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.
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 women 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.
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% |
| 85 to 89 years | 35 0.10% | 50 0.10% | 30.00% | 85 0.10% |
| 90 to 94 years | 5 0.00% | 30 0.10% | 83.33% | 35 0.00% |
| Median age of the population | 35 35.20% | 34 34.00% | 2.84% | 34 34.40% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average age of the population | 33.90% | 33.00% | 33.40% |
| 0 to 14 years | 22.30% | 23.60% | 22.90% |
| 65 years and over | 4.40% | 4.30% | 4.30% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Wood Buffalo
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 province appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in the province 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 Newfoundland and Labrador 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% |
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 |
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% |
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.
61.50% or most of the Wood Buffalo population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 29.25% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 20.95% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 9.25% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 32,785 | 28,210 | 61,000 | 61.50% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 14,775 | 14,525 | 29,300 | 29.25% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 8,700 | 12,060 | 20,760 | 20.95% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 5,170 | 4,325 | 9,495 | 9.25% |
Below national average 21.0% 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 Newfoundland and Labrador is at 6.75% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 70.45% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.75% |
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%), -45 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 Buffaloshed 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 province 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 |
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 19,050 females).
The second largest religion in the province 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wood Buffalo
According to the 2021 census, Wood Buffalo has a population of approximately 72,326 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Wood Buffalo increased by 1.02%.
Wood Buffalo has a population density of approximately 1.20 people per square kilometre.
Wood Buffalo covers a land area of approximately 60,843.88 km².
The median age of the population in Wood Buffalo is 34.40 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Wood Buffalo is Irish.
The median household income in Wood Buffalo is $184,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Wood Buffalo.
Christian is the predominant religion in Wood Buffalo.
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.