Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Forestville has a population of around 2,892 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Forestville has decreased by ▼ -6.13%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3,081 | 2,892 | --6.13% |
2026 Population Projection
Forestville's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 2,892 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Forestville Population Trend & Context
Forestville had a 2021 census population of 2,892 — a decline of 189 (▼ 6.13%) people from the 3,081 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has declined noticeably over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing Quebec towns. The town's median age of 54 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 Forestville is around 1,435 while the female population is around 1,455.
Of the 2,892 total population in Forestville, the largest gender is female with around 1,455 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,435 | 1,455 | -1.37% |
Is Forestville a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Forestville 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.
Forestville Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Forestville compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Forestville | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $59,600 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 54 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 8.8% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 0.7% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Forestville has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 12.10% of the total population. The town median age is 54.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 175 12.20% | 175 12.00% | 0.00% | 350 12.10% |
| 55 to 59 years | 130 9.10% | 140 9.60% | 7.14% | 270 9.30% |
| 65 to 69 years | 115 8.00% | 135 9.30% | 14.81% | 255 8.80% |
| 50 to 54 years | 105 7.30% | 105 7.20% | 0.00% | 205 7.10% |
| 70 to 74 years | 105 7.30% | 95 6.50% | 9.52% | 200 6.90% |
| 40 to 44 years | 95 6.60% | 90 6.20% | 5.26% | 180 6.20% |
| 45 to 49 years | 85 5.90% | 70 4.80% | 17.65% | 160 5.50% |
| 5 to 9 years | 65 4.50% | 75 5.20% | 13.33% | 140 4.80% |
| 75 to 79 years | 65 4.50% | 75 5.20% | 13.33% | 140 4.80% |
| 10 to 14 years | 65 4.50% | 70 4.80% | 7.14% | 130 4.50% |
| 15 to 19 years | 65 4.50% | 60 4.10% | 7.69% | 130 4.50% |
| 35 to 39 years | 65 4.50% | 65 4.50% | 0.00% | 130 4.50% |
| 25 to 29 years | 70 4.90% | 60 4.10% | 14.29% | 125 4.30% |
| 30 to 34 years | 55 3.80% | 55 3.80% | 0.00% | 115 4.00% |
| 20 to 24 years | 50 3.50% | 50 3.40% | 0.00% | 105 3.60% |
| 85 years and over | 50 3.50% | 55 3.80% | 9.09% | 100 3.50% |
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 60.90% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 27.00% and 12.10%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Forestville are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 62.00% | 59.80% | 60.90% |
| 65 years and over | 26.10% | 27.80% | 27.00% |
| 0 to 14 years | 11.80% | 12.40% | 12.10% |
Population of Forestville by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Forestville is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Forestville 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 Forestville are Canadian, which accounts for 38.76% of the total population, followed by French (14.87%), Caucasian (White) (9.03%), French Canadian (5.49%), and Christian, n.i.e. (3.01%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Forestville include Innu/Montagnais, First Nations (North American Indian), North American Indigenous, Mi'kmaq, and Algonquin.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 33.92% | 43.97% | 38.76% |
| French | 16.61% | 13.48% | 14.87% |
| Caucasian (White) | 10.25% | 7.80% | 9.03% |
| French Canadian | 5.65% | 5.32% | 5.49% |
| Christian, n.i.e. | 4.24% | 2.13% | 3.01% |
| Innu/Montagnais | 3.53% | 2.48% | 3.01% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 2.83% | 2.13% | 2.48% |
| North American Indigenous | 1.77% | 1.42% | 1.95% |
| Mi'kmaq | 2.12% | 2.13% | 1.95% |
| Algonquin | 0.71% | 2.84% | 1.95% |
Indigenous Identity in Forestville
About 9.73% of Forestville's population (275 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 90.27% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 95 people (3.40% 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 Forestville's population profile.
About 0.7% of Forestville's population are immigrants (20 people).
The top countries of origin for Forestville's immigrant population are Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0), Guyana (0), Haiti (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
| Guyana | 0 |
| Haiti | 0 |
99.8% of Forestville's residents (2,820 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.0% are not.
By generation status, 0.7% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 0.4% are second generation, and 98.9% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 995 of Forestville's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 21.20% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 19.00% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.10%, 3.20%, and 1.70%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 625 | 21.20% |
| 2 persons | 560 | 19.00% |
| 3 persons | 150 | 5.10% |
| 4 persons | 95 | 3.20% |
| 5 or more persons | 50 | 1.70% |
Family and Household Structure in Forestville
Of census families in Forestville, 84.0% are couple families and 16.0% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.5 people.
42.4% of households in Forestville are one-person households, 44.4% are couple-family households, 7.5% are one-parent-family households, and 1.0% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 625 | 42.4% |
| Couple-family households | 655 | 44.4% |
| One-parent-family households | 110 | 7.5% |
| Multigenerational households | 15 | 1.0% |
Income in Forestville
Analyzing income distribution in Forestville can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Forestville is $36,000.
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 Forestville population or around 470 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $30,000 to $49,999, and $50,000 to $79,999 with around 325 and 255 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Forestville's median household income is $59,600, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Forestville's median household income is 24,400 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 Forestville
This data sheds light on the distribution of Forestville 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.
56.40% or most of the Forestville population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 23.60% of the population has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 20.30% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate. (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 | 440 | 420 | 860 | 56.40% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 175 | 180 | 360 | 23.60% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 145 | 160 | 310 | 20.30% |
Below national average 9.5% of Forestville's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Forestville
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Forestville. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Forestville is at 7.87% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 49.10% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.87% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Forestville, 28.7% worked full year full time in the reference year, 24.6% worked part year and/or part time, and 46.5% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 720 | 28.7% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 615 | 24.6% |
| Did not work | 1,165 | 46.5% |
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 Forestville's population (around 65.00%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 40 men and 65 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 105.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 40 | 65 | 105 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Forestville industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Forestville is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Forestville has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (17%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 12%, followed by Educational services at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 35 | 180 | 17% |
| Retail trade | 95 | 75 | 12% |
| Educational services | 50 | 100 | 11% |
| Accommodation and food services | 60 | 70 | 10% |
| Construction | 100 | 0 | 8% |
| Public administration | 40 | 45 | 7% |
| Utilities | 75 | 15 | 6% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 30 | 55 | 6% |
| Manufacturing | 60 | 10 | 5% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 45 | 20 | 5% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 30 | 10 | 3% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 30 | 0 | 2% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 15 | 20 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 15 | 1% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 15 | 0 | 1% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Forestville residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Forestville: Health care and social assistance (17%), Retail trade (12%), Educational services (11%)
Top occupation categories in Forestville: Sales and service occupations (29%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (21%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (15%)
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 | 485 | 525 | 1,010 | 82.10% |
| No fixed workplace address | 105 | 35 | 145 | 11.80% |
| Worked at home | 40 | 35 | 80 | 6.50% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Forestville 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 Forestville residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Forestville 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 | 72.30% |
| 60 minutes and over | 11.30% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 8.70% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 6.90% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 0.90% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Forestville 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 Forestville'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 Forestville. About 2,850 people living in the town speak French, 5 people speak English, 0 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 2,850 |
| English | 5 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 11.4% of Forestville's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 0.0% know English only, 88.5% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 0 | 0.0% |
| French only | 2,530 | 88.5% |
| English and French | 325 | 11.4% |
| Neither English nor French | 0 | 0.0% |
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 | 99.3% | 99.7% |
| Non-official languages | 0.5% | 0.2% |
| English | 0.2% | 0.0% |
Religion
Forestville is predominantly Christian. About 2,400 of its population is Christian (1,165 males and 1,230 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Buddhist with 0.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Jewish, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 85.0% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Forestville
Parks
Green Spaces in Forestville
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Parc Charles Lapointe | Parks | 9.9 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Forestville
- Rimouski 52.2 km · 48,935 people
- Rimouski 52.2 km · 48,935 people
- Mont-Joli 68.6 km · 6,384 people
- Trois-Pistoles 68.9 km · 3,115 people
- Metis-sur-Mer 80.7 km · 594 people
- Baie-Comeau 84.6 km · 20,687 people
- Riviere-du-Loup 103.8 km · 20,118 people
- Matane 114.8 km · 13,987 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Forestville
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Forestville has a population of 2,892 people, making it the 185th town in Quebec. The population declined significantly from 3,081 in 2016, a decrease of 189 people or 6.13%. The town has a population density of 15.0 people per km² across a land area of 192.61 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Forestville's population declined by 6.13% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 3,081 to 2,892 people, a loss of 189 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 54.00 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (42.4%) 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.
Forestville has a population density of approximately 15.00 people per square kilometre.
Forestville covers a land area of approximately 192.61 km².
The median age of the population in Forestville is 54.00 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Forestville is Canadian.
The median household income in Forestville is $59,600, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Forestville.
Christian is the predominant religion in Forestville.
According to the 2021 Census, 9.7% of Forestville's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
99.8% of Forestville's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 16.0% of census families in Forestville, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 1.0% of all households in Forestville, per the 2021 Census.
11.4% of Forestville'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 Forestville, 28.7% 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.