Sainte-Marie, QC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
13,134
2.1 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,000/yr
Private dwellings
5,630

Sainte-Marie population

How many people live in Sainte-Marie

Sainte-Marie is home to 13,134 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.8% identify as male and 50.2% as female.

Total population
13,134
2.1% year-over-year change
Population density
122.1/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
6,540
Female
50.2%
6,600
Value Percent
Male 6,540 49.8%
Female 6,600 50.2%
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 Sainte-Marie is 43.3. Children under 15 make up 17.8% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 10.8% are 25 to 34, 13.2% are 35 to 44, and 11.4% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14.5% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 22.4%.

Average age
43.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.8%
15 to 24
9.9%
25 to 34
10.8%
35 to 44
13.2%
45 to 54
11.4%
55 to 64
14.5%
Over 65
22.4%
Value Percent
Under 15 2,345 17.8%
15 to 24 1,295 9.9%
25 to 34 1,415 10.8%
35 to 44 1,730 13.2%
45 to 54 1,500 11.4%
55 to 64 1,905 14.5%
Over 65 2,950 22.4%
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 Sainte-Marie, 95.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 2.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.7% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
95.8%
Immigrants
2.5%
Non-permanent residents
1.7%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 12,115 95.8%
Immigrants 315 2.5%
Non-permanent residents 210 1.7%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
3.8%
Non-minorities
96.2%
Value Percent
Minorities 485 3.8%
Non-minorities 12,155 96.2%
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 Sainte-Marie
English
0.8%
French
98.3%
English and French
0.7%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 100 0.8%
French 12,745 98.3%
English and French 85 0.7%
Neither English nor French 30 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 0.8% of people in Sainte-Marie speak English as their primary language, 98.3% communicate mainly in French, 0.7% are bilingual, and 0.2% 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 Sainte-Marie

A peek inside Sainte-Marie households

Sainte-Marie has 5,500 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 30.6% of all homes, while 37.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 19.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
5,500
Average people per household
2.3
1 person
30.6%
2 persons
37.6%
3 persons
12.3%
4 persons
12.9%
5 or more persons
6.6%
Value Percent
1 person 1,685 30.6%
2 persons 2,070 37.6%
3 persons 675 12.3%
4 persons 710 12.9%
5 or more persons 360 6.6%
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 Sainte-Marie

The housing landscape of Sainte-Marie

Sainte-Marie has a total of 5,630 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Sainte-Marie offers a variety of home sizes: 8% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 71% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 21.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
5,630
Housing types
Single-detached homes
58.2%
Attached homes
40.6%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
1.2%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 3,200 58.2%
Attached homes 2,230 40.6%
Movable homes 65 1.2%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
8%
2 or 3 bedrooms
71%
4 or more bedrooms
21.4%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 420 8%
2 or 3 bedrooms 3,905 71%
4 or more bedrooms 1,180 21.4%
Homes built since 2011
945

The age of buildings in Sainte-Marie

About 5.3% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 5.7% between 1946 and 1960. Another 7.7% went up in the 1960s, 20.6% in the 1970s, and 15% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 13.6% of homes were added, and 14.9% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 290 5.3%
Between 1946 and 1960 315 5.7%
Between 1961 and 1970 425 7.7%
Between 1971 and 1980 1,130 20.6%
Between 1981 and 1990 825 15%
Between 1991 and 2000 745 13.6%
Between 2001 and 2010 820 14.9%
After 2011 945 17.2%
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.

Sainte-Marie occupancy rates

In Sainte-Marie, there are 5,500 occupied private dwellings, of which 70.4% are owner-occupied and 29.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 130 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
5,500
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
29.6%
Owned households
70.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,625 29.6%
Owned households 3,875 70.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
130
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 Sainte-Marie, homeowners pay a median of $870 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $710. About 91.5% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 8.5% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$870
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$710
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
91.5%
≥30% on shelter
8.5%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 4,985 91.5%
≥30% on shelter 465 8.5%
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 Sainte-Marie

Sainte-Marie education at a glance

In Sainte-Marie, educational attainment varies across the community. About 17.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 22.9% have completed high school and 20.1% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 20.1% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 16.3% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,795 17.4%
High school diploma 2,360 22.9%
Apprenticeship diploma 2,075 20.1%
College diploma 2,075 20.1%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 320 3.1%
University degree 1,680 16.3%
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 Sainte-Marie

How much people earn in Sainte-Marie

In Sainte-Marie, the median household income sits at $78,000, while the median after-tax household income is $68,000.

Median household income
$78,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$68,000/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.

Sainte-Marie income by age

Young adults in Sainte-Marie 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 $52,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $59,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $57,600, followed by $48,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $29,200.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 20,000
25 - 34 52,000
35 - 44 59,600
45 - 54 57,600
55 - 64 48,000
Over 65 29,200

Employment in Sainte-Marie

Workforce and job sectors in Sainte-Marie

In Sainte-Marie, 7,085 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 4.9%. 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
7,085
Unemployment rate
4.9%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 95 1.4%
Business, finance and administration 1,130 16.2%
Natural and applied sciences 460 6.6%
Health 505 7.2%
Education, law, community and government services 795 11.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 130 1.9%
Sales and service 1,480 21.2%
Trades and transport 1,330 19%
Natural resources and agriculture 235 3.4%
Manufacturing and utilities 825 11.8%
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 Sainte-Marie

How people get around in Sainte-Marie

In Sainte-Marie, the average commute is 17 minutes. About 94% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.3% rely on public transit and 4.6% walk or bike. The remaining 1.1% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
17 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
55%
15 to 29 minutes
21.2%
30 to 44 minutes
15.5%
45 to 59 minutes
5.9%
More than 60 minutes
2.4%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 3,125 55%
15 to 29 minutes 1,205 21.2%
30 to 44 minutes 880 15.5%
45 to 59 minutes 335 5.9%
More than 60 minutes 135 2.4%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 5,340 94%
By public transit 15 0.3%
By bicycle/by walking 260 4.6%
By other methods 65 1.1%
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 Sainte-Marie demographics 

What is the current total population in Sainte-Marie?

Sainte-Marie has a population of 13,134, 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 Sainte-Marie?  

Sainte-Marie has a population density of 122.1 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Sainte-Marie?

Sainte-Marie has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.8% males (6,540 residents)  
  • 50.2% females (6,600 residents)

What is the age distribution of Sainte-Marie residents?  

The age distribution of Sainte-Marie residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 17.8% (2,345 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9.9% (1,295 residents)   
  • 25-34: 10.8% (1,415 residents)   
  • 35-44: 13.2% (1,730 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.4% (1,500 residents)   
  • 55-64: 14.5% (1,905 residents)   
  • Over 64: 22.4% (2,950 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Sainte-Marie? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Sainte-Marie: 
  • 95.8% non-immigrants (12,115 residents)  
  • 2.5% immigrants (315 residents)  
  • 1.7% non-permanent residents (210 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Sainte-Marie?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Sainte-Marie: 
  • English: 0.8% 
  • French: 98.3% 
  • English and French: 0.7% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Sainte-Marie?  

The typical household size in Sainte-Marie is 2.3 people. 

What is the median household income in Sainte-Marie?  

The median household income in Sainte-Marie is $78,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Sainte-Marie residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Sainte-Marie is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 17.4% (1,795 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 22.9% (2,360 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 20.1% (2,075 residents) 
  • College diploma: 20.1% (2,075 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.1% (320 residents) 
  • University degree: 16.3% (1,680 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Sainte-Marie?  

The most common occupations in Sainte-Marie fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.9% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 16.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11.4% 
  • Health: 7.2% 
  • Management: 1.4% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 11.8% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 6.6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3.4% 
  • Sales and service: 21.2% 
  • Trades and transport: 19% 

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