Shawinigan, QC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
49,620
1.2 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,600/yr
Private dwellings
27,444

Shawinigan population

How many people live in Shawinigan

Shawinigan is home to 49,620 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.7% identify as male and 51.3% as female.

Total population
49,620
1.2% year-over-year change
Population density
68/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.7%
24,165
Female
51.3%
25,455
Value Percent
Male 24,165 48.7%
Female 25,455 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 Shawinigan is 49.2. Children under 15 make up 12.7% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 7.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 9.5% are 25 to 34, 10.5% are 35 to 44, and 10.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 18.5% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 30.9%.

Average age
49.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.7%
15 to 24
7.7%
25 to 34
9.5%
35 to 44
10.5%
45 to 54
10.2%
55 to 64
18.5%
Over 65
30.9%
Value Percent
Under 15 6,290 12.7%
15 to 24 3,825 7.7%
25 to 34 4,695 9.5%
35 to 44 5,230 10.5%
45 to 54 5,055 10.2%
55 to 64 9,170 18.5%
Over 65 15,350 30.9%
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 Shawinigan, 97.2% of residents were born in Canada, while 2.1% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.7% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
97.2%
Immigrants
2.1%
Non-permanent residents
0.7%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 46,310 97.2%
Immigrants 1,015 2.1%
Non-permanent residents 320 0.7%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
2.2%
Non-minorities
97.8%
Value Percent
Minorities 1,045 2.2%
Non-minorities 46,595 97.8%
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 Shawinigan
English
1.3%
French
98.1%
English and French
0.4%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 625 1.3%
French 47,720 98.1%
English and French 220 0.4%
Neither English nor French 80 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 1.3% of people in Shawinigan speak English as their primary language, 98.1% communicate mainly in French, 0.4% 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 Shawinigan

A peek inside Shawinigan households

Shawinigan has 25,060 households, with an average of 1.9 people living in each. One-person households make up 44.1% of all homes, while 36.8% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 9.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 9.8% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
25,060
Average people per household
1.9
1 person
44.1%
2 persons
36.8%
3 persons
9.2%
4 persons
6.4%
5 or more persons
3.4%
Value Percent
1 person 11,055 44.1%
2 persons 9,220 36.8%
3 persons 2,315 9.2%
4 persons 1,605 6.4%
5 or more persons 865 3.4%
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 Shawinigan

The housing landscape of Shawinigan

Shawinigan has a total of 27,444 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Shawinigan offers a variety of home sizes: 13% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 71% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 16.6% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
27,444
Housing types
Single-detached homes
49.9%
Attached homes
49.7%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0.4%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 12,495 49.9%
Attached homes 12,465 49.7%
Apartments 10 0%
Movable homes 90 0.4%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
13%
2 or 3 bedrooms
71%
4 or more bedrooms
16.6%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 3,200 13%
2 or 3 bedrooms 17,700 71%
4 or more bedrooms 4,160 16.6%
Homes built since 2011
1,445

The age of buildings in Shawinigan

About 17.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 24.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 12.9% went up in the 1960s, 17.4% in the 1970s, and 10.9% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 7.1% of homes were added, and 4% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 4,420 17.6%
Between 1946 and 1960 6,055 24.2%
Between 1961 and 1970 3,240 12.9%
Between 1971 and 1980 4,370 17.4%
Between 1981 and 1990 2,735 10.9%
Between 1991 and 2000 1,780 7.1%
Between 2001 and 2010 1,010 4%
After 2011 1,445 5.8%
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.

Shawinigan occupancy rates

In Shawinigan, there are 25,060 occupied private dwellings, of which 56.4% are owner-occupied and 43.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 2,384 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
25,060
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
43.6%
Owned households
56.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 10,915 43.6%
Owned households 14,140 56.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
2,384
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 Shawinigan, homeowners pay a median of $790 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $532. About 86% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 14% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$790
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$532
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
86%
≥30% on shelter
14%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 21,520 86%
≥30% on shelter 3,495 14%
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 Shawinigan

Shawinigan education at a glance

In Shawinigan, educational attainment varies across the community. About 22.5% of residents have no formal diploma, while 23.9% have completed high school and 21.9% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 17.2% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 11.7% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 9,315 22.5%
High school diploma 9,900 23.9%
Apprenticeship diploma 9,040 21.9%
College diploma 7,100 17.2%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 1,165 2.8%
University degree 4,830 11.7%
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 Shawinigan

How much people earn in Shawinigan

In Shawinigan, the median household income sits at $53,600, while the median after-tax household income is $48,400.

Median household income
$53,600/year
Median after-tax household income
$48,400/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.

Shawinigan income by age

Young adults in Shawinigan between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,200, 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 $42,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $49,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $45,600, followed by $38,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $26,200.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 19,200
25 - 34 42,400
35 - 44 49,600
45 - 54 45,600
55 - 64 38,400
Over 65 26,200

Employment in Shawinigan

Workforce and job sectors in Shawinigan

In Shawinigan, 21,555 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7.5%. 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
21,555
Unemployment rate
7.5%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 185 0.9%
Business, finance and administration 2,845 13.5%
Natural and applied sciences 1,200 5.7%
Health 2,195 10.4%
Education, law, community and government services 2,280 10.8%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 290 1.4%
Sales and service 6,125 29.2%
Trades and transport 3,890 18.5%
Natural resources and agriculture 390 1.9%
Manufacturing and utilities 1,610 7.7%
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 Shawinigan

How people get around in Shawinigan

In Shawinigan, the average commute is 20 minutes. About 90.6% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.4% rely on public transit and 6.4% 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
45.2%
15 to 29 minutes
30.9%
30 to 44 minutes
15.4%
45 to 59 minutes
4.5%
More than 60 minutes
4%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 7,735 45.2%
15 to 29 minutes 5,290 30.9%
30 to 44 minutes 2,635 15.4%
45 to 59 minutes 765 4.5%
More than 60 minutes 680 4%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 15,490 90.6%
By public transit 240 1.4%
By bicycle/by walking 1,095 6.4%
By other methods 280 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 Shawinigan demographics 

What is the current total population in Shawinigan?

Shawinigan has a population of 49,620, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.2% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Shawinigan?  

Shawinigan has a population density of 68 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Shawinigan?

Shawinigan has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.7% males (24,165 residents)  
  • 51.3% females (25,455 residents)

What is the age distribution of Shawinigan residents?  

The age distribution of Shawinigan residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 12.7% (6,290 residents)   
  • 15-24: 7.7% (3,825 residents)   
  • 25-34: 9.5% (4,695 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10.5% (5,230 residents)   
  • 45-54: 10.2% (5,055 residents)   
  • 55-64: 18.5% (9,170 residents)   
  • Over 64: 30.9% (15,350 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Shawinigan? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Shawinigan: 
  • 97.2% non-immigrants (46,310 residents)  
  • 2.1% immigrants (1,015 residents)  
  • 0.7% non-permanent residents (320 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Shawinigan?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Shawinigan: 
  • English: 1.3% 
  • French: 98.1% 
  • English and French: 0.4% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Shawinigan?  

The typical household size in Shawinigan is 1.9 people. 

What is the median household income in Shawinigan?  

The median household income in Shawinigan is $53,600 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Shawinigan residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Shawinigan is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 22.5% (9,315 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 23.9% (9,900 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 21.9% (9,040 residents) 
  • College diploma: 17.2% (7,100 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.8% (1,165 residents) 
  • University degree: 11.7% (4,830 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Shawinigan?  

The most common occupations in Shawinigan fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.4% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 13.5% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 10.8% 
  • Health: 10.4% 
  • Management: 0.9% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 7.7% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.7% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 1.9% 
  • Sales and service: 29.2% 
  • Trades and transport: 18.5% 

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