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Clearwater County, AB

Alberta

Clearwater County is a small city in Alberta with a population of 11,865. Residents earn $83,000 per year, which is 10% above the national average.

Data updated June 2026

2.8 /5.0
C+ Fair
11,865 Population 2/sq mi density
$83,000 Median Income $53,200 per capita
$400,000 Home Value
$770 Median Rent 18.0% income on rent
35°F Avg Temperature 292 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.8 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.1 / 5.0
$83,000 median income, 12.6% unemployment
B+
Affordability
4.0 / 5.0
$400,000 home value, $770/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
D
Education
1.6 / 5.0
7.3% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Clearwater County, 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 $83,000
10% higher than US avg
Home Value $400,000
42% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 7.3%
78% lower than US avg
Median Rent $770
34% lower than US avg
Unemployment 12.6%
250% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 12.8%
3% higher than US avg

How Clearwater County Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population11,865
Median Age46.4 yrs
Density2/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 99%

Economy

B
Median Income$83,000
Per Capita$53,200
Unemployment12.6%
Poverty12.8%
Commute31 min

Housing

B+
Home Value$400,000
Rent$770
Ownership87.8%
Housing Units4,815
Rent Burden18.0%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp35°F (2°C)
Rain24.2 in/yr
Sunny Days292/yr
Elevation4,423 ft (1,348 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+7.3%
High School+32.8%
Graduate+2.0%

Community

Commute31 min

Is Clearwater County a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Clearwater County receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Clearwater County has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Clearwater County is $83,000, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 12.6%, unemployment is notably high. 12.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Clearwater County is $400,000, 42% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $770 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.8x 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

7.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 32.8% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Clearwater County has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 35°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 55°F in July. With 292 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.2 inches, including 6.2 inches of snow.

Clearwater County has a population of 11,865 with a density of 2 people per square mile, spread across 7,183.7 square miles. The median age is 46.4 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (99.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.3% of residents.

Population

11,865
Total Population
2
People / sq mi
46.4yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
7,183.7mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 51.4%
Female 48.6%

Race & Ethnicity

Clearwater County vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 95.3%
21% above US avg
Spanish 0.9%
93% below US avg
Other Languages 3.8%

Social Characteristics

Clearwater County vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Clearwater County is $83,000, which is 10% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $53,200 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,023, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 12.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 368 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 35.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Clearwater County vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$83,000
10% above US avg
Per Capita Income$53,200
Avg Weekly Wage$1,023

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment12.6%
250% above US avg
Poverty Rate12.8%
3% above US avg
Establishments (County)368

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time30.7 min
Drive Alone93.3%
Public Transit0.7%
Work from Home35.3%

Walkability

The median home value in Clearwater County is $400,000, 42% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $770 (34% below the national average of $1,163). 87.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 4,815 total housing units in the city. 18.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.8x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$400,000
42% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$770
34% below US avg
Rent Burden18.0%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership87.8%
Owner-Occupied87.8%
Renter-Occupied12.3%
Housing Units4,815

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, Clearwater County receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Clearwater County 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 →
Clearwater County has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 35°F (2°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 55°F in July. The area gets 292 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 24.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 6.2 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 4,423 feet.

Temperature

12°F Jan (-11°C) 55°F Jul (13°C)
Annual Average34.8°F
36% below US avg
January Average12°F (-11°C)
July Average55°F (13°C)
Sunny Days292 days/yr

Geography

Elevation4,423 ft (1,348 m)
Area7,183.7 sq mi (18,605.8 km²)
Population Density2/sq mi
Coordinates52.3160°N, 115.6266°W
TimezoneAmerica/Edmonton

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 24.2"
36% below US avg
Snowfall 6.2"
Wettest Month (Jul) 4.21"
Driest Month (Feb) 0.83"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

25 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.7 on Jan 26, 2025.

May 19, 1996 4 km WNW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M4.2 44 km
Mar 31, 1997 93 km S of Edson, Canada M4.1 62 km
Feb 14, 2021 5 km N of Banff, Canada M4.1 121 km
Nov 19, 1994 27 km SW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M4.0 32 km
Oct 19, 1996 26 km SW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.9 30 km
Mar 10, 2019 37 km N of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.9 60 km
Aug 9, 2014 27 km SW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.8 35 km
Mar 4, 2019 9 km NW of Red Deer, Canada M3.8 117 km
Jun 10, 1997 91 km S of Edson, Canada M3.7 63 km
Jan 26, 2025 58 km NNW of Banff, Canada M3.7 73 km
Nov 11, 1990 33 km SSW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.6 46 km
Mar 7, 2002 84 km N of Golden, Canada M3.6 110 km
Oct 19, 1996 30 km SW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.6 37 km
Aug 13, 1998 67 km NNW of Banff, Canada M3.6 74 km
Oct 29, 1998 36 km SW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.5 31 km
Jun 2, 2015 10 km NW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.5 43 km
Nov 9, 1994 92 km WNW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.5 55 km
Jun 26, 2005 85 km S of Edson, Canada M3.5 71 km
May 5, 2005 56 km WSW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.4 18 km
Oct 8, 2000 93 km S of Edson, Canada M3.3 62 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 12°F (-11°C) 1.1 in Coldest
February 19°F (-7°C) 0.8 in Driest
March 24°F (-4°C) 1.1 in
April 34°F (1°C) 1.4 in
May 43°F (6°C) 2.7 in
June 51°F (10°C) 4.0 in
July 55°F (13°C) 4.2 in Wettest
August 55°F (13°C) 3.3 in Warmest
September 47°F (8°C) 2.5 in
October 38°F (3°C) 1.3 in
November 24°F (-5°C) 1.0 in
December 15°F (-9°C) 0.9 in

Clearwater County has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 12°F in January to 55°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 24.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.8").

View full weather details →
7.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 78% below the national average of 33.7%. 32.8% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 93.3% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+7.3%
78% below US avg
High School+32.8%
Graduate Degree+2.0%
D Education Grade (1.6/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density2/sq mi
Total Area7,183.7 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute30.7 min
Drive Alone93.3%
Public Transit0.7%
Work from Home35.3%

Golf Courses in Clearwater County

1 golf courses within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Nordegg Historic Golf Course

Airports Near Clearwater County

4 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Clearwater River Airport-Small Airport
Ram Falls Airstrip-Small Airport
Red Deer Forestry Airport-Small Airport
Rocky Mountain House AirportYRMSmall Airport

Explore Near Clearwater County

Waterfalls
9
Natural waterfalls documented by USGS and OpenStreetMap contributors
View all →
Bigfoot Sightings
1
Eyewitness reports filed with the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization
View all →

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Clearwater County.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Clearwater County

What is the population of Clearwater County?

Clearwater County has a population of 11,865 residents and is located in Alberta. The population density is 2 people per square mile, spread across 7,183.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.

Is Clearwater County expensive to live in?

The median household income is $83,000, 10% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $400,000 (42% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $770 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Clearwater County safe?

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

What is the weather like in Clearwater County?

Clearwater County has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 35°F (2°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 55°F in July. The area receives 292 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.2 inches, with 6.2 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Clearwater County?

The job market in Clearwater County faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.6% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,023. There are 368 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 35.3% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Clearwater County?

The median home value in Clearwater County is $400,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $770. The homeownership rate is 87.8%.

How are the schools in Clearwater County?

7.3% of adults in Clearwater County hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 32.8% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Clearwater County?

The average commute in Clearwater County is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 93.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 35.3% work from home.

What are the demographics of Clearwater County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Clearwater County is 99.4% White. 95.3% of residents speak only English at home.

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