Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Acton Vale has a population of around 7,605 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Acton Vale has decreased by ▼ -0.67%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 7,656 | 7,605 | --0.67% |
2026 Population Projection
Acton Vale's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 7,605 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Acton Vale Population Trend & Context
Acton Vale had a 2021 census population of 7,605 — a decline of 51 (▼ 0.67%) people from the 7,656 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has remained relatively stable over this period, reflecting broader trends in mid-sized Quebec towns. The town's median age of 49.6 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
Population By Genders
The male population of Acton Vale is around 3,795 while the female population is around 3,810.
Of the 7,605 total population in Acton Vale, the largest gender is female with around 3,810 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3,795 | 3,810 | -0.39% |
Is Acton Vale a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Acton Vale compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against Quebec, its own province. Draw your own conclusions from the actual numbers.
Employment & Economy
Income & Affordability
Commute
Housing Character
Household Composition
Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.
Acton Vale Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Acton Vale compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Acton Vale | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $57,600 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.4% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 49.6 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 7.6% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 1.5% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Acton Vale has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 8.40% of the total population. The town median age is 49.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 315 8.30% | 320 8.40% | 1.56% | 640 8.40% |
| 55 to 59 years | 305 8.00% | 315 8.30% | 3.17% | 615 8.10% |
| 65 to 69 years | 310 8.20% | 290 7.60% | 6.45% | 600 7.90% |
| 70 to 74 years | 245 6.50% | 260 6.80% | 5.77% | 510 6.70% |
| 50 to 54 years | 250 6.60% | 250 6.60% | 0.00% | 500 6.60% |
| 40 to 44 years | 240 6.30% | 230 6.00% | 4.17% | 470 6.20% |
| 10 to 14 years | 230 6.10% | 215 5.60% | 6.52% | 445 5.90% |
| 45 to 49 years | 230 6.10% | 215 5.60% | 6.52% | 445 5.90% |
| 35 to 39 years | 185 4.90% | 220 5.80% | 15.91% | 400 5.30% |
| 15 to 19 years | 185 4.90% | 180 4.70% | 2.70% | 365 4.80% |
| 75 to 79 years | 165 4.30% | 195 5.10% | 15.38% | 365 4.80% |
| 25 to 29 years | 195 5.10% | 155 4.10% | 20.51% | 350 4.60% |
| 5 to 9 years | 165 4.30% | 180 4.70% | 8.33% | 345 4.50% |
| 20 to 24 years | 170 4.50% | 180 4.70% | 5.56% | 345 4.50% |
| 30 to 34 years | 175 4.60% | 160 4.20% | 8.57% | 335 4.40% |
| 0 to 4 years | 175 4.60% | 155 4.10% | 11.43% | 325 4.30% |
| 80 to 84 years | 125 3.30% | 175 4.60% | 28.57% | 300 3.90% |
| 85 years and over | 130 3.40% | 125 3.30% | 3.85% | 255 3.40% |
| 85 to 89 years | 90 2.40% | 80 2.10% | 11.11% | 170 2.20% |
Broader Age Groups
If the town's population is divided into broader age groups, most of the population falls into the 15 to 64 years age group. The group accounts for 58.60% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 26.60% and 14.70%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Acton Vale are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 59.30% | 58.00% | 58.60% |
| 65 years and over | 25.80% | 27.40% | 26.60% |
| 0 to 14 years | 14.90% | 14.60% | 14.70% |
Population of Acton Vale by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Acton Vale is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Acton Vale is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the town appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Acton Vale are Canadian, which accounts for 42.47% of the total population, followed by French (22.33%), French Canadian (11.16%), Irish (3.15%), and First Nations (North American Indian) (1.71%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Acton Vale include Caucasian (White), Christian, n.i.e., Italian, Acadian, and Belgian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 41.83% | 43.25% | 42.47% |
| French | 24.11% | 20.66% | 22.33% |
| French Canadian | 12.26% | 10.06% | 11.16% |
| Irish | 2.59% | 3.72% | 3.15% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 1.63% | 1.93% | 1.71% |
| Caucasian (White) | 1.63% | 1.52% | 1.51% |
| Christian, n.i.e. | 1.36% | 1.52% | 1.30% |
| Italian | 0.95% | 1.52% | 1.23% |
| Acadian | 1.09% | 0.69% | 0.89% |
| Belgian | 0.54% | 0.83% | 0.75% |
Indigenous Identity in Acton Vale
About 2.33% of Acton Vale's population (170 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 97.67% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 25 people (0.30% of the total population) hold Registered or Treaty Indian status.
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Acton Vale's population profile.
About 1.5% of Acton Vale's population are immigrants (110 people).
The top countries of origin for Acton Vale's immigrant population are France (25), Colombia (15), United States of America (10), Italy (10), Algeria (10).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| France | 25 |
| Colombia | 15 |
| United States of America | 10 |
| Italy | 10 |
| Algeria | 10 |
99.5% of Acton Vale's residents (7,265 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.5% are not.
By generation status, 2.3% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 2.4% are second generation, and 95.3% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 2,105 of Acton Vale's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 18.75% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 18.70% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.60%, 4.15%, and 2.75%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 1,305 | 18.75% |
| 1 person | 1,300 | 18.70% |
| 3 persons | 390 | 5.60% |
| 4 persons | 290 | 4.15% |
| 5 or more persons | 190 | 2.75% |
Family and Household Structure in Acton Vale
Of census families in Acton Vale, 84.4% are couple families and 15.6% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.7 people.
37.4% of households in Acton Vale are one-person households, 48.9% are couple-family households, 8.2% are one-parent-family households, and 0.9% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 1,300 | 37.4% |
| Couple-family households | 1,700 | 48.9% |
| One-parent-family households | 285 | 8.2% |
| Multigenerational households | 30 | 0.9% |
Income in Acton Vale
Analyzing income distribution in Acton Vale can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Acton Vale is $35,600.
A region's per capita data sheds light on the average income earned per person living in it. Since per capita income is calculated by dividing the region's total income by its population, it quantifies the population's economic situation on an individual basis.
Such data offers insights into the town's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Acton Vale population or around 1,230 people falls in the $30,000 to $49,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $50,000 to $79,999 with around 1,065 and 765 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Acton Vale's median household income is $57,600, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Acton Vale's median household income is 26,400 dollars below the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the town's economic landscape as well as the living standards of its population.
Analyzing such data enables researchers, policymakers, and businesses to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the town's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Acton Vale
This data sheds light on the distribution of Acton Vale residents across educational milestones.
Such information is crucial in shaping the province’s policies on education, workforce development strategies, and initiatives that aim to improve access to quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities.
52.70% or most of the Acton Vale population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 24.30% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 22.90% has a No certificate, diploma or degree. (Individual figures may not sum to exactly 100% due to Statistics Canada's random rounding of small-area 25% sample data.)
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 950 | 1,050 | 1,995 | 52.70% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 510 | 410 | 920 | 24.30% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 475 | 395 | 865 | 22.90% |
Below national average 8.3% of Acton Vale's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Acton Vale
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Acton Vale. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Acton Vale is at 6.43% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 57.69% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.43% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Acton Vale, 34.5% worked full year full time in the reference year, 28.0% worked part year and/or part time, and 37.5% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 2,135 | 34.5% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 1,730 | 28.0% |
| Did not work | 2,320 | 37.5% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the town who work as an employee. The majority of Acton Vale's population (around 76.60%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 270 men and 160 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 420.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 270 | 160 | 420 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Acton Vale industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Acton Vale is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Acton Vale has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (27%) works in the manufacturing sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 11%, followed by Health care and social assistance at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 610 | 410 | 27% |
| Retail trade | 170 | 260 | 11% |
| Health care and social assistance | 55 | 355 | 11% |
| Construction | 280 | 15 | 8% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 155 | 70 | 6% |
| Educational services | 45 | 165 | 6% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 120 | 80 | 5% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 135 | 35 | 5% |
| Accommodation and food services | 40 | 85 | 3% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 55 | 60 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 75 | 45 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 20 | 100 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 65 | 25 | 2% |
| Public administration | 35 | 40 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 40 | 15 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 20 | 0 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 15 | 0 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 10 | 15 | 1% |
| Utilities | 10 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Acton Vale residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Acton Vale: Manufacturing (27%), Retail trade (11%), Health care and social assistance (11%)
Top occupation categories in Acton Vale: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (24%), Sales and service occupations (23%), Occupations in manufacturing and utilities (13%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the town. It provides a snapshot of workplaces, showing their geographic distribution and the flow of workers across different areas.
| Work Location | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 1,425 | 1,400 | 2,825 | 79.20% |
| Worked at home | 150 | 220 | 380 | 10.70% |
| No fixed workplace address | 275 | 85 | 365 | 10.20% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Acton Vale residents travel to school or work. It highlights the frequency of different modes of transportation like walking, cycling, carpooling, and public transit.
The data is pivotal in the making of transportation policies as well as the development of transit systems. Ultimately commuting data contributes to improving the quality of life of Acton Vale residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Acton Vale spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the town's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the town.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 44.40% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 27.30% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 18.20% |
| 60 minutes and over | 5.60% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 4.90% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Acton Vale shed light on its societal dynamics. It captures the diverse types of marital statuses of the population.
Long-term commitments, such as common-law partnerships, civil unions, and marriages, reflect the town's social fabric. We can gain insights into Acton Vale's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights town's linguistic diversity, showing elegances of solo language as well as bilingual harmonies. Other than language, it also shows the cultural landscape in Canada.
French is the most spoken official language in Acton Vale. About 7,420 people living in the town speak French, 75 people speak English, 25 people speak English and French language, and 5 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 7,420 |
| English | 75 |
| English and French | 25 |
| Neither English nor French | 5 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 21.3% of Acton Vale's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 0.2% know English only, 78.4% know French only, and 0.1% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 15 | 0.2% |
| French only | 5,900 | 78.4% |
| English and French | 1,605 | 21.3% |
| Neither English nor French | 5 | 0.1% |
Mother Tongue & Home Language
Useful for newcomers researching an area: this shows the language residents first learned at home in childhood (mother tongue) and the language they speak most often at home now, which can differ as families settle in.
| Language | Mother Tongue | Spoken Most Often at Home |
|---|---|---|
| French | 97.1% | 98.3% |
| English | 0.9% | 0.8% |
| Non-official languages | 0.9% | 0.3% |
Religion
Acton Vale is predominantly Christian. About 5,595 of its population is Christian (2,745 males and 2,845 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 0.3% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Hindu, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Jewish represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 76.6% |
| Islam | 0.3% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Acton Vale
Schools
Parks
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Acton Vale
Stadiums
Theatres
Green Spaces in Acton Vale
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Parc Donald-Martin | Parks | 4.1 ha |
| Terrain de Soccer et Tennis | Parks | 13.1 ha |
| Parc Acton Vale | Parks | 4.8 ha |
| Parc Serge Lemoyne | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Parc Roger Labrèque | Parks | 0.2 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Acton Vale
- Valcourt 25.9 km · 2,139 people
- Drummondville 27.1 km · 79,258 people
- Drummondville 27.1 km · 79,258 people
- Drummondville 27.1 km · 79,258 people
- Drummondville 27.1 km · 79,258 people
- Granby 30.2 km · 69,025 people
- Saint-Pie 30.8 km · 5,847 people
- Richmond 33.0 km · 3,259 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Acton Vale
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Acton Vale has a population of 7,605 people, making it the 119th town in Quebec. The population declined slightly from 7,656 in 2016, a decrease of 51 people or 0.67%. The town has a population density of 83.6 people per km² across a land area of 91.01 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Acton Vale's population declined by 0.67% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 7,656 to 7,605 people, a loss of 51 residents. This stability is characteristic of many mid-sized other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 49.60 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (37.4%) may indicate young adults leaving for larger centres. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Acton Vale has a population density of approximately 83.60 people per square kilometre.
Acton Vale covers a land area of approximately 91.01 km².
The median age of the population in Acton Vale is 49.60 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Acton Vale is Canadian.
The median household income in Acton Vale is $57,600, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Acton Vale.
Christian is the predominant religion in Acton Vale.
According to the 2021 Census, 2.3% of Acton Vale's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
99.5% of Acton Vale's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 15.7% of census families in Acton Vale, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.9% of all households in Acton Vale, per the 2021 Census.
21.3% of Acton Vale's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
Of the population aged 15 and over in Acton Vale, 34.5% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Statistics Canada (statcan.gc.ca) conducted the 2026 Census of Population in May 2026. However, census data goes through an extensive processing, validation, and quality-assurance period before public release. Based on the release plan, the 2026 Census results begin rolling out on February 10, 2027, with complete community-level profiles available by December 1, 2027. Until then, this page uses 2021 Census data as its primary source, supplemented by a population projection estimate for 2026 calculated using the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from the 2016–2021 Census period.