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Bow Island, AB

Alberta

Bow Island is a small town in Alberta with a population of 2,036. Residents earn $76,500 per year, which is 2% above the national average.

3.1 /5.0
B Good
2,036 Population 929/sq mi density
$76,500 Median Income $43,000 per capita
$262,000 Home Value
$890 Median Rent 14.9% income on rent
42°F Avg Temperature 312 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.1 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.7 / 5.0
$76,500 median income, 3.4% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.8 / 5.0
$262,000 home value, $890/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
F
Education
1.5 / 5.0
6.0% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Bow Island, AB

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $76,500
2% higher than US avg
Home Value $262,000
7% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 6.0%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent $890
23% lower than US avg
Unemployment 3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 17.8%
44% higher than US avg

How Bow Island Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population2,036
Median Age30.6 yrs
Density929/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 97%

Economy

B+
Median Income$76,500
Per Capita$43,000
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty17.8%
Commute18 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$262,000
Rent$890
Ownership68.9%
Housing Units675
Rent Burden14.9%

Crime

C+
Property3,500/100K
Burglary484/100K

Climate

Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
Rain13.2 in/yr
Sunny Days312/yr
Elevation2,615 ft (797 m)

Education

F
Bachelor's+6.0%
High School+25.8%
Graduate+1.1%

Community

Commute18 min

Is Bow Island a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Bow Island receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Bow Island offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Bow Island is $76,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 17.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Bow Island is $262,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $890 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.

Education

6.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 25.8% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Bow Island has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 312 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.2 inches.

Bow Island has a population of 2,036 with a density of 929 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 30.6 years, 21% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.1% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (97.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 52.3% of residents.

Population

2,036
Total Population
2021 Census
929
People / sq mi
30.6yrs
Median Age
21% below US avg
2.2mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 50.1%
Female 50.1%

Race & Ethnicity

Bow Island vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 52.3%
33% below US avg
Spanish 0.3%
98% below US avg
Other Languages 47.4%

Social Characteristics

Bow Island vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Bow Island is $76,500, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,000. The average weekly wage is $827, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 63 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Bow Island vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$76,500
2% above US avg
Per Capita Income$43,000
Avg Weekly Wage$827

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment3.4%
6% below US avg
Poverty Rate17.8%
44% above US avg
Establishments (County)63

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time18.0 min
Drive Alone82.2%
Public Transit2.6%
Work from Home11.2%

Walkability

The median home value in Bow Island is $262,000, 7% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $890 (23% below the national average of $1,163). 68.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 675 total housing units in the city. 14.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$262,000
7% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$890
23% below US avg
Rent Burden14.9%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership68.9%
Owner-Occupied68.9%
Renter-Occupied30.4%
Housing Units675

Property Tax

Property crime stands at 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,503, burglary at 484, vehicle theft at 505 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Bow Island receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Bow Island vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Total Property3,500.0/100K
79% above US avg
Burglary483.9/100K
Theft2,503.4/100K
Vehicle Theft504.8/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Bow Island has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 312 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 13.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.3 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 2,615 feet.

Temperature

14°F Jan (-10°C) 66°F Jul (19°C)
Annual Average41.7°F
23% below US avg
January Average14°F (-10°C)
July Average66°F (19°C)
Sunny Days312 days/yr

Geography

Elevation2,615 ft (797 m)
Area2.2 sq mi (5.7 km²)
Population Density929/sq mi
Coordinates49.8668°N, 111.3684°W
TimezoneAmerica/Edmonton

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 13.2"
65% below US avg
Snowfall 3.3"
Wettest Month (Jun) 2.48"
Driest Month (Feb) 0.47"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Apr 10, 2024.

May 1, 1997 35 km SSE of Magrath, Canada M3.8 124 km
Sep 29, 2009 42 km NW of Santa Rita, Montana M3.6 132 km
Jan 3, 2008 13 km SSE of Magrath, Canada M3.5 119 km
Sep 7, 2014 36 km SSE of Magrath, Canada M3.4 125 km
Nov 17, 1992 39 km NNW of Santa Rita, Montana M3.4 132 km
Aug 15, 1996 33 km WNW of Sweet Grass, Montana M3.4 116 km
Jan 22, 1993 33 km SSE of Raymond, Canada M3.4 104 km
Jan 1, 1993 20 km WSW of Sweet Grass, Montana M3.4 123 km
Jan 11, 2003 44 km SSE of Magrath, Canada M3.2 132 km
Apr 4, 1990 4 km WNW of Santa Rita, Montana M3.1 147 km
Jun 9, 2009 20 km NNW of Santa Rita, Montana M3.0 135 km
Apr 10, 2024 17 km NNW of Santa Rita, Montana M2.7 139 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 14°F (-10°C) 0.7 in Coldest
February 21°F (-6°C) 0.5 in Driest
March 31°F (-1°C) 0.8 in
April 43°F (6°C) 1.0 in
May 54°F (12°C) 1.7 in
June 61°F (16°C) 2.5 in Wettest
July 66°F (19°C) 1.3 in Warmest
August 65°F (18°C) 1.4 in
September 55°F (13°C) 1.5 in
October 45°F (7°C) 0.6 in
November 28°F (-2°C) 0.6 in
December 18°F (-8°C) 0.7 in

Bow Island has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 14°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.5") and February the driest (0.5").

View full weather details →
6.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 82% below the national average of 33.7%. 25.8% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 82.2% of workers drive alone to work, while 2.6% use public transit.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+6.0%
82% below US avg
High School+25.8%
Graduate Degree+1.1%
F Education Grade (1.5/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density929/sq mi
Total Area2.2 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute18.0 min
Drive Alone82.2%
Public Transit2.6%
Work from Home11.2%

Radio Stations near Bow Island

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

Dentists in Bow Island

1 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Bow Island Dental Centre

Gas Stations in Bow Island

4 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Domo
Gas Plus
Tempo
UFA Cardlock

Airports Near Bow Island

8 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Medicine Hat Regional AirportYXHMedium Airport
Bow Island Airport—Small Airport
Foremost Airport—Small Airport
Milk River (Madge) Airport—Small Airport
Milk River Airport—Small Airport
Nemiskam Airport—Small Airport
Schlenker Airport—Small Airport
Vauxhall Airport—Small Airport

Post Offices in Bow Island

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Bow Island Post Office

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Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Bow Island.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bow Island

What is the population of Bow Island?

Bow Island has a population of 2,036 residents and is located in Alberta. The population density is 929 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.1% female and 50.1% male.

Is Bow Island expensive to live in?

The median household income is $76,500, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $262,000 (7% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $890 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Bow Island safe?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bow Island receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Bow Island?

Bow Island has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 312 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.2 inches, with 3.3 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Bow Island?

Bow Island has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $827. There are 63 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 11.2% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Bow Island?

The median home value in Bow Island is $262,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $890. The homeownership rate is 68.9%.

How are the schools in Bow Island?

6.0% of adults in Bow Island hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 25.8% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Bow Island?

The average commute in Bow Island is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.2% of workers drive alone to work, 2.6% use public transit, and 11.2% work from home.

What are the demographics of Bow Island?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bow Island is 97.4% White. 52.3% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

Redcliff, AB 5,581 pop · 29.9 mi Medicine Hat, AB 63,271 pop · 33.0 mi Dunmore, AB 1,088 pop · 34.8 mi Taber, AB 8,862 pop · 35.1 mi Vauxhall, AB 1,286 pop · 36.1 mi Forty Mile County No. 8, AB 3,471 pop · 38.0 mi Cypress County, AB 7,524 pop · 44.4 mi Brooks, AB 14,924 pop · 54.5 mi Warner County No. 5, AB 4,290 pop · 54.6 mi Coaldale, AB 8,771 pop · 56.7 mi Stirling, AB 1,164 pop · 57.5 mi Newell County, AB 7,465 pop · 57.7 mi Picture Butte, AB 1,930 pop · 63.1 mi Fairview No. 136, AB 1,580 pop · 63.9 mi
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