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Edmonton Population on the Rise

February 08, 2012

Edmonton’s population grew by 11.2% to 812,201 from 2006 to 2011, according to the 2011 Census of Population report released today by Statistics Canada.

The growth rate is even faster than the 9.6% recorded between 2001 and 2006 and maintains the city’s position as the fifth-largest city in Canada.

“The census shows Edmonton's growth has been stronger than expected,” says John Rose, Chief Economist for the City of Edmonton. “We’re seeing that migration to Edmonton was not as negatively affected by the 2008-2009 recession as had been previously thought.”

Population density within the city is also on the rise, reaching 1,186.8 people per square kilometre in 2011, compared to 1,076.2 in 2006.

Rose adds that the city’s population growth of about 2% per year can be considered sustainable given available land and land-use policies.

In the wider Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), the population increased 12.1% to 1,159,869 in 2011 from 1,034,945 in 2006; the second-fastest pace of growth of any metropolitan area in Canada, behind only Calgary.

“The higher population figures in the city and region bode well for future growth, indicating a more robust demand for housing and other consumer goods in our economy,” adds Rose.

Housing starts up in Edmonton

A report also released today by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) reflects this outlook, with housing starts in the Edmonton CMA up 59% in January 2012 compared to January 2011. This year-over-year increase was experienced for both single-detached homes and multiple-unit housing.

However, compared to the previous month there was a minor decrease, with housing starts dipping to 578 in January 2012 from 691 in December 2011. This slight cooling in the housing construction sector from last month does not suggest a longer-term trend as the data demonstrates continued growth over the past three years.

CMHC reports Housing starts within Edmonton city boundaries were also up in January 2012 compared to January 2011, with 466 housing starts -- an increase of 150%. Construction on 227 single-detached units and 239 multiple-unit residential properties began in January 2012, down 10% from the previous month’s housing starts for the city.

For more information:

John Rose

Chief Economist, Economic Trends and External Research

Telephone	780-496-6070