So many people are moving to Edmonton and a big record was hit
The Edmonton area is a hot destination for Canadians looking to move away for a fresh start, and that has helped YEG hit a big record.
According to new Statistics Canada data, the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), which includes Spruce Grove, St. Albert, Strathcona County, Leduc and Fort Saskatchewan, recorded the highest population growth of any CMA in Canada since at least 2001.
StatsCan said that Alberta was the destination of choice for movers, with the province recording a net gain of 43,750 people from interprovincial migration over the last year. As a result, the CMA of Edmonton saw an increase of 13,893 people and recorded its highest net gain in over 20 years.
It’s no surprise that many people are turning to Edmonton as a spot to live, with data from U-Haul this week also tapping YEG as the second-highest city for movers to flock to in 2024.
The annual demographic growth of the top 10 fastest-growing census metropolitan areas in 2024 from July 1, 2023, to July 1, 2024, shows both Edmonton and Calgary high up when compared to other national CMAs.
Statistics Canada
Over the July 2023 to July 2024 timeframe, the Edmonton CMA recorded an annual growth rate of 4.5%, towering over other CMAs like Vancouver with 4.2% and Toronto with 3.9%.
Regarding growth in Alberta’s more rural areas, non-permanent residents were a driving factor. At the same time, in smaller urban centres with populations between 10,000 and 100,000, interprovincial migration was the most important factor of growth in half of those areas, particularly those located near the province’s CMAs.
Check out the full report by Statistics Canada.