Hay River, NT — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $129,000

72% higher than US avg

Home Value $290,000

3% higher than US avg

Bachelor's+ 12.5%

63% lower than US avg

Median Rent $930

20% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 26.2%

18% lower than US avg

Unemployment 6.2%

72% higher than US avg

Poverty Rate 6.7%

46% lower than US avg

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

People

Population3,169

Median Age40.4 yrs

Density67/mi²

Male / Female50% / 49%

Largest GroupWhite 91%

Economy

Median Income$129,000

Per Capita$69,900

Unemployment6.2%

Poverty6.7%

Commute16 min

Housing

A+

Home Value$290,000

Rent$930

OwnershipN/A

Housing Units1,275

Rent Burden10.2%

Health

Obesity26.2%

UninsuredN/A

Smoking8.9%

Depression4.1%

Heart Disease9.5%

Climate

Avg Temp27°F (-3°C)

AQI27 (Good)

Rain12.6 in/yr

Sunny Days313/yr

Elevation548 ft (167 m)

Education

Bachelor's+12.5%

High School+24.2%

Graduate+3.1%

Community

Commute16 min

Broadband94.0%

Is Hay River a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Hay River receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Hay River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Hay River is $129,000, which is significantly higher than the national average — 72% above $75,149. This places Hay River among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 6.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Hay River is $290,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $930 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Education

12.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 24.2% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Hay River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 27°F. Winters average -10°F in January while summers reach 62°F in July. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 12.6 inches, including 5.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 27.

Hay River has a population of 3,169 with a density of 67 people per square mile, spread across 47.3 square miles. The median age is 40.4 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.4% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (90.9%), with 7.2% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 84.1% of residents. 18.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

3,169

Total Population

2021 Census

People / sq mi

40.4yrs

Median Age

4% above US avg

47.3mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 50.5%

Female 49.4%

Race & Ethnicity

Hay River vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	84.1%
	7% above US avg
Spanish	3.0%
	78% below US avg
Other Languages	12.9%

Social Characteristics

Hay River vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Hay River is $129,000, which is 72% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $69,900 (above the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 6.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 84.1, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Hay River vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$129,000
	72% above US avg
Per Capita Income	$69,900

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	6.2%
	72% above US avg
Poverty Rate	6.7%
	46% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	84.10 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	15.8 min
Drive Alone	75.9%
Public Transit	0.6%
Work from Home	6.4%

Walkability

The median home value in Hay River is $290,000, 3% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $930 (20% below the national average of $1,163). There are 1,275 total housing units in the city. 10.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$290,000
	3% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$930
	20% below US avg
Rent Burden	10.2%

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	69.8%
Renter-Occupied	30.2%
Housing Units	1,275

Property Tax

In Hay River, 26.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 5.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.5% of residents, above the national average. 22.1% have high blood pressure. 8.9% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 10.0% report binge drinking. 76.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 4.1% report depression (below the 20.0% national average).

Health Metrics: Hay River vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	26.2%
	18% below US avg
Diabetes	5.5%
Heart Disease	9.5%
High Blood Pressure	22.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	8.9%
	36% below US avg
Binge Drinking	10.0%
Physical Inactivity	76.3%
Depression	4.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	89.0%

Food & Exercise

Hay River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 27°F (-3°C). Winters average -10°F in January while summers reach 62°F in July — a wide seasonal temperature swing of 72°F. The area gets 313 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 12.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 5.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 27 — among the cleanest air in the country. 90% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 548 feet.

Temperature

-10°F Jan (-24°C) 62°F Jul (16°C)

Annual Average	26.9°F
	50% below US avg
January Average	-10°F (-24°C)
July Average	62°F (16°C)
Sunny Days	313 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	12.6 inches
	67% below US avg
Snowfall	5.2 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	27.0
Rating	Good
Good Days %	89.5%

Geography

Elevation	548 ft (167 m)
Area	47.3 sq mi (122.4 km²)
Population Density	67/sq mi
Coordinates	60.8156°N, 115.7999°W
Timezone	America/Edmonton

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	-10°F (-24°C)	0.7 in	Coldest
February	-5°F (-20°C)	0.6 in
March	7°F (-14°C)	0.6 in
April	29°F (-2°C)	0.5 in	Driest
May	45°F (7°C)	1.0 in
June	56°F (13°C)	1.3 in
July	62°F (16°C)	1.7 in	Warmest
August	58°F (14°C)	1.9 in	Wettest
September	47°F (8°C)	1.6 in
October	32°F (0°C)	1.3 in
November	9°F (-13°C)	0.9 in
December	-6°F (-21°C)	0.6 in

Hay River has a seasonal temperature swing of 72°F — from -10°F in January to 62°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.9") and April the driest (0.5").

12.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 63% below the national average of 33.7%. 24.2% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 94.0% of households have broadband internet access. 75.9% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	12.5%
	63% below US avg
High School+	24.2%
Graduate Degree+	3.1%

D Education Grade (2.0/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	67/sq mi
Total Area	47.3 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	94.0%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	15.8 min
Drive Alone	75.9%
Public Transit	0.6%
Work from Home	6.4%

Frequently Asked Questions About Hay River

What is the population of Hay River?

Hay River has a population of 3,169 residents and is located in Northwest Territories. The population density is 67 people per square mile, spread across 47.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.4 years. The population is 49.4% female and 50.5% male.

Is Hay River expensive to live in?

Hay River is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 84.1 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $129,000, 72% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $290,000 (3% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $930 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Hay River?

Hay River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 27°F (-3°C). Winter temperatures average -10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 62°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 12.6 inches, with 5.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 27.

How is the job market in Hay River?

The unemployment rate in Hay River is 6.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 6.4% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Hay River?

The median home value in Hay River is $290,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $930.

How are the schools in Hay River?

12.5% of adults in Hay River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 24.2% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Hay River?

The obesity rate in Hay River is 26.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 8.9% of adults are smokers. 76.3% are physically inactive. 4.1% of residents report depression.

What is transportation like in Hay River?

The average commute in Hay River is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.4% work from home.

What are the demographics of Hay River?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Hay River is 90.9% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 7.2% Asian. 84.1% of residents speak only English at home. 18.5% of residents have a disability. 89.0% have health insurance coverage.

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