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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.

3.2 /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
3.2 / 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
D
Education
1.6 / 5.0
7.8% bachelor's degree or higher
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
Obesity Rate 26.2%
18% 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
OwnershipN/A
Housing Units390
Rent Burden15.6%

Health

Obesity26.2%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking8.9%
Depression4.1%
Heart Disease9.5%

Climate

Avg Temp36°F (2°C)
AQI27 (Good)
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
Broadband94.0%

Is Spirit River a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Spirit River receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. 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.

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. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 27.

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. 18.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.0% have health insurance coverage.

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 Only90.0%
15% above US avg
Spanish1.8%
87% below US avg
Other Languages8.2%

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 unemployment rate is 10.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The cost of living index is 84.1, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. 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

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment10.5%
192% above US avg
Poverty Rate10.6%
15% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living84.10 (100=avg)

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). 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

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

Property Tax

In Spirit 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: Spirit River vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity26.2%
18% below US avg
Diabetes5.5%
Heart Disease9.5%
High Blood Pressure22.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking8.9%
36% below US avg
Binge Drinking10.0%
Physical Inactivity76.3%
Depression4.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate89.0%

Food & Exercise

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. 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 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

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall17.9 inches
53% below US avg
Snowfall4.6 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median27.0
RatingGood
Good Days %89.5%

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

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").

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). 94.0% of households have broadband internet access. 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)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density707/sq mi
Total Area1.2 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access94.0%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

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

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?

Spirit 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 $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.

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. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 27.

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 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.

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.

How healthy is Spirit River?

The obesity rate in Spirit 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 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. 18.5% of residents have a disability. 89.0% have health insurance coverage.

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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