Torch River No. 488, Saskatchewan — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Torch River No. 488 census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 1,219
- −17.1% since 2016
- Density
- 0.2
- people per km²
- Land area
- 5,146
- km²
- Median age
- 52.0
- years
- Median household income
- $77,500
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 7.9%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Torch River No. 488. It is a township in Canada that encompasses a land area of 5,145.75 km2. The township has a population density of 0.20 people per km2.
We highlight the Torch River No. 488 township's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Torch River No. 488 on the Map
- Points of interest (3)
- Green spaces (1)
Torch River No. 488 location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Torch River No. 488 has a population of around 1,219 people. The township's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Torch River No. 488 has decreased by ▼ -17.13%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,471 | 1,219 | --17.13% |
2026 Population Projection
Torch River No. 488's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 1,219 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Torch River No. 488 Population Trend & Context
Torch River No. 488 is the 90th-largest township in Saskatchewan, with a 2021 census population of 1,219 — a decline of 252 (▼ 17.13%) people from the 1,471 recorded in 2016.
The township's population has declined noticeably over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing Saskatchewan townships. The township's median age of 52 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
How does Torch River No. 488 compare to other Saskatchewan townships?
- 88th Sturgeon Lake 101 1,224
- 89th Sherwood No. 159 1,219
- 90th Torch River No. 488 This township 1,219
- 91st Maidstone 1,209
- 92nd Moose Jaw No. 161 1,207
Population By Genders
The male population of Torch River No. 488 is around 615 while the female population is around 600.
Of the 1,219 total population in Torch River No. 488, the largest gender is male with around 615 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 615 | 600 | -2.44% |
Is Torch River No. 488 a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Torch River No. 488 compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against Saskatchewan, 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.
Torch River No. 488 Population Compared to Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan's population in 2021 was 1,132,505, spread across the area. Here's how Torch River No. 488 compares to the township's key indicators:
| Indicator | Torch River No. 488 | Saskatchewan |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $77,500 | $82,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 8.4% |
| Median age | 52 | 38.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 23.2% |
| Immigrants (%) | 2.1% | 12.5% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Torch River No. 488 has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 65 to 69 years old, accounting for 10.70% of the total population. The township median age is 52.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 to 69 years | 65 10.60% | 60 10.00% | 7.69% | 130 10.70% |
| 50 to 54 years | 50 8.10% | 50 8.30% | 0.00% | 105 8.60% |
| 55 to 59 years | 60 9.80% | 50 8.30% | 16.67% | 105 8.60% |
| 60 to 64 years | 50 8.10% | 55 9.20% | 9.09% | 105 8.60% |
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 59.80% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 27.50% and 12.70%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Torch River No. 488 are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 60.20% | 60.00% | 59.80% |
| 65 years and over | 28.50% | 26.70% | 27.50% |
| 0 to 14 years | 12.20% | 13.30% | 12.70% |
Population of Torch River No. 488 by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Torch River No. 488 is quite diverse, which contributes to the township's vibrant cultural landscape. Torch River No. 488 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 Torch River No. 488 are German, which accounts for 33.06% of the total population, followed by Irish (28.10%), English (26.86%), Scottish (21.49%), and Canadian (14.88%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Torch River No. 488 include Ukrainian, Norwegian, French, Polish, and Swedish.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| German | 30.65% | 36.13% | 33.06% |
| Irish | 26.61% | 28.57% | 28.10% |
| English | 22.58% | 30.25% | 26.86% |
| Scottish | 18.55% | 23.53% | 21.49% |
| Canadian | 13.71% | 15.97% | 14.88% |
| Ukrainian | 14.52% | 6.72% | 11.16% |
| Norwegian | 12.10% | 10.08% | 11.16% |
| French | 5.65% | 11.76% | 8.68% |
| Polish | 8.87% | 6.72% | 7.85% |
| Swedish | 4.03% | 10.92% | 7.44% |
Indigenous Identity in Torch River No. 488
About 13.64% of Torch River No. 488's population (165 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 86.36% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 50 people (4.10% 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 Torch River No. 488's population profile.
About 2.1% of Torch River No. 488's population are immigrants (25 people).
The top countries of origin for Torch River No. 488's immigrant population are United States of America (10), Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0), Guyana (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United States of America | 10 |
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
| Guyana | 0 |
99.2% of Torch River No. 488's residents (1,200 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.8% are not.
By generation status, 2.5% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 12.0% are second generation, and 85.5% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 525 of Torch River No. 488's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 23.40% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 13.30% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.50%, 3.65%, and 3.65%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 255 | 23.40% |
| 1 person | 145 | 13.30% |
| 3 persons | 60 | 5.50% |
| 4 persons | 40 | 3.65% |
| 5 or more persons | 40 | 3.65% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 545 occupied private dwellings in Torch River No. 488, 96.3% are owner-occupied (525) and 3.7% are rented (20). The median value of owned dwellings is $250,000 (average $260,000).
Period of Construction
27.5% of Torch River No. 488's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 6.4% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Torch River No. 488
Of census families in Torch River No. 488, 93.5% are couple families and 6.5% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.6 people.
27.5% of households in Torch River No. 488 are one-person households, 63.3% are couple-family households, 3.7% are one-parent-family households, and 1.8% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 150 | 27.5% |
| Couple-family households | 345 | 63.3% |
| One-parent-family households | 20 | 3.7% |
| Multigenerational households | 10 | 1.8% |
Income in Torch River No. 488
Analyzing income distribution in Torch River No. 488 can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Torch River No. 488 is $38,000.
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 Torch River No. 488 population or around 205 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $30,000 to $49,999, and Under $10,000 with around 120 and 115 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Torch River No. 488's median household income is $77,500, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Torch River No. 488's median household income is 6,500 dollars below 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 Torch River No. 488
This data sheds light on the distribution of Torch River No. 488 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.
52.10% or most of the Torch River No. 488 population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 31.60% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 16.20% 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 | 135 | 165 | 305 | 52.10% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 105 | 75 | 185 | 31.60% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 65 | 30 | 95 | 16.20% |
Below national average 13.7% of Torch River No. 488's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Torch River No. 488
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Torch River No. 488. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Torch River No. 488 is at 7.86% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 61.43% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.86% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Torch River No. 488, 36.5% worked full year full time in the reference year, 32.2% worked part year and/or part time, and 31.3% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 385 | 36.5% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 340 | 32.2% |
| Did not work | 330 | 31.3% |
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 Torch River No. 488's population (around 49.60%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the township, there are 165 men and 100 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 260.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 165 | 100 | 260 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Torch River No. 488 industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Torch River No. 488 is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Torch River No. 488 has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (34%) works in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sector. The Construction sector comes second at 15%, followed by Health care and social assistance at 12%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 135 | 95 | 34% |
| Construction | 85 | 20 | 15% |
| Health care and social assistance | 15 | 65 | 12% |
| Retail trade | 15 | 25 | 5% |
| Accommodation and food services | 10 | 25 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 25 | 10 | 5% |
| Public administration | 20 | 15 | 5% |
| Educational services | 10 | 20 | 4% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 25 | 0 | 4% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 20 | 3% |
| Manufacturing | 0 | 10 | 2% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 0 | 10 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 1% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Torch River No. 488 residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Torch River No. 488: Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (34%), Construction (15%), Health care and social assistance (12%)
Top occupation categories in Torch River No. 488: Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations (32%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (25%), Sales and service occupations (18%)
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 | 150 | 175 | 330 | 51.60% |
| Worked at home | 110 | 95 | 205 | 32.00% |
| No fixed workplace address | 95 | 15 | 105 | 16.40% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Torch River No. 488 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 Torch River No. 488 residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Torch River No. 488 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 | 40.70% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 23.30% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 23.30% |
| 60 minutes and over | 8.10% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 5.80% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Torch River No. 488 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 Torch River No. 488'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 Torch River No. 488. About 1,210 people living in the township speak English, 5 people speak French, 0 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 1,210 |
| French | 5 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 1.2% of Torch River No. 488's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 99.2% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 1,205 | 99.2% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 15 | 1.2% |
| Neither English nor French | 0 | 0.0% |
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 | 96.7% | 99.6% |
| Non-official languages | 2.9% | 0.8% |
| French | 0.8% | 0.0% |
Religion
Torch River No. 488 is predominantly Christian. About 545 of its population is Christian (265 males and 280 females).
The second largest religion in the township is Buddhist with 0.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Jewish, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 45.0% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Torch River No. 488
Hospitals
Schools
Green Spaces in Torch River No. 488
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Maurice Street Protected Area | Nature Reserves | — |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Townships to Torch River No. 488
- Garden River No. 490 47.5 km away · 647 people
- Willow Creek No. 458 47.8 km away · 683 people
- Nipawin No. 487 52.0 km away · 958 people
- Kinistino No. 459 53.0 km away · 604 people
- Paddockwood No. 520 63.2 km away · 1,071 people
- Connaught No. 457 65.4 km away · 491 people
- Birch Hills No. 460 68.7 km away · 658 people
- Buckland No. 491 77.3 km away · 3,277 people
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 Torch River No. 488
What is the population of Torch River No. 488?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Torch River No. 488 has a population of 1,219 people, making it the 89th township in Saskatchewan. The population declined significantly from 1,471 in 2016, a decrease of 252 people or 17.13%. The township has a population density of 0.2 people per km² across a land area of 5,145.75 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Torch River No. 488 growing?
Torch River No. 488's population declined by 17.13% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 1,471 to 1,219 people, a loss of 252 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Saskatchewan townships during this period. The median age of 52.00 years suggests an aging 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 Torch River No. 488?
Torch River No. 488 has a population density of approximately 0.20 people per square kilometre.
How large is Torch River No. 488?
Torch River No. 488 covers a land area of approximately 5,145.75 km².
What is the median age in Torch River No. 488?
The median age of the population in Torch River No. 488 is 52.00 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Torch River No. 488?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Torch River No. 488 is German.
What is the median household income in Torch River No. 488?
The median household income in Torch River No. 488 is $77,500, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Torch River No. 488?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Torch River No. 488.
What is the main religion in Torch River No. 488?
Christian is the predominant religion in Torch River No. 488.
What percentage of Torch River No. 488's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 13.6% of Torch River No. 488's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Torch River No. 488 residents are Canadian citizens?
99.2% of Torch River No. 488's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Torch River No. 488 are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 6.4% of census families in Torch River No. 488, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Torch River No. 488?
Multigenerational households make up 1.8% of all households in Torch River No. 488, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Torch River No. 488's population is bilingual in English and French?
1.2% of Torch River No. 488's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Torch River No. 488's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Torch River No. 488, 36.5% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Torch River No. 488 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.