Demographic statistics

Alberta population estimates

A population estimate is a measure of the number of people residing in an area at a particular point in time. 

Highlights

These are the key highlights for the second quarter of 2025:

• Alberta’s population hits 5 million.
• Population growth in the second quarter moderated as outflows of non-permanent residents weighed on international migration. Despite this, Alberta remained the fastest growing of the 4 largest provinces, sustaining growth well above the national average.
• Alberta continued to lead the country for the twelfth consecutive quarter in interprovincial migration, recording the strongest net gain among all the provinces.

For more information and analysis, read the Second Quarter Population Report.

Detailed population tables

• Population estimates and components of growth and population by age and sex – Excel files, updated September 24, 2025
• Municipal (Census Subdivision) Population Estimates (2016 to 2023) – Excel files, updated May 22, 2024
• Annual population report 

Archived population estimates

• 2002 First Quarter to 2009 First Quarter
• 2009 Second Quarter to 2019 Second Quarter
• Archived annual report: 2021–22 Annual Population Report (January 19, 2022)

Alberta population projections

Projections give a picture of future population based on trends. Visit the Alberta Population Projections Dashboard for the latest long-term interactive projection. 

Highlights

• Under the medium (reference) scenario, Alberta is projected to add roughly 2.0 million residents over the next 27 years, reaching nearly 6.9 million by 2051: an average annual growth rate of 1.3%.
• The majority of the expected growth will be due to migration, with 63% coming from international migration and 21% from interprovincial migration. Natural increase is projected to account for the remaining 16% of the growth.

Reports and data

• Alberta population projections – Includes full reports, highlights and methodology
• Infographic
• Population projections data tables, 2025–2051 – Alberta and sub-regions (Excel) (July 2025)
  • The tables include estimated (2001 to 2024) and projected (2025 to 2051) population of Alberta and a variety of sub geographies, including 132 local geographic areas by single year of age and gender, as well as some summary statistics.

Census highlights

The Office of Statistics and Information compiles and publishes Alberta highlights of each Statistics Canada’s Census program. 

2021 Alberta highlights

• Indigenous Peoples Report (September 26, 2025)
• Quick facts – Asian heritage Albertans (January 27, 2025)
• Racialized Groups of Albertans (January 21, 2025)
• Quick facts – francophone Albertans (November 6, 2024)
• Language Characteristics of Albertans (October 25, 2024)
• Indigenous People (March 22, 2023)

2016 Alberta highlights

• Aboriginal People in Alberta: A Regional Perspective (June 7, 2021)
• Labour (March 29, 2018)
• Aboriginal People (December 15, 2017)
• Immigrants in Alberta (December 1, 2017)
• Alberta Housing (November 29, 2017)
• Visible Minorities (November 23, 2017)
• Incomes (September 27, 2017)
• Language Characteristics of Albertans (September 8, 2017)
• Structural Type of Dwelling and Collectives (June 16, 2017)
• Age and Sex (May 19, 2017)
• Population and Dwelling Release (February 9, 2017)

2011 Alberta highlights

• Language Characteristics of Albertans (October 30, 2012)
• Structural Type of Dwellings and Collectives (September 19, 2012)
• Families, Households and Marital Status (September 19, 2012)
• Age and Sex (May 29, 2012)
• Population and Dwelling Counts (February 8, 2012)

2011 National Household Survey highlights

Statistics Canada conducted the National Household Survey (NHS) for the first time in 2011. This voluntary, self-administered survey was introduced as a replacement for the long census questionnaire, more widely known as Census Form 2B. An NHS user guide is available.

• Aboriginal People in Alberta: A Regional Perspective (May 17, 2016)
• Strong economy and young working households drive Alberta incomes (October 17, 2013)
• Spotlight on Immigrants in Alberta (September 18, 2013)
• In-depth look at Alberta’s workforce and post‑secondary education (July 9, 2013)
• Immigration and ethnocultural diversity and Aboriginal Peoples in Canada (May 9, 2013)

2006 Alberta highlights

• Earnings and incomes release (May 1, 2008)
• Ethnic origin & visible minorities release (April 2, 2008)
• Labour force, education and language at work release (March 4, 2008)
• Aboriginal release (January 15, 2008)
• Immigration, language, and mobility release (December 4, 2007)
• Family, marital status and Households release (September 12, 2007)
• Age & sex release (July 17, 2007)
• Population & dwelling release (March 13, 2007)

Demographic spotlights 

• Interprovincial Employees in Alberta: industrial profile by major region of origin (March 28, 2017)
• A profile of interprovincial employees in Alberta – 2012 update (September 21, 2016)
• Demographic Trends in Alberta's Economic Regions (December 9, 2011)
• The visible minority population: recent trends in Alberta and Canada (August 31, 2011)
• Fertility in Alberta (June 10, 2011)
• Migration trends in census divisions: Fort McMurray, Calgary and Edmonton (March 11, 2011)
• Mortality in Alberta (December 17, 2010)
• Census families in Alberta and Canada (July 28, 2010)
• International migration in Alberta (December 21, 2009)
• Interprovincial migration patterns in Alberta (September 26, 2009)
• Non-permanent residents in Alberta (May 21, 2009)

Other Alberta resources 

• Permanent Resident Landings by municipality – Lists new permanent resident applicants with spouses and dependents by year, municipality and municipal district.
• Glossary of demographic terms

Government of Canada

The following information is produced by the Government of Canada:

• Population and demography – Features population indicators, data and analysis from Statistics Canada, including:
  • Population estimates
    • Population Estimates, 1971 to Current, Alberta
    • Population Estimates, 2001 to Current, Census Division
    • Population Estimates, 2001 to Current, CMA and CA
    • Estimates of Components of Growth, 1971 to Current, Alberta
  • Population projections or view the dashboard
    • Projected Population by Scenario, 2023 to 2073, Canada, Provinces and Territories
    • Components of Projected Population Growth by Scenario, Canada, Provinces and Territories
• Census of population – Statistics Canada conducts a national census every 5 years of people and housing units by demographic, social and economic characteristics. Last conducted in 2021, information includes:
  • Census profiles – Presents census data for various levels of geography, including provinces and territories, census metropolitan areas, communities and census tracts.
  • Census topics – Provides a topical reference of census analysis, data and geographical information.
  • Analytical products – Features key findings from the 2021 Census Program topics.

Contact

General OSI enquiries

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-2071
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Fax: 780-426-3951
Email: osi.support@gov.ab.ca

Media enquiries

Contact the Treasury Board and Finance Spokesperson.