Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Edson has a population of around 8,374 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Edson has decreased by ▼ -0.48%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 8,414 | 8,374 | --0.48% |
2026 Population Projection
Edson's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 8,374 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Edson Population Trend & Context
Edson had a 2021 census population of 8,374 — a decline of 40 (▼ 0.48%) people from the 8,414 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has remained relatively stable over this period, reflecting broader trends in mid-sized Alberta towns. The town's median age of 38.4 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
Population By Genders
The male population of Edson is around 4,300 while the female population is around 4,075.
Of the 8,374 total population in Edson, the largest gender is male with around 4,300 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 4,300 | 4,075 | -5.23% |
Is Edson a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Edson 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.
Edson Population Compared to Alberta
Alberta's population in 2021 was 4,262,635, spread across the area. Here's how Edson compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Edson | Alberta |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $99,000 | $96,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.9% | 11.5% |
| Median age | 38.4 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 11.4% | 28.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 10.2% | 23.2% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Edson has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 35 to 39 years old, accounting for 8.00% of the total population. The town median age is 38.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 to 39 years | 345 8.00% | 330 8.10% | 4.35% | 670 8.00% |
| 30 to 34 years | 335 7.80% | 295 7.20% | 11.94% | 630 7.50% |
| 40 to 44 years | 320 7.40% | 290 7.10% | 9.38% | 610 7.30% |
| 60 to 64 years | 285 6.60% | 305 7.50% | 6.56% | 585 7.00% |
| 55 to 59 years | 320 7.40% | 260 6.40% | 18.75% | 580 6.90% |
| 25 to 29 years | 305 7.10% | 270 6.60% | 11.48% | 575 6.90% |
| 45 to 49 years | 275 6.40% | 270 6.60% | 1.82% | 550 6.60% |
| 5 to 9 years | 260 6.00% | 275 6.70% | 5.45% | 540 6.40% |
| 10 to 14 years | 285 6.60% | 240 5.90% | 15.79% | 530 6.30% |
| 50 to 54 years | 270 6.30% | 245 6.00% | 9.26% | 520 6.20% |
| 20 to 24 years | 285 6.60% | 220 5.40% | 22.81% | 505 6.00% |
| 15 to 19 years | 265 6.20% | 210 5.20% | 20.75% | 480 5.70% |
| 0 to 4 years | 225 5.20% | 240 5.90% | 6.25% | 465 5.60% |
| 65 to 69 years | 175 4.10% | 195 4.80% | 10.26% | 370 4.40% |
| 70 to 74 years | 145 3.40% | 150 3.70% | 3.33% | 290 3.50% |
| 75 to 79 years | 80 1.90% | 100 2.50% | 20.00% | 180 2.10% |
| 80 to 84 years | 65 1.50% | 80 2.00% | 18.75% | 150 1.80% |
| 85 years and over | 45 1.00% | 100 2.50% | 55.00% | 150 1.80% |
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 68.10% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 18.30% and 13.60%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Edson are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 70.00% | 65.90% | 68.10% |
| 0 to 14 years | 18.10% | 18.70% | 18.30% |
| 65 years and over | 12.00% | 15.30% | 13.60% |
Population of Edson by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Edson is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Edson 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 Edson are English, which accounts for 23.31% of the total population, followed by German (19.31%), Canadian (18.82%), Scottish (18.33%), and Irish (17.34%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Edson include French, Ukrainian, Dutch, Norwegian, and Filipino.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 22.08% | 24.62% | 23.31% |
| German | 20.29% | 18.15% | 19.31% |
| Canadian | 19.45% | 18.15% | 18.82% |
| Scottish | 18.74% | 18.02% | 18.33% |
| Irish | 17.78% | 16.88% | 17.34% |
| French | 13.13% | 12.82% | 13.04% |
| Ukrainian | 10.38% | 11.93% | 11.13% |
| Dutch | 6.56% | 6.09% | 6.27% |
| Norwegian | 4.77% | 5.96% | 5.35% |
| Filipino | 5.13% | 5.46% | 5.29% |
Indigenous Identity in Edson
About 10.64% of Edson's population (865 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 89.36% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 155 people (1.90% 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 Edson's population profile.
About 10.2% of Edson's population are immigrants (830 people).
The top countries of origin for Edson's immigrant population are Philippines (380), United Kingdom (75), India (65), United States of America (35), South Africa, Republic of (25).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Philippines | 380 |
| United Kingdom | 75 |
| India | 65 |
| United States of America | 35 |
| South Africa, Republic of | 25 |
93.7% of Edson's residents (7,615 people) are Canadian citizens, and 6.4% are not.
By generation status, 11.6% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 12.1% are second generation, and 76.3% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 2,050 of Edson's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 16.85% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 14.90% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.90%, 6.30%, and 4.05%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 1,140 | 16.85% |
| 1 person | 1,010 | 14.90% |
| 3 persons | 535 | 7.90% |
| 4 persons | 425 | 6.30% |
| 5 or more persons | 275 | 4.05% |
Family and Household Structure in Edson
Of census families in Edson, 81.1% are couple families and 18.9% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.9 people.
29.8% of households in Edson are one-person households, 48.1% are couple-family households, 8.6% are one-parent-family households, and 2.5% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 1,010 | 29.8% |
| Couple-family households | 1,630 | 48.1% |
| One-parent-family households | 290 | 8.6% |
| Multigenerational households | 85 | 2.5% |
Income in Edson
Analyzing income distribution in Edson can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Edson is $46,400.
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 town's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Edson population or around 995 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 960 and 845 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Edson's median household income is $99,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Edson'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 Edson
This data sheds light on the distribution of Edson 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.
44.40% or most of the Edson population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 37.40% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 18.10% 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 | 1,020 | 1,045 | 2,060 | 44.40% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 920 | 810 | 1,735 | 37.40% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 445 | 395 | 840 | 18.10% |
Below national average 12.5% of Edson's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Edson
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Edson. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Edson is at 10.92% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 62.47% |
| Unemployment rate | 10.92% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Edson, 34.8% worked full year full time in the reference year, 35.2% worked part year and/or part time, and 30.0% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 2,295 | 34.8% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 2,325 | 35.2% |
| Did not work | 1,980 | 30.0% |
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 Edson's population (around 73.10%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 365 men and 240 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 605.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 365 | 240 | 605 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Edson industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Edson is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Edson has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (13%) works in the retail trade sector. The Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector comes second at 13%, followed by Health care and social assistance at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail trade | 270 | 345 | 13% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 515 | 90 | 13% |
| Health care and social assistance | 55 | 460 | 11% |
| Construction | 375 | 65 | 10% |
| Accommodation and food services | 125 | 265 | 8% |
| Manufacturing | 275 | 80 | 8% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 200 | 60 | 6% |
| Public administration | 85 | 110 | 4% |
| Educational services | 50 | 130 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 100 | 75 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 75 | 75 | 3% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 90 | 45 | 3% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 60 | 70 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 60 | 30 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 45 | 40 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 25 | 40 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 20 | 50 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 15 | 30 | 1% |
| Utilities | 25 | 0 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Edson residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Edson: Retail trade (13%), Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (13%), Health care and social assistance (11%)
Top occupation categories in Edson: Sales and service occupations (29%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (23%), Business, finance and administration occupations (13%)
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 | 1,470 | 1,540 | 3,010 | 73.10% |
| No fixed workplace address | 625 | 140 | 770 | 18.70% |
| Worked at home | 130 | 210 | 340 | 8.30% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Edson 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 Edson residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Edson 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 | 72.70% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 12.10% |
| 60 minutes and over | 7.70% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 4.90% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.50% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Edson 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 Edson'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 Edson. About 8,020 people living in the town speak English, 130 people speak French, 20 people speak English and French language, and 20 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 8,020 |
| French | 130 |
| English and French | 20 |
| Neither English nor French | 20 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 6.0% of Edson's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 93.8% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.2% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 7,675 | 93.8% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 490 | 6.0% |
| Neither English nor French | 20 | 0.2% |
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 | 87.3% | 93.0% |
| Non-official languages | 8.9% | 5.0% |
| French | 1.6% | 0.3% |
Religion
Edson is predominantly Christian. About 3,670 of its population is Christian (1,775 males and 1,900 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Hindu with 0.6% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Sikh and Muslim, both represent 0.5% and 0.4% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.1% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 45.1% |
| Hindu | 0.6% |
| Sikh | 0.5% |
| Islam | 0.4% |
| Buddhist | 0.1% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Edson
Hospitals
Schools
- Yellowhead Koinonia Christian School
- Mary Bergeron Elementary School
- Holy Redeemer Catholic School
- Pine Grove School
- Parkland Composite High School
- Westhaven School
- Vanier Community Catholic School
Parks
Libraries
Places to Visit in Edson
Museums
Green Spaces in Edson
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Centennial Park | Parks | 3.1 ha |
| Glenwood Park | Parks | 3.0 ha |
| Griffiths Park | Parks | 7.1 ha |
| Millenium Park | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Kinsmen Park | Parks | 2.5 ha |
| Bike Park | Parks | 0.8 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Edson
- Hinton 78.6 km · 9,817 people
- Whitecourt 79.4 km · 9,927 people
- Fox Creek 94.2 km · 1,639 people
- Mayerthorpe 94.9 km · 1,259 people
- Drayton Valley 104.9 km · 7,291 people
- Swan Hills 143.0 km · 1,201 people
- Barrhead 146.6 km · 4,320 people
- Onoway 149.0 km · 966 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Edson
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Edson has a population of 8,374 people, making it the 36th town in Alberta. The population declined slightly from 8,414 in 2016, a decrease of 40 people or 0.48%. The town has a population density of 284.5 people per km² across a land area of 29.43 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Edson's population declined by 0.48% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 8,414 to 8,374 people, a loss of 40 residents. This stability is characteristic of many mid-sized other Alberta towns during this period. The median age of 38.40 years suggests a relatively balanced demographic profile. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Edson has a population density of approximately 284.50 people per square kilometre.
Edson covers a land area of approximately 29.43 km².
The median age of the population in Edson is 38.40 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Edson is English.
The median household income in Edson is $99,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Edson.
Christian is the predominant religion in Edson.
According to the 2021 Census, 10.6% of Edson's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
93.7% of Edson's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 18.9% of census families in Edson, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 2.5% of all households in Edson, per the 2021 Census.
6.0% of Edson'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 Edson, 34.8% 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.