Lacombe landed in the number five spot this year in MoneySense’s Canada’s Best Places to Live 2018 list.
MoneySense is a Canadian online personal finance and lifestyle magazine published by Rogers Publishing Limited.
“Pride in the community was my initial reaction for sure,” said Mayor Grant Creasey. “And when a person goes through some of the criteria involved in the ranking of the communities, you see that it’s not just about one particular thing.
“When a person looks at the economic, social, policing and health care – all the different criteria that goes into it – I think you develop a better appreciation for why we were ranked so highly. It points to a very well-rounded community that I’m very pleased to be a part of.
“When you visit our community, you will be immediately struck by the friendliness and positive energy of our citizens.”
According to MoneySense, the estimated unemployment rate in Lacombe is 4.9 per cent, and the median household income stands at $97,800.
Creasey noted that low taxes played a part in the ranking as well.
“Council has taken the stance that we are going to do everything we possibly can to keep our taxes as low as possible,” he said. “I think that the crime index was also another big factor,” he said, adding that with Lacombe’s own police force, there is that much more of an investment in the community.
“I think that has an overall positive effect,” he said. “And the numbers in that category back that up. We’ve got a very good team over there with an excellent man at the helm with Chief Lorne Blumhagen. It just all points to a very well-rounded community.”
The magazine also pointed out that Lacombe’s year-over-year unemployment rate dropped the fifth fastest of any city in 2018, with high average incomes and a fast-growing population contributing to its strong showing.
Average household net worth is $754,291. The average value of primary real estate is $353,740. The weather isn’t too bad, either. Total days above 20C are 81.
According to the magazine, staff gathered data on 415 cities across the country and ranked how they measure up in 10 categories: wealth and economy, affordability, population growth, taxes, commute, crime, weather, access to health care, amenities and culture.
“Lacombe has always had a strong, diverse economy with federal and provincial government employers, educational institutions, and a mix of industrial and agricultural businesses,” said Community Economic Development Manager Guy Lapointe.
“With Council’s renewed focus on economic development we are advancing strategies to continue attracting business to Lacombe.”
For a complete breakdown of the statistics, check out www.moneysense.ca.
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