2016 Census for Clearwater County indicates a decreasing population
Clearwater County Council reviewed its 2016 Economic Development Census which indicated a decreasing and aging population in the county.
Jerry Pratt, Economic Development Officer for the county presented the findings during the weekly county meeting, sourcing all information through Stats Canada or the Alberta Treasury Board.
Pratt says from 2011 to 2016 Clearwater County’s population dropped 2.7%, despite an 11.6% increase in Alberta’s population. However, other municipalities like Red Deer County also saw a decrease, largely attributed to Alberta’s recent recession.
The fastest growing age groups in the county are 60 to 74 and 75+, while the number of 30 to 44-year-olds has been steadily decreasing since 1996.