Wainwright, Alberta — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Wainwright census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 6,606
- +5.1% since 2016
- Density
- 543.0
- people per km²
- Land area
- 12.17
- km²
- Median age
- 38.0
- years
- Median household income
- $84,000
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 8.2%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Wainwright. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 12.17 km2. The town has a population density of 543.00 people per km2.
We highlight the Wainwright town's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Wainwright on the Map
- Points of interest (15)
- Places to visit (5)
- Green spaces (5)
Wainwright location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Wainwright has a population of around 6,606 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Wainwright has increased by ▲ 5.11%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 6,285 | 6,606 | +5.11% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.00% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Wainwright's population is projected to reach approximately 6,943 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 570.50 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 6,606 | 6,943 | 570.50 |
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.
Wainwright Population Trend & Context
Wainwright is the 46th-largest town in Alberta, with a 2021 census population of 6,606 — an increase of 321 (▲ 5.11%) people from the 6,285 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Alberta towns. The town's median age of 38 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
How does Wainwright compare to other Alberta towns?
- 44th Rocky Mountain House 6,765
- 45th Peace River 6,619
- 46th Wainwright This town 6,606
- 47th Devon 6,545
- 48th Bonnyville 6,404
Population By Genders
The male population of Wainwright is around 3,310 while the female population is around 3,290.
Of the 6,606 total population in Wainwright, the largest gender is male with around 3,310 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3,310 | 3,290 | +0.60% |
Is Wainwright a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Wainwright 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.
Wainwright Population Compared to Alberta
Alberta's population in 2021 was 4,262,635, spread across the area. Here's how Wainwright compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Wainwright | Alberta |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $84,000 | $96,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.2% | 11.5% |
| Median age | 38 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.9% | 28.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 13.4% | 23.2% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Wainwright has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 30 to 34 years old, accounting for 7.60% of the total population. The town median age is 38.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 to 34 years | 265 8.00% | 240 7.30% | 9.43% | 505 7.60% |
| 35 to 39 years | 250 7.60% | 260 7.90% | 3.85% | 505 7.60% |
| 25 to 29 years | 230 6.90% | 215 6.50% | 6.52% | 440 6.70% |
| 5 to 9 years | 220 6.60% | 210 6.40% | 4.55% | 435 6.60% |
| 55 to 59 years | 200 6.00% | 230 7.00% | 13.04% | 430 6.50% |
| 60 to 64 years | 225 6.80% | 195 5.90% | 13.33% | 420 6.40% |
| 0 to 4 years | 220 6.60% | 190 5.80% | 13.64% | 410 6.20% |
| 40 to 44 years | 210 6.30% | 200 6.10% | 4.76% | 410 6.20% |
| 20 to 24 years | 205 6.20% | 195 5.90% | 4.88% | 405 6.10% |
| 10 to 14 years | 195 5.90% | 200 6.10% | 2.50% | 395 6.00% |
| 45 to 49 years | 195 5.90% | 205 6.20% | 4.88% | 395 6.00% |
| 50 to 54 years | 195 5.90% | 190 5.80% | 2.56% | 380 5.80% |
| 15 to 19 years | 215 6.50% | 160 4.90% | 25.58% | 375 5.70% |
| 65 to 69 years | 135 4.10% | 130 4.00% | 3.70% | 265 4.00% |
| 85 years and over | 85 2.60% | 155 4.70% | 45.16% | 245 3.70% |
| 70 to 74 years | 105 3.20% | 125 3.80% | 16.00% | 230 3.50% |
| 75 to 79 years | 95 2.90% | 90 2.70% | 5.26% | 185 2.80% |
| 80 to 84 years | 80 2.40% | 95 2.90% | 15.79% | 170 2.60% |
| 85 to 89 years | 55 1.70% | 75 2.30% | 26.67% | 125 1.90% |
| 90 to 94 years | 25 0.80% | 70 2.10% | 64.29% | 100 1.50% |
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 64.60% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 18.80% and 16.60%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Wainwright are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 65.90% | 63.50% | 64.60% |
| 0 to 14 years | 19.20% | 18.40% | 18.80% |
| 65 years and over | 15.10% | 18.20% | 16.60% |
Population of Wainwright by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Wainwright is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Wainwright 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 Wainwright are English, which accounts for 23.62% of the total population, followed by Scottish (18.91%), German (16.60%), Irish (16.28%), and Canadian (15.80%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Wainwright include French, Ukrainian, Filipino, Norwegian, and Swedish.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 22.43% | 24.64% | 23.62% |
| Scottish | 18.33% | 19.32% | 18.91% |
| German | 15.32% | 17.87% | 16.60% |
| Irish | 15.32% | 17.23% | 16.28% |
| Canadian | 14.53% | 17.07% | 15.80% |
| French | 11.37% | 12.24% | 11.81% |
| Ukrainian | 8.37% | 7.09% | 7.82% |
| Filipino | 7.11% | 7.73% | 7.34% |
| Norwegian | 6.95% | 7.57% | 7.18% |
| Swedish | 3.79% | 4.03% | 3.83% |
Indigenous Identity in Wainwright
About 6.46% of Wainwright's population (405 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 93.54% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 90 people (1.40% 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 Wainwright's population profile.
About 13.4% of Wainwright's population are immigrants (840 people).
The top countries of origin for Wainwright's immigrant population are Philippines (445), India (70), United States of America (50), Ukraine (45), South Africa, Republic of (40).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Philippines | 445 |
| India | 70 |
| United States of America | 50 |
| Ukraine | 45 |
| South Africa, Republic of | 40 |
91.6% of Wainwright's residents (5,740 people) are Canadian citizens, and 8.4% are not.
By generation status, 14.6% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 11.6% are second generation, and 73.9% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 1,765 of Wainwright's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 17.45% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 15.55% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.65%, 6.00%, and 4.30%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 930 | 17.45% |
| 1 person | 830 | 15.55% |
| 3 persons | 355 | 6.65% |
| 4 persons | 320 | 6.00% |
| 5 or more persons | 230 | 4.30% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 2,665 occupied private dwellings in Wainwright, 70.2% are owner-occupied (1,870) and 29.6% are rented (790). The median value of owned dwellings is $276,000 (average $286,400).
Period of Construction
18.0% of Wainwright's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 5.4% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Wainwright
Of census families in Wainwright, 83.7% are couple families and 16.3% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.9 people.
31.1% of households in Wainwright are one-person households, 51.2% are couple-family households, 8.8% are one-parent-family households, and 1.3% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 830 | 31.1% |
| Couple-family households | 1,365 | 51.2% |
| One-parent-family households | 235 | 8.8% |
| Multigenerational households | 35 | 1.3% |
Income in Wainwright
Analyzing income distribution in Wainwright can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Wainwright is $46,000.
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 Wainwright population or around 910 people falls in the $50,000 to $79,999 group. The next largest groups are the $30,000 to $49,999, and $10,000 to $29,999 with around 785 and 765 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Wainwright's median household income is $84,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Wainwright'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 Wainwright
This data sheds light on the distribution of Wainwright 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.
54.10% or most of the Wainwright population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 34.00% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 11.90% 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 | 865 | 1,015 | 1,880 | 54.10% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 635 | 545 | 1,180 | 34.00% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 250 | 170 | 415 | 11.90% |
Below national average 19.9% of Wainwright's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Wainwright
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Wainwright. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Wainwright is at 8.23% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 65.47% |
| Unemployment rate | 8.23% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Wainwright, 40.6% worked full year full time in the reference year, 29.1% worked part year and/or part time, and 30.3% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 2,040 | 40.6% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 1,460 | 29.1% |
| Did not work | 1,525 | 30.3% |
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 Wainwright's population (around 73.60%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 235 men and 150 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 390.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 235 | 150 | 390 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Wainwright industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Wainwright is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Wainwright has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (16%) works in the public administration sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 14%, followed by Retail trade at 14%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public administration | 350 | 215 | 16% |
| Health care and social assistance | 95 | 405 | 14% |
| Retail trade | 210 | 275 | 14% |
| Construction | 260 | 40 | 8% |
| Accommodation and food services | 110 | 155 | 7% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 150 | 50 | 6% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 170 | 25 | 5% |
| Educational services | 45 | 135 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 95 | 60 | 4% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 100 | 20 | 4% |
| Finance and insurance | 35 | 80 | 3% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 40 | 70 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 65 | 40 | 3% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 35 | 30 | 2% |
| Manufacturing | 40 | 15 | 1% |
| Wholesale trade | 25 | 20 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 10 | 25 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 10 | 10 | 1% |
| Utilities | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Wainwright residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Wainwright: Public administration (16%), Health care and social assistance (14%), Retail trade (14%)
Top occupation categories in Wainwright: Sales and service occupations (26%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (20%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (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 | 1,185 | 1,245 | 2,435 | 73.90% |
| No fixed workplace address | 435 | 120 | 555 | 16.80% |
| Worked at home | 105 | 205 | 310 | 9.40% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Wainwright 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 Wainwright residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Wainwright 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 | 77.90% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 10.70% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 4.20% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.00% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 3.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Wainwright 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 Wainwright'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 Wainwright. About 6,175 people living in the town speak English, 145 people speak French, 25 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 5 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 6,175 |
| French | 145 |
| Neither English nor French | 25 |
| English and French | 5 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 5.2% of Wainwright's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 94.3% know English only, 0.1% know French only, and 0.4% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 5,995 | 94.3% |
| French only | 5 | 0.1% |
| English and French | 330 | 5.2% |
| Neither English nor French | 25 | 0.4% |
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 | 85.4% | 92.0% |
| Non-official languages | 8.7% | 4.9% |
| French | 2.4% | 1.2% |
Religion
Wainwright is predominantly Christian. About 3,565 of its population is Christian (1,685 males and 1,875 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Hindu with 0.9% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Jewish, both represent 0.5% and 0.0% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 56.9% |
| Hindu | 0.9% |
| Buddhist | 0.5% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Wainwright
Schools
- Ecole Saint-Christophe
- Wainwright Elementary School
- Blessed Sacrament Outreach School
- Portage College
- Blessed Sacrament School
- Wainwright Elementary School
- Wainwright High School
Parks
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Wainwright
Museums
Historic Sites
Theatres
Green Spaces in Wainwright
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Wallace Park | Parks | 4.6 ha |
| Petroleum Park | Parks | 3.0 ha |
| Tory Heights Park | Parks | 3.2 ha |
| Bevans Park and Natural Area | Parks | 14.0 ha |
| Community Soccer Park | Parks | 5.2 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Wainwright
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 Wainwright
What is the population of Wainwright?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Wainwright has a population of 6,606 people, making it the 46th town in Alberta. The population increased significantly from 6,285 in 2016, an increase of 321 people or 5.11%. The town has a population density of 543.0 people per km² across a land area of 12.17 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Wainwright growing?
Wainwright's population grew by 5.11% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 6,285 to 6,606 people, a gain of 321 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Alberta towns during this period. The median age of 38.00 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.
What is the population density of Wainwright?
Wainwright has a population density of approximately 543.00 people per square kilometre.
How large is Wainwright?
Wainwright covers a land area of approximately 12.17 km².
What is the median age in Wainwright?
The median age of the population in Wainwright is 38.00 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Wainwright?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Wainwright is English.
What is the median household income in Wainwright?
The median household income in Wainwright is $84,000, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Wainwright?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Wainwright.
What is the main religion in Wainwright?
Christian is the predominant religion in Wainwright.
What percentage of Wainwright's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 6.5% of Wainwright's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Wainwright residents are Canadian citizens?
91.6% of Wainwright's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Wainwright are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 16.3% of census families in Wainwright, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Wainwright?
Multigenerational households make up 1.3% of all households in Wainwright, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Wainwright's population is bilingual in English and French?
5.2% of Wainwright's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Wainwright's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Wainwright, 40.6% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Wainwright 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.