Total population

6,516

-0.4 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$82,000/yr

Private dwellings

3,307

Port-Cartier population

How many people live in Port-Cartier

Port-Cartier is home to 6,516 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 52.8% identify as male and 47.2% as female.

Total population

6,516

-0.4% year-over-year change

Population density

6/km2

Gender ratio

Male

52.8%

3,440

Female

47.2%

3,080

	Value	Percent
Male	3,440	52.8%
Female	3,080	47.2%

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 Port-Cartier is 43.4. Children under 15 make up 16.5% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.1% are 25 to 34, 12.6% are 35 to 44, and 13.6% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.8% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 20.6%.

Average age

43.4

Age breakdown

Under 15: 16.5%
15 to 24: 9.7%
25 to 34: 11.1%
35 to 44: 12.6%
45 to 54: 13.6%
55 to 64: 15.8%
Over 65: 20.6%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	1,075	16.5%
15 to 24	635	9.7%
25 to 34	725	11.1%
35 to 44	825	12.6%
45 to 54	890	13.6%
55 to 64	1,035	15.8%
Over 65	1,345	20.6%

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 Port-Cartier, 98.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 1.1% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 98.8%
Immigrants: 1.1%
Non-permanent residents: 0%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	6,225	98.8%
Immigrants	70	1.1%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 1%
Non-minorities: 99%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	60	1%
Non-minorities	6,240	99%

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 Port-Cartier

English: 1.4%
French: 98.4%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0%

	Value	Percent
English	85	1.4%
French	6,215	98.4%
English and French	15	0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 1.4% of people in Port-Cartier speak English as their primary language, 98.4% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% are bilingual, and 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 Port-Cartier

A peek inside Port-Cartier households

Port-Cartier has 2,935 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 34.8% of all homes, while 36.7% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 15.1% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

2,935

Average people per household

2.2

1 person: 34.8%
2 persons: 36.7%
3 persons: 13.4%
4 persons: 10.3%
5 or more persons: 4.8%

	Value	Percent
1 person	1,015	34.8%
2 persons	1,070	36.7%
3 persons	390	13.4%
4 persons	300	10.3%
5 or more persons	140	4.8%

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 Port-Cartier

The housing landscape of Port-Cartier

Port-Cartier has a total of 3,307 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Port-Cartier offers a variety of home sizes: 12% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 59% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 28.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

3,307

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 53.2%
Attached homes: 32.6%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 14.2%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	1,550	53.2%
Attached homes	950	32.6%
Movable homes	415	14.2%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 12%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 59%
4 or more bedrooms: 28.8%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	350	12%
2 or 3 bedrooms	1,740	59%
4 or more bedrooms	845	28.8%

Homes built since 2011

165

The age of buildings in Port-Cartier

About 5.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 8.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 17.7% went up in the 1960s, 50.9% in the 1970s, and 4.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 3.9% of homes were added, and 3.9% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	150	5.1%
Between 1946 and 1960	240	8.2%
Between 1961 and 1970	520	17.7%
Between 1971 and 1980	1,500	50.9%
Between 1981 and 1990	140	4.8%
Between 1991 and 2000	115	3.9%
Between 2001 and 2010	115	3.9%
After 2011	165	5.6%

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.

Port-Cartier occupancy rates

In Port-Cartier, there are 2,918 occupied private dwellings, of which 72.1% are owner-occupied and 27.9% are rented. Meanwhile, 389 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

2,918

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 27.9%
Owned households: 72.1%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	820	27.9%
Owned households	2,120	72.1%

Unoccupied dwellings

389

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 Port-Cartier, homeowners pay a median of $800 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $576. About 94.2% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 5.8% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$800

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$576

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 94.2%
≥30% on shelter: 5.8%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	2,760	94.2%
≥30% on shelter	170	5.8%

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 Port-Cartier

Port-Cartier education at a glance

In Port-Cartier, educational attainment varies across the community. About 31% of residents have no formal diploma, while 22.2% have completed high school and 19.3% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 16.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 9.2% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	1,630	31%
High school diploma	1,165	22.2%
Apprenticeship diploma	1,015	19.3%
College diploma	885	16.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	75	1.4%
University degree	485	9.2%

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 Port-Cartier

How much people earn in Port-Cartier

In Port-Cartier, the median household income sits at $82,000, while the median after-tax household income is $70,000.

Median household income

$82,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$70,000/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.

Port-Cartier income by age

Young adults in Port-Cartier between 15 and 24 have a median income of $20,000, 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 $62,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $73,500. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $74,500, followed by $48,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $29,600.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	20,000
25 - 34	62,800
35 - 44	73,500
45 - 54	74,500
55 - 64	48,400
Over 65	29,600

Employment in Port-Cartier

Workforce and job sectors in Port-Cartier

In Port-Cartier, 3,015 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 6.6%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, sales and service, 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

3,015

Unemployment rate

6.6%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	25	0.8%
Business, finance and administration	355	12%
Natural and applied sciences	150	5.1%
Health	205	6.9%
Education, law, community and government services	520	17.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	35	1.2%
Sales and service	610	20.6%
Trades and transport	750	25.3%
Natural resources and agriculture	80	2.7%
Manufacturing and utilities	235	7.9%

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 Port-Cartier

How people get around in Port-Cartier

In Port-Cartier, the average commute is 13 minutes. About 93.4% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.1% rely on public transit and 4.5% walk or bike. The remaining 0.9% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

13 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 71.9%
15 to 29 minutes: 10.6%
30 to 44 minutes: 9.8%
45 to 59 minutes: 5.8%
More than 60 minutes: 1.9%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	1,910	71.9%
15 to 29 minutes	280	10.6%
30 to 44 minutes	260	9.8%
45 to 59 minutes	155	5.8%
More than 60 minutes	50	1.9%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	2,485	93.4%
By public transit	30	1.1%
By bicycle/by walking	120	4.5%
By other methods	25	0.9%

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 Port-Cartier demographics

What is the current total population in Port-Cartier?

Port-Cartier has a population of 6,516, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a -0.4% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Port-Cartier?

Port-Cartier has a population density of 6 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Port-Cartier?

Port-Cartier has the following gender distribution:

52.8% males (3,440 residents)
47.2% females (3,080 residents)

What is the age distribution of Port-Cartier residents?

The age distribution of Port-Cartier residents is as follows:

Under 15: 16.5% (1,075 residents)
15-24: 9.7% (635 residents)
25-34: 11.1% (725 residents)
35-44: 12.6% (825 residents)
45-54: 13.6% (890 residents)
55-64: 15.8% (1,035 residents)
Over 64: 20.6% (1,345 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Port-Cartier?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Port-Cartier:

98.8% non-immigrants (6,225 residents)
1.1% immigrants (70 residents)
0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Port-Cartier?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Port-Cartier:

English: 1.4%
French: 98.4%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0%

What is the typical household size in Port-Cartier?

The typical household size in Port-Cartier is 2.2 people.

What is the median household income in Port-Cartier?

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

What is the educational attainment level of Port-Cartier residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Port-Cartier is as follows:

No diploma: 31% (1,630 residents)
High school diploma: 22.2% (1,165 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 19.3% (1,015 residents)
College diploma: 16.8% (885 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 1.4% (75 residents)
University degree: 9.2% (485 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Port-Cartier?

The most common occupations in Port-Cartier fall within the sectors listed below:

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.2%
Business, finance and administration: 12%
Education, law, community and government services: 17.5%
Health: 6.9%
Management: 0.8%
Manufacturing and utilities: 7.9%
Natural and applied sciences: 5.1%
Natural resources and agriculture: 2.7%
Sales and service: 20.6%
Trades and transport: 25.3%

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

Port-Cartier, QC demographics:population, income, and more