Total population

8,000

1.3 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$146,000/yr

Private dwellings

3,376

Chelsea population

How many people live in Chelsea

Chelsea is home to 8,000 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.5% identify as male and 50.5% as female.

Total population

8,000

1.3% year-over-year change

Population density

71/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49.5%

3,960

Female

50.5%

4,040

	Value	Percent
Male	3,960	49.5%
Female	4,040	50.5%

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 Chelsea is 40.5. Children under 15 make up 19.8% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 8.7% are 25 to 34, 12.9% are 35 to 44, and 16.3% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 15.4%.

Average age

40.5

Age breakdown

Under 15: 19.8%
15 to 24: 10.7%
25 to 34: 8.7%
35 to 44: 12.9%
45 to 54: 16.3%
55 to 64: 16%
Over 65: 15.4%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	1,585	19.8%
15 to 24	860	10.7%
25 to 34	700	8.7%
35 to 44	1,035	12.9%
45 to 54	1,305	16.3%
55 to 64	1,285	16%
Over 65	1,235	15.4%

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 Chelsea, 90.6% of residents were born in Canada, while 9.3% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 90.6%
Immigrants: 9.3%
Non-permanent residents: 0%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	7,250	90.6%
Immigrants	745	9.3%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 5.6%
Non-minorities: 94.4%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	450	5.6%
Non-minorities	7,550	94.4%

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 Chelsea

English: 49%
French: 48.5%
English and French: 2.3%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

	Value	Percent
English	3,925	49%
French	3,880	48.5%
English and French	185	2.3%
Neither English nor French	15	0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 49% of people in Chelsea speak English as their primary language, 48.5% communicate mainly in French, 2.3% are bilingual, and 0.2% 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 Chelsea

A peek inside Chelsea households

Chelsea has 3,040 households, with an average of 2.6 people living in each. One-person households make up 19.3% of all homes, while 36.3% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 16.5%, and homes with four or more people account for 27.9% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

3,040

Average people per household

2.6

1 person: 19.3%
2 persons: 36.3%
3 persons: 16.5%
4 persons: 20%
5 or more persons: 7.9%

	Value	Percent
1 person	585	19.3%
2 persons	1,100	36.3%
3 persons	500	16.5%
4 persons	605	20%
5 or more persons	240	7.9%

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 Chelsea

The housing landscape of Chelsea

Chelsea has a total of 3,376 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 91.6% are single-detached houses, 8.2% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.2% are apartments. When it comes to space, Chelsea offers a variety of home sizes: 4% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 62% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 33.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

3,376

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 91.6%
Attached homes: 8.2%
Apartments: 0.2%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	2,790	91.6%
Attached homes	250	8.2%
Apartments	5	0.2%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 4%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 62%
4 or more bedrooms: 33.9%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	110	4%
2 or 3 bedrooms	1,900	62%
4 or more bedrooms	1,030	33.9%

Homes built since 2011

570

The age of buildings in Chelsea

About 6.9% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 7.9% between 1946 and 1960. Another 7.7% went up in the 1960s, 13.1% in the 1970s, and 17.5% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 16.4% of homes were added, and 12% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	210	6.9%
Between 1946 and 1960	240	7.9%
Between 1961 and 1970	235	7.7%
Between 1971 and 1980	400	13.1%
Between 1981 and 1990	535	17.5%
Between 1991 and 2000	500	16.4%
Between 2001 and 2010	365	12%
After 2011	570	18.7%

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.

Chelsea occupancy rates

In Chelsea, there are 3,041 occupied private dwellings, of which 92.3% are owner-occupied and 7.7% are rented. Meanwhile, 335 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

3,041

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 7.7%
Owned households: 92.3%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	235	7.7%
Owned households	2,805	92.3%

Unoccupied dwellings

335

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 Chelsea, homeowners pay a median of $1,440 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,030. 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

$1,440

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,030

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 89.4%
≥30% on shelter: 10.6%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	2,700	89.4%
≥30% on shelter	320	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 Chelsea

Chelsea education at a glance

In Chelsea, educational attainment varies across the community. About 8.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 15.9% have completed high school and 5.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 16.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 50.7% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	550	8.6%
High school diploma	1,020	15.9%
Apprenticeship diploma	375	5.8%
College diploma	1,080	16.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	135	2.1%
University degree	3,250	50.7%

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 Chelsea

How much people earn in Chelsea

In Chelsea, the median household income sits at $146,000, while the median after-tax household income is $115,000.

Median household income

$146,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$115,000/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.

Chelsea income by age

Young adults in Chelsea between 15 and 24 have a median income of $12,500, 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 $64,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $90,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $99,000, followed by $75,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $54,000.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	12,500
25 - 34	64,000
35 - 44	90,000
45 - 54	99,000
55 - 64	75,000
Over 65	54,000

Employment in Chelsea

Workforce and job sectors in Chelsea

In Chelsea, 4,435 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 6.1%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, education, law, community and government services, business, finance and administration, and sales and service employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

4,435

Unemployment rate

6.1%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	205	4.7%
Business, finance and administration	855	19.5%
Natural and applied sciences	515	11.7%
Health	305	7%
Education, law, community and government services	1,095	25%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	230	5.2%
Sales and service	620	14.1%
Trades and transport	455	10.4%
Natural resources and agriculture	55	1.2%
Manufacturing and utilities	50	1.1%

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 Chelsea

How people get around in Chelsea

In Chelsea, the average commute is 23 minutes. About 90% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.6% rely on public transit and 5.2% walk or bike. The remaining 3.2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

23 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 26.5%
15 to 29 minutes: 39.4%
30 to 44 minutes: 25.6%
45 to 59 minutes: 5.4%
More than 60 minutes: 3.2%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	585	26.5%
15 to 29 minutes	870	39.4%
30 to 44 minutes	565	25.6%
45 to 59 minutes	120	5.4%
More than 60 minutes	70	3.2%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	1,990	90%
By public transit	35	1.6%
By bicycle/by walking	115	5.2%
By other methods	70	3.2%

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 Chelsea demographics

What is the current total population in Chelsea?

Chelsea has a population of 8,000, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.3% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Chelsea?

Chelsea has a population density of 71 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Chelsea?

Chelsea has the following gender distribution:

49.5% males (3,960 residents)
50.5% females (4,040 residents)

What is the age distribution of Chelsea residents?

The age distribution of Chelsea residents is as follows:

Under 15: 19.8% (1,585 residents)
15-24: 10.7% (860 residents)
25-34: 8.7% (700 residents)
35-44: 12.9% (1,035 residents)
45-54: 16.3% (1,305 residents)
55-64: 16% (1,285 residents)
Over 64: 15.4% (1,235 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Chelsea?

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

90.6% non-immigrants (7,250 residents)
9.3% immigrants (745 residents)
0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Chelsea?

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

English: 49%
French: 48.5%
English and French: 2.3%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

What is the typical household size in Chelsea?

The typical household size in Chelsea is 2.6 people.

What is the median household income in Chelsea?

The median household income in Chelsea is $146,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Chelsea residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Chelsea is as follows:

No diploma: 8.6% (550 residents)
High school diploma: 15.9% (1,020 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 5.8% (375 residents)
College diploma: 16.8% (1,080 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 2.1% (135 residents)
University degree: 50.7% (3,250 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Chelsea?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 5.2%
Business, finance and administration: 19.5%
Education, law, community and government services: 25%
Health: 7%
Management: 4.7%
Manufacturing and utilities: 1.1%
Natural and applied sciences: 11.7%
Natural resources and agriculture: 1.2%
Sales and service: 14.1%
Trades and transport: 10.4%

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

Chelsea, QC demographics:population, income, and more