The 2021 Municipal Census is complete, and Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo is reporting a slight decrease in population from three years ago.

Compared to the 2018 census, the region has seen a five per cent decrease in population, dropping from 111,687 to 106,059.

Overall population loss is mostly attributed to a 17 per cent decrease in the shadow population.

These are individuals who are not permanent residents of Wood Buffalo and work in the area on a seasonal basis.

The census found that 75,555 permanent residents call Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo home.

Approximately 6,700 new residents moved to the municipality since the last census in 2018.

Young people continue to make up a large portion of the population with 42.4 per cent within the age range of 20-44.

Length of residency in the RMWB:

• Over 20 years – 17%
• 11-20 years – 32%
• 6-11 years- 30%
• 3-5 years- 17%
• 1-2 years- 1%
• Other – 3%

The 2021 Municipal Census Report for Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo can be found here.