Sherbrooke, QC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
172,950
2.1 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,400/yr
Private dwellings
86,019

Sherbrooke population

How many people live in Sherbrooke

Sherbrooke is home to 172,950 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49% identify as male and 51% as female.

Total population
172,950
2.1% year-over-year change
Population density
489.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49%
84,805
Female
51%
88,145
Value Percent
Male 84,805 49%
Female 88,145 51%
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 Sherbrooke is 42.2. Children under 15 make up 15.7% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 13.2%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13.7% are 25 to 34, 12.4% are 35 to 44, and 10.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.8% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 21.4%.

Average age
42.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.7%
15 to 24
13.2%
25 to 34
13.7%
35 to 44
12.4%
45 to 54
10.8%
55 to 64
12.8%
Over 65
21.4%
Value Percent
Under 15 27,230 15.7%
15 to 24 22,760 13.2%
25 to 34 23,710 13.7%
35 to 44 21,400 12.4%
45 to 54 18,740 10.8%
55 to 64 22,195 12.8%
Over 65 36,920 21.4%
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 Sherbrooke, 89% of residents were born in Canada, while 8.8% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.2% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
89%
Immigrants
8.8%
Non-permanent residents
2.2%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 148,785 89%
Immigrants 14,745 8.8%
Non-permanent residents 3,645 2.2%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
9.6%
Non-minorities
90.4%
Value Percent
Minorities 16,125 9.6%
Non-minorities 151,055 90.4%
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 Sherbrooke
English
5.1%
French
92.2%
English and French
2%
Neither English nor French
0.7%
Value Percent
English 8,710 5.1%
French 157,275 92.2%
English and French 3,430 2%
Neither English nor French 1,130 0.7%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 5.1% of people in Sherbrooke speak English as their primary language, 92.2% communicate mainly in French, 2% are bilingual, and 0.7% 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 Sherbrooke

A peek inside Sherbrooke households

Sherbrooke has 80,475 households, with an average of 2.1 people living in each. One-person households make up 40.1% of all homes, while 34.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 10.8%, and homes with four or more people account for 14.7% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
80,475
Average people per household
2.1
1 person
40.1%
2 persons
34.4%
3 persons
10.8%
4 persons
9.5%
5 or more persons
5.2%
Value Percent
1 person 32,260 40.1%
2 persons 27,680 34.4%
3 persons 8,725 10.8%
4 persons 7,660 9.5%
5 or more persons 4,155 5.2%
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 Sherbrooke

The housing landscape of Sherbrooke

Sherbrooke has a total of 86,019 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 37% are single-detached houses, 59.5% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 3% are apartments. When it comes to space, Sherbrooke offers a variety of home sizes: 18% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 64% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 17.7% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
86,019
Housing types
Single-detached homes
37%
Attached homes
59.5%
Apartments
3%
Movable homes
0.5%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 29,735 37%
Attached homes 47,880 59.5%
Apartments 2,445 3%
Movable homes 420 0.5%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
18%
2 or 3 bedrooms
64%
4 or more bedrooms
17.7%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 14,740 18%
2 or 3 bedrooms 51,500 64%
4 or more bedrooms 14,235 17.7%
Homes built since 2011
11,250

The age of buildings in Sherbrooke

About 7.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 10.3% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11% went up in the 1960s, 17.5% in the 1970s, and 14.2% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 12.5% of homes were added, and 12.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 6,235 7.8%
Between 1946 and 1960 8,305 10.3%
Between 1961 and 1970 8,880 11%
Between 1971 and 1980 14,055 17.5%
Between 1981 and 1990 11,440 14.2%
Between 1991 and 2000 10,035 12.5%
Between 2001 and 2010 10,275 12.8%
After 2011 11,250 14%
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.

Sherbrooke occupancy rates

In Sherbrooke, there are 80,476 occupied private dwellings, of which 49.5% are owner-occupied and 50.5% are rented. Meanwhile, 5,543 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
80,476
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
50.5%
Owned households
49.5%
Value Percent
Rented households 40,610 50.5%
Owned households 39,870 49.5%
Unoccupied dwellings
5,543
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 Sherbrooke, homeowners pay a median of $1,050 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $695. About 83.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 16.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,050
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$695
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
83.6%
≥30% on shelter
16.4%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 66,950 83.6%
≥30% on shelter 13,175 16.4%
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 Sherbrooke

Sherbrooke education at a glance

In Sherbrooke, educational attainment varies across the community. About 16.1% of residents have no formal diploma, while 20.4% have completed high school and 16.5% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 24.9% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 22,595 16.1%
High school diploma 28,480 20.4%
Apprenticeship diploma 23,115 16.5%
College diploma 26,180 18.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 4,720 3.4%
University degree 34,895 24.9%
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 Sherbrooke

How much people earn in Sherbrooke

In Sherbrooke, the median household income sits at $62,400, while the median after-tax household income is $55,200.

Median household income
$62,400/year
Median after-tax household income
$55,200/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.

Sherbrooke income by age

Young adults in Sherbrooke 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 $42,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $56,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $54,800, followed by $43,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $29,400.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 19,600
25 - 34 42,400
35 - 44 56,000
45 - 54 54,800
55 - 64 43,600
Over 65 29,400

Employment in Sherbrooke

Workforce and job sectors in Sherbrooke

In Sherbrooke, 89,165 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 6.1%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, education, law, community and government services, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
89,165
Unemployment rate
6.1%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 1,205 1.4%
Business, finance and administration 13,375 15.3%
Natural and applied sciences 6,900 7.9%
Health 9,760 11.2%
Education, law, community and government services 13,740 15.7%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 2,515 2.9%
Sales and service 21,765 24.9%
Trades and transport 12,215 14%
Natural resources and agriculture 1,095 1.2%
Manufacturing and utilities 4,965 5.7%
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 Sherbrooke

How people get around in Sherbrooke

In Sherbrooke, the average commute is 18 minutes. About 87.3% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 4.9% rely on public transit and 6.4% walk or bike. The remaining 1.4% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
18 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
38.9%
15 to 29 minutes
44.1%
30 to 44 minutes
11.1%
45 to 59 minutes
3.3%
More than 60 minutes
2.6%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 27,050 38.9%
15 to 29 minutes 30,680 44.1%
30 to 44 minutes 7,740 11.1%
45 to 59 minutes 2,310 3.3%
More than 60 minutes 1,820 2.6%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 60,795 87.3%
By public transit 3,430 4.9%
By bicycle/by walking 4,435 6.4%
By other methods 950 1.4%
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 Sherbrooke demographics 

What is the current total population in Sherbrooke?

Sherbrooke has a population of 172,950, 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 Sherbrooke?  

Sherbrooke has a population density of 489.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Sherbrooke?

Sherbrooke has the following gender distribution:
  • 49% males (84,805 residents)  
  • 51% females (88,145 residents)

What is the age distribution of Sherbrooke residents?  

The age distribution of Sherbrooke residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 15.7% (27,230 residents)   
  • 15-24: 13.2% (22,760 residents)   
  • 25-34: 13.7% (23,710 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12.4% (21,400 residents)   
  • 45-54: 10.8% (18,740 residents)   
  • 55-64: 12.8% (22,195 residents)   
  • Over 64: 21.4% (36,920 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Sherbrooke? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Sherbrooke: 
  • 89% non-immigrants (148,785 residents)  
  • 8.8% immigrants (14,745 residents)  
  • 2.2% non-permanent residents (3,645 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Sherbrooke?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Sherbrooke: 
  • English: 5.1% 
  • French: 92.2% 
  • English and French: 2% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.7% 

What is the typical household size in Sherbrooke?  

The typical household size in Sherbrooke is 2.1 people. 

What is the median household income in Sherbrooke?  

The median household income in Sherbrooke is $62,400 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Sherbrooke residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Sherbrooke is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 16.1% (22,595 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 20.4% (28,480 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 16.5% (23,115 residents) 
  • College diploma: 18.7% (26,180 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.4% (4,720 residents) 
  • University degree: 24.9% (34,895 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Sherbrooke?  

The most common occupations in Sherbrooke fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.9% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 15.3% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 15.7% 
  • Health: 11.2% 
  • Management: 1.4% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 5.7% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 7.9% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 1.2% 
  • Sales and service: 24.9% 
  • Trades and transport: 14% 

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