Tucked into the sun-drenched landscapes of southern Alberta, Tilley sits roughly 22 kilometres southeast of Brooks and about 78 kilometres northwest of Medicine Hat, placing it squarely within the agricultural heartland of the County of Newell. The community is small in area, covering just 0.69 square kilometres, yet it supports a population density of approximately 461 people per square kilometre. As of the 2021 federal census, 318 residents called Tilley home, a decline of around 12.6 percent from the 364 residents recorded in 2016. The County of Newell’s own municipal census from 2020 counted 335 residents, continuing a longer downward trend from a count of 405 back in 2007.
Tilley’s origins trace back to 1910, when it was established during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway main line through the region. The community was formally incorporated as a village on May 9, 1940, a status it held for over seven decades before dissolving back to hamlet standing on August 31, 2013, bringing it under the direct administration of the County of Newell. The local economy revolves around irrigated crop farming, livestock operations, and petroleum production. Residents enjoy a modest but practical set of amenities, including an arena, a curling rink, a community hall, a hotel and bar, and three parks. Education is served by Tilley Public School, operated by Grasslands Public Schools and offering kindergarten through grade 9 instruction. A brand-new school building was completed in 2023, replacing the original structure that had served the community since 1946.