Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Mont-Laurier has a population of around 14,180 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Mont-Laurier has increased by ▲ 0.45%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 14,116 | 14,180 | +0.45% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.09% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Mont-Laurier's population is projected to reach approximately 14,244 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 24.25 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 14,180 | 14,244 | 24.25 |
This projection is an estimate calculated by CAPopulation from the compound annual growth rate between the 2016 and 2021 censuses. Official 2026 complete census data expected to be released in late 2027.
Mont-Laurier Population Trend & Context
Mont-Laurier had a 2021 census population of 14,180 — an increase of 64 (▲ 0.45%) people from the 14,116 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 48.8 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 Mont-Laurier is around 6,970 while the female population is around 7,210.
Of the 14,180 total population in Mont-Laurier, the largest gender is female with around 7,210 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 6,970 | 7,210 | +3.33% |
Is Mont-Laurier a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Mont-Laurier 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.
Mont-Laurier Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Mont-Laurier compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Mont-Laurier | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $57,600 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 48.8 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.9% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 1.2% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Mont-Laurier has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 8.70% of the total population. The town median age is 48.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 590 8.50% | 645 8.90% | 8.53% | 1,235 8.70% |
| 65 to 69 years | 560 8.00% | 670 9.30% | 16.42% | 1,230 8.70% |
| 55 to 59 years | 535 7.70% | 630 8.70% | 15.08% | 1,165 8.20% |
| 70 to 74 years | 470 6.70% | 505 7.00% | 6.93% | 980 6.90% |
| 40 to 44 years | 455 6.50% | 420 5.80% | 7.69% | 870 6.10% |
| 50 to 54 years | 425 6.10% | 395 5.50% | 7.06% | 815 5.70% |
| 45 to 49 years | 410 5.90% | 390 5.40% | 4.88% | 805 5.70% |
| 35 to 39 years | 375 5.40% | 385 5.30% | 2.60% | 765 5.40% |
| 10 to 14 years | 355 5.10% | 395 5.50% | 10.13% | 750 5.30% |
| 30 to 34 years | 370 5.30% | 365 5.10% | 1.35% | 740 5.20% |
| 25 to 29 years | 350 5.00% | 345 4.80% | 1.43% | 700 4.90% |
| 15 to 19 years | 365 5.20% | 325 4.50% | 10.96% | 690 4.90% |
| 75 to 79 years | 345 4.90% | 345 4.80% | 0.00% | 690 4.90% |
| 5 to 9 years | 365 5.20% | 305 4.20% | 16.44% | 665 4.70% |
| 20 to 24 years | 320 4.60% | 335 4.60% | 4.48% | 660 4.70% |
| 0 to 4 years | 310 4.40% | 295 4.10% | 4.84% | 600 4.20% |
| 80 to 84 years | 210 3.00% | 215 3.00% | 2.33% | 430 3.00% |
| 85 years and over | 155 2.20% | 235 3.30% | 34.04% | 390 2.80% |
| 85 to 89 years | 115 1.60% | 125 1.70% | 8.00% | 235 1.70% |
| 90 to 94 years | 35 0.50% | 95 1.30% | 63.16% | 130 0.90% |
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 59.60% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 26.20% and 14.30%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Mont-Laurier are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 60.30% | 58.90% | 59.60% |
| 65 years and over | 25.00% | 27.30% | 26.20% |
| 0 to 14 years | 14.70% | 13.80% | 14.30% |
Population of Mont-Laurier by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Mont-Laurier is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Mont-Laurier 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 Mont-Laurier are Canadian, which accounts for 39.53% of the total population, followed by French (19.85%), French Canadian (11.24%), Irish (3.80%), and First Nations (North American Indian) (2.96%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Mont-Laurier include Caucasian (White), Algonquin, European, English, and North American Indigenous.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 40.38% | 38.68% | 39.53% |
| French | 19.60% | 20.10% | 19.85% |
| French Canadian | 11.20% | 11.35% | 11.24% |
| Irish | 3.24% | 4.41% | 3.80% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 2.87% | 3.04% | 2.96% |
| Caucasian (White) | 1.77% | 1.74% | 1.79% |
| Algonquin | 1.77% | 1.37% | 1.57% |
| European | 1.40% | 1.30% | 1.39% |
| English | 1.40% | 1.08% | 1.24% |
| North American Indigenous | 1.18% | 1.37% | 1.24% |
Indigenous Identity in Mont-Laurier
About 4.78% of Mont-Laurier's population (655 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 95.22% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 95 people (0.70% 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 Mont-Laurier's population profile.
About 1.2% of Mont-Laurier's population are immigrants (160 people).
The top countries of origin for Mont-Laurier's immigrant population are France (55), China (10), Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| France | 55 |
| China | 10 |
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
99.7% of Mont-Laurier's residents (13,655 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.4% are not.
By generation status, 1.2% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 1.8% are second generation, and 96.9% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 4,070 of Mont-Laurier's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 19.40% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 18.40% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.70%, 4.55%, and 2.00%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 2,595 | 19.40% |
| 2 persons | 2,465 | 18.40% |
| 3 persons | 760 | 5.70% |
| 4 persons | 610 | 4.55% |
| 5 or more persons | 265 | 2.00% |
Family and Household Structure in Mont-Laurier
Of census families in Mont-Laurier, 83.5% are couple families and 16.5% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.7 people.
38.8% of households in Mont-Laurier are one-person households, 46.8% are couple-family households, 8.6% are one-parent-family households, and 1.0% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 2,595 | 38.8% |
| Couple-family households | 3,130 | 46.8% |
| One-parent-family households | 575 | 8.6% |
| Multigenerational households | 65 | 1.0% |
Income in Mont-Laurier
Analyzing income distribution in Mont-Laurier can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Mont-Laurier 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 Mont-Laurier population or around 2,065 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 1,895 and 1,325 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Mont-Laurier's median household income is $57,600, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Mont-Laurier'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 Mont-Laurier
This data sheds light on the distribution of Mont-Laurier 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.
64.50% or most of the Mont-Laurier population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 22.00% of the population has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 13.60% 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 | 2,050 | 2,450 | 4,500 | 64.50% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 900 | 635 | 1,535 | 22.00% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 510 | 440 | 950 | 13.60% |
Below national average 17.0% of Mont-Laurier's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Mont-Laurier
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Mont-Laurier. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Mont-Laurier is at 6.86% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 54.64% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.86% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Mont-Laurier, 29.8% worked full year full time in the reference year, 30.1% worked part year and/or part time, and 40.2% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 3,480 | 29.8% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 3,515 | 30.1% |
| Did not work | 4,695 | 40.2% |
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 Mont-Laurier's population (around 68.60%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 520 men and 335 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 850.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 520 | 335 | 850 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Mont-Laurier industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Mont-Laurier is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Mont-Laurier 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 17%, followed by Educational services at 9%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 175 | 1,015 | 17% |
| Retail trade | 585 | 580 | 17% |
| Educational services | 180 | 455 | 9% |
| Manufacturing | 420 | 100 | 8% |
| Accommodation and food services | 195 | 300 | 7% |
| Construction | 385 | 40 | 6% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 175 | 140 | 5% |
| Public administration | 195 | 110 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 235 | 60 | 4% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 195 | 70 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 140 | 120 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 155 | 60 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 135 | 30 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 45 | 70 | 2% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 100 | 15 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 55 | 60 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 45 | 25 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 40 | 20 | 1% |
| Utilities | 25 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Mont-Laurier residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Mont-Laurier: Health care and social assistance (17%), Retail trade (17%), Educational services (9%)
Top occupation categories in Mont-Laurier: Sales and service occupations (28%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (19%), 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 | 2,400 | 2,640 | 5,040 | 78.90% |
| No fixed workplace address | 590 | 200 | 790 | 12.40% |
| Worked at home | 280 | 275 | 555 | 8.70% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Mont-Laurier 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 Mont-Laurier residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Mont-Laurier 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 | 63.30% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 24.30% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 5.20% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.00% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 3.20% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Mont-Laurier 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 Mont-Laurier'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 Mont-Laurier. About 13,825 people living in the town speak French, 115 people speak English, 20 people speak English and French language, and 5 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 13,825 |
| English | 115 |
| English and French | 20 |
| Neither English nor French | 5 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 20.8% of Mont-Laurier's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 0.1% know English only, 79.1% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 10 | 0.1% |
| French only | 11,055 | 79.1% |
| English and French | 2,900 | 20.8% |
| Neither English nor French | 5 | 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 | 97.9% | 98.9% |
| English | 0.8% | 0.4% |
| Non-official languages | 0.8% | 0.2% |
Religion
Mont-Laurier is predominantly Christian. About 10,420 of its population is Christian (5,065 males and 5,360 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 | 76.0% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Mont-Laurier
Hospitals
Schools
- École Sacré-Coeur
- École du Sacré-Coeur
- École Notre-Dame-du-Saint-Sacrement
- École Saint-Joseph
- École de la Carrière
- École de la Madone
- École Saint-Eugène
- École Jean XXIII
- École de Saint-Jean-l'Évangéliste
Universities
Parks
- Parc Laviolette
- Parc du Soleil-Levant
- Parc Neuve-Dorion
- Parc Toussaint-Lachapelle
- Parc de la rivière du Lièvre
- Parc Claude-Limoges
- Terrain multisports
- Parc Poirier
- Place Bilodeau-Pellerin
- Parc des Canotiers
- Parc de la rue Neveu
- Parc Denis-Ménard
- Parc de l’Île-Bell
- Parc de Val-Limoges
- Parc Armand-Millaire
- Jardin de l’Eau-Vive
- Parc Lafontaine
- Parc Bernard-Cloutier
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Mont-Laurier
Attractions
Theatres
Green Spaces in Mont-Laurier
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Parc Laviolette | Parks | — |
| Parc du Soleil-Levant | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Parc Neuve-Dorion | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Parc Toussaint-Lachapelle | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Parc de la rivière du Lièvre | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Parc Claude-Limoges | Parks | 1.0 ha |
| Terrain multisports | Parks | 6.6 ha |
| Parc Poirier | Parks | 8.3 ha |
| Place Bilodeau-Pellerin | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Parc des Canotiers | Parks | 1.7 ha |
| Parc de la rue Neveu | Parks | 1.5 ha |
| Parc Denis-Ménard | Parks | 1.8 ha |
| Parc de l’Île-Bell | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Parc de Val-Limoges | Parks | 1.2 ha |
| Parc Armand-Millaire | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Jardin de l’Eau-Vive | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Parc Lafontaine | Parks | 1.6 ha |
| Parc Bernard-Cloutier | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Parc régional Montagne du Diable | Nature Reserves | 10,019.9 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Mont-Laurier
- Maniwaki 41.8 km · 3,757 people
- Riviere-Rouge 50.5 km · 4,631 people
- Gracefield 66.6 km · 2,376 people
- Mont-Tremblant 84.9 km · 10,992 people
- Barkmere 93.8 km · 81 people
- Thurso 107.9 km · 3,084 people
- Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts 109.1 km · 11,211 people
- Sainte-Adele 124.1 km · 14,010 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Mont-Laurier
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Mont-Laurier has a population of 14,180 people, making it the 78th town in Quebec. The population increased slightly from 14,116 in 2016, an increase of 64 people or 0.45%. The town has a population density of 24.1 people per km² across a land area of 587.42 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Mont-Laurier's population remained essentially flat between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 14,116 to 14,180 people, a marginal change of 64 residents. This stability is characteristic of many mid-sized other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 48.80 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (38.8%) 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.
Mont-Laurier has a population density of approximately 24.10 people per square kilometre.
Mont-Laurier covers a land area of approximately 587.42 km².
The median age of the population in Mont-Laurier is 48.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Mont-Laurier is Canadian.
The median household income in Mont-Laurier is $57,600, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Mont-Laurier.
Christian is the predominant religion in Mont-Laurier.
According to the 2021 Census, 4.8% of Mont-Laurier's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
99.7% of Mont-Laurier's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 16.5% of census families in Mont-Laurier, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 1.0% of all households in Mont-Laurier, per the 2021 Census.
20.8% of Mont-Laurier'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 Mont-Laurier, 29.8% 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.