Alma, QC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
30,331
0.4 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$67,500/yr
Private dwellings
14,493

Alma population

How many people live in Alma

Alma is home to 30,331 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.3% identify as male and 50.7% as female.

Total population
30,331
0.4% year-over-year change
Population density
155.6/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
14,960
Female
50.7%
15,370
Value Percent
Male 14,960 49.3%
Female 15,370 50.7%
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 Alma is 45.6. Children under 15 make up 15.3% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 9.8% are 25 to 34, 11.9% are 35 to 44, and 10.6% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 17.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 25%.

Average age
45.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.3%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 34
9.8%
35 to 44
11.9%
45 to 54
10.6%
55 to 64
17.6%
Over 65
25%
Value Percent
Under 15 4,640 15.3%
15 to 24 2,970 9.8%
25 to 34 2,955 9.8%
35 to 44 3,600 11.9%
45 to 54 3,225 10.6%
55 to 64 5,350 17.6%
Over 65 7,570 25%
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 Alma, 98.7% of residents were born in Canada, while 0.9% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.4% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
98.7%
Immigrants
0.9%
Non-permanent residents
0.4%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 28,955 98.7%
Immigrants 265 0.9%
Non-permanent residents 105 0.4%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
1.3%
Non-minorities
98.7%
Value Percent
Minorities 375 1.3%
Non-minorities 28,950 98.7%
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 Alma
English
0.4%
French
99.5%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.1%
Value Percent
English 115 0.4%
French 29,855 99.5%
English and French 25 0.1%
Neither English nor French 20 0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 0.4% of people in Alma speak English as their primary language, 99.5% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.1% 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 Alma

A peek inside Alma households

Alma has 13,815 households, with an average of 2.1 people living in each. One-person households make up 35.5% of all homes, while 38.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 11.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 14.8% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
13,815
Average people per household
2.1
1 person
35.5%
2 persons
38.4%
3 persons
11.2%
4 persons
9.8%
5 or more persons
5%
Value Percent
1 person 4,910 35.5%
2 persons 5,305 38.4%
3 persons 1,555 11.2%
4 persons 1,360 9.8%
5 or more persons 690 5%
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 Alma

The housing landscape of Alma

Alma has a total of 14,493 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 51.8% are single-detached houses, 47.5% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.2% are apartments. When it comes to space, Alma offers a variety of home sizes: 10% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 65% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 25.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
14,493
Housing types
Single-detached homes
51.8%
Attached homes
47.5%
Apartments
0.2%
Movable homes
0.5%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 7,150 51.8%
Attached homes 6,565 47.5%
Apartments 30 0.2%
Movable homes 70 0.5%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
10%
2 or 3 bedrooms
65%
4 or more bedrooms
25.4%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 1,360 10%
2 or 3 bedrooms 8,940 65%
4 or more bedrooms 3,510 25.4%
Homes built since 2011
1,280

The age of buildings in Alma

About 8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 17% between 1946 and 1960. Another 13.7% went up in the 1960s, 21% in the 1970s, and 12.5% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 10.7% of homes were added, and 7.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 1,105 8%
Between 1946 and 1960 2,350 17%
Between 1961 and 1970 1,890 13.7%
Between 1971 and 1980 2,905 21%
Between 1981 and 1990 1,725 12.5%
Between 1991 and 2000 1,485 10.7%
Between 2001 and 2010 1,085 7.8%
After 2011 1,280 9.3%
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.

Alma occupancy rates

In Alma, there are 13,815 occupied private dwellings, of which 66.4% are owner-occupied and 33.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 678 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
13,815
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
33.6%
Owned households
66.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 4,635 33.6%
Owned households 9,175 66.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
678
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 Alma, homeowners pay a median of $920 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $576. About 89.4% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 10.6% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$920
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$576
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
89.4%
≥30% on shelter
10.6%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 12,300 89.4%
≥30% on shelter 1,465 10.6%
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 Alma

Alma education at a glance

In Alma, educational attainment varies across the community. About 19.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 20.4% have completed high school and 23.6% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 19.9% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 13% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 4,855 19.7%
High school diploma 5,045 20.4%
Apprenticeship diploma 5,830 23.6%
College diploma 4,920 19.9%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 815 3.3%
University degree 3,220 13%
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 Alma

How much people earn in Alma

In Alma, the median household income sits at $67,500, while the median after-tax household income is $59,600.

Median household income
$67,500/year
Median after-tax household income
$59,600/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.

Alma income by age

Young adults in Alma between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,000, 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 $46,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $58,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $55,200, followed by $42,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $28,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 18,000
25 - 34 46,800
35 - 44 58,000
45 - 54 55,200
55 - 64 42,800
Over 65 28,600

Employment in Alma

Workforce and job sectors in Alma

In Alma, 14,470 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 5.3%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
14,470
Unemployment rate
5.3%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 185 1.3%
Business, finance and administration 1,940 13.7%
Natural and applied sciences 800 5.6%
Health 1,300 9.2%
Education, law, community and government services 1,845 13%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 240 1.7%
Sales and service 3,930 27.7%
Trades and transport 2,765 19.5%
Natural resources and agriculture 330 2.3%
Manufacturing and utilities 830 5.9%
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 Alma

How people get around in Alma

In Alma, the average commute is 17 minutes. About 91.6% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.3% rely on public transit and 6.2% walk or bike. The remaining 1.9% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
17 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
61.8%
15 to 29 minutes
19%
30 to 44 minutes
9.1%
45 to 59 minutes
5.8%
More than 60 minutes
4.2%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 7,625 61.8%
15 to 29 minutes 2,350 19%
30 to 44 minutes 1,125 9.1%
45 to 59 minutes 715 5.8%
More than 60 minutes 525 4.2%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 11,320 91.6%
By public transit 35 0.3%
By bicycle/by walking 765 6.2%
By other methods 235 1.9%
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 Alma demographics 

What is the current total population in Alma?

Alma has a population of 30,331, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.4% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Alma?  

Alma has a population density of 155.6 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Alma?

Alma has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.3% males (14,960 residents)  
  • 50.7% females (15,370 residents)

What is the age distribution of Alma residents?  

The age distribution of Alma residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 15.3% (4,640 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9.8% (2,970 residents)   
  • 25-34: 9.8% (2,955 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.9% (3,600 residents)   
  • 45-54: 10.6% (3,225 residents)   
  • 55-64: 17.6% (5,350 residents)   
  • Over 64: 25% (7,570 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Alma? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Alma: 
  • 98.7% non-immigrants (28,955 residents)  
  • 0.9% immigrants (265 residents)  
  • 0.4% non-permanent residents (105 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Alma?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Alma: 
  • English: 0.4% 
  • French: 99.5% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.1% 

What is the typical household size in Alma?  

The typical household size in Alma is 2.1 people. 

What is the median household income in Alma?  

The median household income in Alma is $67,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Alma residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Alma is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 19.7% (4,855 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 20.4% (5,045 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 23.6% (5,830 residents) 
  • College diploma: 19.9% (4,920 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.3% (815 residents) 
  • University degree: 13% (3,220 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Alma?  

The most common occupations in Alma fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.7% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 13.7% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 13% 
  • Health: 9.2% 
  • Management: 1.3% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 5.9% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.3% 
  • Sales and service: 27.7% 
  • Trades and transport: 19.5% 

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