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Cowley, AB

Alberta

Cowley is a small town in Alberta with a population of 216. Residents earn $82,896 per year, which is 10% above the national average.

Data updated June 2026

3.0 /5.0
B Good
216 Population 412/sq mi density
$82,896 Median Income $50,913 per capita
$150,000 Home Value
$1,091 Median Rent 27.6% income on rent
41°F Avg Temperature 299 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.0 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.1 / 5.0
$82,896 median income, 11.1% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$150,000 home value, $1,091/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
F
Education
1.4 / 5.0
5.4% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Cowley, 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 $82,896
10% higher than US avg
Home Value $150,000
47% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 5.4%
84% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,091
6% lower than US avg
Unemployment 11.1%
208% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 12.9%
4% higher than US avg

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

People

Population216
Median Age45.6 yrs
Density412/mi²
Male / Female49% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 100%

Economy

B
Median Income$82,896
Per Capita$50,913
Unemployment11.1%
Poverty12.9%
Commute14 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$150,000
Rent$1,091
Ownership79.2%
Housing Units120
Rent Burden27.6%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
Rain20.5 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation3,842 ft (1,171 m)

Education

F
Bachelor's+5.4%
High School+37.8%
Graduate+0.0%

Community

Commute14 min

Is Cowley a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Cowley receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Cowley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Cowley is $82,896, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 11.1%, unemployment is notably high. 12.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Cowley is $150,000, 47% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,091 per month. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

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

Education

5.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 37.8% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Cowley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.5 inches, including 5.6 inches of snow.

Cowley has a population of 216 with a density of 412 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 45.6 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.8% female and 48.8% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.6% of residents.

Population

216
Total Population
2021 Census
412
People / sq mi
45.6yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
0.5mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48.8%
Female 48.8%

Race & Ethnicity

Cowley vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 88.6%
13% above US avg
Spanish 2.3%
83% below US avg
Other Languages 9.1%

Social Characteristics

Cowley vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Cowley is $82,896, which is 10% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $50,913 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $979, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 7 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Cowley vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$82,896
10% above US avg
Per Capita Income$50,913
Avg Weekly Wage$979

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment11.1%
208% above US avg
Poverty Rate12.9%
4% above US avg
Establishments (County)7

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time14.2 min
Drive Alone100.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home9.5%

Walkability

The median home value in Cowley is $150,000, 47% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,091 (6% below the national average of $1,163). 79.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 120 total housing units in the city. 27.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$150,000
47% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,091
6% below US avg
Rent Burden27.6%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership79.2%
Owner-Occupied79.2%
Renter-Occupied16.7%
Housing Units120

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, Cowley receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Cowley 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 →
Cowley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. The area gets 299 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 20.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 5.6 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 3,842 feet.

Temperature

19°F Jan (-7°C) 61°F Jul (16°C)
Annual Average40.7°F
25% below US avg
January Average19°F (-7°C)
July Average61°F (16°C)
Sunny Days299 days/yr

Geography

Elevation3,842 ft (1,171 m)
Area0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²)
Population Density412/sq mi
Coordinates49.5689°N, 114.0738°W
TimezoneAmerica/Edmonton

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 20.5"
46% below US avg
Snowfall 5.6"
Wettest Month (Jun) 3.39"
Driest Month (Dec) 0.94"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

39 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Apr 10, 2024.

Mar 4, 2000 35 km S of Pincher Creek, Canada M4.6 45 km
Mar 22, 2006 8 km SSW of Rexford, Montana M4.3 116 km
Feb 28, 2000 10 km NNE of Sparwood, Canada M3.8 62 km
Jul 2, 1992 4 km SSE of South Browning, Montana M3.8 142 km
May 1, 1997 35 km SSE of Magrath, Canada M3.8 114 km
Sep 29, 2009 42 km NW of Santa Rita, Montana M3.6 121 km
Jan 3, 2008 13 km SSE of Magrath, Canada M3.5 98 km
Apr 11, 2015 5 km NW of Columbia Falls, Montana M3.5 130 km
Jun 18, 1991 15 km SW of Black Diamond, Canada M3.5 114 km
Jan 22, 1993 33 km SSE of Raymond, Canada M3.4 127 km
Nov 21, 1992 Western Montana M3.4 84 km
Sep 7, 2014 36 km SSE of Magrath, Canada M3.4 114 km
Nov 17, 1992 39 km NNW of Santa Rita, Montana M3.4 124 km
Aug 15, 1996 33 km WNW of Sweet Grass, Montana M3.4 133 km
Jan 12, 2008 38 km W of Pincher Creek, Canada M3.3 31 km
Apr 10, 2018 3 km SSW of Stryker, Montana M3.3 115 km
Feb 14, 2012 6 km ESE of Stryker, Montana M3.3 110 km
Oct 15, 2000 33 km SSW of Pincher Creek, Canada M3.2 42 km
Jan 3, 2021 19 km ENE of Stryker, Montana M3.2 96 km
Sep 29, 2016 4 km NE of Sparwood, Canada M3.2 59 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Wildfire History

20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: WEDGE CANYON (51,987 ac, 2003).

Year Name Acres Distance
2003 WEDGE CANYON 51,987 77 km
1988 RED BENCH 33,845 88 km
2003 TRAPPER CREEK FIRE (TRAPPER CREEK) 18,028 89 km
2003 TRAPPER CREEK FIRE (WOLF GUN) 13,920 96 km
1999 ANACONDA 11,452 98 km
1994 NORTH FORK COMPLEX (ADAIR II) 10,329 95 km
1994 NORTH FORK COMPLEX (STARVATION) 8,990 65 km
1998 KOOTENAI COMPLEX (MCDONALD) 8,061 84 km
2017 UNNAMED 6,755 93 km
2017 GIBRALTER RIDGE 6,299 97 km
2022 WEASEL 5,752 78 km
2003 POLL HAVEN 4,495 70 km
2017 ADAIR PEAK 4,421 92 km
2017 WEASEL 3,942 82 km
1984 NAPI PEAK 3,680 96 km
2017 WOLVERINE 3,126 98 km
2018 BOUNDARY 2,862 64 km
2021 HAY CREEK 2,699 93 km
2022 QUARTZ 2,113 82 km
2000 PARKE PEAK 1,988 68 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 19°F (-7°C) 1.0 in Coldest
February 24°F (-5°C) 1.1 in
March 31°F (-1°C) 1.3 in
April 40°F (4°C) 1.5 in
May 49°F (9°C) 2.6 in
June 56°F (14°C) 3.4 in Wettest
July 61°F (16°C) 2.2 in
August 62°F (16°C) 1.8 in Warmest
September 52°F (11°C) 2.1 in
October 43°F (6°C) 1.2 in
November 30°F (-1°C) 1.2 in
December 22°F (-6°C) 0.9 in Driest

Cowley has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 19°F in January to 62°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 20.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and December the driest (0.9").

View full weather details →
5.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 84% below the national average of 33.7%. 37.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 100% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+5.4%
84% below US avg
High School+37.8%
Graduate Degree+0.0%
F Education Grade (1.4/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density412/sq mi
Total Area0.5 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute14.2 min
Drive Alone100.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home9.5%

Radio Stations near Cowley

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

Museums in Cowley

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Kootenai Brown Museum

Libraries in Cowley

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Pincher Creek Library0.0

Breweries in Cowley

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Oldman River Brewing

Ski Resorts Near Cowley

1 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Castle Mountain Resort 0.0 $0

Airports Near Cowley

8 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Pincher Creek AirportWPCMedium Airport
Babb AirportSmall Airport
Beck Farm AirportSmall Airport
Claresholm Industrial AirportSmall Airport
Cowley AirportYYMSmall Airport
Fort Macleod AirportSmall Airport
Moose City AirportSmall Airport
North Fork AirportSmall Airport

Post Offices in Cowley

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Cowley Post Office

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cowley

What is the population of Cowley?

Cowley has a population of 216 residents and is located in Alberta. The population density is 412 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.8% female and 48.8% male.

Is Cowley expensive to live in?

The median household income is $82,896, 10% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $150,000 (47% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,091 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Cowley safe?

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

What is the weather like in Cowley?

Cowley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 61°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.5 inches, with 5.6 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Cowley?

The job market in Cowley faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $979. There are 7 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 9.5% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Cowley?

The median home value in Cowley is $150,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,091. The homeownership rate is 79.2%.

How are the schools in Cowley?

5.4% of adults in Cowley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 37.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Cowley?

The average commute in Cowley is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.5% work from home.

What are the demographics of Cowley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cowley is 100% White. 88.6% of residents speak only English at home.

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