Saguenay, QC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
144,723
2.1 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$69,000/yr
Private dwellings
71,017

Saguenay population

How many people live in Saguenay

Saguenay is home to 144,723 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.7% identify as male and 50.3% as female.

Total population
144,723
2.1% year-over-year change
Population density
128.7/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.7%
71,935
Female
50.3%
72,790
Value Percent
Male 71,935 49.7%
Female 72,790 50.3%
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 Saguenay is 45.1. Children under 15 make up 14.9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.4% are 25 to 34, 12.3% are 35 to 44, and 10.5% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.1% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 24.8%.

Average age
45.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.9%
15 to 24
9.9%
25 to 34
11.4%
35 to 44
12.3%
45 to 54
10.5%
55 to 64
16.1%
Over 65
24.8%
Value Percent
Under 15 21,605 14.9%
15 to 24 14,305 9.9%
25 to 34 16,525 11.4%
35 to 44 17,830 12.3%
45 to 54 15,180 10.5%
55 to 64 23,335 16.1%
Over 65 35,935 24.8%
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 Saguenay, 97.5% of residents were born in Canada, while 1.4% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.1% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
97.5%
Immigrants
1.4%
Non-permanent residents
1.1%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 137,540 97.5%
Immigrants 1,980 1.4%
Non-permanent residents 1,600 1.1%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
2%
Non-minorities
98%
Value Percent
Minorities 2,870 2%
Non-minorities 138,245 98%
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 Saguenay
English
1%
French
98.7%
English and French
0.3%
Neither English nor French
0.1%
Value Percent
English 1,375 1%
French 141,550 98.7%
English and French 380 0.3%
Neither English nor French 95 0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 1% of people in Saguenay speak English as their primary language, 98.7% communicate mainly in French, 0.3% are bilingual, and 0.1% 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 Saguenay

A peek inside Saguenay households

Saguenay has 67,525 households, with an average of 2.1 people living in each. One-person households make up 36.3% of all homes, while 38.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 11.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 14% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
67,525
Average people per household
2.1
1 person
36.3%
2 persons
38.4%
3 persons
11.3%
4 persons
9.7%
5 or more persons
4.3%
Value Percent
1 person 24,490 36.3%
2 persons 25,900 38.4%
3 persons 7,640 11.3%
4 persons 6,560 9.7%
5 or more persons 2,930 4.3%
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 Saguenay

The housing landscape of Saguenay

Saguenay has a total of 71,017 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 48% are single-detached houses, 49.8% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 1.6% are apartments. When it comes to space, Saguenay offers a variety of home sizes: 13% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 64% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 23.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
71,017
Housing types
Single-detached homes
48%
Attached homes
49.8%
Apartments
1.6%
Movable homes
0.6%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 32,445 48%
Attached homes 33,605 49.8%
Apartments 1,055 1.6%
Movable homes 425 0.6%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
13%
2 or 3 bedrooms
64%
4 or more bedrooms
23.5%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 8,655 13%
2 or 3 bedrooms 42,990 64%
4 or more bedrooms 15,875 23.5%
Homes built since 2011
5,760

The age of buildings in Saguenay

About 10% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 16% between 1946 and 1960. Another 13.1% went up in the 1960s, 21.4% in the 1970s, and 13.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 10% of homes were added, and 7.2% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 6,720 10%
Between 1946 and 1960 10,825 16%
Between 1961 and 1970 8,820 13.1%
Between 1971 and 1980 14,435 21.4%
Between 1981 and 1990 9,345 13.8%
Between 1991 and 2000 6,770 10%
Between 2001 and 2010 4,850 7.2%
After 2011 5,760 8.5%
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.

Saguenay occupancy rates

In Saguenay, there are 67,522 occupied private dwellings, of which 61.9% are owner-occupied and 38.1% are rented. Meanwhile, 3,495 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
67,522
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
38.1%
Owned households
61.9%
Value Percent
Rented households 25,730 38.1%
Owned households 41,795 61.9%
Unoccupied dwellings
3,495
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 Saguenay, homeowners pay a median of $1,010 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $632. About 87.8% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 12.2% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,010
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$632
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
87.8%
≥30% on shelter
12.2%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 59,035 87.8%
≥30% on shelter 8,210 12.2%
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 Saguenay

Saguenay education at a glance

In Saguenay, educational attainment varies across the community. About 16% of residents have no formal diploma, while 19.9% have completed high school and 23.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 19.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.5% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 17.6% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 19,155 16%
High school diploma 23,800 19.9%
Apprenticeship diploma 27,700 23.2%
College diploma 23,725 19.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 4,220 3.5%
University degree 20,985 17.6%
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 Saguenay

How much people earn in Saguenay

In Saguenay, the median household income sits at $69,000, while the median after-tax household income is $60,000.

Median household income
$69,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$60,000/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.

Saguenay income by age

Young adults in Saguenay between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,000, 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 $47,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $59,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $56,800, followed by $44,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $30,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 19,000
25 - 34 47,200
35 - 44 59,200
45 - 54 56,800
55 - 64 44,400
Over 65 30,600

Employment in Saguenay

Workforce and job sectors in Saguenay

In Saguenay, 71,660 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 5.5%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
71,660
Unemployment rate
5.5%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 965 1.4%
Business, finance and administration 10,820 15.4%
Natural and applied sciences 5,635 8%
Health 6,845 9.7%
Education, law, community and government services 9,500 13.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 1,515 2.2%
Sales and service 18,110 25.7%
Trades and transport 12,500 17.8%
Natural resources and agriculture 1,010 1.4%
Manufacturing and utilities 3,450 4.9%
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 Saguenay

How people get around in Saguenay

In Saguenay, the average commute is 16 minutes. About 91.9% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 2% rely on public transit and 4.2% walk or bike. The remaining 1.9% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
16 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
49.1%
15 to 29 minutes
38.2%
30 to 44 minutes
8.5%
45 to 59 minutes
2.2%
More than 60 minutes
2%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 28,760 49.1%
15 to 29 minutes 22,340 38.2%
30 to 44 minutes 4,965 8.5%
45 to 59 minutes 1,280 2.2%
More than 60 minutes 1,190 2%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 53,800 91.9%
By public transit 1,175 2%
By bicycle/by walking 2,455 4.2%
By other methods 1,100 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 Saguenay demographics 

What is the current total population in Saguenay?

Saguenay has a population of 144,723, 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 Saguenay?  

Saguenay has a population density of 128.7 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Saguenay?

Saguenay has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.7% males (71,935 residents)  
  • 50.3% females (72,790 residents)

What is the age distribution of Saguenay residents?  

The age distribution of Saguenay residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14.9% (21,605 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9.9% (14,305 residents)   
  • 25-34: 11.4% (16,525 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12.3% (17,830 residents)   
  • 45-54: 10.5% (15,180 residents)   
  • 55-64: 16.1% (23,335 residents)   
  • Over 64: 24.8% (35,935 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Saguenay? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Saguenay: 
  • 97.5% non-immigrants (137,540 residents)  
  • 1.4% immigrants (1,980 residents)  
  • 1.1% non-permanent residents (1,600 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Saguenay?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Saguenay: 
  • English: 1% 
  • French: 98.7% 
  • English and French: 0.3% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.1% 

What is the typical household size in Saguenay?  

The typical household size in Saguenay is 2.1 people. 

What is the median household income in Saguenay?  

The median household income in Saguenay is $69,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Saguenay residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Saguenay is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 16% (19,155 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 19.9% (23,800 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 23.2% (27,700 residents) 
  • College diploma: 19.8% (23,725 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.5% (4,220 residents) 
  • University degree: 17.6% (20,985 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Saguenay?  

The most common occupations in Saguenay fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 15.4% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 13.5% 
  • Health: 9.7% 
  • Management: 1.4% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 4.9% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 1.4% 
  • Sales and service: 25.7% 
  • Trades and transport: 17.8% 

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