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Sylvan Lake, AB

Alberta

Sylvan Lake is a small city in Alberta with a population of 15,995. Residents earn $92,000 per year, which is 22% above the national average.

Data updated June 2026

3.1 /5.0
B Good
15,995 Population 1,794/sq mi density
$92,000 Median Income $58,750 per capita
$352,000 Home Value
$1,360 Median Rent 23.7% income on rent
41°F Avg Temperature 279 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.1 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.4 / 5.0
$92,000 median income, 14.7% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.5 / 5.0
$352,000 home value, $1,360/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
D
Education
1.8 / 5.0
10.1% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Sylvan Lake, 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 $92,000
22% higher than US avg
Home Value $352,000
25% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 10.1%
70% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,360
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment 14.7%
308% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 9.4%
24% lower than US avg

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

People

Population15,995
Median Age36.0 yrs
Density1,794/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 95%

Economy

B
Median Income$92,000
Per Capita$58,750
Unemployment14.7%
Poverty9.4%
Commute28 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$352,000
Rent$1,360
Ownership67.9%
Housing Units6,395
Rent Burden23.7%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
Rain22.8 in/yr
Sunny Days279/yr
Elevation3,087 ft (941 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+10.1%
High School+33.8%
Graduate+2.0%

Community

Commute28 min

Is Sylvan Lake a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Sylvan Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Sylvan Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Sylvan Lake is $92,000, 22% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. At 14.7%, unemployment is notably high. 9.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Sylvan Lake is $352,000, 25% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,360 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x 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

10.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 33.8% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Sylvan Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 62°F in July. With 279 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.8 inches, including 25.8 inches of snow.

Sylvan Lake has a population of 15,995 with a density of 1,794 people per square mile, spread across 8.9 square miles. The median age is 36.0 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (94.6%), with 3.7% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.6% of residents.

Population

15,995
Total Population
2021 Census
1,794
People / sq mi
36.0yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
8.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.4%
Female 50.6%

Race & Ethnicity

Sylvan Lake vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 93.6%
19% above US avg
Spanish 1.2%
91% below US avg
Other Languages 5.3%

Social Characteristics

Sylvan Lake vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Sylvan Lake is $92,000, which is 22% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $58,750 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,130, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 14.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 496 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 14.3% of workers work from home.

Income: Sylvan Lake vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$92,000
22% above US avg
Per Capita Income$58,750
Avg Weekly Wage$1,130

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment14.7%
308% above US avg
Poverty Rate9.4%
24% below US avg
Establishments (County)496

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time27.7 min
Drive Alone89.4%
Public Transit0.6%
Work from Home14.3%

Walkability

The median home value in Sylvan Lake is $352,000, 25% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,360 (17% above the national average of $1,163). 67.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 6,395 total housing units in the city. 23.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$352,000
25% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,360
17% above US avg
Rent Burden23.7%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership67.9%
Owner-Occupied67.9%
Renter-Occupied32.1%
Housing Units6,395

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, Sylvan Lake receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Sylvan Lake 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 →
Sylvan Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 62°F in July. The area gets 279 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 22.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 25.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 3,087 feet.

Temperature

21°F Jan (-6°C) 62°F Jul (17°C)
Annual Average41.0°F
24% below US avg
January Average21°F (-6°C)
July Average62°F (17°C)
Sunny Days279 days/yr

Geography

Elevation3,087 ft (941 m)
Area8.9 sq mi (23.1 km²)
Population Density1,794/sq mi
Coordinates52.3110°N, 114.0838°W
TimezoneAmerica/Edmonton

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 22.8"
40% below US avg
Snowfall 25.8"
Wettest Month (Jun) 3.58"
Driest Month (Feb) 0.51"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

18 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 62 km
Mar 31, 1997 93 km S of Edson, Canada M4.1 150 km
Nov 19, 1994 27 km SW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M4.0 77 km
Mar 10, 2019 37 km N of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.9 76 km
Oct 19, 1996 26 km SW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.9 78 km
Mar 4, 2019 9 km NW of Red Deer, Canada M3.8 12 km
Aug 9, 2014 27 km SW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.8 76 km
Jan 26, 2025 58 km NNW of Banff, Canada M3.7 139 km
Oct 19, 1996 30 km SW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.6 77 km
Nov 11, 1990 33 km SSW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.6 72 km
Oct 29, 1998 36 km SW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.5 85 km
Jun 2, 2015 10 km NW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.5 65 km
Nov 9, 1994 92 km WNW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.5 148 km
May 5, 2005 56 km WSW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.4 109 km
Feb 25, 1996 21 km WSW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.1 77 km
Apr 23, 1999 34 km SW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M3.0 83 km
Apr 24, 1996 33 km SW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M2.9 82 km
Jun 5, 2008 45 km WNW of Rocky Mountain House, Canada M2.9 100 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 21°F (-6°C) 0.8 in
February 15°F (-10°C) 0.5 in Driest
March 24°F (-4°C) 0.7 in
April 38°F (3°C) 0.8 in
May 49°F (9°C) 2.2 in
June 56°F (13°C) 3.6 in Wettest
July 62°F (17°C) 3.5 in Warmest
August 59°F (15°C) 2.8 in
September 50°F (10°C) 2.1 in
October 41°F (5°C) 0.8 in
November 24°F (-4°C) 0.6 in
December 14°F (-10°C) 0.7 in Coldest

Sylvan Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 14°F in December to 62°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and February the driest (0.5").

View full weather details →
10.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 70% below the national average of 33.7%. 33.8% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 89.4% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+10.1%
70% below US avg
High School+33.8%
Graduate Degree+2.0%
D Education Grade (1.8/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density1,794/sq mi
Total Area8.9 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute27.7 min
Drive Alone89.4%
Public Transit0.6%
Work from Home14.3%

Schools in Sylvan Lake

7 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Lighthouse Christian Academy - - - -
Mother Teresa School - - - -
H.J. Cody School - - - -
C. P. Blakely Elementary School - - - -
Beacon Hill Elementary School - - - -
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School - - - -
Steffie Woima Elementary School - - - -
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Sylvan Lake

11 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CFDV "106.7 Rewind Radio" Red Deer, AB 80's, 90's AAC+ 48 kbps
CFDV-FM 106.7 Rewind Radio - AAC+ 48 kbps
CKGY-FM 95.5 Real Country 95.5 - AAC 131 kbps
CJUV-FM 94.1 "Sunny 94" Lacombe, AB (MP3 Stream) classic hits, oldies MP3 56 kbps
CHUB-FM 105.5 Big 105 - AAC+ 48 kbps
CHUB-FM "Big 105.5" Red Deer, AB hot adult contemporary AAC+ 48 kbps
CIZZ-FM Z 98.9 - AAC 131 kbps
CKRD-FM 90.5 "Shine FM" - AAC 96 kbps
CJUV-FM 94.1 Sunny 94 classic hits, lacombe MP3 56 kbps
CJUV-FM 94.1 "Sunny 94 - MP3 56 kbps
CJUV-FM 94.1 "Sunny 94" Lacombe, AB (AAC Stream) classic hits, oldies AAC+ 63 kbps

Museums in Sylvan Lake

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Alberta Sports Hall of Fame
Historic Markerville Creamery Museum

Libraries in Sylvan Lake

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Penhold Public Library0.0
Red Deer Public Library G.H. Dawe0.0
Sylvan Lake Municipal Library0.0

Hotels in Sylvan Lake

3 hotels within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Best Western Plus Chateau Inn Sylvan Lake
Days Inn by Wyndham Sylvan Lake
Prairie Moon Inn & Suites

Cafes in Sylvan Lake

5 cafes within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Dripping Pearls
Lakeshore Cafe
Tim Hortons
White Frog Cafe
Your MajesTea

Cinemas in Sylvan Lake

1 cinemas within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Sylvan Lake Cinema

Veterinaries in Sylvan Lake

1 veterinaries within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Pathways Animal Clinic

Gas Stations in Sylvan Lake

9 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

CA #1246131512
Esso
Esso
Fas Gas
Fas Gas
GTI Petroleum
Mobil
Petro-Canada
UFA

Banks in Sylvan Lake

4 banks within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

ATB Financial
CIBC
RBC
Scotiabank

Gyms in Sylvan Lake

1 gyms within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Trybe Fitness Bar

Golf Courses in Sylvan Lake

1 golf courses within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Meadowlands Golf Club

Breweries in Sylvan Lake

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Belly Hop Brewing
Sawback Brewing Co.
Snake Lake Brewing Company

Ski Resorts Near Sylvan Lake

1 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Medicine Lodge Ski Area 0.0 - - $0 - - -

Airports Near Sylvan Lake

21 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Red Deer Regional AirportYQFMedium Airport
Alhambra / Ahlstrom Airport-Small Airport
Big Bend Airport-Small Airport
Bishell's Airport-Small Airport
Didsbury/Minty Field-Small Airport
Hespero Airport-Small Airport
Hillmans Farm Airport-Small Airport
Lacombe Airport-Small Airport
Linden Airport-Small Airport
Olds (Netook) Airport-Small Airport
Olds / North 40 Ranch Airstrip-Small Airport
Olds-Didsbury Airport-Small Airport
Ponoka Industrial (Labrie Field) Airport-Small Airport
Red Deer / Truant Airfield-Small Airport
Rimbey Airport-Small Airport
Safron Farms Airport-Small Airport
Springdale Airport-Small Airport
Sundre / Goodwins Farm Airport-Small Airport
Sundre Airport-Small Airport
Truant South Airport-Small Airport
Wetaskiwin Regional Airport-Small Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Sylvan Lake

5 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Alliance Community Church
Emerge Church
Frontline Church
Memorial Presbyterian Church
Sylvan Lake Seventh-Day Adventist Church

Explore Near Sylvan Lake

UFO Sightings
1
Reported UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center database
View all →

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Sylvan Lake.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sylvan Lake

What is the population of Sylvan Lake?

Sylvan Lake has a population of 15,995 residents and is located in Alberta. The population density is 1,794 people per square mile, spread across 8.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.

Is Sylvan Lake expensive to live in?

The median household income is $92,000, 22% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $352,000 (25% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,360 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Sylvan Lake safe?

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

What is the weather like in Sylvan Lake?

Sylvan Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 62°F in July. The area receives 279 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.8 inches, with 25.8 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Sylvan Lake?

The job market in Sylvan Lake faces challenges, with unemployment at 14.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,130. There are 496 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 14.3% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Sylvan Lake?

The median home value in Sylvan Lake is $352,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,360. The homeownership rate is 67.9%.

How are the schools in Sylvan Lake?

10.1% of adults in Sylvan Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 33.8% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Sylvan Lake?

The average commute in Sylvan Lake is 28 minutes. 89.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.3% work from home.

What are the demographics of Sylvan Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sylvan Lake is 94.6% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 3.7% Asian. 93.6% of residents speak only English at home.

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