Better data makes for better decisions - Calgary's 2011 civic census results

Highlighting that good data makes for good decisions at City Hall, Mayor Nenshi announced the results of the 2011 Calgary civic census today. While the big number is 1,090,936 (our population grew over the past year through migration and additional births), Mayor Nenshi also discussed how individual communities have grown over the past year. the population growth and decline of specific communities is a very important factor for planning for our city. The image above is of the community map showing that growth and decline by community.

The census also includes information about our demographics across the city including results related to transportation use, employment and housing. You can download the new report and even the raw data (in Excel files) from the City of Calgary's census website and read today's news release below.

- Daorcey from Mayor Nenshi's team

City Releases 2011 Census Results

Calgary – The 2011 Civic Census results for the period from April 2010 to April 2011 show that Calgary’s population has reached 1,090,936. This is an increase of 19,421 residents from April 2010 when the Civic Census showed the City’s population was 1,071,515. This represents an increase of 1.81%. This volume of population growth is similar to what was experienced in 2001 and 2003.

“Good, accurate data like that included in the Calgary Civic Census is the basis for smart decision-making about the future of our community,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “City management, my City Council colleagues, and I will use the information in this report to help guide us toward creating the better Calgary we all seek.”

Specific results from the 2011 Civic Census

Community Growth
Panorama Hills continued to lead the way in growth with a population increase of 1,952 residents. Four other communities also had an increase of more than 1,000 residents. The communities with a population increase of more than 1,000 are:

• Panorama Hills (1,952 residents)
• Auburn Bay (1,552 residents)
• New Brighton (1,236 residents)
• Cranston (1,186 residents)
• Skyview Ranch (1,093 residents)

Four communities grew by 100% or more. The communities are:

• Mahogany (205% or 530 residents)
• Walden (183% or 384 residents)
• Skyview Ranch (154% or 1093 residents)
• Sage Hill (102% or 718 residents)

“After a pattern of population decline in many established neighbourhoods over many years, it’s a good sign that many of these communities have experienced recent population growth,” said Mayor Nenshi. “If we can maintain this trend through smart policies and investments, the result will be more sustainable, vibrant, and healthy communities that Calgarians want.”

Net Migration and Natural Increase
Net migration is the difference between the number of persons moving into Calgary and the number moving away. Over the past 12 months, 9,563 more people moved to Calgary than moved away from Calgary. This is a significant increase over 2010 when Calgary experienced a negative net migration with 4,154 more people moving away from Calgary than to Calgary.

Housing
The number of housing units, both existing and under construction, increased to 450,952 up from 445,455. This is an increase of 5,497 from April 2010.

The number of vacant dwelling units in Calgary decreased from 16,929 in 2010 to 16,180 in 2011. The overall vacancy rate in the city is 3.69%, down from 3.93% in April 2010.

There are now 422,290 occupied dwellings. Of this number, 296,020 or 70.1% are owner-occupied. In 2010, the comparable percentage was 70.65%.

Age and Gender
As per Census Policy, age and gender data was collected in 2011. The total number of males (547,782) slightly exceeds the number of females (543,154). In the breakdown of age groups, the largest age groups are 25-34 (16.79%) and 35-44 (16.68%).

Number of Employed
As per Census Policy, the number of employed was collected in 2011. The total number of respondents 15 years of age and older who indicated they worked either part-time or full-time, including those who are self employed is 585,169. This represents 65.29% of the population 15 years of age and older.

Mode of Transportation
2011 was the inaugural year for the mode of transportation question. One working respondent in each household was asked how they travelled to work. Of respondents, 69.58% indicated they drove to work alone and 17.15% take public transit.

The Civic Census Results Book and additional tables will be available online at www.calgary.ca/census, by mid-afternoon on July 27, 2011.

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