Other Trends
In recent years more people have been moving to other provinces. Saskatchewan’s population is also moving in greater numbers to urban centres.

The number of people living in rural Saskatchewan has declined by 6% over the last decade.

More young people are leaving rural areas. Saskatchewan Health statistics show a 20% decrease in the number of people under the age of 35. At the same time, the number of people older than 35 years of age increased by 4% in rural areas.

Saskatchewan’s population is aging. There are proportionately more people aged 65 and older and fewer people aged 15 to 24. The trend to an older population reflects:

• a decrease in the number of births
• an increase in the average life span
• the effects of younger people migrating to other provinces

Population Forecast
The provincial population is forecast to grow slowly over the next 20 years, averaging about 0.2% per year. The following chart shows previous population trends and the projected population growth to 2018.

Read on . . .