Chibougamau, QC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
7,233
0.7 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$85,000/yr
Private dwellings
3,557

Chibougamau population

How many people live in Chibougamau

Chibougamau is home to 7,233 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 51.6% identify as male and 48.4% as female.

Total population
7,233
0.7% year-over-year change
Population density
10.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
51.6%
3,730
Female
48.4%
3,505
Value Percent
Male 3,730 51.6%
Female 3,505 48.4%
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 Chibougamau is 40.5. Children under 15 make up 18.5% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.9% are 25 to 34, 13.6% are 35 to 44, and 12.4% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 15.9%.

Average age
40.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.5%
15 to 24
10.7%
25 to 34
12.9%
35 to 44
13.6%
45 to 54
12.4%
55 to 64
16%
Over 65
15.9%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,340 18.5%
15 to 24 775 10.7%
25 to 34 935 12.9%
35 to 44 980 13.6%
45 to 54 895 12.4%
55 to 64 1,160 16%
Over 65 1,150 15.9%
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 Chibougamau, 96.4% of residents were born in Canada, while 1.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.2% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
96.4%
Immigrants
1.5%
Non-permanent residents
2.2%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 6,885 96.4%
Immigrants 105 1.5%
Non-permanent residents 160 2.2%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
3.9%
Non-minorities
96.1%
Value Percent
Minorities 280 3.9%
Non-minorities 6,865 96.1%
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 Chibougamau
English
5.3%
French
94.1%
English and French
0.6%
Neither English nor French
0.1%
Value Percent
English 380 5.3%
French 6,800 94.1%
English and French 40 0.6%
Neither English nor French 5 0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 5.3% of people in Chibougamau speak English as their primary language, 94.1% communicate mainly in French, 0.6% 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 Chibougamau

A peek inside Chibougamau households

Chibougamau has 3,190 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 31.5% of all homes, while 37.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 17.2% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
3,190
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
31.5%
2 persons
37.9%
3 persons
13.3%
4 persons
11.6%
5 or more persons
5.6%
Value Percent
1 person 1,005 31.5%
2 persons 1,210 37.9%
3 persons 425 13.3%
4 persons 370 11.6%
5 or more persons 180 5.6%
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 Chibougamau

The housing landscape of Chibougamau

Chibougamau has a total of 3,557 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Chibougamau offers a variety of home sizes: 8% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 65% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 27% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
3,557
Housing types
Single-detached homes
50.6%
Attached homes
32.7%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
16.7%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,610 50.6%
Attached homes 1,040 32.7%
Movable homes 530 16.7%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
8%
2 or 3 bedrooms
65%
4 or more bedrooms
27%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 255 8%
2 or 3 bedrooms 2,070 65%
4 or more bedrooms 860 27%
Homes built since 2011
165

The age of buildings in Chibougamau

About 0.5% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 15.4% between 1946 and 1960. Another 23.7% went up in the 1960s, 29.5% in the 1970s, and 14.4% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 7.4% of homes were added, and 4.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 15 0.5%
Between 1946 and 1960 490 15.4%
Between 1961 and 1970 755 23.7%
Between 1971 and 1980 940 29.5%
Between 1981 and 1990 460 14.4%
Between 1991 and 2000 235 7.4%
Between 2001 and 2010 130 4.1%
After 2011 165 5.2%
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.

Chibougamau occupancy rates

In Chibougamau, there are 3,190 occupied private dwellings, of which 70.1% are owner-occupied and 29.9% are rented. Meanwhile, 367 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
3,190
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
29.9%
Owned households
70.1%
Value Percent
Rented households 955 29.9%
Owned households 2,235 70.1%
Unoccupied dwellings
367
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 Chibougamau, homeowners pay a median of $970 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $604. About 91.2% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 8.8% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$970
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$604
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
91.2%
≥30% on shelter
8.8%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 2,900 91.2%
≥30% on shelter 280 8.8%
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 Chibougamau

Chibougamau education at a glance

In Chibougamau, educational attainment varies across the community. About 23.2% of residents have no formal diploma, while 18% have completed high school and 24% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.5% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 12.5% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,350 23.2%
High school diploma 1,045 18%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,395 24%
College diploma 1,090 18.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 205 3.5%
University degree 725 12.5%
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 Chibougamau

How much people earn in Chibougamau

In Chibougamau, the median household income sits at $85,000, while the median after-tax household income is $72,000.

Median household income
$85,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$72,000/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.

Chibougamau income by age

Young adults in Chibougamau between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,800, 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 $56,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $67,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $65,500, followed by $52,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $26,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 18,800
25 - 34 56,800
35 - 44 67,000
45 - 54 65,500
55 - 64 52,800
Over 65 26,800

Employment in Chibougamau

Workforce and job sectors in Chibougamau

In Chibougamau, 4,015 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 3.7%. 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
4,015
Unemployment rate
3.7%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 30 0.8%
Business, finance and administration 580 14.5%
Natural and applied sciences 265 6.6%
Health 410 10.3%
Education, law, community and government services 515 12.9%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 95 2.4%
Sales and service 875 21.9%
Trades and transport 825 20.7%
Natural resources and agriculture 145 3.6%
Manufacturing and utilities 250 6.3%
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 Chibougamau

How people get around in Chibougamau

In Chibougamau, the average commute is 13 minutes. About 83.2% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.3% rely on public transit and 11.1% walk or bike. The remaining 5.4% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
13 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
74.9%
15 to 29 minutes
13.7%
30 to 44 minutes
3.5%
45 to 59 minutes
2.8%
More than 60 minutes
5.1%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 2,705 74.9%
15 to 29 minutes 495 13.7%
30 to 44 minutes 125 3.5%
45 to 59 minutes 100 2.8%
More than 60 minutes 185 5.1%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 2,995 83.2%
By public transit 10 0.3%
By bicycle/by walking 400 11.1%
By other methods 195 5.4%
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 Chibougamau demographics 

What is the current total population in Chibougamau?

Chibougamau has a population of 7,233, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.7% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Chibougamau?  

Chibougamau has a population density of 10.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Chibougamau?

Chibougamau has the following gender distribution:
  • 51.6% males (3,730 residents)  
  • 48.4% females (3,505 residents)

What is the age distribution of Chibougamau residents?  

The age distribution of Chibougamau residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 18.5% (1,340 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10.7% (775 residents)   
  • 25-34: 12.9% (935 residents)   
  • 35-44: 13.6% (980 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.4% (895 residents)   
  • 55-64: 16% (1,160 residents)   
  • Over 64: 15.9% (1,150 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Chibougamau? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Chibougamau: 
  • 96.4% non-immigrants (6,885 residents)  
  • 1.5% immigrants (105 residents)  
  • 2.2% non-permanent residents (160 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Chibougamau?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Chibougamau: 
  • English: 5.3% 
  • French: 94.1% 
  • English and French: 0.6% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.1% 

What is the typical household size in Chibougamau?  

The typical household size in Chibougamau is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Chibougamau?  

The median household income in Chibougamau is $85,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Chibougamau residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Chibougamau is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 23.2% (1,350 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 18% (1,045 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 24% (1,395 residents) 
  • College diploma: 18.8% (1,090 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.5% (205 residents) 
  • University degree: 12.5% (725 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Chibougamau?  

The most common occupations in Chibougamau fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.4% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14.5% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 12.9% 
  • Health: 10.3% 
  • Management: 0.8% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 6.3% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 6.6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3.6% 
  • Sales and service: 21.9% 
  • Trades and transport: 20.7% 

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