Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Perce has a population of around 3,095 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Perce has decreased by ▼ -0.26%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3,103 | 3,095 | --0.26% |
2026 Population Projection
Perce's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 3,095 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Perce Population Trend & Context
Perce had a 2021 census population of 3,095 — a decline of 8 (▼ 0.26%) people from the 3,103 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 57.6 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 Perce is around 1,585 while the female population is around 1,510.
Of the 3,095 total population in Perce, the largest gender is male with around 1,585 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,585 | 1,510 | -4.73% |
Is Perce a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Perce 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.
Perce Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Perce compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Perce | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $56,400 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 16.7% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 57.6 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 11.0% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 1.6% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Perce has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 12.00% of the total population. The town median age is 57.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 180 11.40% | 190 12.60% | 5.26% | 370 12.00% |
| 65 to 69 years | 175 11.00% | 175 11.60% | 0.00% | 345 11.10% |
| 70 to 74 years | 145 9.10% | 160 10.60% | 9.38% | 300 9.70% |
| 55 to 59 years | 140 8.80% | 105 7.00% | 25.00% | 250 8.10% |
| 50 to 54 years | 130 8.20% | 90 6.00% | 30.77% | 220 7.10% |
| 75 to 79 years | 95 6.00% | 85 5.60% | 10.53% | 185 6.00% |
| 45 to 49 years | 95 6.00% | 85 5.60% | 10.53% | 175 5.70% |
| 40 to 44 years | 95 6.00% | 75 5.00% | 21.05% | 165 5.30% |
| 30 to 34 years | 60 3.80% | 65 4.30% | 7.69% | 125 4.00% |
| 35 to 39 years | 70 4.40% | 60 4.00% | 14.29% | 125 4.00% |
| 5 to 9 years | 50 3.20% | 65 4.30% | 23.08% | 115 3.70% |
| 10 to 14 years | 65 4.10% | 50 3.30% | 23.08% | 115 3.70% |
| 80 to 84 years | 55 3.50% | 60 4.00% | 8.33% | 115 3.70% |
| 20 to 24 years | 60 3.80% | 50 3.30% | 16.67% | 110 3.60% |
| 25 to 29 years | 60 3.80% | 40 2.60% | 33.33% | 105 3.40% |
| 85 years and over | 30 1.90% | 80 5.30% | 62.50% | 105 3.40% |
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 55.90% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 34.40% and 9.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Perce are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 59.00% | 52.60% | 55.90% |
| 65 years and over | 31.50% | 37.10% | 34.40% |
| 0 to 14 years | 9.80% | 9.90% | 9.90% |
Population of Perce by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Perce is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Perce 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 Perce are French, which accounts for 30.28% of the total population, followed by Canadian (28.97%), Irish (9.17%), English (8.84%), and French Canadian (5.89%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Perce include Mi'kmaq, Scottish, Italian, North American Indigenous, and American.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| French | 32.48% | 28.00% | 30.28% |
| Canadian | 27.01% | 31.00% | 28.97% |
| Irish | 10.29% | 8.00% | 9.17% |
| English | 9.00% | 8.67% | 8.84% |
| French Canadian | 6.11% | 5.67% | 5.89% |
| Mi'kmaq | 3.86% | 3.00% | 3.44% |
| Scottish | 2.57% | 3.33% | 3.11% |
| Italian | 2.89% | 1.67% | 2.45% |
| North American Indigenous | 2.57% | 2.00% | 2.13% |
| American | 2.89% | 1.00% | 1.80% |
Indigenous Identity in Perce
About 13.42% of Perce's population (410 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 86.58% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 65 people (2.10% 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 Perce's population profile.
About 1.6% of Perce's population are immigrants (50 people).
The top countries of origin for Perce's immigrant population are United Kingdom (15), France (10), Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 15 |
| France | 10 |
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
99.7% of Perce's residents (3,045 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.3% are not.
By generation status, 2.0% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 3.1% are second generation, and 94.9% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 1,430 of Perce's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 20.30% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 19.20% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.30%, 3.55%, and 1.60%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 630 | 20.30% |
| 2 persons | 595 | 19.20% |
| 3 persons | 165 | 5.30% |
| 4 persons | 110 | 3.55% |
| 5 or more persons | 50 | 1.60% |
Family and Household Structure in Perce
Of census families in Perce, 80.0% are couple families and 20.0% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.5 people.
40.6% of households in Perce are one-person households, 41.6% are couple-family households, 9.4% are one-parent-family households, and 1.9% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 630 | 40.6% |
| Couple-family households | 645 | 41.6% |
| One-parent-family households | 145 | 9.4% |
| Multigenerational households | 30 | 1.9% |
Income in Perce
Analyzing income distribution in Perce can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Perce is $34,400.
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 Perce population or around 750 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 290 and 180 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Perce's median household income is $56,400, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Perce's median household income is 27,600 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 Perce
This data sheds light on the distribution of Perce 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.
49.50% or most of the Perce population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 31.10% of the population has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 19.40% 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 | 390 | 375 | 765 | 49.50% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 285 | 195 | 480 | 31.10% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 155 | 150 | 300 | 19.40% |
Below national average 12.0% of Perce's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Perce
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Perce. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Perce is at 16.79% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 40.15% |
| Unemployment rate | 16.79% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Perce, 15.5% worked full year full time in the reference year, 41.3% worked part year and/or part time, and 43.3% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 420 | 15.5% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 1,120 | 41.3% |
| Did not work | 1,175 | 43.3% |
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 Perce's population (around 43.90%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 85 men and 80 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 165.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 85 | 80 | 165 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Perce industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Perce is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Perce has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (17%) works in the manufacturing sector. The Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sector comes second at 13%, followed by Accommodation and food services at 13%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 145 | 70 | 17% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 140 | 30 | 13% |
| Accommodation and food services | 60 | 105 | 13% |
| Retail trade | 30 | 90 | 9% |
| Health care and social assistance | 30 | 90 | 9% |
| Educational services | 15 | 75 | 7% |
| Public administration | 50 | 35 | 7% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 50 | 15 | 5% |
| Construction | 55 | 10 | 5% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 15 | 30 | 3% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 20 | 25 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 15 | 15 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 20 | 15 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 10 | 10 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 10 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Utilities | 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 Perce residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Perce: Manufacturing (17%), Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (13%), Accommodation and food services (13%)
Top occupation categories in Perce: Sales and service occupations (26%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (18%), Occupations in manufacturing and utilities (12%)
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 | 320 | 375 | 695 | 63.80% |
| No fixed workplace address | 205 | 70 | 275 | 25.20% |
| Worked at home | 60 | 70 | 125 | 11.50% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Perce 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 Perce residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Perce 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 | 39.40% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 36.30% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 20.70% |
| 60 minutes and over | 2.60% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.10% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Perce 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 Perce'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 Perce. About 2,390 people living in the town speak French, 680 people speak English, 10 people speak English and French language, and 5 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 2,390 |
| English | 680 |
| English and French | 10 |
| Neither English nor French | 5 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 30.9% of Perce's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 13.5% know English only, 55.6% know French only, and 0.2% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 415 | 13.5% |
| French only | 1,710 | 55.6% |
| English and French | 950 | 30.9% |
| Neither English nor French | 5 | 0.2% |
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 | 76.7% | 76.9% |
| English | 21.0% | 21.3% |
| Non-official languages | 1.3% | 1.0% |
Religion
Perce is predominantly Christian. About 2,545 of its population is Christian (1,270 males and 1,270 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 | 83.3% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Perce
Schools
Parks
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Perce
Museums
Attractions
Historic Sites
- Site de la 2e chapelle
- Maison Kittie Bruneau
- Maison Wall
- Maison des pêcheurs
- Remise Katz
- Secteur historique Charles-Robin
Theatres
Nearest Towns to Perce
- Grande-Riviere 24.9 km · 3,384 people
- Chandler 39.3 km · 7,490 people
- Hope Town 87.3 km · 334 people
- Paspebiac 94.2 km · 3,033 people
- Murdochville 105.9 km · 643 people
- New Richmond 128.4 km · 3,683 people
- Gaspe 136.7 km · 15,063 people
- Sainte-Anne-des-Monts 179.3 km · 6,121 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Perce
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Perce has a population of 3,095 people, making it the 180th town in Quebec. The population declined slightly from 3,103 in 2016, a decrease of 8 people or 0.26%. The town has a population density of 7.2 people per km² across a land area of 432.81 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Perce's population declined by 0.26% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 3,103 to 3,095 people, a loss of 8 residents. This stability is characteristic of many mid-sized other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 57.60 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (40.6%) 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.
Perce has a population density of approximately 7.20 people per square kilometre.
Perce covers a land area of approximately 432.81 km².
The median age of the population in Perce is 57.60 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Perce is French.
The median household income in Perce is $56,400, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Perce.
Christian is the predominant religion in Perce.
According to the 2021 Census, 13.4% of Perce's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
99.7% of Perce's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 20.0% of census families in Perce, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 1.9% of all households in Perce, per the 2021 Census.
30.9% of Perce'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 Perce, 15.5% 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.