FAQs

Our census is a count of the people living in the County of Grande Prairie.  

The primary purpose of the 2024 census was to obtain an accurate count of residents living in the County. This data is crucial for applying for provincial grants, as funding calculations are based on population size. Additionally, since the County took over responsibility for the dissolved Village of Hythe in 2021, the Government of Alberta required a review of the number of County councillors and electoral division boundaries before the 2025 municipal election to address any population imbalances among divisions. More information about this review can be found at www.countygp.ab.ca/ebr   

The County’s census achieved a participation rate of over 95 per cent, with responses from thousands of households across the County. This high level of engagement strengthens the reliability of the census results, ensuring accurate representation of the County’s population. 

The County conducts a municipal census when directed by County Council, with previous censuses in 2006 and in 2012. Statistics Canada conducts a federal (Canada-wide) census every five years, with the last one in 2021. 

The County conducts municipal censuses based on population changes, community needs, and Council’s direction. Any future censuses will be determined by these factors. 

The census was conducted from April 3 to July 2, 2024, using online and phone submissions as well as door-to-door visits to ensure comprehensive coverage. Residents provided their information securely online, over the phone, or directly to census enumerators during in-person visits. This approach achieved a high response rate of over 95 per cent, ensuring the data reflects the County's population with accuracy. 

The census provides essential insights into our community’s needs, helping us plan effectively for our future. It also allows us to make informed decisions about spending on services like parks, roads, waste management, and emergency response. Census data also plays a key role in attracting investors and developers. Ultimately, the census guides choices that improve residents' lives and strengthen our community.  

The 2024 census recorded a total population of 26,701 residents in the County of Grande Prairie. This marks a 26 per cent increase since the 2012 municipal census, reflecting the County’s steady growth, the integration of Hythe into the County in 2021, and its appeal as a vibrant community for residents and businesses. This count includes residents reached through direct response as well as estimates applied to homes that couldn’t be contacted due to inaccessibility or refusals. The population figures will be finalized with ministerial approval in the Municipal Affairs Population List, published by January 2025.

Over time, the County has experienced significant growth, as seen in census results from previous years.

The largest age groups in the County are residents aged 45-64 and 25-44, each making up 25 per cent of the population. This distribution suggests a strong workforce and a growing number of older adults. This population is balanced by youth aged 5-13 (14 per cent) and young adults aged 14-24 (13 per cent). Seniors aged 65 and over make up 13 per cent, while children aged 0-4 represent five per cent. 

Approximately 31 per cent of County residents live in one of its hamlets, with Clairmont standing out as the largest. With a population of 6,123, Clairmont is now Alberta’s largest hamlet, highlighting its capacity to support a growing community. Following Clairmont, Hythe and Wedgewood have populations of 835 and 736, respectively, placing both in Alberta’s top 25 largest hamlets. The County’s remaining hamlets each have fewer than 200 residents, offering a more rural and close-knit community experience. 

There are 10,278 residential addresses in the County with a 90 per cent occupancy rate. Eighty-six per cent of homes are owned and 10 per cent are rented. 

Sixty-two per cent of residents reported having access to a family physician within the Grande Prairie region. However, 27 per cent of respondents do not have a primary care provider, indicating a potential gap in family physicians in the region.  

The census indicates that 24 per cent of County residents work within the County, while another 21 per cent are employed in the City of Grande Prairie. Additionally, four per cent work in nearby communities of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, Wembley, or the MD of Greenview. A significant portion, 23 per cent, are either retired or commute to other areas for work.

For more information and to access the full census report, please visit www.engagecountygp.ca