Statistics Canada reported on March 19, 2025 that Alberta’s population grew 0.6% in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024, the fastest of any province, ahead of Saskatchewan and Manitoba at 0.3%.
Alberta net interprovincial migration
Key figures
- Alberta had the largest net gain from other provinces in the quarter, 5,292 people.
- For all of 2024, Alberta gained 36,082 people from interprovincial migration, down from 42,243 in 2023.
- Alberta welcomed a record 66,359 immigrants in 2024.
- Canada’s population reached 41,528,680 on January 1, 2025, and grew 1.8% in 2024, slower than in 2022 (2.5%) and 2023 (3.1%).
What it means for Calgary housing
Population growth is still the main driver of Calgary demand, but it is slowing as federal immigration targets fall. Combined with strong construction, with Calgary housing starts up 24% in 2024 according to CMHC, that is why CREB expects a more balanced market in 2025. Alberta remains the top destination for Canadians who move between provinces.
Compared with earlier quarters
Canada’s quarterly growth of 0.2% in the fourth quarter continued the slowdown that began after the peak of 1.1% in the third quarter of 2023. It was the slowest rate since the fourth quarter of 2020, when pandemic border restrictions were in place. Statistics Canada noted that the fourth quarter usually sees slower growth, as migration and births decline and deaths rise in the colder months, and that the rate was similar to the same quarter in the decade before the pandemic.
Fewer temporary residents
The main reason for the slowdown is fewer non-permanent residents. There were 28,341 fewer on January 1, 2025 than on October 1, 2024, the first quarterly decrease since the end of 2021. Non-permanent residents made up 7.3% of Canada’s population, down slightly from 7.4%. The number of people holding only a study permit fell by 32,643.
Alberta’s position
Alberta’s population reached 4,960,097 on January 1, 2025. Even with slower national growth, Alberta continued to lead, with the largest net gain from other provinces in the quarter, 5,292 people, and in the year, 36,082. Alberta also welcomed a record 66,359 immigrants in 2024, the highest number for the province since comparable data became available in 1972.
What it means for buyers
Slower population growth means less pressure on the lowest-priced homes, which is part of why CREB reported in February that the largest inventory increases were for homes under $500,000. Buyers in that range have more choice than a year ago.
What it means for sellers and landlords
Fewer temporary residents mainly affect rental demand, especially for apartments. Owners planning to sell or rent a condo should expect more competition than in 2023 and 2024, when population growth was at its peak.
Practical takeaways
Population data arrives with a delay, so read it together with monthly CREB figures. Alberta still gains more people from other provinces than any other province, which continues to support demand for family homes. Watch the next quarterly estimate in June for signs of further slowing.
Local angle
Canada’s population rose by 63,382 people in the quarter to reach 41,528,680. Within that slower total, Alberta’s 0.6% growth was double the 0.3% recorded in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the next fastest provinces. For Calgary, that means demand is still growing, just more slowly. CREB’s February figures show the effect: sales of 1,721 were above historical averages for the month, but 19% lower than last year, while inventory rose 76% to 4,145 homes.
One group kept growing: asylum claimants, protected persons and related groups rose by 25,774 in the quarter, the 12th consecutive increase, to a record 457,285 people. These newcomers often look for rental housing first, so their numbers matter for apartment demand.
