Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Montreal has a population of around 1,762,949 people. The city's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Montreal has increased by ▲ 3.42%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,704,694 | 1,762,949 | +3.42% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.67% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Montreal's population is projected to reach approximately 1,823,195 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 4,998.62 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,762,949 | 1,823,195 | 4,998.62 |
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.
Montreal Population Trend & Context
Montreal had a 2021 census population of 1,762,949 — an increase of 58,255 (▲ 3.42%) people from the 1,704,694 recorded in 2016.
The city's population has grown slightly over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Quebec cities. The city's median age of 38.8 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
Population By Genders
The male population of Montreal is around 867,975 while the female population is around 894,980.
Of the 1,762,949 total population in Montreal, the largest gender is female with around 894,980 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 867,975 | 894,980 | +3.02% |
Is Montreal a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Montreal 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.
Montreal Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Montreal compares to the city's key indicators:
| Indicator | Montreal | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $63,600 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.3% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 38.8 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 40.2% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 33.4% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Montreal has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 25 to 29 years old, accounting for 8.70% of the total population. The city median age is 38.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 to 29 years | 77,680 8.90% | 76,315 8.50% | 1.76% | 153,995 8.70% |
| 30 to 34 years | 73,810 8.50% | 73,040 8.20% | 1.04% | 146,855 8.30% |
| 35 to 39 years | 67,835 7.80% | 68,040 7.60% | 0.30% | 135,880 7.70% |
| 40 to 44 years | 63,885 7.40% | 63,285 7.10% | 0.94% | 127,165 7.20% |
| 20 to 24 years | 63,220 7.30% | 62,015 6.90% | 1.91% | 125,235 7.10% |
| 45 to 49 years | 55,495 6.40% | 54,630 6.10% | 1.56% | 110,130 6.20% |
| 55 to 59 years | 55,305 6.40% | 52,730 5.90% | 4.66% | 108,040 6.10% |
| 50 to 54 years | 54,115 6.20% | 51,435 5.70% | 4.95% | 105,545 6.00% |
| 60 to 64 years | 50,055 5.80% | 51,670 5.80% | 3.13% | 101,725 5.80% |
| 5 to 9 years | 47,700 5.50% | 45,620 5.10% | 4.36% | 93,325 5.30% |
| 0 to 4 years | 45,335 5.20% | 43,335 4.80% | 4.41% | 88,670 5.00% |
| 10 to 14 years | 45,220 5.20% | 43,215 4.80% | 4.43% | 88,435 5.00% |
| 65 to 69 years | 40,115 4.60% | 44,915 5.00% | 10.69% | 85,025 4.80% |
| 15 to 19 years | 41,675 4.80% | 40,805 4.60% | 2.09% | 82,475 4.70% |
| 70 to 74 years | 32,855 3.80% | 39,445 4.40% | 16.71% | 72,300 4.10% |
| 75 to 79 years | 22,645 2.60% | 30,075 3.40% | 24.70% | 52,720 3.00% |
| 85 years and over | 15,250 1.80% | 30,790 3.40% | 50.47% | 46,035 2.60% |
| 80 to 84 years | 15,780 1.80% | 23,610 2.60% | 33.16% | 39,395 2.20% |
| 85 to 89 years | 10,185 1.20% | 17,655 2.00% | 42.31% | 27,835 1.60% |
| 90 to 94 years | 4,155 0.50% | 10,205 1.10% | 59.28% | 14,360 0.80% |
| 95 to 99 years | 825 0.10% | 2,560 0.30% | 67.77% | 3,375 0.20% |
| 100 years and over | 90 0.00% | 375 0.00% | 76.00% | 465 0.00% |
Broader Age Groups
If the city'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 67.90% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 16.80% and 15.30%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Montreal are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 69.50% | 66.40% | 67.90% |
| 65 years and over | 14.60% | 18.90% | 16.80% |
| 0 to 14 years | 15.90% | 14.80% | 15.30% |
Population of Montreal by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Montreal is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Montreal is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the city appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Montreal are French, which accounts for 17.85% of the total population, followed by Canadian (12.57%), Italian (7.86%), Irish (4.68%), and Haitian (4.67%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Montreal include Chinese, French Canadian, Arab, Scottish, and English.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| French | 18.26% | 17.45% | 17.85% |
| Canadian | 12.22% | 12.91% | 12.57% |
| Italian | 7.78% | 7.94% | 7.86% |
| Irish | 4.52% | 4.83% | 4.68% |
| Haitian | 4.43% | 4.91% | 4.67% |
| Chinese | 3.33% | 3.83% | 3.58% |
| French Canadian | 3.34% | 3.55% | 3.45% |
| Arab | 3.29% | 2.86% | 3.07% |
| Scottish | 2.54% | 2.67% | 2.60% |
| English | 2.59% | 2.42% | 2.51% |
Indigenous Identity in Montreal
About 0.89% of Montreal's population (15,315 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 99.11% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 3,465 people (0.20% 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 Montreal's population profile.
About 33.4% of Montreal's population are immigrants (576,120 people).
The top countries of origin for Montreal's immigrant population are Haiti (47,555), Algeria (43,840), France (39,280), Morocco (33,005), Italy (30,215).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Haiti | 47,555 |
| Algeria | 43,840 |
| France | 39,280 |
| Morocco | 33,005 |
| Italy | 30,215 |
83.2% of Montreal's residents (1,434,570 people) are Canadian citizens, and 16.8% are not.
By generation status, 42.1% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 21.0% are second generation, and 37.0% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 464,420 of Montreal's population live in a apartment in a building that has fewer than five storeys. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 20.90% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 14.85% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.35%, 5.05%, and 2.85%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 341,345 | 20.90% |
| 2 persons | 242,175 | 14.85% |
| 3 persons | 103,550 | 6.35% |
| 4 persons | 82,715 | 5.05% |
| 5 or more persons | 46,560 | 2.85% |
Family and Household Structure in Montreal
Of census families in Montreal, 79.1% are couple families and 20.9% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.9 people.
41.8% of households in Montreal are one-person households, 38.8% are couple-family households, 9.4% are one-parent-family households, and 1.4% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 341,345 | 41.8% |
| Couple-family households | 317,105 | 38.8% |
| One-parent-family households | 77,045 | 9.4% |
| Multigenerational households | 11,240 | 1.4% |
Income in Montreal
Analyzing income distribution in Montreal can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Montreal is $36,800.
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 city's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Montreal population or around 241,800 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 193,070 and 182,395 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Montreal's median household income is $63,600, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Montreal's median household income is 20,400 dollars below the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the city'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 city's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Montreal
This data sheds light on the distribution of Montreal 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.
75.20% or most of the Montreal population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 14.90% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 10.00% 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 | 359,680 | 377,835 | 737,515 | 75.20% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 79,740 | 66,280 | 146,020 | 14.90% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 52,760 | 44,910 | 97,670 | 10.00% |
Above national average 44.4% of Montreal's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Montreal
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Montreal. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Montreal is at 10.34% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 59.17% |
| Unemployment rate | 10.34% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Montreal, 32.0% worked full year full time in the reference year, 33.0% worked part year and/or part time, and 35.0% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 464,805 | 32.0% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 479,820 | 33.0% |
| Did not work | 508,670 | 35.0% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the city who work as an employee. The majority of Montreal's population (around 69.00%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the city, there are 73,050 men and 45,670 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 118,725.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 73,050 | 45,670 | 118,725 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Montreal industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Montreal is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Montreal has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (13%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Professional, scientific and technical services sector comes second at 12%, followed by Retail trade at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 32,195 | 95,980 | 13% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 65,950 | 47,800 | 12% |
| Retail trade | 49,745 | 48,960 | 10% |
| Educational services | 31,030 | 53,350 | 9% |
| Manufacturing | 51,395 | 24,725 | 8% |
| Accommodation and food services | 29,185 | 24,555 | 6% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 38,320 | 10,755 | 5% |
| Finance and insurance | 23,830 | 23,235 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 27,460 | 17,860 | 5% |
| Information and cultural industries | 24,295 | 15,730 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 16,105 | 23,490 | 4% |
| Public administration | 18,740 | 19,850 | 4% |
| Wholesale trade | 20,380 | 13,470 | 4% |
| Construction | 28,300 | 5,150 | 4% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 10,860 | 10,105 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 9,730 | 7,045 | 2% |
| Utilities | 3,245 | 1,905 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 1,730 | 1,185 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 850 | 875 | 0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 805 | 390 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Montreal residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Montreal: Health care and social assistance (13%), Professional, scientific and technical services (12%), Retail trade (10%)
Top occupation categories in Montreal: Sales and service occupations (24%), Business, finance and administration occupations (19%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (13%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the city. 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 | 254,310 | 261,130 | 515,440 | 59.90% |
| Worked at home | 132,065 | 128,355 | 260,415 | 30.30% |
| No fixed workplace address | 57,160 | 24,130 | 81,290 | 9.50% |
| Worked outside Canada | 1,725 | 1,045 | 2,775 | 0.30% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Montreal 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 Montreal residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Montreal spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the city's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the city.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 15 to 29 minutes | 35.50% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 27.00% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 17.90% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 10.50% |
| 60 minutes and over | 9.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Montreal 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 city's social fabric. We can gain insights into Montreal's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights city'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 Montreal. About 1,091,480 people living in the city speak French, 457,725 people speak English, 151,345 people speak English and French language, and 40,705 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 1,091,480 |
| English | 457,725 |
| English and French | 151,345 |
| Neither English nor French | 40,705 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 58.5% of Montreal's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 11.9% know English only, 27.2% know French only, and 2.4% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 207,690 | 11.9% |
| French only | 473,490 | 27.2% |
| English and French | 1,018,100 | 58.5% |
| Neither English nor French | 41,975 | 2.4% |
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 | 47.0% | 52.2% |
| Non-official languages | 32.8% | 19.0% |
| English | 13.0% | 19.9% |
Religion
Montreal is predominantly Christian. About 853,205 of its population is Christian (397,365 males and 455,840 females).
The second largest religion in the city is Muslim with 12.7% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Jewish and Hindu, both represent 2.1% and 1.8% of the population, while Buddhist represent 1.5% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 49.5% |
| Islam | 12.7% |
| Jewish | 2.1% |
| Hindu | 1.8% |
| Buddhist | 1.5% |
| Sikh | 0.9% |
Nearest Cities to Montreal
- Longueuil 8.5 km · 254,483 people
- Laval 17.2 km · 438,366 people
- Terrebonne 21.9 km · 119,944 people
- Repentigny 27.1 km · 86,100 people
- Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu 33.1 km · 97,873 people
- Saint-Jerome 45.5 km · 80,213 people
- Saint-Hyacinthe 50.9 km · 57,239 people
- Trois-Rivieres 122.6 km · 139,163 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Montreal
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Montreal has a population of 1,762,949 people, making it the 1st city in Quebec. The population increased moderately from 1,704,694 in 2016, an increase of 58,255 people or 3.42%. The city has a population density of 4,833.5 people per km² across a land area of 364.74 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Montreal's population grew by 3.42% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 1,704,694 to 1,762,949 people, a gain of 58,255 residents. This modest growth reflects patterns seen in many other Quebec cities during this period. The median age of 38.80 years suggests a relatively balanced demographic profile. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (41.8%) 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.
Montreal has a population density of approximately 4,833.50 people per square kilometre.
Montreal covers a land area of approximately 364.74 km².
The median age of the population in Montreal is 38.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Montreal is French.
The median household income in Montreal is $63,600, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Montreal.
Christian is the predominant religion in Montreal.
According to the 2021 Census, 0.9% of Montreal's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
83.2% of Montreal's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 20.9% of census families in Montreal, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 1.4% of all households in Montreal, per the 2021 Census.
58.5% of Montreal'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 Montreal, 32.0% 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.