Population Density
Status: Improving
Population density is a measure of the number of people living in a given area. Higher density can create advantages: more people in a given area to utilize transit, patronize shops and services, and pay the costs of roads and other infrastructure. Higher population density can make a city more walkable and vibrant. The City's most recent Growth Monitoring Report provides information on residential, commercial, and industrial development in Saskatoon, as well as several other growth-related indicators for the city.
Where are we now?
Saskatoon’s population density is rising — up 14% between 2008 and 2018. Density is a measure of the number of people living in a given land area. However, there are several ways to measure the land area used in density calculations. For the table below, land area was measured by drawing a single perimeter around all substantially completed residential neighbourhoods, including areas where no people live such as the South Saskatchewan River, University of Saskatchewan agricultural lands, industrial areas, and freeway corridors. The map below shows the land area included in calculating density.
Saskatoon Population Density
| 2008 | 2013 | 2018 | |
| Population Density (persons per hectare) | 17.0 | 18.1 | 19.4 |
Source: City of Saskatoon – Planning and Development
The map below shows the City's planned growth for infill and greenfield areas, as well as highlights planned corridor growth to accommodate Bus Rapid Transit. Source: https://www.saskatoon.ca/sites/default/files/documents/community-services/planning-development/research/miscellaneous/2021_growth_monitoring_report.pdf (p 11).
The table below outlines the Plan for Growth target population for each category of infill and greenfield development. The population projections are based on the City Council approved Plan for Growth, Sector Plans, and Concept Plans. The current population is based on Census Population Data. Source: https://www.saskatoon.ca/sites/default/files/documents/community-services/planning-development/research/miscellaneous/2021_growth_monitoring_report.pdf (p 13).
Source: City of Saskatoon – Planning and Development
Did You Know?
Saskatoon’s population has increased by one-third since 2006.