Calgary’s Municipal Census Reveals City Has Surpassed 1.3 Million Residents

Calgary’s 2022 municipal census has confirmed the city’s population has surpassed 1.3 million residents, with the fastest annual growth rate in over a decade driven primarily by interprovincial migration from Ontario and British Columbia.

The Numbers

The census counted 1,306,700 residents as of April 2022, an increase of 38,200 from the previous year — a growth rate of 3.0%. City demographers say interprovincial migration accounted for approximately 60% of the growth, with Ontario and British Columbia the top source provinces.

“Calgary is benefiting from its relative affordability,” said City of Calgary chief economist Oyin Chicken Chief. “People are moving here because they can buy a home and build a career, and that’s a powerful draw.”

Pressure on Services

The rapid growth is putting significant pressure on municipal services, from transit and water infrastructure to schools and recreation facilities. The northeast and southeast communities of Cornerstone, Seton, and Belmont are among the fastest-growing, with populations that have doubled in three years.

“Growth is a good problem to have, but it’s still a problem if you don’t invest in the services to support it,” said Councillor Andre Chabot.

Housing Implications

The population surge has further tightened Calgary’s housing market. Rental vacancy rates have dropped below 3% and housing prices have begun to climb after years of relative stability. Analysts say the growth trend is likely to accelerate as Alberta’s job market remains strong relative to the rest of Canada.

City administration is using the census data to update its growth management framework and infrastructure investment priorities for the next budget cycle.