Waterville, QC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,307
4.6 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$74,500/yr
Private dwellings
950

Waterville population

How many people live in Waterville

Waterville is home to 2,307 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.3% identify as male and 49.7% as female.

Total population
2,307
4.6% year-over-year change
Population density
52.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
1,160
Female
49.7%
1,145
Value Percent
Male 1,160 50.3%
Female 1,145 49.7%
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 Waterville is 38.7. Children under 15 make up 23.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.2%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.3% are 25 to 34, 13.4% are 35 to 44, and 12.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 16.5%.

Average age
38.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.2%
15 to 24
10.2%
25 to 34
11.3%
35 to 44
13.4%
45 to 54
12.8%
55 to 64
12.6%
Over 65
16.5%
Value Percent
Under 15 535 23.2%
15 to 24 235 10.2%
25 to 34 260 11.3%
35 to 44 310 13.4%
45 to 54 295 12.8%
55 to 64 290 12.6%
Over 65 380 16.5%
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 Waterville, 95.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 4.2% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
95.8%
Immigrants
4.2%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 2,190 95.8%
Immigrants 95 4.2%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
2%
Non-minorities
98%
Value Percent
Minorities 45 2%
Non-minorities 2,240 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 Waterville
English
24.9%
French
73.4%
English and French
1.7%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 575 24.9%
French 1,695 73.4%
English and French 40 1.7%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 24.9% of people in Waterville speak English as their primary language, 73.4% communicate mainly in French, 1.7% are bilingual, and 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 Waterville

A peek inside Waterville households

Waterville has 910 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 25.8% of all homes, while 35.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 24.7% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
910
Average people per household
2.5
1 person
25.8%
2 persons
35.2%
3 persons
14.3%
4 persons
14.8%
5 or more persons
9.9%
Value Percent
1 person 235 25.8%
2 persons 320 35.2%
3 persons 130 14.3%
4 persons 135 14.8%
5 or more persons 90 9.9%
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 Waterville

The housing landscape of Waterville

Waterville has a total of 950 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Waterville offers a variety of home sizes: 7% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 68% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 24.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
950
Housing types
Single-detached homes
76.2%
Attached homes
23.2%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0.6%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 690 76.2%
Attached homes 210 23.2%
Movable homes 5 0.6%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
7%
2 or 3 bedrooms
68%
4 or more bedrooms
24.9%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 60 7%
2 or 3 bedrooms 620 68%
4 or more bedrooms 225 24.9%
Homes built since 2011
95

The age of buildings in Waterville

About 22.5% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 15.9% between 1946 and 1960. Another 14.3% went up in the 1960s, 14.8% in the 1970s, and 9.9% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 5.5% of homes were added, and 6.6% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 205 22.5%
Between 1946 and 1960 145 15.9%
Between 1961 and 1970 130 14.3%
Between 1971 and 1980 135 14.8%
Between 1981 and 1990 90 9.9%
Between 1991 and 2000 50 5.5%
Between 2001 and 2010 60 6.6%
After 2011 95 10.4%
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.

Waterville occupancy rates

In Waterville, there are 909 occupied private dwellings, of which 74.2% are owner-occupied and 25.8% are rented. Meanwhile, 41 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
909
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
25.8%
Owned households
74.2%
Value Percent
Rented households 235 25.8%
Owned households 675 74.2%
Unoccupied dwellings
41
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 Waterville, homeowners pay a median of $970 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $670. About 89.4% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 10.6% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$970
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$670
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
89.4%
≥30% on shelter
10.6%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 800 89.4%
≥30% on shelter 95 10.6%
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 Waterville

Waterville education at a glance

In Waterville, educational attainment varies across the community. About 20.9% of residents have no formal diploma, while 20.6% have completed high school and 17.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.6% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 20.6% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 370 20.9%
High school diploma 365 20.6%
Apprenticeship diploma 315 17.8%
College diploma 330 18.6%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 25 1.4%
University degree 365 20.6%
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 Waterville

How much people earn in Waterville

In Waterville, the median household income sits at $74,500, while the median after-tax household income is $66,000.

Median household income
$74,500/year
Median after-tax household income
$66,000/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.

Waterville income by age

Young adults in Waterville between 15 and 24 have a median income of $16,800, 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 $44,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $50,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $47,600, followed by $44,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $27,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 16,800
25 - 34 44,400
35 - 44 50,000
45 - 54 47,600
55 - 64 44,400
Over 65 27,800

Employment in Waterville

Workforce and job sectors in Waterville

In Waterville, 1,235 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 4.9%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, sales and service, 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
1,235
Unemployment rate
4.9%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 20 1.7%
Business, finance and administration 145 12%
Natural and applied sciences 60 5%
Health 85 7%
Education, law, community and government services 150 12.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 55 4.6%
Sales and service 225 18.7%
Trades and transport 265 22%
Natural resources and agriculture 85 7%
Manufacturing and utilities 115 9.5%
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 Waterville

How people get around in Waterville

In Waterville, the average commute is 20 minutes. The remaining 2.1% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
20 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
36.8%
15 to 29 minutes
35.3%
30 to 44 minutes
21%
45 to 59 minutes
3.2%
More than 60 minutes
3.7%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 350 36.8%
15 to 29 minutes 335 35.3%
30 to 44 minutes 200 21%
45 to 59 minutes 30 3.2%
More than 60 minutes 35 3.7%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 890 93.7%
By bicycle/by walking 40 4.2%
By other methods 20 2.1%
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 Waterville demographics 

What is the current total population in Waterville?

Waterville has a population of 2,307, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +4.6% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Waterville?  

Waterville has a population density of 52.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Waterville?

Waterville has the following gender distribution:
  • 50.3% males (1,160 residents)  
  • 49.7% females (1,145 residents)

What is the age distribution of Waterville residents?  

The age distribution of Waterville residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 23.2% (535 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10.2% (235 residents)   
  • 25-34: 11.3% (260 residents)   
  • 35-44: 13.4% (310 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.8% (295 residents)   
  • 55-64: 12.6% (290 residents)   
  • Over 64: 16.5% (380 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Waterville? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Waterville: 
  • 95.8% non-immigrants (2,190 residents)  
  • 4.2% immigrants (95 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Waterville?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Waterville: 
  • English: 24.9% 
  • French: 73.4% 
  • English and French: 1.7% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Waterville?  

The typical household size in Waterville is 2.5 people. 

What is the median household income in Waterville?  

The median household income in Waterville is $74,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Waterville residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Waterville is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 20.9% (370 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 20.6% (365 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 17.8% (315 residents) 
  • College diploma: 18.6% (330 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.4% (25 residents) 
  • University degree: 20.6% (365 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Waterville?  

The most common occupations in Waterville fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 4.6% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 12% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 12.4% 
  • Health: 7% 
  • Management: 1.7% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 9.5% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 7% 
  • Sales and service: 18.7% 
  • Trades and transport: 22% 

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