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Spirit River, AB

Alberta

Spirit River is a small town in Alberta with a population of 849. Residents earn $78,500 per year, which is 4% above the national average.

Data updated June 2026

3.1 /5.0
B Good
849 Population 707/sq mi density
$78,500 Median Income $51,800 per capita
$174,000 Home Value
$1,090 Median Rent 15.6% income on rent
36°F Avg Temperature 303 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.1 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.1 / 5.0
$78,500 median income, 10.5% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$174,000 home value, $1,090/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
D
Education
1.6 / 5.0
7.8% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Spirit River, 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 $78,500
4% higher than US avg
Home Value $174,000
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 7.8%
77% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,090
6% lower than US avg
Unemployment 10.5%
192% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 10.6%
15% lower than US avg

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

People

Population849
Median Age50.8 yrs
Density707/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 96%

Economy

B
Median Income$78,500
Per Capita$51,800
Unemployment10.5%
Poverty10.6%
Commute20 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$174,000
Rent$1,090
Ownership82.1%
Housing Units390
Rent Burden15.6%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp36°F (2°C)
Rain17.9 in/yr
Sunny Days303/yr
Elevation2,028 ft (618 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+7.8%
High School+31.0%
Graduate+1.4%

Community

Commute20 min

Is Spirit River a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Spirit River receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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. Spirit River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Spirit River is $78,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 10.5%, unemployment is notably high. 10.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Spirit River is $174,000, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,090 per month. At just 2.2x 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

7.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 31.0% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Spirit River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 36°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. With 303 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.9 inches.

Spirit River has a population of 849 with a density of 707 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 50.8 years, 31% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 48.8% male. The city is predominantly White (95.9%), with 1.2% Black, 2.4% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90% of residents.

Population

849
Total Population
2021 Census
707
People / sq mi
50.8yrs
Median Age
31% above US avg
1.2mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48.8%
Female 50.6%

Race & Ethnicity

Spirit River vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 90.0%
15% above US avg
Spanish 1.8%
87% below US avg
Other Languages 8.2%

Social Characteristics

Spirit River vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Spirit River is $78,500, which is 4% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $51,800 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $996, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 26 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.2% of workers work from home.

Income: Spirit River vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$78,500
4% above US avg
Per Capita Income$51,800
Avg Weekly Wage$996

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment10.5%
192% above US avg
Poverty Rate10.6%
15% below US avg
Establishments (County)26

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time20.0 min
Drive Alone73.5%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home13.2%

Walkability

The median home value in Spirit River is $174,000, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,090 (6% below the national average of $1,163). 82.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 390 total housing units in the city. 15.6% 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$174,000
38% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,090
6% below US avg
Rent Burden15.6%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership82.1%
Owner-Occupied82.1%
Renter-Occupied16.7%
Housing Units390

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, Spirit River receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Spirit River 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 →
Spirit River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 36°F (2°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. The area gets 303 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 17.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.6 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 2,028 feet.

Temperature

8°F Jan (-13°C) 60°F Jul (16°C)
Annual Average35.6°F
34% below US avg
January Average8°F (-13°C)
July Average60°F (16°C)
Sunny Days303 days/yr

Geography

Elevation2,028 ft (618 m)
Area1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²)
Population Density707/sq mi
Coordinates55.7833°N, 118.8361°W
TimezoneAmerica/Edmonton

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 17.9"
53% below US avg
Snowfall 4.6"
Wettest Month (Jun) 2.99"
Driest Month (Feb) 0.71"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

24 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M4.2 on Mar 16, 2023.

Apr 14, 2001 44 km NE of Dawson Creek, Canada M5.3 69 km
Dec 26, 1992 14 km NNE of Fort St. John, Canada M5.0 136 km
Mar 16, 2023 44 km ESE of Peace River, Canada M4.7 144 km
Mar 16, 2023 Alberta, Canada M4.6 145 km
May 28, 2013 18 km ESE of Fort St. John, Canada M4.2 117 km
Mar 16, 2023 Alberta, Canada M4.2 142 km
May 22, 1994 10 km NE of Fort St. John, Canada M4.2 131 km
Jun 12, 2001 5 km NE of Fort St. John, Canada M3.9 134 km
Jan 9, 1993 13 km NE of Fort St. John, Canada M3.9 133 km
Jan 23, 1992 8 km NE of Fort St. John, Canada M3.8 133 km
Jan 9, 1993 14 km NE of Fort St. John, Canada M3.8 131 km
Jan 30, 1993 15 km NE of Fort St. John, Canada M3.7 131 km
Feb 11, 1992 16 km NNE of Fort St. John, Canada M3.7 135 km
Jan 9, 1993 17 km NNE of Fort St. John, Canada M3.6 135 km
Feb 15, 1992 13 km NNE of Fort St. John, Canada M3.4 134 km
May 3, 1995 36 km E of Sexsmith, Canada M3.3 58 km
Mar 5, 2008 8 km E of Fort St. John, Canada M3.3 128 km
Oct 3, 2001 British Columbia, Canada M3.2 143 km
Sep 24, 2000 5 km NW of Fort St. John, Canada M3.2 141 km
May 25, 2003 12 km NNW of Fort St. John, Canada M3.0 146 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 8°F (-13°C) 1.2 in Coldest
February 13°F (-11°C) 0.7 in Driest
March 23°F (-5°C) 0.7 in
April 39°F (4°C) 0.8 in
May 50°F (10°C) 1.6 in
June 57°F (14°C) 3.0 in Wettest
July 60°F (16°C) 2.7 in Warmest
August 58°F (15°C) 2.4 in
September 50°F (10°C) 1.7 in
October 39°F (4°C) 1.1 in
November 19°F (-7°C) 1.0 in
December 10°F (-12°C) 1.0 in

Spirit River has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 8°F in January to 60°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.0") and February the driest (0.7").

View full weather details →
7.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 77% below the national average of 33.7%. 31.0% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 73.5% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+7.8%
77% below US avg
High School+31.0%
Graduate Degree+1.4%
D Education Grade (1.6/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density707/sq mi
Total Area1.2 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute20.0 min
Drive Alone73.5%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home13.2%

Ski Resorts Near Spirit River

1 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Fairview Ski Hill 0.0 — — $0 — — —

Airports Near Spirit River

5 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Grande Prairie AirportYQUMedium Airport
Beaverlodge Airport—Small Airport
Fairview AirportZFWSmall Airport
Grovedale Airport—Small Airport
Spirit River Municipal Airport—Small Airport

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Frequently Asked Questions About Spirit River

What is the population of Spirit River?

Spirit River has a population of 849 residents and is located in Alberta. The population density is 707 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 48.8% male.

Is Spirit River expensive to live in?

The median household income is $78,500, 4% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $174,000 (38% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,090 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Spirit River safe?

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

What is the weather like in Spirit River?

Spirit River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 36°F (2°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 60°F in July. The area receives 303 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.9 inches, with 4.6 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Spirit River?

The job market in Spirit River faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $996. There are 26 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 13.2% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Spirit River?

The median home value in Spirit River is $174,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,090. The homeownership rate is 82.1%.

How are the schools in Spirit River?

7.8% of adults in Spirit River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 31.0% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Spirit River?

The average commute in Spirit River is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.2% work from home.

What are the demographics of Spirit River?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Spirit River is 95.9% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian. 90% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

Saddle Hills County, AB 2,338 pop · 24.7 mi Fairview, AB 2,998 pop · 26.2 mi Sexsmith, AB 2,427 pop · 30.0 mi Birch Hills County, AB 1,516 pop · 32.6 mi Clairmont, AB 2,799 pop · 35.7 mi Westlake, AB 1,363 pop · 38.8 mi Grande Prairie County No. 1, AB 23,769 pop · 42.3 mi Grande Prairie, AB 64,141 pop · 42.6 mi Wembley, AB 1,432 pop · 45.3 mi Beaverlodge, AB 2,271 pop · 45.7 mi Peace No. 135, AB 1,581 pop · 49.0 mi Peace River D, BC 4,793 pop · 51.1 mi Dawson Creek, BC 12,323 pop · 54.6 mi Grimshaw, AB 2,601 pop · 55.1 mi
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