Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Fairview has a population of around 2,817 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Fairview has decreased by ▼ -6.04%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 2,998 | 2,817 | --6.04% |
2026 Population Projection
Fairview's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 2,817 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Fairview Population Trend & Context
Fairview had a 2021 census population of 2,817 — a decline of 181 (▼ 6.04%) people from the 2,998 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has declined noticeably over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing Alberta towns. The town's median age of 44.4 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
Population By Genders
The male population of Fairview is around 1,315 while the female population is around 1,505.
Of the 2,817 total population in Fairview, the largest gender is female with around 1,505 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,315 | 1,505 | -12.62% |
Is Fairview a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Fairview 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.
Fairview Population Compared to Alberta
Alberta's population in 2021 was 4,262,635, spread across the area. Here's how Fairview compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Fairview | Alberta |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $79,000 | $96,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 11.5% |
| Median age | 44.4 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.0% | 28.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 10.4% | 23.2% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Fairview has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 7.50% of the total population. The town median age is 44.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 105 8.00% | 100 6.60% | 4.76% | 210 7.50% |
| 15 to 19 years | 85 6.50% | 100 6.60% | 15.00% | 190 6.70% |
| 55 to 59 years | 85 6.50% | 105 7.00% | 19.05% | 190 6.70% |
| 10 to 14 years | 85 6.50% | 90 6.00% | 5.56% | 180 6.40% |
| 45 to 49 years | 65 4.90% | 110 7.30% | 40.91% | 180 6.40% |
| 25 to 29 years | 90 6.80% | 85 5.60% | 5.56% | 170 6.00% |
| 50 to 54 years | 90 6.80% | 85 5.60% | 5.56% | 170 6.00% |
| 65 to 69 years | 95 7.20% | 80 5.30% | 15.79% | 170 6.00% |
| 20 to 24 years | 70 5.30% | 95 6.30% | 26.32% | 165 5.90% |
| 40 to 44 years | 80 6.10% | 85 5.60% | 5.88% | 165 5.90% |
| 0 to 4 years | 70 5.30% | 85 5.60% | 17.65% | 150 5.30% |
| 30 to 34 years | 65 4.90% | 80 5.30% | 18.75% | 145 5.20% |
| 70 to 74 years | 65 4.90% | 80 5.30% | 18.75% | 140 5.00% |
| 35 to 39 years | 60 4.60% | 75 5.00% | 20.00% | 135 4.80% |
| 5 to 9 years | 80 6.10% | 50 3.30% | 37.50% | 130 4.60% |
| 85 years and over | 35 2.70% | 75 5.00% | 53.33% | 110 3.90% |
| 75 to 79 years | 50 3.80% | 55 3.70% | 9.09% | 105 3.70% |
| 80 to 84 years | 45 3.40% | 65 4.30% | 30.77% | 105 3.70% |
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 61.10% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 22.60% and 16.30%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Fairview are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 60.50% | 61.50% | 61.10% |
| 65 years and over | 21.70% | 23.60% | 22.60% |
| 0 to 14 years | 17.90% | 14.60% | 16.30% |
Population of Fairview by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Fairview is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Fairview 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 Fairview are German, which accounts for 25.79% of the total population, followed by English (23.75%), Scottish (15.77%), Canadian (12.43%), and Ukrainian (11.50%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Fairview include Irish, Filipino, French, Polish, and Norwegian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| German | 23.77% | 27.46% | 25.79% |
| English | 22.13% | 25.08% | 23.75% |
| Scottish | 16.39% | 15.25% | 15.77% |
| Canadian | 10.66% | 13.90% | 12.43% |
| Ukrainian | 9.84% | 12.54% | 11.50% |
| Irish | 11.48% | 10.17% | 10.76% |
| Filipino | 8.20% | 8.47% | 8.35% |
| French | 7.79% | 6.78% | 7.05% |
| Polish | 5.33% | 8.14% | 7.05% |
| Norwegian | 4.10% | 6.44% | 5.19% |
Indigenous Identity in Fairview
About 8.35% of Fairview's population (225 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 91.65% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 65 people (2.40% 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 Fairview's population profile.
About 10.4% of Fairview's population are immigrants (280 people).
The top countries of origin for Fairview's immigrant population are Philippines (160), United Kingdom (20), United States of America (10), Germany (10), India (10).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Philippines | 160 |
| United Kingdom | 20 |
| United States of America | 10 |
| Germany | 10 |
| India | 10 |
95.2% of Fairview's residents (2,565 people) are Canadian citizens, and 5.0% are not.
By generation status, 11.1% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 14.7% are second generation, and 74.0% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 935 of Fairview's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 17.70% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 16.90% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.45%, 5.20%, and 3.75%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 425 | 17.70% |
| 1 person | 405 | 16.90% |
| 3 persons | 155 | 6.45% |
| 4 persons | 125 | 5.20% |
| 5 or more persons | 90 | 3.75% |
Family and Household Structure in Fairview
Of census families in Fairview, 85.1% are couple families and 14.9% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.8 people.
33.3% of households in Fairview are one-person households, 51.3% are couple-family households, 7.9% are one-parent-family households, and 1.3% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 400 | 33.3% |
| Couple-family households | 615 | 51.3% |
| One-parent-family households | 95 | 7.9% |
| Multigenerational households | 15 | 1.3% |
Income in Fairview
Analyzing income distribution in Fairview can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Fairview is $41,200.
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 Fairview population or around 365 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $30,000 to $49,999, and $50,000 to $79,999 with around 310 and 280 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Fairview's median household income is $79,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Fairview's median household income is 5,000 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 Fairview
This data sheds light on the distribution of Fairview 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.
59.60% or most of the Fairview population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 25.70% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 15.10% 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 | 350 | 440 | 790 | 59.60% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 155 | 180 | 340 | 25.70% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 85 | 115 | 200 | 15.10% |
Below national average 17.7% of Fairview's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Fairview
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Fairview. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Fairview is at 7.58% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 58.18% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.58% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Fairview, 34.4% worked full year full time in the reference year, 28.9% worked part year and/or part time, and 37.1% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 755 | 34.4% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 635 | 28.9% |
| Did not work | 815 | 37.1% |
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 Fairview's population (around 69.10%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 100 men and 75 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 180.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 100 | 75 | 180 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Fairview industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Fairview is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Fairview has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (17%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 11%, followed by Accommodation and food services at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 30 | 205 | 17% |
| Retail trade | 75 | 80 | 11% |
| Accommodation and food services | 30 | 120 | 11% |
| Educational services | 65 | 75 | 10% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 80 | 15 | 7% |
| Construction | 85 | 0 | 7% |
| Manufacturing | 65 | 0 | 5% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 40 | 30 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 20 | 40 | 4% |
| Wholesale trade | 30 | 25 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 20 | 40 | 4% |
| Public administration | 20 | 25 | 3% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 10 | 25 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 10 | 20 | 3% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 25 | 0 | 2% |
| Utilities | 20 | 0 | 1% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 0 | 10 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| 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 Fairview residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Fairview: Health care and social assistance (17%), Retail trade (11%), Accommodation and food services (11%)
Top occupation categories in Fairview: Sales and service occupations (31%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (18%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (12%)
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 | 430 | 650 | 1,075 | 83.70% |
| No fixed workplace address | 115 | 15 | 125 | 9.70% |
| Worked at home | 35 | 40 | 75 | 5.80% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Fairview 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 Fairview residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Fairview 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 | 75.10% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 11.60% |
| 60 minutes and over | 7.50% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 4.60% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 1.20% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Fairview 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 Fairview'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 Fairview. About 2,725 people living in the town speak English, 25 people speak French, 5 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 0 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 2,725 |
| French | 25 |
| Neither English nor French | 5 |
| English and French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 2.4% of Fairview's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 97.6% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.2% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 2,685 | 97.6% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 65 | 2.4% |
| Neither English nor French | 5 | 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 | 88.0% | 94.0% |
| Non-official languages | 8.7% | 3.6% |
| French | 1.1% | 0.0% |
Religion
Fairview is predominantly Christian. About 1,545 of its population is Christian (710 males and 835 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 | 57.3% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Nearest Towns to Fairview
- Coaldale 11.9 km · 8,771 people
- Coalhurst 12.3 km · 2,869 people
- Picture Butte 20.1 km · 1,930 people
- Raymond 26.6 km · 4,199 people
- Nobleford 28.7 km · 1,438 people
- Magrath 31.7 km · 2,481 people
- Fort Macleod 45.6 km · 3,297 people
- Vauxhall 63.4 km · 1,286 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Fairview
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Fairview has a population of 2,817 people, making it the 74th town in Alberta. The population declined significantly from 2,998 in 2016, a decrease of 181 people or 6.04%. The town has a population density of 263.9 people per km² across a land area of 10.67 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Fairview's population declined by 6.04% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 2,998 to 2,817 people, a loss of 181 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Alberta towns during this period. The median age of 44.40 years suggests a mature, established community. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (33.8%) 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.
Fairview has a population density of approximately 263.90 people per square kilometre.
Fairview covers a land area of approximately 10.67 km².
The median age of the population in Fairview is 44.40 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Fairview is German.
The median household income in Fairview is $79,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Fairview.
Christian is the predominant religion in Fairview.
According to the 2021 Census, 8.3% of Fairview's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
95.2% of Fairview's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 14.9% of census families in Fairview, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 1.3% of all households in Fairview, per the 2021 Census.
2.4% of Fairview'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 Fairview, 34.4% 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.