Total population

8,501,833

2.4 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$72,500/yr

Private dwellings

4,050,164

Quebec population

How many people live in Quebec

Quebec is home to 8,501,833 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.4% identify as male and 50.6% as female.

Total population

8,501,833

2.4% year-over-year change

Population density

6.5/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49.4%

4,201,960

Female

50.6%

4,299,870

	Value	Percent
Male	4,201,960	49.4%
Female	4,299,870	50.6%

A larger population often brings more rental variety and a busier pace of life. The gender breakdown, namely the ratio of men to women in the area, offers clues about the community’s vibe and social landscape.

Age demographics

The average age in Quebec is 42.8. Children under 15 make up 16.4% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.5%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.5% are 25 to 34, 13.2% are 35 to 44, and 12.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 20.6%.

Average age

42.8

Age breakdown

Under 15: 16.4%
15 to 24: 10.5%
25 to 34: 12.5%
35 to 44: 13.2%
45 to 54: 12.2%
55 to 64: 14.6%
Over 65: 20.6%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	1,391,360	16.4%
15 to 24	890,060	10.5%
25 to 34	1,063,190	12.5%
35 to 44	1,122,990	13.2%
45 to 54	1,039,400	12.2%
55 to 64	1,241,300	14.6%
Over 65	1,753,530	20.6%

Age distribution gives you a glimpse into who makes up the area. Younger communities might feel more energetic or student-friendly, while older ones tend to be calmer and more settled. A mix of age groups usually means a balance of parks, schools, healthcare, and other services for all walks of life.

Residence status

In Quebec, 83% of residents were born in Canada, while 14.6% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 83%
Immigrants: 14.6%
Non-permanent residents: 2.5%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	6,892,110	83%
Immigrants	1,210,600	14.6%
Non-permanent residents	205,770	2.5%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 16.1%
Non-minorities: 83.9%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	1,340,735	16.1%
Non-minorities	6,967,745	83.9%

Knowing how many people in the area are newcomers, temporary residents, or Canadian-born can give you a feel for how established or internationally connected a community is. It may also hint at the kind of services, food, and cultural touchpoints you’ll find nearby.

Languages used in Quebec

English: 13%
French: 82.2%
English and French: 3.9%
Neither English nor French: 0.9%

	Value	Percent
English	1,088,820	13%
French	6,909,570	82.2%
English and French	329,515	3.9%
Neither English nor French	79,000	0.9%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 13% of people in Quebec speak English as their primary language, 82.2% communicate mainly in French, 3.9% are bilingual, and 0.9% use other languages.

Language use shapes everything from signage to services. Whether you're looking for bilingual support or just curious about the local vibe, these stats give a quick peek at how people connect day-to-day.

Households in Quebec

A peek inside Quebec households

Quebec has 3,749,035 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 35.1% of all homes, while 34.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.8%, and homes with four or more people account for 17.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

3,749,035

Average people per household

2.2

1 person: 35.1%
2 persons: 34.6%
3 persons: 12.8%
4 persons: 11.4%
5 or more persons: 6.1%

	Value	Percent
1 person	1,317,505	35.1%
2 persons	1,295,730	34.6%
3 persons	480,135	12.8%
4 persons	427,605	11.4%
5 or more persons	228,060	6.1%

Household size can reveal a lot about how people live in the area. More one- and two-person homes might hint at a mix of young professionals or empty nesters, while larger households often reflect families or multi-generational setups. It’s a good indicator of the kinds of rentals and living spaces you'll find nearby.

Housing in Quebec

The housing landscape of Quebec

Quebec has a total of 4,050,164 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 44.6% are single-detached houses, 48.8% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 6% are apartments. When it comes to space, Quebec offers a variety of home sizes: 17% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 63% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 19.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

4,050,164

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 44.6%
Attached homes: 48.8%
Apartments: 6%
Movable homes: 0.6%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	1,671,920	44.6%
Attached homes	1,827,605	48.8%
Apartments	225,745	6%
Movable homes	23,760	0.6%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 17%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 63%
4 or more bedrooms: 19.5%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	655,315	17%
2 or 3 bedrooms	2,363,390	63%
4 or more bedrooms	730,330	19.5%

Homes built since 2011

430,000

The age of buildings in Quebec

About 10.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 12.6% between 1946 and 1960. Another 13.1% went up in the 1960s, 16.6% in the 1970s, and 13.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 10.3% of homes were added, and 11.5% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	406,350	10.8%
Between 1946 and 1960	473,025	12.6%
Between 1961 and 1970	490,395	13.1%
Between 1971 and 1980	624,300	16.6%
Between 1981 and 1990	509,125	13.6%
Between 1991 and 2000	385,320	10.3%
Between 2001 and 2010	430,525	11.5%
After 2011	430,000	11.5%

As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Quebec occupancy rates

In Quebec, there are 3,749,035 occupied private dwellings, of which 59.9% are owner-occupied and 39.9% are rented. Meanwhile, 301,129 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

3,749,035

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 39.9%
Owned households: 59.9%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	1,497,010	39.9%
Owned households	2,245,605	59.9%

Unoccupied dwellings

301,129

Understanding whether homes are owned or rented gives insight into the housing market’s stability and flexibility. High ownership rates may point to longer-term residents and more stable neighbourhoods, while a greater share of rentals can indicate mobility, availability, or housing diversity. Vacancy levels can also hint at supply-and-demand dynamics for renters.

Shelter costs

In Quebec, homeowners pay a median of $1,070 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $810. About 83.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 16.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,070

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$810

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 83.9%
≥30% on shelter: 16.1%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	3,110,920	83.9%
≥30% on shelter	595,690	16.1%

Shelter cost includes all monthly expenses tied to housing—like rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and additional fees. Owners usually cover a wider range of costs, while renters typically just pay rent plus basic services. Comparing these numbers gives a clearer view of what living in the area actually costs, and whether households are stretched beyond the 30% affordability benchmark.

Education in Quebec

Quebec education at a glance

In Quebec, educational attainment varies across the community. About 18.2% of residents have no formal diploma, while 21.4% have completed high school and 15.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 17.4% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 23.5% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	1,256,550	18.2%
High school diploma	1,482,020	21.4%
Apprenticeship diploma	1,096,360	15.8%
College diploma	1,202,040	17.4%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	252,815	3.6%
University degree	1,628,940	23.5%

Education levels give a snapshot of the local talent pool and job readiness. A strong share of college and university graduates can mean better access to skilled jobs, while trades and apprenticeship diplomas often support hands-on industries. For renters, these stats help paint a picture of the economic opportunities and workforce makeup in the area.

Income in Quebec

How much people earn in Quebec

In Quebec, the median household income sits at $72,500, while the median after-tax household income is $63,200.

Median household income

$72,500/year

Median after-tax household income

$63,200/year

Household income—especially after tax—offers one of the clearest indicators of how affordable a place might feel. It also helps renters understand earning power in the area, whether they're budgeting for rent or comparing communities with similar price tags. Local income trends can reveal whether the economy is growing, steady, or facing challenges.

Quebec income by age

Young adults in Quebec between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,200, often reflecting part-time or early career work. For those aged 25 to 34, when many are advancing in their jobs, the figure rises to $45,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $56,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $55,200, followed by $44,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $30,000.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	18,200
25 - 34	45,200
35 - 44	56,800
45 - 54	55,200
55 - 64	44,800
Over 65	30,000

Employment in Quebec

Workforce and job sectors in Quebec

In Quebec, 4,435,465 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7.6%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, and trades and transport employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

4,435,465

Unemployment rate

7.6%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	79,745	1.8%
Business, finance and administration	778,905	17.9%
Natural and applied sciences	360,495	8.3%
Health	359,665	8.3%
Education, law, community and government services	558,725	12.9%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	146,560	3.4%
Sales and service	1,064,155	24.5%
Trades and transport	702,290	16.2%
Natural resources and agriculture	86,625	2%
Manufacturing and utilities	207,740	4.8%

Knowing what kinds of jobs dominate the area can help you understand local culture, income levels, and day-to-day rhythms. When looking for a community that suits your lifestyle, these labour stats offer helpful clues.

Transportation in Quebec

How people get around in Quebec

In Quebec, the average commute is 24 minutes. About 82.4% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 9% rely on public transit and 6.9% walk or bike. The remaining 1.7% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

24 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 31.5%
15 to 29 minutes: 34.8%
30 to 44 minutes: 19.9%
45 to 59 minutes: 7.4%
More than 60 minutes: 6.5%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	1,005,850	31.5%
15 to 29 minutes	1,110,975	34.8%
30 to 44 minutes	635,870	19.9%
45 to 59 minutes	235,140	7.4%
More than 60 minutes	206,480	6.5%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	2,633,265	82.4%
By public transit	287,345	9%
By bicycle/by walking	219,065	6.9%
By other methods	54,645	1.7%

Commute trends hint at both the layout and vibe of a place. If most people drive or take transit, the area may be more spread out. Shorter commutes suggest convenient access to jobs, while longer ones may confirm the area’s low-density layout.

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FAQs about Quebec demographics

What is the current total population in Quebec?

Quebec has a population of 8,501,833, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.4% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Quebec?

Quebec has a population density of 6.5 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Quebec?

Quebec has the following gender distribution:

49.4% males (4,201,960 residents)
50.6% females (4,299,870 residents)

What is the age distribution of Quebec residents?

The age distribution of Quebec residents is as follows:

Under 15: 16.4% (1,391,360 residents)
15-24: 10.5% (890,060 residents)
25-34: 12.5% (1,063,190 residents)
35-44: 13.2% (1,122,990 residents)
45-54: 12.2% (1,039,400 residents)
55-64: 14.6% (1,241,300 residents)
Over 64: 20.6% (1,753,530 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Quebec?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Quebec:

83% non-immigrants (6,892,110 residents)
14.6% immigrants (1,210,600 residents)
2.5% non-permanent residents (205,770 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Quebec?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Quebec:

English: 13%
French: 82.2%
English and French: 3.9%
Neither English nor French: 0.9%

What is the typical household size in Quebec?

The typical household size in Quebec is 2.2 people.

What is the median household income in Quebec?

The median household income in Quebec is $72,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Quebec residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Quebec is as follows:

No diploma: 18.2% (1,256,550 residents)
High school diploma: 21.4% (1,482,020 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 15.8% (1,096,360 residents)
College diploma: 17.4% (1,202,040 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3.6% (252,815 residents)
University degree: 23.5% (1,628,940 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Quebec?

The most common occupations in Quebec fall within the sectors listed below:

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.4%
Business, finance and administration: 17.9%
Education, law, community and government services: 12.9%
Health: 8.3%
Management: 1.8%
Manufacturing and utilities: 4.8%
Natural and applied sciences: 8.3%
Natural resources and agriculture: 2%
Sales and service: 24.5%
Trades and transport: 16.2%

Data source & methodology

Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest census data from Statistics Canada (2021), with the total population figure reflecting the official 2024 population estimate.
Census aggregated data represented here is extracted from Data Tables, by topic, at the census subdivision area level.
Differences may be found between the totals of the various categories due to multiple variables.
The information is updated as soon as new data is made available. No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information.

Page last updated: September 2025

Quebec demographics:population, income, and more