Census 2025 paints picture of stability and family connections

After a decade shaped by challenges and resilience, the region is growing again for the first time in 10 years. Census 2025 reported a total population of 107,740, a 1.6 per cent increase from 2021.

“This is the largest growth in the permanent population we’ve experienced in a decade,” said Mayor Sandy Bowman. “Our work together to build an even better region continues knowing that we are headed in the right direction guided by a sense of purpose and connection. Thank you to everyone that supported Census 2025.”

More people are calling Wood Buffalo home 

Since 2021, the number of people who live in Wood Buffalo permanently has grown by 11.16 per cent, and the number of temporary workers living in camps or short-term accommodations has decreased by 22.15 per cent. Work camps in the region also declined from 68 facilities to 25.  

This means more people are choosing to live here full-time. Raising families, buying homes, and becoming part of the community. 

This shift shows that efforts to support a local workforce and long-term residency are making a difference. 

A young, working-age community 

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo remains a young and working-age community, with 43 per cent of people between the ages of 20 and 44.  

The largest age group has shifted from 35 to 39 in earlier census cycles to 40 to 45 in 2025. This points to a community that is becoming more settled. People are choosing to stay longer, raise families, and build their lives here, rather than moving on after a few years.

The share of people aged 15 to 24 has grown, rising from 10 per cent to 12 per cent of the population. This reflects a natural progression as children grow into youth and young adulthood, and signals an important shift in who will be entering the workforce in the coming years 

More seniors are moving here 

Seniors aged 65 and over make up 5.5 per cent of the population, an increase of 1.2% since 2021, indicating a relatively small but gradually growing older population. A segment of this population are moving here to be closer to family (11.6% migrated to the region). More seniors are also choosing to stay in Fort McMurry Wood Buffalo after they retire.

People are coming from across Canada 

People continue to move to the region from across Canada. The highest amount of people moving here is from Alberta (51.47%), followed by Ontario (13.36%), and then Newfoundland and Labrador (10.27%).  

Family connections, available housing options, and employment opportunities remain the top reasons people move to the region, showing that social ties and quality of life are just as important as jobs. 

People are staying in Wood Buffalo longer 

At the same time, many people have lived here for more than a decade (29.51%), with a large group calling Wood Buffalo home for more than 20 years (23.39%). 

Counting our furry, feathered, and scaled friends in Wood Buffalo 

For the first time, Census 2025 asked about pets in households, helping build a clearer picture of life in Wood Buffalo and the role animals play in it.

With more than 18,000 pets reported, the results show just how important animals are to many people and families across the region. From dogs and cats to birds and reptiles, pets are part of daily routines and household life. 

This information will help support planning for emergency preparedness, veterinary services, and pet-friendly spaces. 

Population estimate under provincial review

Before Census 2025 can be formally recognized, the Government of Alberta reviews and approves the RMWB’s municipal census results. 

The province has accepted and approved all findings, with the exception of a portion of the total population – approximately 5,000 residents that are related to dwellings where census staff were unable to make contact.

In every municipal census, there are some homes where a member of the household cannot be reached after multiple attempts. These are known as non-contact dwellings. In these cases, the Census 2025 team followed provincial guidelines and used the Government of Alberta’s extrapolation tool to estimate the number of people living in those households. This tool applies typical household sizes based on dwelling type. 

The Province has noted that the number of dwellings included in this estimate is higher than in previous census years. This increase reflects changes in the local housing landscape, including the conversion of several downtown hotels into apartment buildings. Each apartment unit is counted as a separate dwelling under municipal census standards.

The Municipality is confident in the Census 2025 population estimate and will continue working with the Province to ensure the estimated portion of the region’s total population is fully understood and appropriately recognized.

Looking ahead to the future 

Census 2025 tells the story of a region that is growing, stabilizing, and evolving. It reflects a community shaped by long-term residents and newcomers alike, by families and individuals, and by people choosing Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo as a place to stay, invest, and build their lives. 

These insights give the region a clearer view of where it is headed. They help inform planning, services, and decisions that support a strong economy, healthy families, and inclusive communities, ensuring Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo continues to move forward with confidence, now and into the future. 

Explore the Census 2025 data

Interact with the Census 2025 data dashboard and read the full municipal census report at rmwb.ca/census.

If you have questions or concerns about the Census 2025 findings, contact Pulse at 743-7000 or toll free at 1-800-973-9663.