere are one-person households, 65.0% are couple-family households, 6.9% are one-parent-family households, and 8.8% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 715 | 10.6% |
| Couple-family households | 4,380 | 65.0% |
| One-parent-family households | 465 | 6.9% |
| Multigenerational households | 595 | 8.8% |
Income in Chestermere
Analyzing income distribution in Chestermere can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Chestermere is $48,000.
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 Chestermere population or around 2,480 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 2,305 and 1,865 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Chestermere's median household income is $135,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Chestermere's median household income is 51,000 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 Chestermere
This data sheds light on the distribution of Chestermere 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.
65.00% or most of the Chestermere population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 25.50% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 9.50% 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 | 3,795 | 4,070 | 7,865 | 65.00% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 1,470 | 1,615 | 3,090 | 25.50% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 670 | 490 | 1,155 | 9.50% |
Below national average 29.0% of Chestermere's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Chestermere
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Chestermere. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Chestermere is at 11.23% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 63.25% |
| Unemployment rate | 11.23% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Chestermere, 38.2% worked full year full time in the reference year, 30.4% worked part year and/or part time, and 31.4% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 6,540 | 38.2% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 5,200 | 30.4% |
| Did not work | 5,370 | 31.4% |
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 Chestermere's population (around 70.10%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the city, there are 1,320 men and 675 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 2,000.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 1,320 | 675 | 2,000 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Chestermere industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Chestermere is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Chestermere has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (11%) works in the retail trade sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 10%, followed by Construction at 9%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail trade | 660 | 660 | 11% |
| Health care and social assistance | 190 | 1,070 | 10% |
| Construction | 915 | 185 | 9% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 720 | 290 | 8% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 605 | 405 | 8% |
| Manufacturing | 580 | 270 | 7% |
| Educational services | 160 | 520 | 6% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 300 | 255 | 5% |
| Accommodation and food services | 230 | 310 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 255 | 290 | 4% |
| Wholesale trade | 315 | 195 | 4% |
| Public administration | 255 | 230 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 245 | 230 | 4% |
| Finance and insurance | 220 | 250 | 4% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 135 | 140 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 110 | 135 | 2% |
| Utilities | 130 | 55 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 95 | 65 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 55 | 15 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 10 | 10 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Chestermere residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Chestermere: Retail trade (11%), Health care and social assistance (10%), Construction (9%)
Top occupation categories in Chestermere: Sales and service occupations (23%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (21%), Business, finance and administration occupations (19%)
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 | 3,160 | 3,200 | 6,365 | 58.80% |
| Worked at home | 1,210 | 1,455 | 2,665 | 24.60% |
| No fixed workplace address | 1,320 | 445 | 1,760 | 16.30% |
| Worked outside Canada | 40 | 0 | 40 | 0.40% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Chestermere 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 Chestermere residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Chestermere 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 | 46.60% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 29.20% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 16.40% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 4.70% |
| 60 minutes and over | 3.10% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Chestermere 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 city's social fabric. We can gain insights into Chestermere'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 Chestermere. About 21,365 people living in the city speak English, 550 people speak Neither English nor French, 165 people speak French language, and 75 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 21,365 |
| Neither English nor French | 550 |
| French | 165 |
| English and French | 75 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 3.9% of Chestermere's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 93.5% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 2.5% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 20,730 | 93.5% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 870 | 3.9% |
| Neither English nor French | 560 | 2.5% |
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 | 66.1% | 76.9% |
| Non-official languages | 27.8% | 17.5% |
| French | 0.8% | 0.1% |
Religion
Chestermere is predominantly Christian. About 9,000 of its population is Christian (4,315 males and 4,690 females).
The second largest religion in the city is Sikh with 14.2% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Muslim and Buddhist, both represent 7.3% and 3.4% of the population, while Hindu represent 1.8% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 40.6% |
| Sikh | 14.2% |
| Islam | 7.3% |
| Buddhist | 3.4% |
| Hindu | 1.8% |
| Jewish | 0.1% |
Points of Interest in Chestermere
Schools
- Rainbow Creek Elementary School
- Our Lady of Wisdom School
- Prairie Waters Elementary School
- St. Gabriel the Archangel School
- Chestermere Lake Middle School
Parks
- Rainbow Falls park
- Centennial Park
- Rainbow Falls Stormpond
- Anniversary Park
- Westmere Stormpond
- Millennium Park
- Sunset Park
- Crystal Park
- Apenmere Tot Lot
- Aspenmere Gazeebo Tot Lot
- Triangle Park
- Sunrise Park
- Dawson's Landing Park
- Dawson Gardens Park
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Chestermere
Historic Sites
Green Spaces in Chestermere
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Falls park | Parks | 4.5 ha |
| Centennial Park | Parks | 3.7 ha |
| Rainbow Falls Stormpond | Parks | 5.1 ha |
| Anniversary Park | Parks | 1.9 ha |
| Westmere Stormpond | Parks | 3.3 ha |
| Millennium Park | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Sunset Park | Parks | 1.3 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Cities to Chestermere
- Calgary 16.3 km · 1,306,784 people
- Airdrie 29.0 km · 74,100 people
- Red Deer 135.3 km · 100,844 people
- Brooks 145.9 km · 14,924 people
- Lacombe 158.0 km · 13,396 people
- Lethbridge 166.6 km · 98,406 people
- Wetaskiwin 215.3 km · 12,594 people
- Camrose 228.2 km · 18,772 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Chestermere
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Chestermere has a population of 22,163 people, making it the 16th city in Alberta. The population increased significantly from 19,887 in 2016, an increase of 2,276 people or 11.44%. The city has a population density of 675.0 people per km² across a land area of 32.83 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Chestermere's population grew by 11.44% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 19,887 to 22,163 people, a gain of 2,276 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Alberta cities during this period. The median age of 37.60 years suggests a relatively balanced demographic profile. The relatively low proportion of one-person households (10.6%) points to a family-oriented community. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Chestermere has a population density of approximately 675.00 people per square kilometre.
Chestermere covers a land area of approximately 32.83 km².
The median age of the population in Chestermere is 37.60 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Chestermere is English.
The median household income in Chestermere is $135,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Chestermere.
Christian is the predominant religion in Chestermere.
According to the 2021 Census, 2.6% of Chestermere's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
93.5% of Chestermere's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 11.2% of census families in Chestermere, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 8.8% of all households in Chestermere, per the 2021 Census.
3.9% of Chestermere'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 Chestermere, 38.2% 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.