Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Provost has a population of around 1,900 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Provost has decreased by ▼ -4.90%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,998 | 1,900 | --4.90% |
2026 Population Projection
Provost's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 1,900 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Provost Population Trend & Context
Provost had a 2021 census population of 1,900 — a decline of 98 (▼ 4.90%) people from the 1,998 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has seen a slight decline over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing Alberta towns. The town's median age of 39.6 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
Population By Genders
The male population of Provost is around 935 while the female population is around 965.
Of the 1,900 total population in Provost, the largest gender is female with around 965 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 935 | 965 | -3.11% |
Is Provost a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Provost 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.
Provost Population Compared to Alberta
Alberta's population in 2021 was 4,262,635, spread across the area. Here's how Provost compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Provost | Alberta |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $84,000 | $96,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 11.5% |
| Median age | 39.6 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 11.7% | 28.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 6.1% | 23.2% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Provost has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 15 to 19 years old, accounting for 8.40% of the total population. The town median age is 39.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 19 years | 85 9.10% | 75 7.80% | 11.76% | 160 8.40% |
| 10 to 14 years | 70 7.50% | 85 8.80% | 17.65% | 155 8.20% |
| 45 to 49 years | 60 6.40% | 75 7.80% | 20.00% | 135 7.10% |
| 35 to 39 years | 55 5.90% | 65 6.70% | 15.38% | 125 6.60% |
| 60 to 64 years | 70 7.50% | 50 5.20% | 28.57% | 125 6.60% |
| 20 to 24 years | 70 7.50% | 45 4.70% | 35.71% | 115 6.10% |
| 40 to 44 years | 60 6.40% | 55 5.70% | 8.33% | 115 6.10% |
| 50 to 54 years | 60 6.40% | 55 5.70% | 8.33% | 115 6.10% |
| 5 to 9 years | 60 6.40% | 50 5.20% | 16.67% | 110 5.80% |
| 55 to 59 years | 60 6.40% | 55 5.70% | 8.33% | 110 5.80% |
| 30 to 34 years | 55 5.90% | 55 5.70% | 0.00% | 105 5.50% |
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 63.70% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 18.40% and 17.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Provost are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 66.80% | 60.10% | 63.70% |
| 0 to 14 years | 19.80% | 17.60% | 18.40% |
| 65 years and over | 13.40% | 22.30% | 17.90% |
Population of Provost by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Provost is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Provost 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 Provost are German, which accounts for 30.00% of the total population, followed by English (28.33%), Scottish (23.06%), Canadian (19.72%), and Irish (13.89%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Provost include Ukrainian, Norwegian, French, Dutch, and Swedish.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| German | 26.09% | 34.09% | 30.00% |
| English | 26.09% | 31.25% | 28.33% |
| Scottish | 22.28% | 23.86% | 23.06% |
| Canadian | 22.83% | 16.48% | 19.72% |
| Irish | 13.04% | 14.20% | 13.89% |
| Ukrainian | 14.67% | 13.07% | 13.89% |
| Norwegian | 6.52% | 8.52% | 7.22% |
| French | 3.80% | 5.11% | 4.72% |
| Dutch | 3.80% | 4.55% | 4.17% |
| Swedish | 4.35% | 3.41% | 3.89% |
Indigenous Identity in Provost
About 3.60% of Provost's population (65 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 96.40% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 35 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 Provost's population profile.
About 6.1% of Provost's population are immigrants (110 people).
The top countries of origin for Provost's immigrant population are Philippines (50), United States of America (10), Hong Kong (0), Korea, South (0), Taiwan (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Philippines | 50 |
| United States of America | 10 |
| Hong Kong | 0 |
| Korea, South | 0 |
| Taiwan | 0 |
95.6% of Provost's residents (1,725 people) are Canadian citizens, and 4.4% are not.
By generation status, 7.5% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 8.1% are second generation, and 84.4% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 605 of Provost's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 16.35% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 16.35% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.55%, 5.90%, and 4.60%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 250 | 16.35% |
| 2 persons | 250 | 16.35% |
| 3 persons | 100 | 6.55% |
| 4 persons | 90 | 5.90% |
| 5 or more persons | 70 | 4.60% |
Family and Household Structure in Provost
Of census families in Provost, 84.5% are couple families and 15.5% are one-parent families. The average census family has 3.0 people.
32.7% of households in Provost are one-person households, 52.3% are couple-family households, 9.2% are one-parent-family households, and 0.0% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 250 | 32.7% |
| Couple-family households | 400 | 52.3% |
| One-parent-family households | 70 | 9.2% |
| Multigenerational households | 0 | 0.0% |
Income in Provost
Analyzing income distribution in Provost can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Provost is $44,000.
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 town's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Provost population or around 255 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 215 and 190 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Provost's median household income is $84,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Provost's median household income is 0 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 Provost
This data sheds light on the distribution of Provost 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.
53.60% or most of the Provost population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 34.40% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 12.00% 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 | 225 | 295 | 515 | 53.60% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 175 | 150 | 330 | 34.40% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 80 | 30 | 115 | 12.00% |
Below national average 13.0% of Provost's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Provost
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Provost. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Provost is at 7.69% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 66.44% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.69% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Provost, 31.5% worked full year full time in the reference year, 37.0% worked part year and/or part time, and 31.5% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 455 | 31.5% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 535 | 37.0% |
| Did not work | 455 | 31.5% |
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 Provost's population (around 59.30%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 195 men and 70 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 260.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 195 | 70 | 260 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Provost industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Provost is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Provost has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (18%) works in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 13%, followed by Retail trade at 13%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 160 | 30 | 18% |
| Health care and social assistance | 15 | 125 | 13% |
| Retail trade | 40 | 95 | 13% |
| Construction | 75 | 20 | 9% |
| Educational services | 10 | 55 | 6% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 50 | 10 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 35 | 20 | 5% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 25 | 15 | 5% |
| Wholesale trade | 45 | 0 | 4% |
| Accommodation and food services | 15 | 30 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 20 | 20 | 3% |
| Manufacturing | 30 | 0 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 10 | 20 | 3% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 10 | 15 | 2% |
| Public administration | 10 | 10 | 2% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Finance and insurance | 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 Provost residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Provost: Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (18%), Health care and social assistance (13%), Retail trade (13%)
Top occupation categories in Provost: Sales and service occupations (23%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (22%), Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations (15%)
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 | 300 | 385 | 685 | 71.40% |
| No fixed workplace address | 155 | 35 | 190 | 19.80% |
| Worked at home | 60 | 30 | 90 | 9.40% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Provost 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 Provost residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Provost 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 | 77.00% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 9.20% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 5.70% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.60% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.90% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Provost 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 Provost'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 Provost. About 1,795 people living in the town speak English, 10 people speak French, 0 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 1,795 |
| French | 10 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 0.8% of Provost's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 98.9% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 1,785 | 98.9% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 15 | 0.8% |
| 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 | 92.5% | 95.8% |
| Non-official languages | 6.1% | 3.3% |
| French | 0.6% | 0.0% |
Religion
Provost is predominantly Christian. About 1,175 of its population is Christian (580 males and 590 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 | 65.3% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Provost
Hospitals
Schools
Parks
Libraries
Community Centres
- Crescent Point Place Regional Activity Centre
- Provost and District Agriplex
- Recreation and Culture Centre
Places to Visit in Provost
Historic Sites
Green Spaces in Provost
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Amisk Community Center and Sports Grounds | Parks | 6.5 ha |
| Salt Lake Park | Parks | 5.7 ha |
| Gooseberry Lake Provincial Park | Nature Reserves | 64.2 ha |
| Wainwright Dunes Ecological Reserve | Nature Reserves | 2,865.6 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Provost
- Wainwright 49.5 km · 6,606 people
- Hardisty 53.5 km · 548 people
- Coronation 65.6 km · 868 people
- Sedgewick 81.9 km · 761 people
- Castor 88.4 km · 803 people
- Killam 92.3 km · 918 people
- Vermilion 105.4 km · 3,948 people
- Viking 107.9 km · 986 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Provost
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Provost has a population of 1,900 people, making it the 94th town in Alberta. The population declined moderately from 1,998 in 2016, a decrease of 98 people or 4.90%. The town has a population density of 400.1 people per km² across a land area of 4.75 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Provost's population declined by 4.90% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 1,998 to 1,900 people, a loss of 98 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Alberta towns during this period. The median age of 39.60 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.
Provost has a population density of approximately 400.10 people per square kilometre.
Provost covers a land area of approximately 4.75 km².
The median age of the population in Provost is 39.60 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Provost is German.
The median household income in Provost is $84,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Provost.
Christian is the predominant religion in Provost.
According to the 2021 Census, 3.6% of Provost's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
95.6% of Provost's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 15.5% of census families in Provost, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.0% of all households in Provost, per the 2021 Census.
0.8% of Provost'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 Provost, 31.5% 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.