Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Port-Cartier has a population of around 6,516 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Port-Cartier has decreased by ▼ -4.16%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 6,799 | 6,516 | --4.16% |
2026 Population Projection
Port-Cartier's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 6,516 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Port-Cartier Population Trend & Context
Port-Cartier had a 2021 census population of 6,516 — a decline of 283 (▼ 4.16%) people from the 6,799 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has seen a slight decline over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing Quebec towns. The town's median age of 45.2 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 Port-Cartier is around 3,440 while the female population is around 3,080.
Of the 6,516 total population in Port-Cartier, the largest gender is male with around 3,440 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3,440 | 3,080 | -10.47% |
Is Port-Cartier a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Port-Cartier 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.
Port-Cartier Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Port-Cartier compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Port-Cartier | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $82,000 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 45.2 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.8% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 1.1% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Port-Cartier has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 55 to 59 years old, accounting for 8.00% of the total population. The town median age is 45.20.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 to 59 years | 270 7.80% | 250 8.10% | 7.41% | 520 8.00% |
| 60 to 64 years | 255 7.40% | 260 8.40% | 1.92% | 515 7.90% |
| 50 to 54 years | 255 7.40% | 205 6.70% | 19.61% | 460 7.10% |
| 65 to 69 years | 245 7.10% | 215 7.00% | 12.24% | 455 7.00% |
| 40 to 44 years | 245 7.10% | 200 6.50% | 18.37% | 445 6.80% |
| 45 to 49 years | 235 6.80% | 195 6.30% | 17.02% | 430 6.60% |
| 10 to 14 years | 230 6.70% | 180 5.80% | 21.74% | 410 6.30% |
| 30 to 34 years | 195 5.70% | 190 6.20% | 2.56% | 385 5.90% |
| 35 to 39 years | 225 6.50% | 155 5.00% | 31.11% | 380 5.80% |
| 5 to 9 years | 175 5.10% | 170 5.50% | 2.86% | 345 5.30% |
| 25 to 29 years | 185 5.40% | 150 4.90% | 18.92% | 340 5.20% |
| 70 to 74 years | 170 4.90% | 165 5.40% | 2.94% | 335 5.10% |
| 15 to 19 years | 180 5.20% | 150 4.90% | 16.67% | 335 5.10% |
| 0 to 4 years | 155 4.50% | 165 5.40% | 6.06% | 320 4.90% |
| 20 to 24 years | 155 4.50% | 140 4.50% | 9.68% | 300 4.60% |
| 75 to 79 years | 140 4.10% | 145 4.70% | 3.45% | 285 4.40% |
| 80 to 84 years | 80 2.30% | 80 2.60% | 0.00% | 160 2.50% |
| 85 years and over | 35 1.00% | 75 2.40% | 53.33% | 110 1.70% |
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 62.90% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 20.60% and 16.50%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Port-Cartier are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 64.20% | 61.40% | 62.90% |
| 65 years and over | 19.30% | 21.90% | 20.60% |
| 0 to 14 years | 16.30% | 16.70% | 16.50% |
Population of Port-Cartier by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Port-Cartier is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Port-Cartier 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 Port-Cartier are Canadian, which accounts for 41.11% of the total population, followed by French (18.25%), French Canadian (7.86%), Caucasian (White) (5.56%), and Irish (2.06%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Port-Cartier include First Nations (North American Indian), Acadian, Christian, n.i.e., Innu/Montagnais, and Scottish.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 39.36% | 43.00% | 41.11% |
| French | 18.53% | 17.79% | 18.25% |
| French Canadian | 8.42% | 7.25% | 7.86% |
| Caucasian (White) | 5.36% | 5.77% | 5.56% |
| Irish | 1.84% | 2.14% | 2.06% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 2.14% | 1.98% | 2.06% |
| Acadian | 1.23% | 1.98% | 1.67% |
| Christian, n.i.e. | 1.53% | 1.48% | 1.59% |
| Innu/Montagnais | 1.53% | 1.15% | 1.27% |
| Scottish | 1.38% | 0.99% | 1.27% |
Indigenous Identity in Port-Cartier
About 6.19% of Port-Cartier's population (390 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 93.81% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 170 people (2.70% 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 Port-Cartier's population profile.
About 1.1% of Port-Cartier's population are immigrants (70 people).
The top countries of origin for Port-Cartier's immigrant population are Portugal (25), Morocco (10), Algeria (0), Congo, Democratic Republic of the (0), Egypt (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Portugal | 25 |
| Morocco | 10 |
| Algeria | 0 |
| Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 0 |
| Egypt | 0 |
99.9% of Port-Cartier's residents (6,295 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.0% are not.
By generation status, 1.3% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 1.7% are second generation, and 97.1% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 1,550 of Port-Cartier's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 18.35% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 17.40% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.70%, 5.15%, and 2.40%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 1,070 | 18.35% |
| 1 person | 1,015 | 17.40% |
| 3 persons | 390 | 6.70% |
| 4 persons | 300 | 5.15% |
| 5 or more persons | 140 | 2.40% |
Family and Household Structure in Port-Cartier
Of census families in Port-Cartier, 85.8% are couple families and 14.2% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.7 people.
34.6% of households in Port-Cartier are one-person households, 52.9% are couple-family households, 8.2% are one-parent-family households, and 0.5% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 1,010 | 34.6% |
| Couple-family households | 1,545 | 52.9% |
| One-parent-family households | 240 | 8.2% |
| Multigenerational households | 15 | 0.5% |
Income in Port-Cartier
Analyzing income distribution in Port-Cartier can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Port-Cartier is $45,200.
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 Port-Cartier population or around 680 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $100,000 to $149,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 670 and 630 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Port-Cartier's median household income is $82,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Port-Cartier's median household income is 2,000 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 Port-Cartier
This data sheds light on the distribution of Port-Cartier 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.
59.00% or most of the Port-Cartier population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 21.40% of the population has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 19.60% 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 | 1,030 | 890 | 1,925 | 59.00% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 345 | 355 | 700 | 21.40% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 295 | 340 | 640 | 19.60% |
Below national average 12.4% of Port-Cartier's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Port-Cartier
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Port-Cartier. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Port-Cartier is at 6.63% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 53.62% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.63% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Port-Cartier, 33.5% worked full year full time in the reference year, 24.7% worked part year and/or part time, and 41.7% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 1,760 | 33.5% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 1,295 | 24.7% |
| Did not work | 2,190 | 41.7% |
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 Port-Cartier's population (around 78.70%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 55 men and 60 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 110.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 55 | 60 | 110 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Port-Cartier industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Port-Cartier is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Port-Cartier has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (16%) works in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector. The Public administration sector comes second at 13%, followed by Health care and social assistance at 12%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 380 | 90 | 16% |
| Public administration | 195 | 180 | 13% |
| Health care and social assistance | 65 | 305 | 12% |
| Manufacturing | 275 | 50 | 11% |
| Retail trade | 70 | 210 | 10% |
| Educational services | 55 | 175 | 8% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 165 | 30 | 7% |
| Accommodation and food services | 15 | 135 | 5% |
| Construction | 115 | 30 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 55 | 45 | 3% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 55 | 45 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 30 | 10 | 2% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 35 | 0 | 1% |
| Finance and insurance | 10 | 35 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 15 | 10 | 1% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 10 | 15 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 20 | 1% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 0 | 10 | 1% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Port-Cartier residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Port-Cartier: Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (16%), Public administration (13%), Health care and social assistance (12%)
Top occupation categories in Port-Cartier: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (25%), Sales and service occupations (20%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (17%)
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 | 1,185 | 1,230 | 2,415 | 85.80% |
| No fixed workplace address | 190 | 45 | 235 | 8.30% |
| Worked at home | 85 | 75 | 160 | 5.70% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Port-Cartier 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 Port-Cartier residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Port-Cartier 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 | 72.10% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 10.60% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 9.80% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 5.80% |
| 60 minutes and over | 1.90% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Port-Cartier 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 Port-Cartier'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 Port-Cartier. About 6,215 people living in the town speak French, 85 people speak English, 15 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 6,215 |
| English | 85 |
| English and French | 15 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 23.0% of Port-Cartier's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 0.2% know English only, 76.9% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 15 | 0.2% |
| French only | 4,855 | 76.9% |
| English and French | 1,450 | 23.0% |
| 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 | 97.1% | 98.0% |
| English | 1.3% | 1.0% |
| Non-official languages | 1.0% | 0.3% |
Religion
Port-Cartier is predominantly Christian. About 4,945 of its population is Christian (2,525 males and 2,420 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 0.2% 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 | 78.4% |
| Islam | 0.2% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Port-Cartier
Hospitals
Schools
Parks
- Base plein air Les Goélands
- Parc de la Rivière aux Rochers
- Parc de la Rivière
- Parc des Îles
- Parc Parisé
- Parc Tibasse
- Parc Maloney
- Parc du Boisvert
- Parc du Centre Cartier
Places to Visit in Port-Cartier
Museums
Historic Sites
Theatres
Green Spaces in Port-Cartier
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Base plein air Les Goélands | Parks | — |
| Parc de la Rivière aux Rochers | Parks | — |
| Parc de la Rivière | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Parc des Îles | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Parc Parisé | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Parc Tibasse | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Parc Maloney | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Parc du Boisvert | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Parc du Centre Cartier | Parks | 2.3 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Port-Cartier
- Sept-Iles 41.4 km · 24,569 people
- Sainte-Anne-des-Monts 103.2 km · 6,121 people
- Cap-Chat 103.5 km · 2,516 people
- Baie-Comeau 129.9 km · 20,687 people
- Matane 138.6 km · 13,987 people
- Murdochville 154.2 km · 643 people
- Gaspe 166.8 km · 15,063 people
- Metis-sur-Mer 169.9 km · 594 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Port-Cartier
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Port-Cartier has a population of 6,516 people, making it the 131st town in Quebec. The population declined moderately from 6,799 in 2016, a decrease of 283 people or 4.16%. The town has a population density of 6.0 people per km² across a land area of 1,092.75 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Port-Cartier's population declined by 4.16% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 6,799 to 6,516 people, a loss of 283 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 45.20 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (34.8%) 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.
Port-Cartier has a population density of approximately 6.00 people per square kilometre.
Port-Cartier covers a land area of approximately 1,092.75 km².
The median age of the population in Port-Cartier is 45.20 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Port-Cartier is Canadian.
The median household income in Port-Cartier is $82,000, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Port-Cartier.
Christian is the predominant religion in Port-Cartier.
According to the 2021 Census, 6.2% of Port-Cartier's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
99.9% of Port-Cartier's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 14.2% of census families in Port-Cartier, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.5% of all households in Port-Cartier, per the 2021 Census.
23.0% of Port-Cartier'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 Port-Cartier, 33.5% 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.