Swift Current Mayor Jerrod Schafer

Swift Current's Mayor is encouraged by 2011 Census numbers indicating the city's population is getting younger.

Jerrod Schafer said it's something he had observed just from seeing the participation in minor sports and culture groups, and credits a combination of factors.

"I've seen great expansion in the private sector," explained Schafer. "Businesses are growing in many different areas, so there is a lot of opportunity for employment. I think families are realizing the value of either moving back home or close to family, but also having affordable childcare and all the amenities that you could possibly want."

Schafer said they have to keep working to attract that key young family demographic, and that means jobs.

"You've got to create an opportunity for employment," said Schafer. "Whether that's an atmosphere where business thrives - small business and personal business; but also an atmosphere where employers can look at coming, expanding to, relocating, investing in and creating opportunities."

Swift Current saw a 2.7 per cent decrease in the number of people 65-plus, and a 6.4 per cent increase in those between the ages of 15 and 64. There were also 2.7 per cent more children under the age of 14 in the city.