Wood Buffalo, Alberta — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Wood Buffalo census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 72,326
- +1.0% since 2016
- Density
- 1.2
- people per km²
- Land area
- 60,844
- km²
- Median age
- 34.4
- years
- Median household income
- $184,000
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 8.7%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Wood Buffalo. It is a township in Canada that encompasses a land area of 60,843.88 km2. The township has a population density of 1.20 people per km2.
We highlight the Wood Buffalo township's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Wood Buffalo on the Map
- Points of interest (11)
- Places to visit (8)
- Green spaces (3)
Wood Buffalo location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Wood Buffalo has a population of around 72,326 people. The township's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Wood Buffalo has increased by ▲ 1.02%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 71,594 | 72,326 | +1.02% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.20% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Wood Buffalo's population is projected to reach approximately 73,065 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 1.20 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 72,326 | 73,065 | 1.20 |
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.
Wood Buffalo Population Trend & Context
Wood Buffalo is the 7th-largest township in Alberta, with a 2021 census population of 72,326 — an increase of 732 (▲ 1.02%) people from the 71,594 recorded in 2016.
The township's population has grown slightly over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Alberta townships. The township's median age of 34.4 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
How does Wood Buffalo compare to other Alberta townships?
- 5th Lethbridge 98,406
- 6th Airdrie 74,100
- 7th Wood Buffalo This township 72,326
- 8th St. Albert 68,232
- 9th Grande Prairie 64,141
Population By Genders
The male population of Wood Buffalo is around 38,100 while the female population is around 34,225.
Of the 72,326 total population in Wood Buffalo, the largest gender is male with around 38,100 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 38,100 | 34,225 | +10.17% |
Is Wood Buffalo a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Wood Buffalo 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.
Wood Buffalo Population Compared to Alberta
Alberta's population in 2021 was 4,262,635, spread across the area. Here's how Wood Buffalo compares to the township's key indicators:
| Indicator | Wood Buffalo | Alberta |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $184,000 | $96,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.7% | 11.5% |
| Median age | 34.4 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.0% | 28.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 21.5% | 23.2% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Wood Buffalo has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 35 to 39 years old, accounting for 11.00% of the total population. The township median age is 34.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 to 39 years | 4,155 10.90% | 3,820 11.20% | 8.06% | 7,975 11.00% |
| 30 to 34 years | 3,685 9.70% | 3,760 11.00% | 1.99% | 7,445 10.30% |
| 40 to 44 years | 3,415 9.00% | 3,080 9.00% | 9.81% | 6,495 9.00% |
| 5 to 9 years | 3,030 8.00% | 2,865 8.40% | 5.45% | 5,900 8.20% |
| 0 to 4 years | 2,975 7.80% | 2,820 8.20% | 5.21% | 5,795 8.00% |
| 45 to 49 years | 2,965 7.80% | 2,415 7.10% | 18.55% | 5,375 7.40% |
| 25 to 29 years | 2,585 6.80% | 2,535 7.40% | 1.93% | 5,120 7.10% |
| 10 to 14 years | 2,480 6.50% | 2,375 6.90% | 4.23% | 4,850 6.70% |
| 50 to 54 years | 2,620 6.90% | 2,210 6.50% | 15.65% | 4,835 6.70% |
| 55 to 59 years | 2,490 6.50% | 1,940 5.70% | 22.09% | 4,430 6.10% |
| 20 to 24 years | 2,105 5.50% | 1,790 5.20% | 14.96% | 3,895 5.40% |
| 15 to 19 years | 2,100 5.50% | 1,785 5.20% | 15.00% | 3,885 5.40% |
| 60 to 64 years | 1,835 4.80% | 1,345 3.90% | 26.70% | 3,180 4.40% |
| 65 to 69 years | 935 2.50% | 725 2.10% | 22.46% | 1,665 2.30% |
| 70 to 74 years | 425 1.10% | 360 1.10% | 15.29% | 785 1.10% |
| 75 to 79 years | 190 0.50% | 200 0.60% | 5.00% | 390 0.50% |
| 80 to 84 years | 85 0.20% | 95 0.30% | 10.53% | 180 0.20% |
| 85 years and over | 40 0.10% | 85 0.20% | 52.94% | 130 0.20% |
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 72.80% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 22.90% and 4.30%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Wood Buffalo are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 73.30% | 72.10% | 72.80% |
| 0 to 14 years | 22.30% | 23.60% | 22.90% |
| 65 years and over | 4.40% | 4.30% | 4.30% |
Population of Wood Buffalo by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Wood Buffalo is quite diverse, which contributes to the township's vibrant cultural landscape. Wood Buffalo 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 Wood Buffalo are Irish, which accounts for 16.32% of the total population, followed by English (16.20%), Canadian (16.01%), Scottish (12.67%), and French (7.79%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Wood Buffalo include Filipino, German, Caucasian (White), Ukrainian, and Indian (India).
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish | 15.86% | 16.84% | 16.32% |
| English | 16.30% | 16.08% | 16.20% |
| Canadian | 16.30% | 15.69% | 16.01% |
| Scottish | 12.37% | 13.01% | 12.67% |
| French | 7.59% | 8.02% | 7.79% |
| Filipino | 5.97% | 8.26% | 7.06% |
| German | 6.44% | 7.08% | 6.74% |
| Caucasian (White) | 5.26% | 4.78% | 5.02% |
| Ukrainian | 3.72% | 3.60% | 3.67% |
| Indian (India) | 3.13% | 3.06% | 3.10% |
Indigenous Identity in Wood Buffalo
About 11.33% of Wood Buffalo's population (8,135 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 88.67% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 3,435 people (4.80% 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 Wood Buffalo's population profile.
About 21.5% of Wood Buffalo's population are immigrants (15,410 people).
The top countries of origin for Wood Buffalo's immigrant population are Philippines (4,615), India (2,020), Pakistan (725), Ethiopia (535), Nigeria (520).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Philippines | 4,615 |
| India | 2,020 |
| Pakistan | 725 |
| Ethiopia | 535 |
| Nigeria | 520 |
90.4% of Wood Buffalo's residents (64,915 people) are Canadian citizens, and 9.6% are not.
By generation status, 23.3% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 11.8% are second generation, and 64.9% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 12,480 of Wood Buffalo's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 14.80% 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 9.20%, 8.90%, and 6.20%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 7,670 | 14.80% |
| 1 person | 5,660 | 10.90% |
| 3 persons | 4,780 | 9.20% |
| 4 persons | 4,620 | 8.90% |
| 5 or more persons | 3,205 | 6.20% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 25,935 occupied private dwellings in Wood Buffalo, 67.0% are owner-occupied (17,375) and 33.0% are rented (8,560). The median value of owned dwellings is $472,000 (average $462,800).
Period of Construction
1.3% of Wood Buffalo's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 9.8% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Wood Buffalo
Of census families in Wood Buffalo, 85.7% are couple families and 14.3% are one-parent families. The average census family has 3.1 people.
21.8% of households in Wood Buffalo are one-person households, 54.0% are couple-family households, 7.3% are one-parent-family households, and 3.7% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 5,660 | 21.8% |
| Couple-family households | 14,000 | 54.0% |
| One-parent-family households | 1,890 | 7.3% |
| Multigenerational households | 960 | 3.7% |
Income in Wood Buffalo
Analyzing income distribution in Wood Buffalo can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Wood Buffalo is $73,000.
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 township's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Wood Buffalo population or around 12,240 people falls in the $150,000 and over group. The next largest groups are the $100,000 to $149,999, and $50,000 to $79,999 with around 7,955 and 6,335 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Wood Buffalo's median household income is $184,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Wood Buffalo's median household income is 100,000 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 Wood Buffalo
This data sheds light on the distribution of Wood Buffalo 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.
65.10% or most of the Wood Buffalo population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 28.00% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 6.90% 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 | 15,480 | 13,535 | 29,015 | 65.10% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 6,295 | 6,170 | 12,460 | 28.00% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 1,700 | 1,370 | 3,070 | 6.90% |
Below national average 22.4% of Wood Buffalo's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Wood Buffalo
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Wood Buffalo. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Wood Buffalo is at 8.75% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 70.45% |
| Unemployment rate | 8.75% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Wood Buffalo, 41.6% worked full year full time in the reference year, 33.5% worked part year and/or part time, and 24.9% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 22,995 | 41.6% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 18,515 | 33.5% |
| Did not work | 13,735 | 24.9% |
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 Wood Buffalo's population (around 80.10%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the township, there are 1,285 men and 1,185 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 2,465.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 1,285 | 1,185 | 2,465 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Wood Buffalo industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Wood Buffalo is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Wood Buffalo has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (30%) works in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 9%, followed by Construction at 8%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 9,955 | 2,665 | 30% |
| Retail trade | 1,425 | 2,185 | 9% |
| Construction | 2,700 | 715 | 8% |
| Health care and social assistance | 290 | 2,530 | 7% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 1,330 | 1,235 | 6% |
| Educational services | 425 | 1,910 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 895 | 1,280 | 5% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 1,585 | 560 | 5% |
| Public administration | 1,100 | 950 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 925 | 865 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 770 | 720 | 4% |
| Wholesale trade | 870 | 370 | 3% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 535 | 420 | 2% |
| Manufacturing | 650 | 195 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 235 | 345 | 1% |
| Finance and insurance | 155 | 375 | 1% |
| Utilities | 180 | 60 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 100 | 95 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 45 | 50 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 30 | 50 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Wood Buffalo residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Wood Buffalo: Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (30%), Retail trade (9%), Construction (8%)
Top occupation categories in Wood Buffalo: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (31%), Sales and service occupations (21%), Business, finance and administration occupations (13%)
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 | 15,105 | 11,170 | 26,280 | 67.50% |
| No fixed workplace address | 5,900 | 2,125 | 8,025 | 20.60% |
| Worked at home | 1,830 | 2,765 | 4,595 | 11.80% |
| Worked outside Canada | 20 | 10 | 25 | 0.10% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Wood Buffalo 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 Wood Buffalo residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Wood Buffalo 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 | 26.80% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 25.20% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 21.30% |
| 60 minutes and over | 13.80% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 13.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Wood Buffalo 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 Wood Buffalo'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 Wood Buffalo. About 70,205 people living in the township speak English, 1,365 people speak French, 450 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 250 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 70,205 |
| French | 1,365 |
| Neither English nor French | 450 |
| English and French | 250 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 6.0% of Wood Buffalo's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 93.3% know English only, 0.1% know French only, and 0.7% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 67,405 | 93.3% |
| French only | 75 | 0.1% |
| English and French | 4,310 | 6.0% |
| Neither English nor French | 475 | 0.7% |
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 | 76.2% | 84.7% |
| Non-official languages | 17.3% | 10.4% |
| French | 1.9% | 0.8% |
Religion
Wood Buffalo is predominantly Christian. About 38,280 of its population is Christian (19,050 males and 19,230 females).
The second largest religion in the township is Muslim with 6.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Sikh, both represent 2.8% and 0.4% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.4% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 53.3% |
| Islam | 6.0% |
| Hindu | 2.8% |
| Sikh | 0.4% |
| Buddhist | 0.4% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Wood Buffalo
Hospitals
Schools
- Westview Public School
- Wood Buffalo Gospel Hall
- Fort McKay School
- Beacon Hill Public School
- Good Shepard School
Parks
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Wood Buffalo
Museums
Attractions
Historic Sites
Green Spaces in Wood Buffalo
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Buffalo National Park | Nature Reserves | — |
| Parc national Wood Buffalo | Nature Reserves | — |
| Athabasca Dunes Ecological Reserve | Nature Reserves | 1,764.9 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Townships to Wood Buffalo
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 Wood Buffalo
What is the population of Wood Buffalo?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Wood Buffalo has a population of 72,326 people, making it the 7th township in Alberta. The population increased moderately from 71,594 in 2016, an increase of 732 people or 1.02%. The township has a population density of 1.2 people per km² across a land area of 60,843.88 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Wood Buffalo growing?
Wood Buffalo's population grew by 1.02% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 71,594 to 72,326 people, a gain of 732 residents. This modest growth reflects patterns seen in many other Alberta townships during this period. The median age of 34.40 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.
What is the population density of Wood Buffalo?
Wood Buffalo has a population density of approximately 1.20 people per square kilometre.
How large is Wood Buffalo?
Wood Buffalo covers a land area of approximately 60,843.88 km².
What is the median age in Wood Buffalo?
The median age of the population in Wood Buffalo is 34.40 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Wood Buffalo?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Wood Buffalo is Irish.
What is the median household income in Wood Buffalo?
The median household income in Wood Buffalo is $184,000, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Wood Buffalo?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Wood Buffalo.
What is the main religion in Wood Buffalo?
Christian is the predominant religion in Wood Buffalo.
What percentage of Wood Buffalo's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 11.3% of Wood Buffalo's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Wood Buffalo residents are Canadian citizens?
90.4% of Wood Buffalo's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Wood Buffalo are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 14.3% of census families in Wood Buffalo, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Wood Buffalo?
Multigenerational households make up 3.7% of all households in Wood Buffalo, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Wood Buffalo's population is bilingual in English and French?
6.0% of Wood Buffalo's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Wood Buffalo's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Wood Buffalo, 41.6% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Wood Buffalo 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.