Census History
2018 Census Information
Accurate population data and demographic information are vital for the City’s strategic planning, operations and service provision. The data gathered through the census has an impact on provincial funding allocations and improves our ability to plan for growth and manage programs and services. The Municipal Government Act provides the authority for municipalities to conduct a census, and Policy 6,029CM guides the frequency and administration of each census. In addition to the direction provided in our official policy, it is advantageous to conduct a census frequently after a population reaches 20,000 since there are financial incentives in terms of available funding to a municipality reporting incremental population increases.
The primary objective of the 2018 municipal census was to provide a reliable population count. In addition to the count, staff gathered data on age and sex of residents, as well as on the type of dwelling units in the City. The count began on April 4, 2018 and concluded on May 31, 2018. Residents had the option of providing a response online, by telephone or via door-to-door enumeration. 52% of Spruce Grove households elected to respond to the census via the online portal.
All of the information discussed in the Census Demographic Report is taken from the 2018 census or from previous municipal censuses. Any data that refers to the Province of Alberta or Canada as a whole was taken from the 2016 Federal Census. The response rate for the 2017 census was 100%. Overall, a total of 14,417 residential properties were counted resulting in a total population of 35,766 residents and 13,627 occupied households. There were no notable concerns with the data quality.
Historical census results
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2021 (Federal) | 37,645 |
| 2018 | 35,766 |
| 2017 | 34,881 |
| 2016 (Federal) | 34,066 |
| 2016 | 33,640 |
| 2015 | 32,036 |
| 2014 | 29,526 |
| 2013 | 27,875 |
| 2011 (Federal) | 26,171 |
| 2010 | 24,646 |
| 2009 | 23,326 |
| 2006 (Federal) | 19,496 |
| 2005 | 18,405 |
| 2003 | 17,082 |
| 2001 (Federal) | 15,983 |
| 1999 | 15,069 |
| 1996 (Federal) | 14,271 |
| 1996 | 14,123 |
| 1992 | 13,076 |
| 1990 | 12,403 |
| 1989 | 12,332 |
| 1986 | 11,897 |
| 1984 | 11,569 |
| 1983 | 11,307 |
| 1982 | 10,784 |
| 1981 | 9,749 |
| 1980 | 9,074 |
| 1979 | 8,411 |
| 1978 | 7,874 |
| 1977 | 7,137 |
| 1976 | 6,827 |
| 1975 | 6,146 |
| 1974 | 4,900 |
| 1972 | 3,320 |
| 1970 | 1,110 |
| 1969 | 667 |
| 1959 | 314 |
| 1958 | 303 |
| 1957 | 303 |
| 1956 | 305 |
| 1955 | 275 |
| 1916 | 47 |