Total population

291,041

2.4 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$82,000/yr

Private dwellings

133,225

Gatineau population

How many people live in Gatineau

Gatineau is home to 291,041 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.6% identify as male and 51.4% as female.

Total population

291,041

2.4% year-over-year change

Population density

851.4/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48.6%

141,590

Female

51.4%

149,445

	Value	Percent
Male	141,590	48.6%
Female	149,445	51.4%

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 Gatineau is 40.3. Children under 15 make up 18.1% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.3%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13.5% are 25 to 34, 14.1% are 35 to 44, and 12.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.8% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 16.3%.

Average age

40.3

Age breakdown

Under 15: 18.1%
15 to 24: 11.3%
25 to 34: 13.5%
35 to 44: 14.1%
45 to 54: 12.8%
55 to 64: 13.8%
Over 65: 16.3%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	52,600	18.1%
15 to 24	32,970	11.3%
25 to 34	39,395	13.5%
35 to 44	41,100	14.1%
45 to 54	37,135	12.8%
55 to 64	40,290	13.8%
Over 65	47,555	16.3%

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 Gatineau, 82.7% of residents were born in Canada, while 15.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.9% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 82.7%
Immigrants: 15.5%
Non-permanent residents: 1.9%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	236,230	82.7%
Immigrants	44,185	15.5%
Non-permanent residents	5,300	1.9%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 19.1%
Non-minorities: 80.9%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	54,660	19.1%
Non-minorities	231,050	80.9%

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 Gatineau

English: 17%
French: 78.3%
English and French: 4.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.6%

	Value	Percent
English	48,760	17%
French	225,055	78.3%
English and French	11,860	4.1%
Neither English nor French	1,830	0.6%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 17% of people in Gatineau speak English as their primary language, 78.3% communicate mainly in French, 4.1% are bilingual, and 0.6% 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 Gatineau

A peek inside Gatineau households

Gatineau has 126,475 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 34.5% of all homes, while 33.1% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14%, and homes with four or more people account for 18.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

126,475

Average people per household

2.3

1 person: 34.5%
2 persons: 33.1%
3 persons: 14%
4 persons: 12%
5 or more persons: 6.5%

	Value	Percent
1 person	43,585	34.5%
2 persons	41,880	33.1%
3 persons	17,675	14%
4 persons	15,135	12%
5 or more persons	8,200	6.5%

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 Gatineau

The housing landscape of Gatineau

Gatineau has a total of 133,225 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 36.5% are single-detached houses, 57.8% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 5.5% are apartments. When it comes to space, Gatineau offers a variety of home sizes: 13% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 67% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 19.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

133,225

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 36.5%
Attached homes: 57.8%
Apartments: 5.5%
Movable homes: 0.2%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	46,215	36.5%
Attached homes	73,085	57.8%
Apartments	6,980	5.5%
Movable homes	200	0.2%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 13%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 67%
4 or more bedrooms: 19.9%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	16,960	13%
2 or 3 bedrooms	84,370	67%
4 or more bedrooms	25,145	19.9%

Homes built since 2011

17,995

The age of buildings in Gatineau

About 4.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 8.4% between 1946 and 1960. Another 10.6% went up in the 1960s, 16% in the 1970s, and 15.3% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 14.4% of homes were added, and 16.4% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	6,065	4.8%
Between 1946 and 1960	10,595	8.4%
Between 1961 and 1970	13,445	10.6%
Between 1971 and 1980	20,205	16%
Between 1981 and 1990	19,295	15.3%
Between 1991 and 2000	18,185	14.4%
Between 2001 and 2010	20,685	16.4%
After 2011	17,995	14.2%

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.

Gatineau occupancy rates

In Gatineau, there are 126,476 occupied private dwellings, of which 60.2% are owner-occupied and 39.8% are rented. Meanwhile, 6,749 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

126,476

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 39.8%
Owned households: 60.2%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	50,390	39.8%
Owned households	76,090	60.2%

Unoccupied dwellings

6,749

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 Gatineau, homeowners pay a median of $1,250 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $900. About 84.2% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 15.8% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,250

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$900

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 84.2%
≥30% on shelter: 15.8%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	106,190	84.2%
≥30% on shelter	19,885	15.8%

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 Gatineau

Gatineau education at a glance

In Gatineau, educational attainment varies across the community. About 17.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 22.2% have completed high school and 11.1% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 17.9% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.2% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 28% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	40,650	17.4%
High school diploma	51,870	22.2%
Apprenticeship diploma	25,945	11.1%
College diploma	41,785	17.9%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	7,505	3.2%
University degree	65,390	28%

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 Gatineau

How much people earn in Gatineau

In Gatineau, the median household income sits at $82,000, while the median after-tax household income is $69,500.

Median household income

$82,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$69,500/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.

Gatineau income by age

Young adults in Gatineau 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 $48,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $65,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $66,500, followed by $51,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $37,200.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	18,800
25 - 34	48,800
35 - 44	65,000
45 - 54	66,500
55 - 64	51,600
Over 65	37,200

Employment in Gatineau

Workforce and job sectors in Gatineau

In Gatineau, 155,310 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 9.3%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, and education, law, community and government services employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

155,310

Unemployment rate

9.3%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	2,120	1.4%
Business, finance and administration	34,620	22.8%
Natural and applied sciences	13,405	8.8%
Health	10,850	7.2%
Education, law, community and government services	26,845	17.7%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	4,930	3.2%
Sales and service	35,390	23.3%
Trades and transport	20,130	13.3%
Natural resources and agriculture	1,395	0.9%
Manufacturing and utilities	2,075	1.4%

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 Gatineau

How people get around in Gatineau

In Gatineau, the average commute is 23 minutes. About 81.4% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 10.7% rely on public transit and 5.6% walk or bike. The remaining 2.2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

23 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 28.1%
15 to 29 minutes: 38.1%
30 to 44 minutes: 21.6%
45 to 59 minutes: 6.9%
More than 60 minutes: 5.2%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	26,885	28.1%
15 to 29 minutes	36,470	38.1%
30 to 44 minutes	20,640	21.6%
45 to 59 minutes	6,640	6.9%
More than 60 minutes	5,025	5.2%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	77,880	81.4%
By public transit	10,260	10.7%
By bicycle/by walking	5,355	5.6%
By other methods	2,155	2.2%

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 Gatineau demographics

What is the current total population in Gatineau?

Gatineau has a population of 291,041, 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 Gatineau?

Gatineau has a population density of 851.4 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Gatineau?

Gatineau has the following gender distribution:

48.6% males (141,590 residents)
51.4% females (149,445 residents)

What is the age distribution of Gatineau residents?

The age distribution of Gatineau residents is as follows:

Under 15: 18.1% (52,600 residents)
15-24: 11.3% (32,970 residents)
25-34: 13.5% (39,395 residents)
35-44: 14.1% (41,100 residents)
45-54: 12.8% (37,135 residents)
55-64: 13.8% (40,290 residents)
Over 64: 16.3% (47,555 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Gatineau?

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

82.7% non-immigrants (236,230 residents)
15.5% immigrants (44,185 residents)
1.9% non-permanent residents (5,300 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Gatineau?

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

English: 17%
French: 78.3%
English and French: 4.1%
Neither English nor French: 0.6%

What is the typical household size in Gatineau?

The typical household size in Gatineau is 2.3 people.

What is the median household income in Gatineau?

The median household income in Gatineau is $82,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Gatineau residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Gatineau is as follows:

No diploma: 17.4% (40,650 residents)
High school diploma: 22.2% (51,870 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 11.1% (25,945 residents)
College diploma: 17.9% (41,785 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3.2% (7,505 residents)
University degree: 28% (65,390 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Gatineau?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.2%
Business, finance and administration: 22.8%
Education, law, community and government services: 17.7%
Health: 7.2%
Management: 1.4%
Manufacturing and utilities: 1.4%
Natural and applied sciences: 8.8%
Natural resources and agriculture: 0.9%
Sales and service: 23.3%
Trades and transport: 13.3%

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

Gatineau, QC demographics:population, income, and more