Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Whitecourt has a population of around 9,927 people. The town's population is in decreased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Whitecourt has decreased by -2.76%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 10,209 | 9,927 | --2.76% |
2026 Population Projection
Whitecourt's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 9,927 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Population By Genders
The male population of Whitecourt is around 5,140 while the female population is around 4,785.
Of the 9,927 total population in Whitecourt, the largest gender is male with around 5,140 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 5,140 | 4,785 | -6.91% |
Is Whitecourt a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Whitecourt 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.
Other Towns Near Whitecourt
- Mayerthorpe (41.5 km)
- Swan Hills (66.6 km)
- Fox Creek (78.2 km)
- Edson (79.4 km)
- Barrhead (83.4 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Whitecourt has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 30 to 34 years old, accounting for 8.70% of the total population. The town median age is 34.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 to 34 years | 455 8.90% | 415 8.70% | 8.79% | 865 8.70% |
| 35 to 39 years | 405 7.90% | 400 8.40% | 1.23% | 805 8.10% |
| 10 to 14 years | 410 8.00% | 380 7.90% | 7.32% | 785 7.90% |
| 5 to 9 years | 400 7.80% | 360 7.50% | 10.00% | 760 7.70% |
| 40 to 44 years | 365 7.10% | 355 7.40% | 2.74% | 725 7.30% |
| 25 to 29 years | 360 7.00% | 305 6.40% | 15.28% | 665 6.70% |
| 15 to 19 years | 350 6.80% | 300 6.30% | 14.29% | 655 6.60% |
| 55 to 59 years | 330 6.40% | 325 6.80% | 1.52% | 655 6.60% |
| 45 to 49 years | 330 6.40% | 315 6.60% | 4.55% | 645 6.50% |
| 0 to 4 years | 320 6.20% | 310 6.50% | 3.13% | 630 6.30% |
| 50 to 54 years | 330 6.40% | 285 6.00% | 13.64% | 620 6.20% |
| 20 to 24 years | 345 6.70% | 265 5.50% | 23.19% | 610 6.10% |
| 60 to 64 years | 295 5.70% | 275 5.70% | 6.78% | 565 5.70% |
| 65 to 69 years | 210 4.10% | 190 4.00% | 9.52% | 400 4.00% |
| 70 to 74 years | 90 1.80% | 110 2.30% | 18.18% | 200 2.00% |
| 75 to 79 years | 70 1.40% | 90 1.90% | 22.22% | 165 1.70% |
| 80 to 84 years | 50 1.00% | 60 1.30% | 16.67% | 110 1.10% |
| 85 years and over | 30 0.60% | 35 0.70% | 14.29% | 70 0.70% |
| 85 to 89 years | 25 0.50% | 20 0.40% | 20.00% | 40 0.40% |
| Average age of the population | 35 35.20% | 36 36.30% | 2.75% | 36 35.70% |
| Median age of the population | 34 34.40% | 36 36.00% | 5.56% | 35 34.80% |
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 68.60% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 21.90% and 9.50%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Whitecourt are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 14 years | 22.00% | 21.80% | 21.90% |
| 65 years and over | 8.80% | 10.20% | 9.50% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Whitecourt
Population of Whitecourt by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Whitecourt is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Whitecourt is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the province appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in the province are English, which accounts for 20.04% of the total population, followed by Canadian (19.99%), Scottish (17.96%), German (17.20%), and Irish (17.15%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include French, Ukrainian, Norwegian, Filipino, and Polish.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 21.02% | 18.99% | 20.04% |
| Canadian | 20.14% | 19.83% | 19.99% |
| Scottish | 17.99% | 18.04% | 17.96% |
| German | 17.79% | 16.35% | 17.20% |
| Irish | 16.72% | 17.62% | 17.15% |
| French | 11.44% | 9.39% | 10.50% |
| Ukrainian | 8.80% | 7.70% | 8.32% |
| Norwegian | 5.18% | 5.38% | 5.28% |
| Filipino | 4.79% | 4.85% | 4.82% |
| Polish | 3.62% | 4.22% | 3.91% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Whitecourt's population profile.
About 9.7% of Whitecourt's population are immigrants (960 people).
The top countries of origin for Whitecourt's immigrant population are Philippines (465), Mexico (70), India (55), United States of America (40), United Kingdom (40).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Philippines | 465 |
| Mexico | 70 |
| India | 55 |
| United States of America | 40 |
| United Kingdom | 40 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 2,035 of Whitecourt's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 16.85% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 12.65% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 8.20%, 7.70%, and 4.70%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 1,305 | 16.85% |
| 1 person | 980 | 12.65% |
| 3 persons | 635 | 8.20% |
| 4 persons | 595 | 7.70% |
| 5 or more persons | 365 | 4.70% |
Income in Whitecourt
Analyzing income distribution in Whitecourt can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Whitecourt is $47,200.
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 town's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Whitecourt population or around 1,220 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $50,000 to $79,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 1,030 and 985 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Whitecourt's median household income is $100,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Whitecourt's median household income is 16,000 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 Whitecourt
This data sheds light on the distribution of Whitecourt 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.
47.25% or most of the Whitecourt population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 33.80% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 18.95% has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 11.10% has Bachelor's degree or higher.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 3,005 | 3,145 | 6,150 | 47.25% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 2,355 | 2,135 | 4,485 | 33.80% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 1,455 | 1,105 | 2,560 | 18.95% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 490 | 945 | 1,445 | 11.10% |
Below national average 11.1% of Whitecourt's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Whitecourt
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Whitecourt. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Newfoundland and Labrador is at 10.47% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 63.24% |
| Unemployment rate | 10.47% |
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 Whitecourt's population (around 70.50%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 405 men and 320 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 730.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 405 | 320 | 730 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Whitecourt industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Whitecourt is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Whitecourt has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (12%) works in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector. The Manufacturing sector comes second at 11%, followed by Retail trade at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 560 | 110 | 12% |
| Manufacturing | 510 | 110 | 11% |
| Retail trade | 210 | 330 | 10% |
| Health care and social assistance | 45 | 435 | 8% |
| Accommodation and food services | 195 | 280 | 8% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 360 | 95 | 8% |
| Construction | 305 | 50 | 6% |
| Public administration | 175 | 155 | 6% |
| Educational services | 55 | 215 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 105 | 145 | 4% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 150 | 70 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 95 | 65 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 70 | 70 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 35 | 85 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 65 | 40 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 65 | 40 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 15 | 75 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 20 | 35 | 1% |
| Utilities | 25 | 0 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Whitecourt residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Whitecourt: Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (12%), -33 Manufacturing (11%), -45 Retail trade (10%)
Top occupation categories in Whitecourt: Sales and service occupations (25%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (23%), 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 | 1,750 | 1,720 | 3,465 | 71.30% |
| No fixed workplace address | 805 | 150 | 955 | 19.70% |
| Worked at home | 155 | 270 | 435 | 9.00% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Whitecourt 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 Whitecourt residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Whitecourt 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 | 65.20% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 15.10% |
| 60 minutes and over | 10.40% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 5.50% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 3.80% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Whitecourtshed 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 Whitecourt'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 Whitecourt. About 9,725 people living in the province speak English, 165 people speak French, 25 people speak English and French language, and 15 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 9,725 |
| French | 165 |
| English and French | 25 |
| Neither English nor French | 15 |
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 | 87.0% | 93.0% |
| Non-official languages | 9.1% | 4.7% |
| French | 1.9% | 0.5% |
Religion
Whitecourt is predominantly Christian. About 4,540 of its population is Christian (2,235 males and 2,235 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Muslim with 0.8% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Sikh, both represent 0.6% and 0.4% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.3% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 46.0% |
| Islam | 0.8% |
| Hindu | 0.6% |
| Sikh | 0.4% |
| Buddhist | 0.3% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
Frequently Asked Questions about Whitecourt
According to the 2021 census, Whitecourt has a population of approximately 9,927 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Whitecourt decreased by 2.76%.
Whitecourt has a population density of approximately 336.40 people per square kilometre.
Whitecourt covers a land area of approximately 29.51 km².
The median age of the population in Whitecourt is 34.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Whitecourt is English.
The median household income in Whitecourt is $100,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Whitecourt.
Christian is the predominant religion in Whitecourt.
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.