Laval, QC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
438,366
2.1 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$85,000/yr
Private dwellings
176,115

Laval population

How many people live in Laval

Laval is home to 438,366 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.7% identify as male and 51.3% as female.

Total population
438,366
2.1% year-over-year change
Population density
1,781/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.7%
213,670
Female
51.3%
224,695
Value Percent
Male 213,670 48.7%
Female 224,695 51.3%
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 Laval is 42.0. Children under 15 make up 17.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.2% are 25 to 34, 12.9% are 35 to 44, and 14.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 18.7%.

Average age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.2%
15 to 24
11.7%
25 to 34
11.2%
35 to 44
12.9%
45 to 54
14.1%
55 to 64
14.2%
Over 65
18.7%
Value Percent
Under 15 75,200 17.2%
15 to 24 51,250 11.7%
25 to 34 49,175 11.2%
35 to 44 56,650 12.9%
45 to 54 61,750 14.1%
55 to 64 62,410 14.2%
Over 65 81,925 18.7%
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 Laval, 67.3% of residents were born in Canada, while 31.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.2% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
67.3%
Immigrants
31.5%
Non-permanent residents
1.2%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 288,925 67.3%
Immigrants 135,315 31.5%
Non-permanent residents 5,310 1.2%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
32.7%
Non-minorities
67.3%
Value Percent
Minorities 140,275 32.7%
Non-minorities 289,280 67.3%
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 Laval
English
19%
French
68.9%
English and French
10%
Neither English nor French
2%
Value Percent
English 82,675 19%
French 299,480 68.9%
English and French 43,690 10%
Neither English nor French 8,805 2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 19% of people in Laval speak English as their primary language, 68.9% communicate mainly in French, 10% are bilingual, and 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 Laval

A peek inside Laval households

Laval has 169,785 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 27.9% of all homes, while 30.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 25.7% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
169,785
Average people per household
2.5
1 person
27.9%
2 persons
30.9%
3 persons
15.4%
4 persons
16.2%
5 or more persons
9.5%
Value Percent
1 person 47,405 27.9%
2 persons 52,445 30.9%
3 persons 26,220 15.4%
4 persons 27,550 16.2%
5 or more persons 16,170 9.5%
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 Laval

The housing landscape of Laval

Laval has a total of 176,115 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 44.8% are single-detached houses, 45.4% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 9.8% are apartments. When it comes to space, Laval offers a variety of home sizes: 13% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 67% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 20.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
176,115
Housing types
Single-detached homes
44.8%
Attached homes
45.4%
Apartments
9.8%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 76,010 44.8%
Attached homes 77,140 45.4%
Apartments 16,570 9.8%
Movable homes 50 0%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
13%
2 or 3 bedrooms
67%
4 or more bedrooms
20.5%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 21,700 13%
2 or 3 bedrooms 113,240 67%
4 or more bedrooms 34,850 20.5%
Homes built since 2011
17,405

The age of buildings in Laval

About 2.5% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 11.7% between 1946 and 1960. Another 17% went up in the 1960s, 15.7% in the 1970s, and 16.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 11.9% of homes were added, and 14.2% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 4,180 2.5%
Between 1946 and 1960 19,875 11.7%
Between 1961 and 1970 28,935 17%
Between 1971 and 1980 26,595 15.7%
Between 1981 and 1990 28,535 16.8%
Between 1991 and 2000 20,155 11.9%
Between 2001 and 2010 24,100 14.2%
After 2011 17,405 10.2%
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.

Laval occupancy rates

In Laval, there are 169,785 occupied private dwellings, of which 66.6% are owner-occupied and 33.4% are rented. Meanwhile, 6,330 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
169,785
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
33.4%
Owned households
66.6%
Value Percent
Rented households 56,785 33.4%
Owned households 113,005 66.6%
Unoccupied dwellings
6,330
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 Laval, homeowners pay a median of $1,330 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $910. About 82.7% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 17.3% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,330
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$910
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
82.7%
≥30% on shelter
17.3%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 139,895 82.7%
≥30% on shelter 29,340 17.3%
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 Laval

Laval education at a glance

In Laval, educational attainment varies across the community. About 17.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 22.1% have completed high school and 12.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 17.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 4.5% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 24.9% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 62,995 17.8%
High school diploma 78,405 22.1%
Apprenticeship diploma 45,560 12.8%
College diploma 63,250 17.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 16,100 4.5%
University degree 88,110 24.9%
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 Laval

How much people earn in Laval

In Laval, the median household income sits at $85,000, while the median after-tax household income is $73,500.

Median household income
$85,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$73,500/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.

Laval income by age

Young adults in Laval between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,600, 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 $42,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $56,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $56,400, followed by $46,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $29,400.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 17,600
25 - 34 42,800
35 - 44 56,000
45 - 54 56,400
55 - 64 46,400
Over 65 29,400

Employment in Laval

Workforce and job sectors in Laval

In Laval, 232,550 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 8.6%. 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
232,550
Unemployment rate
8.6%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 4,375 1.9%
Business, finance and administration 46,570 20.5%
Natural and applied sciences 20,770 9.1%
Health 17,625 7.8%
Education, law, community and government services 25,755 11.3%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 5,950 2.6%
Sales and service 62,970 27.7%
Trades and transport 33,050 14.6%
Natural resources and agriculture 1,395 0.6%
Manufacturing and utilities 8,735 3.8%
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 Laval

How people get around in Laval

In Laval, the average commute is 27 minutes. About 84% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 11.3% rely on public transit and 3.2% walk or bike. The remaining 1.5% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
27 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
20.3%
15 to 29 minutes
38.2%
30 to 44 minutes
24.7%
45 to 59 minutes
9.1%
More than 60 minutes
7.8%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 33,175 20.3%
15 to 29 minutes 62,485 38.2%
30 to 44 minutes 40,375 24.7%
45 to 59 minutes 14,920 9.1%
More than 60 minutes 12,760 7.8%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 137,570 84%
By public transit 18,555 11.3%
By bicycle/by walking 5,150 3.2%
By other methods 2,435 1.5%
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 Laval demographics 

What is the current total population in Laval?

Laval has a population of 438,366, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.1% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Laval?  

Laval has a population density of 1,781 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Laval?

Laval has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.7% males (213,670 residents)  
  • 51.3% females (224,695 residents)

What is the age distribution of Laval residents?  

The age distribution of Laval residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 17.2% (75,200 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11.7% (51,250 residents)   
  • 25-34: 11.2% (49,175 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12.9% (56,650 residents)   
  • 45-54: 14.1% (61,750 residents)   
  • 55-64: 14.2% (62,410 residents)   
  • Over 64: 18.7% (81,925 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Laval? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Laval: 
  • 67.3% non-immigrants (288,925 residents)  
  • 31.5% immigrants (135,315 residents)  
  • 1.2% non-permanent residents (5,310 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Laval?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Laval: 
  • English: 19% 
  • French: 68.9% 
  • English and French: 10% 
  • Neither English nor French: 2% 

What is the typical household size in Laval?  

The typical household size in Laval is 2.5 people. 

What is the median household income in Laval?  

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

What is the educational attainment level of Laval residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Laval is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 17.8% (62,995 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 22.1% (78,405 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 12.8% (45,560 residents) 
  • College diploma: 17.8% (63,250 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 4.5% (16,100 residents) 
  • University degree: 24.9% (88,110 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Laval?  

The most common occupations in Laval fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.6% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 20.5% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11.3% 
  • Health: 7.8% 
  • Management: 1.9% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 3.8% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 9.1% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 0.6% 
  • Sales and service: 27.7% 
  • Trades and transport: 14.6% 

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