City Profile
Camrose, Alberta
Canada · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Camrose, affectionately known as 'The Rose City,' is a thriving mid-sized municipality located in the heart of central Alberta. Founded on Indigenous traditional hunting grounds and expanded through a wave of Scandinavian immigration, it evolved into a vital railway and agricultural confluence. Today, it functions as a prominent regional hub for commerce, education, and healthcare, serving an expansive trading area of over 100,000 residents. People are drawn to Camrose for its unique blend of urban amenities, rich community spirit, and abundant green spaces anchored by the scenic Stoney Creek valley.
The community maintains a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere while offering robust infrastructure typical of much larger centers. It hosts the Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta, lending a vibrant academic energy to the local population. Residents enjoy a high quality of life supported by extensive recreational trails, community parks like Mirror Lake, and a calendar full of popular local events, including the famous Big Valley Jamboree. Camrose successfully bridges the gap between peaceful small-town living and modern convenience.
With a stable and growing population of approximately 21,000, Camrose continues to attract families, retirees, and professionals looking for safety, economic opportunity, and an active outdoor lifestyle. The city's proactive municipal leadership and lack of burdensome local business taxes make it an increasingly popular destination for relocation within Alberta. Its well-maintained neighborhoods and strong civic pride ensure that newcomers feel instantly integrated into the community fabric.
Alberta is a Canadian province known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from the Rocky Mountains to prairies and boreal forests. Its economy is largely driven by the energy sector, particularly oil and gas extraction, though agriculture, forestry, technology, and tourism are also significant industries. Living in Alberta generally offers a high standard of living with competitive incomes and a lower cost of living compared to some other major Canadian provinces, partly due to no provincial sales tax. The climate is continental, characterized by warm summers and cold winters, with rapid temperature swings and occasional warm Chinook winds in the south.
How this 73/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 85 / 100 | 85.0 | 30% | 25.5 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 92.0 | 53.8 | 25% | 13.4 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $76,980 Income needed to live here: $45,000 Unemployment rate: 4.5% | 84.4 | 20% | 16.9 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1.42% Job growth rate: 2.2% | 62.3 | 15% | 9.3 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 74 / 100 | 74.0 | 10% | 7.4 |
| Overall score | 72.6 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 3 (deep think) (q=69, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
11 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Performance
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Expenses
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Camrose is notably lower than the national and provincial averages, making it one of the more economically accessible regions in Alberta. Housing costs, in particular, remain highly competitive compared to major metropolitan centers like Calgary and Edmonton, giving residents exceptional purchasing power. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and local services reflect a modest pricing structure that benefits families and fixed-income households alike.
Driving the favorable affordability are lower commercial lease rates, reasonable property taxes without punitive machinery or equipment levies, and a balanced local real estate market. While certain imported goods and specialized services track with national inflation trends, everyday living costs are offset by competitive local wages and high rental market stability. Consequently, Camrose consistently ranks near the top nationally for renter affordability and overall financial breathing room.
Income
Salary Insights
Camrose boasts a robust and diversified economy anchored by agriculture, healthcare, retail trade, and manufacturing. As the primary service center for east-central Alberta, the city supports a broad labor market with strong employment stability in public services and value-added agricultural processing. Major regional employers include healthcare networks, educational institutions, and prominent agribusinesses like Cargill and Viterra.
The local economic climate encourages entrepreneurship and small business expansion, backed by an active Chamber of Commerce and supportive municipal policies. Job growth remains steady, driven by ongoing regional development, infrastructure investments, and an expanding value-added manufacturing sector. While remote work has grown in popularity, the local workforce benefits primarily from on-site and hybrid opportunities tied to the region's strong industrial and commercial backbone.
The average salary in Camrose is $51,750 per year. You would need approximately $45,000 to live comfortably.
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Weather
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Mobility
Transport
Getting around Camrose is straightforward and heavily vehicle-oriented, though the city offers solid active transportation options. Drivability is excellent, with uncongested roadways, ample parking, and quick access to major provincial highways like Highway 13 and Highway 21. Average commute times are short, rarely exceeding 15 to 20 minutes within city limits.
While public transit options are modest compared to major cities, the urban core features high walkability and bike-friendliness, particularly around downtown and the university campus. For broader travel, the city benefits from daily railway freight access and is situated within a convenient 40-minute drive of an international airport, linking residents easily to global transit networks.
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Community Q&A
Questions about Camrose
What people ask about living in and moving to Camrose, Alberta.
How does the average salary in Camrose compare to living costs?
The average annual salary in Camrose is $51,750. When paired with the city’s cost‑of‑living index of 92 (8 % below the national average) and an average rent of $1,317 per month, many residents find that a modest lifestyle is attainable on this income. After accounting for housing, utilities, transportation, and basic groceries, a single household can typically cover essential expenses and have discretionary income fo...
What public transportation is available in Camrose?
Camrose operates a municipal transit service that provides fixed‑route bus service throughout the city and limited regional connections. Schedules, fare information, and route maps are posted on the city’s transportation department website. The service is designed for daily commuters, seniors, and students, with reduced fares for eligible riders. For trips outside the city, intercity bus operators and provincial high...
What utilities do I need to set up when moving to Camrose?
When relocating to Camrose, you’ll need to arrange electricity, natural gas (if applicable), water, and waste‑water services through the municipal utility provider. Internet and telephone service are offered by several regional providers; you can compare plans on their websites or through a consumer‑comparison portal. For heating oil or propane, contact local distributors listed in the city’s residential services dir...
What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Camrose?
The average rent in Camrose is about $1,317 per month, which reflects the city-wide market for a standard one‑bedroom unit. Rental rates can vary depending on the neighbourhood, age of the building, and included amenities such as parking or utilities. To get current listings, check the city's online rental portals, local classifieds, or property management companies that operate in the area. It’s also useful to visit...
How does Camrose's cost of living compare to the rest of Canada?
Camrose has a cost‑of‑living index of 92, meaning it is about 8 % cheaper than the national average (which is set at 100). This lower index reflects more affordable housing, groceries, and services compared to larger urban centres. When budgeting, factor in the average salary of $51,750 per year, which is typical for the region, and compare it with your expected expenses. For a detailed breakdown, you can use nationa...
What are the main industries hiring in Camrose?
Camrose’s employment landscape is anchored by sectors such as agriculture, retail, health services, and education, with a growing presence of small‑to‑medium manufacturing firms. Administrative roles are commonly found in municipal offices, local businesses, and health‑care facilities. Job seekers should browse the city’s employment board, regional job‑search websites, and the provincial labour market information por...
What public school options are there for K‑12 in Camrose?
Camrose is served by a public school division that operates several elementary and secondary schools covering kindergarten through grade 12. The division’s website lists each school’s catchment area, enrollment procedures, and program offerings such as French immersion or special education. Parents can also review school performance reports and contact the division’s enrollment office for guidance on registering new...
Is Camrose considered a safe place to live?
Camrose scores 85.0 out of 100 on a safety index, indicating a relatively low level of crime compared to many Canadian cities. The city’s police service publishes annual crime statistics and community safety initiatives on its website, which can give you a clearer picture of neighbourhood trends. Residents also benefit from neighbourhood watch programs and regular community policing events. For the most current safet...
Where can I find primary health care in Camrose?
Camrose has a community health centre that offers family medicine, walk‑in clinics, and allied health services such as physiotherapy and mental‑health counseling. To find a family doctor, you can register through the provincial health‑care enrollment portal, which matches patients with physicians accepting new patients in the area. For urgent but non‑emergency care, the health centre’s walk‑in clinic operates during...
What recreational activities are popular in Camrose?
Camrose offers a range of outdoor and cultural activities suitable for families. The city maintains parks, trails, and a riverfront area that are ideal for walking, cycling, and picnicking. Seasonal events such as community fairs, farmers’ markets, and local festivals are organized by the municipal recreation department and advertised on the city’s events calendar. Indoor facilities include a community centre with a...
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