St. Albert's Aging Population: What the 2021 Census Shows

The Quick Answer

In the 2021 census, 13,225 of St. Albert's 68,232 residents were 65 or older. That's 19.4%, and the city's median age was 42.0. Many of those residents want to stay in St. Albert as they get older, which keeps bungalows, condos and townhouses in demand.

I'm John Carle, a REALTOR with Homes & Gardens Real Estate Limited, and I've been selling homes in St. Albert since 1999. A lot of my clients are right in this age group, and the question I hear most is "Can I stay in St. Albert when the house gets to be too much?"

How many seniors live in St. Albert?

According to Statistics Canada's 2021 census:

• Total population: 68,232
• Residents aged 65 and older: 13,225
• Share aged 65 and older: 19.4%
• Median age: 42.0

Why do people stay in St. Albert as they age?

From what I see every day, it comes down to a few things:

• Trails and parks. The City says St. Albert has about 99.5 km of trails, including the Red Willow Trail along the Sturgeon River.
• Health care close by. The Sturgeon Community Hospital is right here in St. Albert, and Edmonton's hospitals are a short drive away.
• Familiar ground. Friends, church, clubs and grandkids are often all here.

What kinds of homes do downsizers look for?

Usually one of these:

• Bungalows, for one-floor living and no stairs to the bedroom.
• Condos and apartments, for less yard work and snow shovelling.
• Townhouses and half-duplexes, for a little yard without a big one.

Every downsizing move is different, and timing the sale of the family home matters. If you're weighing whether to stay or move, I'm happy to walk you through what your home would likely sell for and what you'd get on the other side. For questions about financing, I'll point you to a mortgage professional.

Key takeaways

• 19.4% of St. Albert residents were 65 or older in the 2021 census.
• The city's median age was 42.0.
• Trails, local health care and long roots keep many older residents here.
• Bungalows, condos and townhouses are the usual downsizing choices.

When you're ready to talk about your next move, I'm here.

Just Call John. 780-937-7534

Sources

• Statistics Canada, Focus on Geography Series, 2021 Census, St. Albert (City): https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/fogs-spg/Page.cfm?dguid=2021A00054811062&lang=E&topic=1
• City of St. Albert, Trails: https://stalbert.ca/rec/parks/trails/