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Part of Office of Statistics and Information

Demographic statistics

Data and analysis on Alberta’s population, such as current population estimates, population projections and components of growth.

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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 third quarter of 2024:

  • Despite signs of easing, Alberta’s population growth rate led the country for the fifth straight quarter.
  • Immigration to the province set a new third quarter record and was the second highest share in the country.
  • Following the pattern at the national level and in most provinces, Alberta’s gains from non-permanent residents slowed considerably in the third quarter, likely impacted by recent federal government policy changes.
  • Alberta registered the highest net interprovincial migration gains in Canada in the third quarter, the ninth quarter in a row.

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

Detailed population tables

Archived population estimates

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 2.6 million residents over the next 28 years, reaching almost 7.3 million by 2051, an average annual growth rate of 1.6%.
  • A majority of the expected growth will be due to migration, with 59% coming from international migration and 17% from interprovincial migration. Natural increase is projected to account for the remaining 24% of the growth.

Reports and data

Census highlights

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

2021 Alberta highlights

2016 Alberta highlights

2011 Alberta highlights

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.

2006 Alberta highlights

Demographic spotlights 

Other Alberta resources 

Government of Canada

The following information is produced by the Government of Canada:

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.

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