Total population

1,762,949

4.6 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$63,600/yr

Private dwellings

878,542

Montreal population

How many people live in Montreal

Montreal is home to 1,762,949 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.2% identify as male and 50.8% as female.

Total population

1,762,949

4.6% year-over-year change

Population density

4,833.5/km2

Gender ratio

Male

49.2%

867,975

Female

50.8%

894,980

	Value	Percent
Male	867,975	49.2%
Female	894,980	50.8%

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 Montreal is 40.6. Children under 15 make up 15.3% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 17.1% are 25 to 34, 14.9% are 35 to 44, and 12.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 11.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 16.8%.

Average age

40.6

Age breakdown

Under 15: 15.3%
15 to 24: 11.8%
25 to 34: 17.1%
35 to 44: 14.9%
45 to 54: 12.2%
55 to 64: 11.9%
Over 65: 16.8%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	270,430	15.3%
15 to 24	207,710	11.8%
25 to 34	300,850	17.1%
35 to 44	263,045	14.9%
45 to 54	215,675	12.2%
55 to 64	209,765	11.9%
Over 65	295,475	16.8%

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 Montreal, 59% of residents were born in Canada, while 33.4% have settled here from abroad. Another 7.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 59%
Immigrants: 33.4%
Non-permanent residents: 7.5%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	1,017,325	59%
Immigrants	576,120	33.4%
Non-permanent residents	129,780	7.5%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 38.8%
Non-minorities: 61.2%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	668,975	38.8%
Non-minorities	1,054,255	61.2%

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 Montreal

English: 26.3%
French: 62.7%
English and French: 8.7%
Neither English nor French: 2.3%

	Value	Percent
English	457,725	26.3%
French	1,091,480	62.7%
English and French	151,345	8.7%
Neither English nor French	40,705	2.3%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 26.3% of people in Montreal speak English as their primary language, 62.7% communicate mainly in French, 8.7% are bilingual, and 2.3% 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 Montreal

A peek inside Montreal households

Montreal has 816,355 households, with an average of 2.1 people living in each. One-person households make up 41.8% of all homes, while 29.7% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.7%, and homes with four or more people account for 15.8% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

816,355

Average people per household

2.1

1 person: 41.8%
2 persons: 29.7%
3 persons: 12.7%
4 persons: 10.1%
5 or more persons: 5.7%

	Value	Percent
1 person	341,345	41.8%
2 persons	242,175	29.7%
3 persons	103,550	12.7%
4 persons	82,715	10.1%
5 or more persons	46,560	5.7%

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 Montreal

The housing landscape of Montreal

Montreal has a total of 878,542 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 7.1% are single-detached houses, 76.8% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 16% are apartments. When it comes to space, Montreal offers a variety of home sizes: 33% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 59% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 7.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

878,542

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 7.1%
Attached homes: 76.8%
Apartments: 16%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	58,065	7.1%
Attached homes	627,250	76.8%
Apartments	130,615	16%
Movable homes	415	0%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 33%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 59%
4 or more bedrooms: 7.9%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	273,095	33%
2 or 3 bedrooms	478,710	59%
4 or more bedrooms	64,550	7.9%

Homes built since 2011

67,315

The age of buildings in Montreal

About 17.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 18.9% between 1946 and 1960. Another 17.7% went up in the 1960s, 12.7% in the 1970s, and 11% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 7.1% of homes were added, and 7.3% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	139,455	17.1%
Between 1946 and 1960	154,430	18.9%
Between 1961 and 1970	144,165	17.7%
Between 1971 and 1980	103,860	12.7%
Between 1981 and 1990	89,705	11%
Between 1991 and 2000	57,865	7.1%
Between 2001 and 2010	59,570	7.3%
After 2011	67,315	8.2%

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.

Montreal occupancy rates

In Montreal, there are 816,338 occupied private dwellings, of which 36.4% are owner-occupied and 63.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 62,204 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

816,338

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 63.6%
Owned households: 36.4%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	519,020	63.6%
Owned households	297,340	36.4%

Unoccupied dwellings

62,204

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 Montreal, homeowners pay a median of $1,360 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $870. About 75.8% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 24.2% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,360

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$870

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 75.8%
≥30% on shelter: 24.2%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	612,990	75.8%
≥30% on shelter	195,960	24.2%

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 Montreal

Montreal education at a glance

In Montreal, educational attainment varies across the community. About 15.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 19.4% have completed high school and 9.3% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 15.6% have graduated from college. Finally, 4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 36% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	228,310	15.7%
High school diploma	281,440	19.4%
Apprenticeship diploma	135,320	9.3%
College diploma	226,630	15.6%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	58,675	4%
University degree	522,915	36%

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 Montreal

How much people earn in Montreal

In Montreal, the median household income sits at $63,600, while the median after-tax household income is $56,000.

Median household income

$63,600/year

Median after-tax household income

$56,000/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.

Montreal income by age

Young adults in Montreal between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,000, 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 $39,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $50,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $48,400, followed by $40,800 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	17,000
25 - 34	39,600
35 - 44	50,400
45 - 54	48,400
55 - 64	40,800
Over 65	28,600

Employment in Montreal

Workforce and job sectors in Montreal

In Montreal, 959,135 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 10.3%. 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

959,135

Unemployment rate

10.3%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	14,540	1.6%
Business, finance and administration	180,355	19.4%
Natural and applied sciences	101,555	10.9%
Health	75,605	8.1%
Education, law, community and government services	124,755	13.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	56,870	6.1%
Sales and service	234,485	25.2%
Trades and transport	98,535	10.6%
Natural resources and agriculture	5,025	0.5%
Manufacturing and utilities	38,850	4.2%

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 Montreal

How people get around in Montreal

In Montreal, the average commute is 28 minutes. About 56.7% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 28.4% rely on public transit and 13% walk or bike. The remaining 1.9% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

28 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 17.9%
15 to 29 minutes: 35.5%
30 to 44 minutes: 27%
45 to 59 minutes: 10.5%
More than 60 minutes: 9%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	106,580	17.9%
15 to 29 minutes	211,950	35.5%
30 to 44 minutes	161,385	27%
45 to 59 minutes	62,880	10.5%
More than 60 minutes	53,935	9%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	338,295	56.7%
By public transit	169,380	28.4%
By bicycle/by walking	77,815	13%
By other methods	11,255	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 Montreal demographics

What is the current total population in Montreal?

Montreal has a population of 1,762,949, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +4.6% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Montreal?

Montreal has a population density of 4,833.5 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Montreal?

Montreal has the following gender distribution:

49.2% males (867,975 residents)
50.8% females (894,980 residents)

What is the age distribution of Montreal residents?

The age distribution of Montreal residents is as follows:

Under 15: 15.3% (270,430 residents)
15-24: 11.8% (207,710 residents)
25-34: 17.1% (300,850 residents)
35-44: 14.9% (263,045 residents)
45-54: 12.2% (215,675 residents)
55-64: 11.9% (209,765 residents)
Over 64: 16.8% (295,475 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Montreal?

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

59% non-immigrants (1,017,325 residents)
33.4% immigrants (576,120 residents)
7.5% non-permanent residents (129,780 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Montreal?

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

English: 26.3%
French: 62.7%
English and French: 8.7%
Neither English nor French: 2.3%

What is the typical household size in Montreal?

The typical household size in Montreal is 2.1 people.

What is the median household income in Montreal?

The median household income in Montreal is $63,600 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Montreal residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Montreal is as follows:

No diploma: 15.7% (228,310 residents)
High school diploma: 19.4% (281,440 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 9.3% (135,320 residents)
College diploma: 15.6% (226,630 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 4% (58,675 residents)
University degree: 36% (522,915 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Montreal?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 6.1%
Business, finance and administration: 19.4%
Education, law, community and government services: 13.4%
Health: 8.1%
Management: 1.6%
Manufacturing and utilities: 4.2%
Natural and applied sciences: 10.9%
Natural resources and agriculture: 0.5%
Sales and service: 25.2%
Trades and transport: 10.6%

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

Montreal, QC demographics:population, income, and more