Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Slave Lake has a population of around 6,836 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Slave Lake has increased by ▲ 2.78%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 6,651 | 6,836 | +2.78% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.55% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Slave Lake's population is projected to reach approximately 7,026 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 490.99 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 6,836 | 7,026 | 490.99 |
This projection is an estimate calculated by CAPopulation from the compound annual growth rate between the 2016 and 2021 censuses. Official 2026 complete census data expected to be released in late 2027.
Slave Lake Population Trend & Context
Slave Lake had a 2021 census population of 6,836 — an increase of 185 (▲ 2.78%) people from the 6,651 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has grown slightly over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Alberta towns. The town's median age of 34 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
Population By Genders
The male population of Slave Lake is around 3,420 while the female population is around 3,415.
Of the 6,836 total population in Slave Lake, the largest gender is male with around 3,420 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3,420 | 3,415 | +0.15% |
Is Slave Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Slave Lake 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.
Slave Lake Population Compared to Alberta
Alberta's population in 2021 was 4,262,635, spread across the area. Here's how Slave Lake compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Slave Lake | Alberta |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $111,000 | $96,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.6% | 11.5% |
| Median age | 34 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.1% | 28.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 14.3% | 23.2% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Slave Lake has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 35 to 39 years old, accounting for 8.60% of the total population. The town median age is 34.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 to 39 years | 275 8.00% | 305 8.90% | 9.84% | 585 8.60% |
| 5 to 9 years | 265 7.70% | 295 8.60% | 10.17% | 560 8.20% |
| 30 to 34 years | 270 7.90% | 280 8.20% | 3.57% | 555 8.10% |
| 10 to 14 years | 275 8.00% | 250 7.30% | 9.09% | 530 7.80% |
| 40 to 44 years | 285 8.30% | 250 7.30% | 12.28% | 530 7.80% |
| 0 to 4 years | 245 7.20% | 270 7.90% | 9.26% | 520 7.60% |
| 25 to 29 years | 260 7.60% | 250 7.30% | 3.85% | 515 7.50% |
| 15 to 19 years | 235 6.90% | 210 6.10% | 10.64% | 445 6.50% |
| 20 to 24 years | 215 6.30% | 210 6.10% | 2.33% | 420 6.10% |
| 45 to 49 years | 215 6.30% | 205 6.00% | 4.65% | 420 6.10% |
| 50 to 54 years | 205 6.00% | 215 6.30% | 4.65% | 415 6.10% |
| 55 to 59 years | 195 5.70% | 185 5.40% | 5.13% | 380 5.60% |
| 60 to 64 years | 175 5.10% | 170 5.00% | 2.86% | 340 5.00% |
| 65 to 69 years | 125 3.70% | 120 3.50% | 4.00% | 245 3.60% |
| 70 to 74 years | 85 2.50% | 75 2.20% | 11.76% | 165 2.40% |
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 67.50% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 23.50% and 9.10%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Slave Lake are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 68.30% | 66.60% | 67.50% |
| 0 to 14 years | 23.10% | 24.00% | 23.50% |
| 65 years and over | 8.60% | 9.50% | 9.10% |
Population of Slave Lake by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Slave Lake is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Slave Lake 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 Slave Lake are English, which accounts for 17.49% of the total population, followed by Scottish (13.81%), German (13.81%), French (12.16%), and Irish (12.01%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Slave Lake include Canadian, Filipino, Cree, Ukrainian, and First Nations (North American Indian).
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 16.37% | 18.64% | 17.49% |
| Scottish | 11.76% | 16.06% | 13.81% |
| German | 14.43% | 13.18% | 13.81% |
| French | 11.46% | 12.88% | 12.16% |
| Irish | 9.82% | 14.09% | 12.01% |
| Canadian | 12.65% | 11.52% | 11.94% |
| Filipino | 8.48% | 8.33% | 8.41% |
| Cree | 7.59% | 7.58% | 7.58% |
| Ukrainian | 5.51% | 8.48% | 6.91% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 7.44% | 5.61% | 6.61% |
Indigenous Identity in Slave Lake
About 26.73% of Slave Lake's population (1,780 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 73.27% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 985 people (14.80% 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 Slave Lake's population profile.
About 14.3% of Slave Lake's population are immigrants (955 people).
The top countries of origin for Slave Lake's immigrant population are Philippines (515), United States of America (60), India (60), Lebanon (40), Pakistan (40).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Philippines | 515 |
| United States of America | 60 |
| India | 60 |
| Lebanon | 40 |
| Pakistan | 40 |
90.1% of Slave Lake's residents (6,000 people) are Canadian citizens, and 10.0% are not.
By generation status, 17.0% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 10.6% are second generation, and 72.4% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 1,225 of Slave Lake's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 15.20% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 10.90% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 9.15%, 8.30%, and 6.45%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 730 | 15.20% |
| 1 person | 525 | 10.90% |
| 3 persons | 440 | 9.15% |
| 4 persons | 400 | 8.30% |
| 5 or more persons | 310 | 6.45% |
Family and Household Structure in Slave Lake
Of census families in Slave Lake, 79.9% are couple families and 20.1% are one-parent families. The average census family has 3.1 people.
21.6% of households in Slave Lake are one-person households, 52.2% are couple-family households, 10.4% are one-parent-family households, and 3.3% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 520 | 21.6% |
| Couple-family households | 1,255 | 52.2% |
| One-parent-family households | 250 | 10.4% |
| Multigenerational households | 80 | 3.3% |
Income in Slave Lake
Analyzing income distribution in Slave Lake can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Slave Lake is $50,800.
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 town's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Slave Lake population or around 910 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 795 and 700 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Slave Lake's median household income is $111,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Slave Lake's median household income is 27,000 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 Slave Lake
This data sheds light on the distribution of Slave Lake 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.
56.50% or most of the Slave Lake population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 28.30% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 15.40% 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 | 1,020 | 1,065 | 2,080 | 56.50% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 520 | 515 | 1,040 | 28.30% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 285 | 275 | 565 | 15.40% |
Below national average 21.1% of Slave Lake's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Slave Lake
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Slave Lake. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Slave Lake is at 9.57% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 68.20% |
| Unemployment rate | 9.57% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Slave Lake, 41.1% worked full year full time in the reference year, 31.2% worked part year and/or part time, and 27.6% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 2,050 | 41.1% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 1,555 | 31.2% |
| Did not work | 1,375 | 27.6% |
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 Slave Lake's population (around 74.70%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 265 men and 150 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 410.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 265 | 150 | 410 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Slave Lake industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Slave Lake is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Slave Lake has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (15%) works in the manufacturing sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 14%, followed by Health care and social assistance at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 455 | 115 | 15% |
| Retail trade | 240 | 285 | 14% |
| Health care and social assistance | 50 | 350 | 11% |
| Accommodation and food services | 160 | 215 | 10% |
| Educational services | 65 | 220 | 8% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 205 | 50 | 7% |
| Public administration | 130 | 70 | 5% |
| Construction | 155 | 20 | 5% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 125 | 40 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 70 | 80 | 4% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 80 | 30 | 3% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 40 | 65 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 65 | 30 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 45 | 1% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 30 | 10 | 1% |
| Utilities | 35 | 0 | 1% |
| Wholesale trade | 30 | 10 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 20 | 15 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 10 | 20 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Slave Lake residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Slave Lake: Manufacturing (15%), Retail trade (14%), Health care and social assistance (11%)
Top occupation categories in Slave Lake: Sales and service occupations (27%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (20%), 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 | 1,370 | 1,285 | 2,655 | 78.10% |
| No fixed workplace address | 405 | 100 | 505 | 14.90% |
| Worked at home | 90 | 150 | 240 | 7.10% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Slave Lake 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 Slave Lake residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Slave Lake 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 | 65.80% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 23.10% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.90% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 3.60% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.40% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Slave Lake 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 Slave Lake'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 Slave Lake. About 6,690 people living in the town speak English, 95 people speak French, 20 people speak English and French language, and 10 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 6,690 |
| French | 95 |
| English and French | 20 |
| Neither English nor French | 10 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 3.7% of Slave Lake's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 96.1% know English only, 0.1% know French only, and 0.2% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 6,550 | 96.1% |
| French only | 5 | 0.1% |
| English and French | 255 | 3.7% |
| Neither English nor French | 15 | 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 | 80.7% | 89.2% |
| Non-official languages | 13.7% | 8.0% |
| French | 1.5% | 0.3% |
Religion
Slave Lake is predominantly Christian. About 3,235 of its population is Christian (1,545 males and 1,690 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 3.8% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Sikh, both represent 1.2% and 0.5% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.3% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 48.6% |
| Islam | 3.8% |
| Hindu | 1.2% |
| Sikh | 0.5% |
| Buddhist | 0.3% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Slave Lake
Hospitals
Schools
- EG Wahlstrom School
- Roland Mitchner High School
- CJ Schurter School
- St Francis of Assisi Catholic School
- St. Mary of the Lake Catholic School
- Roland Mitchner High School
Parks
Green Spaces in Slave Lake
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Shurter Park | Parks | 1.7 ha |
| Poplar Grove Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Sinclair Sports Fields | Parks | 4.5 ha |
| Hilda Eben Park | Parks | 3.9 ha |
| Spruce Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Pine Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Slave Lake
- Swan Hills 74.4 km · 1,201 people
- High Prairie 109.5 km · 2,380 people
- Athabasca 113.4 km · 2,759 people
- Barrhead 130.6 km · 4,320 people
- Westlock 138.7 km · 4,921 people
- Whitecourt 139.5 km · 9,927 people
- McLennan 142.4 km · 695 people
- Mayerthorpe 149.6 km · 1,259 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Slave Lake
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Slave Lake has a population of 6,836 people, making it the 43rd town in Alberta. The population increased moderately from 6,651 in 2016, an increase of 185 people or 2.78%. The town has a population density of 477.7 people per km² across a land area of 14.31 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Slave Lake's population grew by 2.78% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 6,651 to 6,836 people, a gain of 185 residents. This modest growth reflects patterns seen in many other Alberta towns during this period. The median age of 34.00 years suggests a comparatively young population. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Slave Lake has a population density of approximately 477.70 people per square kilometre.
Slave Lake covers a land area of approximately 14.31 km².
The median age of the population in Slave Lake is 34.00 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Slave Lake is English.
The median household income in Slave Lake is $111,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Slave Lake.
Christian is the predominant religion in Slave Lake.
According to the 2021 Census, 26.7% of Slave Lake's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
90.1% of Slave Lake's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 20.0% of census families in Slave Lake, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 3.3% of all households in Slave Lake, per the 2021 Census.
3.7% of Slave Lake'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 Slave Lake, 41.1% 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.