Introduction
Population projections give a picture of what the future population may be like. In the most recent report, Population Projections Alberta and Census Divisions, 2023–2051 Alberta is to see a short-term surge in population growth.
- By 2051, Alberta is expected to be home to almost 7.1 million people, representing an average annual growth rate of about 1.5%
Population projections highlights
A majority of the expected growth will be due to migration, with 55% coming from international migration and 17% from interprovincial migration. Natural increase is projected to account for the remaining 28% of the growth.
- In the short-term, net migration is expected to exceed what was seen in the most recent oil boom. Between 2022 and 2025, Alberta’s average annual growth is expected to be 2.5%.
The majority of the expected growth will be due to migration, with 55% coming from international migration and 17% from interprovincial migration. Natural increase is projected to account for the remaining 28% of the growth.
In the short term, net migration is expected to exceed what was seen in the most recent oil boom. Between 2022 and 2025, Alberta’s average annual growth is expected to be 2.5%.
Complete 2023 to 2051 report
Released on July 5, 2023
- Full Report
- Highlights
- Methodology and Assumptions
- Infographic
- Archive of previous reports
- Archive of previous infographics
Image 1. Alberta population projections infographic – 2023 to 2051
Population projections data
The following population projections data tables are for 2023 to 2051 and were released on July 5, 2023. The tables include estimated (1996 to 2022) and projected (2023 to 2051) population of Alberta and the19 Census Divisions by single year of age and sex, as well as some summary statistics.
- Population projections data tables – Alberta and Census Divisions(Excel and CSV format)
Email [email protected] for help obtaining population projections data tables for Alberta’s Economic Divisions.
Animated population projections
Available animated population pyramids for Alberta show age and sex are presented as percentages of the total population for the periods 1996 to 2022 (estimated) and 2023 to 2051 (projected) under 3 different population growth assumptions:
- Alberta – medium growth (reference scenario as most-likely case based on historical trends)
- high growth
- low growth
The population projection pyramid below is for 2001 to 2051 and was released on July 5, 2023.
- Alberta – all growth assumptions(medium, high and low growth)
Animated population projection pyramids for Census Divisions and Economic Regions are available upon request. Email [email protected] for assistance.
Image 2. Pyramid graph showing the population for 2022 and 2051.
Source: Statistics Canada and Alberta Treasury Board and Finance
Glossary of terms
See the Glossary of Demographic Terms by the Office of Statistics and Information
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