Quebec City, QC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
549,459
2.9 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,500/yr
Private dwellings
283,219

Quebec City population

How many people live in Quebec City

Quebec City is home to 549,459 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.7% identify as male and 51.3% as female.

Total population
549,459
2.9% year-over-year change
Population density
1,214.8/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.7%
267,585
Female
51.3%
281,870
Value Percent
Male 267,585 48.7%
Female 281,870 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 Quebec City is 43.8. Children under 15 make up 14.8% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.3%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13.9% are 25 to 34, 13.3% are 35 to 44, and 11.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 22.8%.

Average age
43.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.8%
15 to 24
10.3%
25 to 34
13.9%
35 to 44
13.3%
45 to 54
11.1%
55 to 64
13.9%
Over 65
22.8%
Value Percent
Under 15 81,030 14.8%
15 to 24 56,645 10.3%
25 to 34 76,370 13.9%
35 to 44 73,085 13.3%
45 to 54 61,070 11.1%
55 to 64 76,230 13.9%
Over 65 125,020 22.8%
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 Quebec City, 89.1% of residents were born in Canada, while 8.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
89.1%
Immigrants
8.5%
Non-permanent residents
2.5%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 475,200 89.1%
Immigrants 45,235 8.5%
Non-permanent residents 13,115 2.5%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
9.4%
Non-minorities
90.6%
Value Percent
Minorities 50,375 9.4%
Non-minorities 483,165 90.6%
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 Quebec City
English
1.9%
French
96.3%
English and French
1.4%
Neither English nor French
0.4%
Value Percent
English 10,130 1.9%
French 522,475 96.3%
English and French 7,795 1.4%
Neither English nor French 2,040 0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 1.9% of people in Quebec City speak English as their primary language, 96.3% communicate mainly in French, 1.4% are bilingual, and 0.4% 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 Quebec City

A peek inside Quebec City households

Quebec City has 265,715 households, with an average of 2.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 41.5% of all homes, while 34.7% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 10.7%, and homes with four or more people account for 13.1% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
265,715
Average people per household
2
1 person
41.5%
2 persons
34.7%
3 persons
10.7%
4 persons
9.2%
5 or more persons
3.9%
Value Percent
1 person 110,300 41.5%
2 persons 92,215 34.7%
3 persons 28,440 10.7%
4 persons 24,375 9.2%
5 or more persons 10,375 3.9%
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 Quebec City

The housing landscape of Quebec City

Quebec City has a total of 283,219 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 30.4% are single-detached houses, 60.2% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 8.8% are apartments. When it comes to space, Quebec City offers a variety of home sizes: 23% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 61% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 15.2% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
283,219
Housing types
Single-detached homes
30.4%
Attached homes
60.2%
Apartments
8.8%
Movable homes
0.5%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 80,885 30.4%
Attached homes 159,930 60.2%
Apartments 23,520 8.8%
Movable homes 1,380 0.5%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
23%
2 or 3 bedrooms
61%
4 or more bedrooms
15.2%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 62,260 23%
2 or 3 bedrooms 162,925 61%
4 or more bedrooms 40,530 15.2%
Homes built since 2011
31,760

The age of buildings in Quebec City

About 9.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 10.9% between 1946 and 1960. Another 13.4% went up in the 1960s, 16.8% in the 1970s, and 14.9% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 11% of homes were added, and 11.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 26,160 9.8%
Between 1946 and 1960 29,050 10.9%
Between 1961 and 1970 35,735 13.4%
Between 1971 and 1980 44,580 16.8%
Between 1981 and 1990 39,705 14.9%
Between 1991 and 2000 29,160 11%
Between 2001 and 2010 29,565 11.1%
After 2011 31,760 12%
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.

Quebec City occupancy rates

In Quebec City, there are 265,711 occupied private dwellings, of which 51.2% are owner-occupied and 48.8% are rented. Meanwhile, 17,508 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
265,711
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
48.8%
Owned households
51.2%
Value Percent
Rented households 129,565 48.8%
Owned households 136,145 51.2%
Unoccupied dwellings
17,508
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 Quebec City, homeowners pay a median of $1,130 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $830. About 83.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 16.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,130
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$830
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
83.9%
≥30% on shelter
16.1%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 222,060 83.9%
≥30% on shelter 42,655 16.1%
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 Quebec City

Quebec City education at a glance

In Quebec City, educational attainment varies across the community. About 12.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 20.2% have completed high school and 14.3% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 19.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.9% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 29.2% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 56,890 12.6%
High school diploma 91,440 20.2%
Apprenticeship diploma 64,890 14.3%
College diploma 89,650 19.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 17,725 3.9%
University degree 132,100 29.2%
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 Quebec City

How much people earn in Quebec City

In Quebec City, the median household income sits at $70,500, while the median after-tax household income is $60,800.

Median household income
$70,500/year
Median after-tax household income
$60,800/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.

Quebec City income by age

Young adults in Quebec City between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,600, 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 $46,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $61,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $60,400, followed by $48,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $35,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 19,600
25 - 34 46,400
35 - 44 61,600
45 - 54 60,400
55 - 64 48,800
Over 65 35,600

Employment in Quebec City

Workforce and job sectors in Quebec City

In Quebec City, 293,655 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7.1%. 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
293,655
Unemployment rate
7.1%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 4,550 1.6%
Business, finance and administration 57,590 19.9%
Natural and applied sciences 33,185 11.5%
Health 27,435 9.5%
Education, law, community and government services 42,380 14.7%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 10,240 3.5%
Sales and service 70,075 24.2%
Trades and transport 34,910 12.1%
Natural resources and agriculture 1,835 0.6%
Manufacturing and utilities 6,840 2.4%
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 Quebec City

How people get around in Quebec City

In Quebec City, the average commute is 20 minutes. About 78.6% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 10.8% rely on public transit and 9% walk or bike. The remaining 1.6% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
20 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
32.4%
15 to 29 minutes
48%
30 to 44 minutes
13.4%
45 to 59 minutes
3.6%
More than 60 minutes
2.6%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 65,060 32.4%
15 to 29 minutes 96,435 48%
30 to 44 minutes 26,865 13.4%
45 to 59 minutes 7,325 3.6%
More than 60 minutes 5,225 2.6%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 157,975 78.6%
By public transit 21,765 10.8%
By bicycle/by walking 18,020 9%
By other methods 3,145 1.6%
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 Quebec City demographics 

What is the current total population in Quebec City?

Quebec City has a population of 549,459, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.9% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Quebec City?  

Quebec City has a population density of 1,214.8 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Quebec City?

Quebec City has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.7% males (267,585 residents)  
  • 51.3% females (281,870 residents)

What is the age distribution of Quebec City residents?  

The age distribution of Quebec City residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14.8% (81,030 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10.3% (56,645 residents)   
  • 25-34: 13.9% (76,370 residents)   
  • 35-44: 13.3% (73,085 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.1% (61,070 residents)   
  • 55-64: 13.9% (76,230 residents)   
  • Over 64: 22.8% (125,020 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Quebec City? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Quebec City: 
  • 89.1% non-immigrants (475,200 residents)  
  • 8.5% immigrants (45,235 residents)  
  • 2.5% non-permanent residents (13,115 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Quebec City?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Quebec City: 
  • English: 1.9% 
  • French: 96.3% 
  • English and French: 1.4% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.4% 

What is the typical household size in Quebec City?  

The typical household size in Quebec City is 2 people. 

What is the median household income in Quebec City?  

The median household income in Quebec City is $70,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Quebec City residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Quebec City is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 12.6% (56,890 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 20.2% (91,440 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 14.3% (64,890 residents) 
  • College diploma: 19.8% (89,650 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.9% (17,725 residents) 
  • University degree: 29.2% (132,100 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Quebec City?  

The most common occupations in Quebec City fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.5% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 19.9% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 14.7% 
  • Health: 9.5% 
  • Management: 1.6% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 2.4% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 11.5% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 0.6% 
  • Sales and service: 24.2% 
  • Trades and transport: 12.1% 

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