Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Irma has a population of around 477 people. The village's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Irma has decreased by ▼ -8.45%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 521 | 477 | --8.45% |
2026 Population Projection
Irma's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 477 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Irma Population Trend & Context
Irma had a 2021 census population of 477 — a decline of 44 (▼ 8.45%) people from the 521 recorded in 2016.
The village's population has declined noticeably over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing Alberta villages. The village's median age of 40.8 years closely mirrors the national median of 41.9, suggesting a demographic profile in line with the Canadian average.
Population By Genders
The male population of Irma is around 250 while the female population is around 225.
Of the 477 total population in Irma, the largest gender is male with around 250 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 250 | 225 | -10.00% |
Is Irma a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Irma 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.
Irma Population Compared to Alberta
Alberta's population in 2021 was 4,262,635, spread across the area. Here's how Irma compares to the village's key indicators:
| Indicator | Irma | Alberta |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $82,000 | $96,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 11.5% |
| Median age | 40.8 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.3% | 28.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 6.0% | 23.2% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Irma has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 70 to 74 years old, accounting for 9.50% of the total population. The village median age is 40.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|
Broader Age Groups
If the village'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 57.90% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 23.20% and 17.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Irma are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 14 years | 50.00% | 40.00% | 85.00% |
| 15 to 64 years | 60.00% | 57.80% | 57.90% |
| 65 years and over | 24.00% | 24.40% | 23.20% |
| 0 to 14 years | 20.00% | 17.80% | 17.90% |
Population of Irma by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Irma is quite diverse, which contributes to the village's vibrant cultural landscape. Irma is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the village appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Irma are English, which accounts for 34.00% of the total population, followed by Scottish (30.00%), Canadian (26.00%), German (21.00%), and Irish (19.00%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Irma include French, Ukrainian, Polish, American, and British Isles.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 31.48% | 36.96% | 34.00% |
| Scottish | 31.48% | 28.26% | 30.00% |
| Canadian | 22.22% | 28.26% | 26.00% |
| German | 16.67% | 26.09% | 21.00% |
| Irish | 12.96% | 26.09% | 19.00% |
| French | 12.96% | 17.39% | 15.00% |
| Ukrainian | 9.26% | 13.04% | 11.00% |
| Polish | 3.70% | 8.70% | 7.00% |
| American | 5.56% | 6.52% | 6.00% |
| British Isles | 7.41% | 0.00% | 5.00% |
Indigenous Identity in Irma
About 5.00% of Irma's population (25 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 95.00% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 0 people (0.00% 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 Irma's population profile.
About 6.0% of Irma's population are immigrants (30 people).
The top countries of origin for Irma's immigrant population are United Kingdom (10), Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0), Guyana (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 10 |
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
| Guyana | 0 |
98.0% of Irma's residents (490 people) are Canadian citizens, and 2.0% are not.
By generation status, 7.0% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 10.0% are second generation, and 84.0% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 175 of Irma's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 20.75% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 15.85% of the population. 4 persons, 3 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.10%, 4.90%, and 3.65%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 85 | 20.75% |
| 1 person | 65 | 15.85% |
| 4 persons | 25 | 6.10% |
| 3 persons | 20 | 4.90% |
| 5 or more persons | 15 | 3.65% |
Family and Household Structure in Irma
Of census families in Irma, 89.3% are couple families and 10.7% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.9 people.
31.0% of households in Irma are one-person households, 57.1% are couple-family households, 4.8% are one-parent-family households, and 0.0% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 65 | 31.0% |
| Couple-family households | 120 | 57.1% |
| One-parent-family households | 10 | 4.8% |
| Multigenerational households | 0 | 0.0% |
Income in Irma
Analyzing income distribution in Irma can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Irma is $46,800.
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 village's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Irma population or around 60 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 55 and 50 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Irma's median household income is $82,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Irma's median household income is 2,000 dollars below the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the village'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 village's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Irma
This data sheds light on the distribution of Irma 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.
53.30% or most of the Irma population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 40.00% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 4.40% 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 | 65 | 50 | 120 | 53.30% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 50 | 40 | 90 | 40.00% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 10 | 0 | 10 | 4.40% |
Below national average 24.4% of Irma's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Irma
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Irma. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Irma is at 3.64% which is pretty low.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 63.86% |
| Unemployment rate | 3.64% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Irma, 32.9% worked full year full time in the reference year, 36.6% worked part year and/or part time, and 30.5% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 135 | 32.9% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 150 | 36.6% |
| Did not work | 125 | 30.5% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the village who work as an employee. The majority of Irma's population (around 74.10%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the village, there are 30 men and 10 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 35.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 30 | 10 | 35 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Irma industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Irma is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Irma has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (15%) works in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 11%, followed by Transportation and warehousing at 9%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 30 | 10 | 15% |
| Health care and social assistance | 0 | 30 | 11% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 20 | 0 | 9% |
| Educational services | 0 | 20 | 9% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 15 | 10 | 9% |
| Public administration | 25 | 0 | 9% |
| Construction | 20 | 0 | 7% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 15 | 0 | 6% |
| Retail trade | 0 | 15 | 6% |
| Manufacturing | 10 | 0 | 4% |
| Information and cultural industries | 10 | 0 | 4% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 10 | 4% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 10 | 0 | 4% |
| Accommodation and food services | 0 | 0 | 4% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Irma residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Irma: Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (15%), Health care and social assistance (11%), Transportation and warehousing (9%)
Top occupation categories in Irma: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (24%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (17%), Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations (17%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the village. 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 | 80 | 80 | 160 | 60.40% |
| No fixed workplace address | 60 | 25 | 75 | 28.30% |
| Worked at home | 20 | 0 | 20 | 7.50% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Irma 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 Irma residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Irma spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the village's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the village.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 15 to 29 minutes | 39.60% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 37.50% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 14.60% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 6.30% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.20% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Irma 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 village's social fabric. We can gain insights into Irma's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights village'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 Irma. About 470 people living in the village speak English, 5 people speak French, 0 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 470 |
| French | 5 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 3.2% of Irma's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 96.8% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 460 | 96.8% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 15 | 3.2% |
| Neither English nor French | 0 | 0.0% |
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 | 94.7% | 95.8% |
| Non-official languages | 4.2% | 3.2% |
| French | 1.1% | 0.0% |
Religion
Irma is predominantly Christian. About 215 of its population is Christian (110 males and 100 females).
The second largest religion in the village 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 | 43.0% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Irma
Schools
Nearest Villages to Irma
- Lougheed 28.6 km · 225 people
- Amisk 40.9 km · 219 people
- Mannville 46.9 km · 765 people
- Hughenden 48.7 km · 213 people
- Edgerton 54.7 km · 385 people
- Innisfree 55.2 km · 187 people
- Czar 58.3 km · 248 people
- Paradise Valley 64.0 km · 153 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Irma
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Irma has a population of 477 people, making it the 188th village in Alberta. The population declined significantly from 521 in 2016, a decrease of 44 people or 8.45%. The village has a population density of 361.7 people per km² across a land area of 1.32 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Irma's population declined by 8.45% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 521 to 477 people, a loss of 44 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Alberta villages during this period. The median age of 40.80 years suggests a mature, established community. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Irma has a population density of approximately 361.70 people per square kilometre.
Irma covers a land area of approximately 1.32 km².
The median age of the population in Irma is 40.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Irma is English.
The median household income in Irma is $82,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Irma.
Christian is the predominant religion in Irma.
According to the 2021 Census, 5.0% of Irma's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
98.0% of Irma's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 11.1% of census families in Irma, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.0% of all households in Irma, per the 2021 Census.
3.2% of Irma'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 Irma, 32.9% 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.