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

Moose Jaw is the fourth largest city in Saskatchewan but is still relatively small. It is also located in the heart of the prairies, on a large river and with several lakes nearby. The city offers a good low-cost standard of living compared to many other Canadian cities.

The people here are friendly, and the climate is sunny and dry. If you don’t object to bitterly cold winters and a flat prairie landscape, then Moose Jaw could be a good choice for you.

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 Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

Living In Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan – The Facts

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

Where Is Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan?

Moose Jaw lies in south-central Saskatchewan on Highway 1, around 70km west of the provincial capital of Regina. Regina has a population of around a quarter of a million people, and its international airport lies to the west of the city. It will take you around 45 minutes to drive to the airport and a little longer to reach Regina’s downtown.

What Is The Population Of Moose Jaw in 2023?

The population of Moose Jaw in 2023 is around 33,500. The city has seen a slight 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 33,665, representing a reduction in the population of Moose Jaw of 0.7% between 2016 and 2021.

The average age of the population is 42.4, slightly above the national average, and the population of Moose Jaw is predominantly non-visible minority and English-speaking.

According to the latest census data, visible minorities account for around 11% of the population.

The largest minority groups living in Moose Jaw are Filipino (around 30% of visible minorities), followed by Black, South Asian and Chinese.

What Is The Weather In Moose Jaw 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.

Moose Jaw has an average July high of 26°C and an average January low of -18°C. The area is quite dry, with total annual precipitation of just 365mm and 2377 hours of sunshine each year.

What Is The Cost of Living Like In Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan?

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 Moose Jaw are even lower than the average for Saskatchewan (around 30% less), which helps to keep the cost of living low. Overall, Moose Jaw provides a high standard of living for low cost, and this is often a major factor for people moving here.

What Is The Moose Jaw Economy Based On?

Moose Jaw has a diverse economy; it has seen strong growth in recent years, and this seems set to continue. The growth has been partially driven by aggressive tax policies to attract new investment and is helped by excellent rail and road infrastructure.

Major economic sectors include potash mining, agriculture, tourism, transportation, and health care, and the city is home to a NATO flight training school. The economy is growing, and job prospects are excellent for anyone living in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

Is Moose Jaw 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.

Moose Jaw is a safe place to live. Crime rates in Saskatchewan are around twice the national average. However, crime rates for Moose Jaw are significantly lower than the provincial averages, with violent crime rates below even the national average.

What Are The Schools In Moose Jaw 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.

Moose Jaw has thirteen public schools, eight of which are elementary schools covering Kindergarten to grade 8 and four are secondary schools covering grades 9 through 12. In addition, the city has one Christian school covering kindergarten to grade 12.

The city also has a francophone school, and French immersion programs are available in the city at Palliser Heights Elementary School and Central Collegiate Institute (a secondary school).

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What Is The Healthcare In Moose Jaw Like?

Canada has an excellent publicly funded healthcare system that 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 Moose Jaw, 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 who are taking on new patients.

On the positive side, Moose Jaw is home to the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital, a $100 million facility which opened its doors in 2015.

Pros And Cons Of Living In Moose Jaw Saskatchewan

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

FAQ – Living In Moose Jaw Saskatchewan