Pros And Cons Of Living In Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, 2023

Are you planning a move to Canada but looking for a peaceful rural location away from the big cities? If so, you may be interested in living in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, just one of the many attractive small towns in Saskatchewan.

Prince Albert is a regional centre and, as a result, has excellent facilities for its size. The city is known as the “Gateway to the North” as it is the last major centre on route to northern Saskatchewan. Prince Albert is surrounded by some beautiful countryside, and great for anyone that likes activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking.

This article will give you all the key information you need, and we will provide you with an unbiased view of the pros and cons of living in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

Living In Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – The Facts

Here are a few key facts about this small city for anyone interested in living in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

Where Is Prince Albert?

Prince Albert lies in central Saskatchewan, on the North Saskatchewan River, around 140km northeast of Saskatoon. Saskatoon is the closest major city, with around a quarter of a million people and an international airport on its northern side. It will take you around 1.5 hours to drive to Saskatoon from Prince Albert.

What Is The Population Of Prince Albert in 2023?

The population of Prince Albert in 2023 is around 38,000. The city has seen some growth in population in recent years, which aligns with the growth trend observed in many other Canadian cities and towns.

The latest federal census data (released in 2022) showed a population of 37,756, representing an increase in the population of Prince Albert of 5.1% between 2016 and 2021.

The average age of the population is 37.7, around four years below the national average, and the population of Prince Albert is predominantly white and English-speaking.

According to the latest census data, visible minorities account for around 11.7% of the population. The largest minority group living in Prince Albert is Filipino, and this group makes up around 4% significant portion of the total population.

The next largest minority groups are South Asian and Black, contributing to the city’s multicultural fabric.

What Is The Weather In Prince Albert Like?

Most of Canada experiences cold, harsh winters with moderately hot summers, and Saskatchewan is no different. However, its location in central Canada, away from any major bodies of water, means that temperatures tend to be more extreme than in other parts of the country.

Saskatchewan has very harsh winters, where temperatures will likely remain below zero for several months. In addition, summers are hot in the province’s south, and high humidity can make these months uncomfortable.

However, the good news is that Saskatchewan competes with Alberta for the title of the sunniest province in Canada, with many places experiencing more than 2000 hours of sunshine annually.

Prince Albert has an average July high of 24°C and an average January low of -23°C. The area is quite dry, with total annual precipitation of just 428mm and 2229 hours of sunshine each year.

What Is The Cost of Living Like In Prince Albert?

Most immigrants find the cost of living high in Canada. However, Saskatchewan is one of the cheaper provinces. One of the main reasons for this is that the cost of housing is very low. The average price of a property in Saskatchewan is around 50% lower than the average for Canada.

Housing prices in Prince Albert are even lower than the average for Saskatchewan (around 45% less), which helps to keep the cost of living low. Overall the city provides a high standard of living at a low cost, and this is a major benefit for people living in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

What Is The Prince Albert Economy Based On?

Prince Albert has a very diverse economy. It is a regional retail and service centre serving a wide area and some 150,000 people. The city also has three prisons, and a significant proportion of the workforce is employed in government sectors.

The area is rich with natural resources, and agriculture, forestry and mining are all major sectors of the area. Tourism is another important industry in Prince Albert due to its location as the “Gateway to the North”

Is Prince Albert A Safe Place To Live?

Canada is one of the safest countries in the world to live in. Crime rates are low, and the country always features near the top of the annual Global Peace Index rankings.

Within Canada, Quebec, Ontario and the Maritime provinces have the lowest crime rates, while rates are highest in the territories. Crime rates in Saskatchewan are around twice the national average.

A downside for some may be that the crime rates for Prince Albert are high even for Saskatchewan. The crime rates for this city (including serious crime rates) are around four times the national average.

What Are The Schools In Prince Albert Like?

Canada has a strong and publicly-funded education system, which consistently ranks as one of the best in the world. Education is administered at a provincial level, so there are differences between provinces, for example, in the curriculums.

Prince Albert has thirteen public schools in the city. Ten of these are elementary schools, and three are high schools. Dual-track French immersion programs are available at École Arthur Pechey Public School and École Vickers Public School elementary schools and at Carlton Comprehensive Public High School.

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What Is The Healthcare In Prince Albert Like?

Canada has an excellent publicly-funded healthcare system which covers “medically necessary” care. Generally, hospital and doctor visits are covered, while other types of care, such as dental, optical and prescriptions, are funded for certain groups of people.

In Canada, healthcare is administered at a provincial level, so anyone living in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, would be covered through the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

You should be aware that there is currently a shortage of family doctors in much of Canada, and it can be difficult to find clinics taking on new patients. This is especially true of the smaller towns and cities. However, you can use the government’s Saskatchewan Health Authority list to find doctors in the area that are taking on new patients.

Prince Albert has a large hospital. Victoria Hospital offers 24/7 emergency care, diagnostic services, and inpatient and outpatient facilities for people living in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. The hospital currently has around 170 beds but has plans to extend this to around 240.

Pros And Cons Of Living In Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

The pros and cons of living in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, will vary from person to person, but whatever you are looking for, these are key factors for you to consider.

FAQ – Living In Prince Albert, Saskatchewan