Yukon Population Overview (2026)
Yukon is the smallest and westernmost of Canada’s three territories. It’s the second least populated province or territory in Canada. As per the Canada Census Bureau, the population of Yukon in 2021 was 40,232, and its estimated population in 2026 is 48,261
Source: Statistics Canada
Northwest Territories Population Growth (2021–2026)
Yukon has a population growth rate of 12.1% during 2021-2026. It has a population increase of 8,029 since 2021.
Yukon Census Q4 2025 Snapshot
| Indiacator | Data |
| Total Population | 48,261 |
| Percentage Change since 2021 | 19.96% |
| Population Rank | 12th |
| Total Land Area | 472,345 sq km (182,373 sq mi) |
| Area Rank | 9th |
| Population Density | 0.08/km2 (0.2/sq mi) |
| Capital City | Whitehorse |
| Largest City | Whitehorse |
Source: Statistics Canada
Yukon Historical Population
Yukon’s population history shows sharp early fluctuations followed by long-term stabilization and steady growth. After peaking at over 27,000 in 1901 during the Gold Rush era, the population declined sharply by 1921 before gradually recovering through the mid-20th century. Since the 1950s, Yukon has experienced consistent population growth, with notable gains after 1970. The territory’s population reached 40,232 in 2021, reflecting a 12.1% increase since 2016, highlighting renewed growth momentum driven by migration, employment opportunities, and economic development.
Yukon Population by Year (1901–2021)
| Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
| 1901 | 27,219 | – | – |
| 1911 | 8,512 | -18,707 | -68.73 |
| 1921 | 4,157 | -4,355 | -51.16 |
| 1931 | 4,230 | +73 | +1.76 |
| 1941 | 4,914 | +684 | +16.17 |
| 1951 | 9,096 | +4,182 | +85.10 |
| 1956 | 12,190 | +3,094 | +34.01 |
| 1961 | 14,628 | +2,438 | +20.0 |
| 1966 | 14,382 | -+246 | -+1.68 |
| 1971 | 18,390 | +4,008 | +27.87 |
| 1976 | 21,835 | +3,445 | +18.73 |
| 1981 | 23,150 | +1,315 | +6.02 |
| 1986 | 23,505 | +355 | +1.53 |
| 1991 | 27,797 | +4,292 | +18.26 |
| 1996 | 30,766 | +2,969 | +10.68 |
| 2001 | 28,674 | -+2,092 | -+6.80 |
| 2006 | 30,372 | +1,698 | +5.92 |
| 2011 | 33,897 | +3,525 | +11.61 |
| 2016 | 35,874 | +1,977 | +5.83 |
| 2021 | 40,232 | +4358 | +12.1 |
Source: Statistics Canada
Religion in Yukon
Christianity is the largest religion in Yukon and is followed by 35% of the people. Roughly 59.7% of the population, had no religious affiliation.
With immigration patterns, there were growing proportions of the population who reported religious affiliations other than Christian. These religions included Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Jews, and Buddhists.
In 2021, people who identified themselves as Sikh made up 1% of the population, Hindu 0.7%, Buddhist 0.7%, Muslim 0.5%, and Jews 0.2%. Indigenous religions account for 0.8% Other smaller faiths are 0.5% of the population.
Let’s Look at the Religion wise population & percentage of Yukon
| Religion | Numbers | Percentage |
| Christian | 13,860 | 35% |
| Sikh | 380 | 1% |
| North American Indigenous | 325 | 0.8% |
| Hindu | 265 | 0.7% |
| Buddhist | 260 | 0.7% |
| Muslim | 185 | 0.5% |
| Jewish | 70 | 0.2% |
| No religion/ Unaffiliated | 23,640 | 59.7% |
| Other religions and spiritual traditions | 600 | 1.5% |
Source: Canada Census 2011
Christianity in Yukon
As per Canadian Census 2021, 35% of the Yukon population reported that they were affiliated with a Christian religion. Roman Catholics were the largest Christian religious group in 2021. About 14.4% of people identified themselves as Roman Catholic. It’s followed by the various branches of Protestantism Churches. Anglican is the second largest and it has 1,955 adherents or 5% of the Yukon population followed by the United Church (2.4%) and Baptist (2.4%).
Let’s look at the Christian Affiliations percentage and numbers in Yukon
| Christian Affiliations | Numbers | Percentage |
| Catholic | 5,690 | 14.4 % |
| Anglican | 1,995 | 5% |
| United Church | 955 | 2.4% |
| Baptist | 645 | 1.6% |
| Lutheran | 395 | 1% |
| Pentecostal and other Charismatic | 270 | 0.7% |
| Jehovah’s Witness | 135 | 0.3% |
| Christian Orthodox | 130 | 0.3% |
| Presbyterian | 125 | 0.3% |
| Methodist and Wesleyan (Holiness) | 105 | 0.3% |
| Latter Day Saints | 70 | 0.2% |
| Anabaptist | 50 | 0.1% |
| Reformed | 35 | 0.1% |
| Christian, n.o.s.156 | 2,560 | 6.5% |
| Other Christian and Christian-related traditions | 700 | 1.8% |
| Total | 13,860 | 35% |
Source: Canada Census 2021
Yukon Ethnic composition
Yukon is majority populated by Europeans & also has significant Indigenous people. European origins are 65% of the population and Aboriginals make up 22.2% of the Yukon Population. First Nations, Metis, and Inuit are major Aboriginal people. Almost 12.80% of the population of Yukon belongs to a visible minority group. The Main Visible minority communities are South Asian, Chinese, Black, Filipino, Latino and Arab.
read in detail about Race and ethnicity in Yukon
Sources
All population data is sourced from official Canadian and international statistical agencies:
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