Lac la Biche County, Alberta — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Lac la Biche County census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 7,673
- −7.9% since 2016
- Density
- 0.6
- people per km²
- Land area
- 12,528
- km²
- Median age
- 41.6
- years
- Median household income
- $95,000
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 10.9%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Lac la Biche County. It is a township in Canada that encompasses a land area of 12,528.25 km2. The township has a population density of 0.60 people per km2.
We highlight the Lac la Biche County township's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Lac la Biche County on the Map
- Points of interest (16)
- Places to visit (3)
- Green spaces (21)
Lac la Biche County location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Lac la Biche County has a population of around 7,673 people. The township's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Lac la Biche County has decreased by ▼ -7.89%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 8,330 | 7,673 | --7.89% |
2026 Population Projection
Lac la Biche County's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 7,673 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Lac la Biche County Population Trend & Context
Lac la Biche County is the 40th-largest township in Alberta, with a 2021 census population of 7,673 — a decline of 657 (▼ 7.89%) people from the 8,330 recorded in 2016.
The township's population has declined noticeably over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing Alberta townships. The township's median age of 41.6 years closely mirrors the national median of 41.9, suggesting a demographic profile in line with the Canadian average.
How does Lac la Biche County compare to other Alberta townships?
- 38th Innisfail 7,985
- 39th Drumheller 7,909
- 40th Lac la Biche County This township 7,673
- 41st Ponoka 7,331
- 42nd Drayton Valley 7,291
Population By Genders
The male population of Lac la Biche County is around 3,865 while the female population is around 3,810.
Of the 7,673 total population in Lac la Biche County, the largest gender is male with around 3,865 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3,865 | 3,810 | -1.42% |
Is Lac la Biche County a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Lac la Biche County 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.
Lac la Biche County Population Compared to Alberta
Alberta's population in 2021 was 4,262,635, spread across the area. Here's how Lac la Biche County compares to the township's key indicators:
| Indicator | Lac la Biche County | Alberta |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $95,000 | $96,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.9% | 11.5% |
| Median age | 41.6 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.6% | 28.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 9.5% | 23.2% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Lac la Biche County has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 55 to 59 years old, accounting for 8.30% of the total population. The township median age is 41.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 to 59 years | 300 7.80% | 335 8.80% | 10.45% | 635 8.30% |
| 60 to 64 years | 285 7.40% | 260 6.80% | 8.77% | 545 7.10% |
| 50 to 54 years | 255 6.60% | 270 7.10% | 5.56% | 525 6.80% |
| 15 to 19 years | 255 6.60% | 255 6.70% | 0.00% | 510 6.60% |
| 65 to 69 years | 265 6.90% | 240 6.30% | 9.43% | 505 6.60% |
| 10 to 14 years | 265 6.90% | 235 6.20% | 11.32% | 500 6.50% |
| 30 to 34 years | 250 6.50% | 240 6.30% | 4.00% | 490 6.40% |
| 5 to 9 years | 225 5.80% | 260 6.80% | 13.46% | 480 6.30% |
| 40 to 44 years | 215 5.60% | 245 6.40% | 12.24% | 460 6.00% |
| 35 to 39 years | 235 6.10% | 215 5.60% | 8.51% | 455 5.90% |
| 0 to 4 years | 230 6.00% | 215 5.60% | 6.52% | 445 5.80% |
| 45 to 49 years | 220 5.70% | 225 5.90% | 2.22% | 445 5.80% |
| 20 to 24 years | 220 5.70% | 200 5.20% | 9.09% | 415 5.40% |
| 25 to 29 years | 195 5.00% | 200 5.20% | 2.50% | 395 5.10% |
| 70 to 74 years | 200 5.20% | 170 4.50% | 15.00% | 370 4.80% |
| 75 to 79 years | 120 3.10% | 105 2.80% | 12.50% | 225 2.90% |
| 80 to 84 years | 85 2.20% | 70 1.80% | 17.65% | 155 2.00% |
| 85 years and over | 45 1.20% | 65 1.70% | 30.77% | 115 1.50% |
Broader Age Groups
If the township'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 63.50% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 18.60% and 17.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Lac la Biche County are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 63.00% | 64.20% | 63.50% |
| 0 to 14 years | 18.60% | 18.50% | 18.60% |
| 65 years and over | 18.40% | 17.30% | 17.90% |
Population of Lac la Biche County by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Lac la Biche County is quite diverse, which contributes to the township's vibrant cultural landscape. Lac la Biche County is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the township appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Lac la Biche County are French, which accounts for 26.31% of the total population, followed by Ukrainian (16.19%), English (16.13%), German (12.82%), and Irish (12.10%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Lac la Biche County include Scottish, Canadian, Polish, Russian, and Cree.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| French | 27.65% | 24.93% | 26.31% |
| Ukrainian | 15.86% | 16.53% | 16.19% |
| English | 15.86% | 16.27% | 16.13% |
| German | 12.58% | 13.20% | 12.82% |
| Irish | 11.80% | 12.40% | 12.10% |
| Scottish | 12.19% | 10.27% | 11.24% |
| Canadian | 10.35% | 10.80% | 10.58% |
| Polish | 6.55% | 7.33% | 6.87% |
| Russian | 6.68% | 5.87% | 6.35% |
| Cree | 6.95% | 4.80% | 5.95% |
Indigenous Identity in Lac la Biche County
About 25.30% of Lac la Biche County's population (1,915 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 74.70% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 420 people (5.50% 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 Lac la Biche County's population profile.
About 9.5% of Lac la Biche County's population are immigrants (720 people).
The top countries of origin for Lac la Biche County's immigrant population are Philippines (255), United States of America (105), Lebanon (60), China (50), South Africa, Republic of (45).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Philippines | 255 |
| United States of America | 105 |
| Lebanon | 60 |
| China | 50 |
| South Africa, Republic of | 45 |
95.9% of Lac la Biche County's residents (7,255 people) are Canadian citizens, and 4.1% are not.
By generation status, 10.4% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 15.6% are second generation, and 74.1% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 2,320 of Lac la Biche County's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 17.95% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 12.05% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.65%, 6.95%, and 5.40%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 1,060 | 17.95% |
| 1 person | 710 | 12.05% |
| 3 persons | 450 | 7.65% |
| 4 persons | 410 | 6.95% |
| 5 or more persons | 320 | 5.40% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 2,950 occupied private dwellings in Lac la Biche County, 78.3% are owner-occupied (2,310) and 21.7% are rented (640). The median value of owned dwellings is $400,000 (average $430,000).
Period of Construction
7.8% of Lac la Biche County's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 4.9% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Lac la Biche County
Of census families in Lac la Biche County, 85.6% are couple families and 14.4% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.9 people.
24.1% of households in Lac la Biche County are one-person households, 58.6% are couple-family households, 7.3% are one-parent-family households, and 2.9% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 710 | 24.1% |
| Couple-family households | 1,730 | 58.6% |
| One-parent-family households | 215 | 7.3% |
| Multigenerational households | 85 | 2.9% |
Income in Lac la Biche County
Analyzing income distribution in Lac la Biche County can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Lac la Biche County is $43,200.
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 township's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Lac la Biche County population or around 925 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 755 and 735 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Lac la Biche County's median household income is $95,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Lac la Biche County's median household income is 11,000 dollars above the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the township'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 township's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Lac la Biche County
This data sheds light on the distribution of Lac la Biche County 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.
59.40% or most of the Lac la Biche County population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 25.40% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 15.30% 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 | 1,105 | 1,220 | 2,330 | 59.40% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 480 | 520 | 995 | 25.40% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 335 | 270 | 600 | 15.30% |
Below national average 17.8% of Lac la Biche County's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Lac la Biche County
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Lac la Biche County. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Lac la Biche County is at 10.86% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 58.05% |
| Unemployment rate | 10.86% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Lac la Biche County, 34.5% worked full year full time in the reference year, 31.5% worked part year and/or part time, and 34.0% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 2,120 | 34.5% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 1,940 | 31.5% |
| Did not work | 2,090 | 34.0% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the township who work as an employee. The majority of Lac la Biche County's population (around 61.20%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the township, there are 540 men and 300 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 835.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 540 | 300 | 835 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Lac la Biche County industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Lac la Biche County is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Lac la Biche County has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (12%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 11%, followed by Educational services at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 80 | 410 | 12% |
| Retail trade | 195 | 240 | 11% |
| Educational services | 95 | 295 | 10% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 260 | 100 | 9% |
| Construction | 290 | 50 | 9% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 235 | 55 | 7% |
| Public administration | 115 | 145 | 7% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 205 | 30 | 6% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 115 | 95 | 5% |
| Accommodation and food services | 85 | 90 | 5% |
| Manufacturing | 105 | 35 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 55 | 70 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 70 | 60 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 55 | 25 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 50 | 20 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 40 | 25 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 10 | 50 | 1% |
| Utilities | 30 | 0 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 15 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Lac la Biche County residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Lac la Biche County: Health care and social assistance (12%), Retail trade (11%), Educational services (10%)
Top occupation categories in Lac la Biche County: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (24%), Sales and service occupations (21%), Business, finance and administration occupations (14%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the township. 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 | 1,155 | 1,320 | 2,470 | 69.20% |
| No fixed workplace address | 485 | 85 | 570 | 16.00% |
| Worked at home | 240 | 290 | 530 | 14.80% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Lac la Biche County 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 Lac la Biche County residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Lac la Biche County spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the township's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the township.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 51.10% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 25.90% |
| 60 minutes and over | 11.00% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 8.90% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 3.10% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Lac la Biche County 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 township's social fabric. We can gain insights into Lac la Biche County's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights township'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 Lac la Biche County. About 7,160 people living in the township speak English, 390 people speak French, 25 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 10 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 7,160 |
| French | 390 |
| Neither English nor French | 25 |
| English and French | 10 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 11.7% of Lac la Biche County's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 88.1% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.3% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 6,670 | 88.1% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 885 | 11.7% |
| Neither English nor French | 25 | 0.3% |
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 | 80.1% | 91.4% |
| Non-official languages | 11.0% | 5.1% |
| French | 5.7% | 1.1% |
Religion
Lac la Biche County is predominantly Christian. About 4,675 of its population is Christian (2,280 males and 2,390 females).
The second largest religion in the township is Muslim with 4.5% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Buddhist, both represent 0.5% and 0.0% of the population, while Jewish represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 61.8% |
| Islam | 4.5% |
| Hindu | 0.5% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Lac la Biche County
Hospitals
Schools
Parks
- Day Use Area
- Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement Rodeo Grounds
- Alexander Hamilton Park
- McArthur Park
- Dumasfield Park
- Richard Devonian Park
- Jubliee Park
- Holowachuk Park
Libraries
Places to Visit in Lac la Biche County
Museums
Historic Sites
Theatres
Green Spaces in Lac la Biche County
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Townships to Lac la Biche County
Methodology
- Data vintage: Reference date was Census Day, May 11, 2021. Statistics Canada released this profile in stages starting February 9, 2022, with later characteristics added through the remainder of 2022.
- Rounding & suppression: To protect respondent confidentiality, Statistics Canada randomly rounds every count shown here, and withholds some characteristics entirely for areas with very small populations. This is why a small number of figures on this page may show as unavailable for smaller places — it reflects a StatCan privacy rule, not missing data on our end.
- Next update: These are the most recent figures available. Canada's next census is scheduled for May 2026, with results expected to begin release in 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lac la Biche County
What is the population of Lac la Biche County?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Lac la Biche County has a population of 7,673 people, making it the 40th township in Alberta. The population declined significantly from 8,330 in 2016, a decrease of 657 people or 7.89%. The township has a population density of 0.6 people per km² across a land area of 12,528.25 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Lac la Biche County growing?
Lac la Biche County's population declined by 7.89% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 8,330 to 7,673 people, a loss of 657 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Alberta townships during this period. The median age of 41.60 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.
What is the population density of Lac la Biche County?
Lac la Biche County has a population density of approximately 0.60 people per square kilometre.
How large is Lac la Biche County?
Lac la Biche County covers a land area of approximately 12,528.25 km².
What is the median age in Lac la Biche County?
The median age of the population in Lac la Biche County is 41.60 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Lac la Biche County?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Lac la Biche County is French.
What is the median household income in Lac la Biche County?
The median household income in Lac la Biche County is $95,000, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Lac la Biche County?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Lac la Biche County.
What is the main religion in Lac la Biche County?
Christian is the predominant religion in Lac la Biche County.
What percentage of Lac la Biche County's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 25.3% of Lac la Biche County's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Lac la Biche County residents are Canadian citizens?
95.9% of Lac la Biche County's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Lac la Biche County are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 14.5% of census families in Lac la Biche County, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Lac la Biche County?
Multigenerational households make up 2.9% of all households in Lac la Biche County, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Lac la Biche County's population is bilingual in English and French?
11.7% of Lac la Biche County's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Lac la Biche County's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Lac la Biche County, 34.5% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Lac la Biche County available yet?
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.