Pros And Cons Of Living In Estevan, 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 Estevan, Saskatchewan, just one of the many attractive small towns in Saskatchewan.

Estevan is the eighth largest city in Saskatchewan but is still relatively small. It has excellent amenities for a community of its size and the highest number of sunshine hours of any city in Canada. This small city has a rural setting, but its economy is heavily reliant on the industry and particularly the energy sectors.

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 Estevan, Saskatchewan.

Living In Estevan, Saskatchewan – The Facts

Here are a few key facts about this small town for anyone interested in living in Estevan, Saskatchewan.

Where Is Estevan?

Estevan lies in a rural area in south-eastern Saskatchewan, very close to the US border. It is just 15 kilometres from the border, but the closest official border crossing is around an hour away at Fortuna.

The closest major city is the provincial capital of Regina, around 200km away; it will take around 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive there from Estevan. Regina is also home to the closest international airport.

What Is The Population Of Estevan in 2023?

The population of Estevan in 2023 is around 10,500. The town has seen a small decline in population in recent years, which contrasts with the growth trend observed in many other Canadian cities and towns.

The latest federal census data (released in 2022) showed a population of 10,851, representing a reduction in the population of Estevan of 5.5% between 2016 and 2021.

The average age of the population is 39.9, two years below the national average, and the population of Estevan is predominantly white and English-speaking.

According to the latest census data, visible minorities account for around 14.9% of the population. The largest minority group living in Estevan is Filipino and this group makes up around 10% of the total population. The next largest minority groups are South Asian and Black.

What Is The Weather In Estevan 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 the south of the province, summers are hot, 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.

Estevan has an average July high of 26°C and an average January low of -19°C. The area is quite dry, with total annual precipitation of just 427mm and a whopping 2404 hours of sunshine each year.

What Is The Cost of Living Like In Estevan?

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 Estevan are even lower than the average for Saskatchewan (more than 30% less), which helps to keep the cost of living low. Overall, Estevan provides a high standard of living at a low cost, and this is a major benefit for people living in Estevan, Saskatchewan.

What Is The Estevan Economy Based On?

The community of Estevan was originally built on the back of the railroad development. Today it has a diverse economy. The city is known for its power generation, coal mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and oil and gas drilling industries.

Estevans’ abundant natural resources, good transport connections and proximity to the US border have all contributed to the growth of the economy, even through the recent challenges faced by the oil sector and the recent closure of a coal mine.

Is Estevan 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.

However, Estevan has lower crime rates than most other cities in the province. These crime rates are a little higher than the national averages; they should be taken in the context of low overall crime rates in Canada.

What Are The Schools In Estevan 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.

Estevan has six elementary schools serving kindergarten to grade 8 and one high school (Estevan Comprehensive High School) covering grades 9 to 12. For those that are interested dual-track French immersion is available.

The city also has one post-secondary institution. Southeastern College provides numerous training options, including grade 12 courses, first-year university programs and business-related training.

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What Is The Healthcare In Estevan 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 Estevan, 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.

Despite its small size Estevan does have its own hospital. St Joseph’s Hospital offers emergency and diagnostic services and a range of inpatient and outpatient facilities.

Pros And Cons Of Living In Estevan, Saskatchewan.

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

FAQ – Living In Estevan, Saskatchewan.