Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Portneuf has a population of around 3,329 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Portneuf has increased by ▲ 4.46%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3,187 | 3,329 | +4.46% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.88% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Portneuf's population is projected to reach approximately 3,477 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 31.87 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 3,329 | 3,477 | 31.87 |
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.
Portneuf Population Trend & Context
Portneuf had a 2021 census population of 3,329 — an increase of 142 (▲ 4.46%) people from the 3,187 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has grown slightly over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Quebec towns. The town's median age of 49.6 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 Portneuf is around 1,710 while the female population is around 1,625.
Of the 3,329 total population in Portneuf, the largest gender is male with around 1,710 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,710 | 1,625 | +4.97% |
Is Portneuf a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Portneuf 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.
Portneuf Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Portneuf compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Portneuf | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $64,000 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 49.6 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.7% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 2.1% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Portneuf has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 65 to 69 years old, accounting for 9.80% of the total population. The town median age is 49.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 to 69 years | 175 10.20% | 150 9.20% | 14.29% | 325 9.80% |
| 60 to 64 years | 145 8.50% | 150 9.20% | 3.33% | 300 9.00% |
| 55 to 59 years | 150 8.80% | 130 8.00% | 13.33% | 280 8.40% |
| 70 to 74 years | 135 7.90% | 115 7.10% | 14.81% | 250 7.50% |
| 25 to 29 years | 100 5.80% | 100 6.20% | 0.00% | 200 6.00% |
| 30 to 34 years | 100 5.80% | 100 6.20% | 0.00% | 195 5.90% |
| 40 to 44 years | 100 5.80% | 90 5.50% | 10.00% | 195 5.90% |
| 5 to 9 years | 90 5.30% | 85 5.20% | 5.56% | 180 5.40% |
| 45 to 49 years | 90 5.30% | 90 5.50% | 0.00% | 180 5.40% |
| 50 to 54 years | 95 5.60% | 90 5.50% | 5.26% | 180 5.40% |
| 35 to 39 years | 90 5.30% | 80 4.90% | 11.11% | 175 5.30% |
| 0 to 4 years | 90 5.30% | 75 4.60% | 16.67% | 165 5.00% |
| 75 to 79 years | 85 5.00% | 75 4.60% | 11.76% | 160 4.80% |
| 10 to 14 years | 70 4.10% | 70 4.30% | 0.00% | 140 4.20% |
| 20 to 24 years | 55 3.20% | 70 4.30% | 21.43% | 125 3.80% |
| 15 to 19 years | 70 4.10% | 50 3.10% | 28.57% | 120 3.60% |
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 58.40% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 27.00% and 14.40%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Portneuf are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 58.50% | 58.20% | 58.40% |
| 65 years and over | 26.90% | 27.40% | 27.00% |
| 0 to 14 years | 14.60% | 14.20% | 14.40% |
Population of Portneuf by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Portneuf is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Portneuf 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 Portneuf are Canadian, which accounts for 50.31% of the total population, followed by French (24.31%), French Canadian (6.27%), Irish (3.52%), and English (2.14%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Portneuf include Christian, n.i.e., First Nations (North American Indian), Scottish, Caucasian (White), and German.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 50.15% | 50.46% | 50.31% |
| French | 22.36% | 26.63% | 24.31% |
| French Canadian | 6.04% | 6.50% | 6.27% |
| Irish | 3.32% | 4.02% | 3.52% |
| English | 2.42% | 2.17% | 2.14% |
| Christian, n.i.e. | 1.81% | 1.24% | 1.68% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 1.51% | 1.55% | 1.53% |
| Scottish | 1.81% | 0.93% | 1.38% |
| Caucasian (White) | 1.51% | 0.93% | 1.22% |
| German | 0.60% | 1.55% | 1.07% |
Indigenous Identity in Portneuf
About 1.99% of Portneuf's population (65 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 98.01% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 0 people (0.00% 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 Portneuf's population profile.
About 2.1% of Portneuf's population are immigrants (70 people).
The top countries of origin for Portneuf's immigrant population are France (30), Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0), Guyana (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| France | 30 |
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
| Guyana | 0 |
98.6% of Portneuf's residents (3,225 people) are Canadian citizens, and 1.2% are not.
By generation status, 3.1% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 2.9% are second generation, and 94.2% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 1,210 of Portneuf's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 20.40% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 18.55% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.30%, 4.05%, and 1.70%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 655 | 20.40% |
| 1 person | 595 | 18.55% |
| 3 persons | 170 | 5.30% |
| 4 persons | 130 | 4.05% |
| 5 or more persons | 55 | 1.70% |
Family and Household Structure in Portneuf
Of census families in Portneuf, 87.4% are couple families and 12.6% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.6 people.
36.6% of households in Portneuf are one-person households, 52.2% are couple-family households, 6.8% are one-parent-family households, and 0.6% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 590 | 36.6% |
| Couple-family households | 840 | 52.2% |
| One-parent-family households | 110 | 6.8% |
| Multigenerational households | 10 | 0.6% |
Income in Portneuf
Analyzing income distribution in Portneuf can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Portneuf is $38,800.
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 town's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Portneuf population or around 455 people falls in the $30,000 to $49,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $50,000 to $79,999 with around 445 and 365 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Portneuf's median household income is $64,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Portneuf's median household income is 20,000 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 Portneuf
This data sheds light on the distribution of Portneuf 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.
66.30% or most of the Portneuf population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 24.20% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 9.60% 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 | 585 | 530 | 1,110 | 66.30% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 175 | 225 | 405 | 24.20% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 95 | 65 | 160 | 9.60% |
Below national average 10.7% of Portneuf's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Portneuf
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Portneuf. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Portneuf is at 6.79% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 53.83% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.79% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Portneuf, 31.2% worked full year full time in the reference year, 26.4% worked part year and/or part time, and 42.1% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 875 | 31.2% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 740 | 26.4% |
| Did not work | 1,180 | 42.1% |
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 Portneuf's population (around 75.60%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 80 men and 25 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 105.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 80 | 25 | 105 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Portneuf industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Portneuf is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Portneuf has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (20%) works in the manufacturing sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 12%, followed by Public administration at 9%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 200 | 120 | 20% |
| Retail trade | 85 | 105 | 12% |
| Public administration | 55 | 85 | 9% |
| Health care and social assistance | 10 | 110 | 8% |
| Construction | 100 | 0 | 7% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 50 | 45 | 6% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 55 | 30 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 50 | 35 | 5% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 40 | 35 | 5% |
| Accommodation and food services | 45 | 30 | 5% |
| Educational services | 25 | 45 | 4% |
| Wholesale trade | 35 | 10 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 10 | 35 | 3% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 15 | 15 | 2% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 20 | 0 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 15 | 10 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 15 | 0 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Portneuf residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Portneuf: Manufacturing (20%), Retail trade (12%), Public administration (9%)
Top occupation categories in Portneuf: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (24%), Sales and service occupations (23%), Business, finance and administration occupations (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 | 585 | 525 | 1,110 | 73.50% |
| No fixed workplace address | 155 | 45 | 200 | 13.20% |
| Worked at home | 75 | 120 | 195 | 12.90% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Portneuf 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 Portneuf residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Portneuf 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 | 36.90% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 30.80% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 20.20% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 9.90% |
| 60 minutes and over | 2.70% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Portneuf 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 Portneuf'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 Portneuf. About 3,255 people living in the town speak French, 50 people speak English, 20 people speak English and French language, and 5 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 3,255 |
| English | 50 |
| English and French | 20 |
| Neither English nor French | 5 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 26.8% of Portneuf's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 0.0% know English only, 73.1% know French only, and 0.2% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 0 | 0.0% |
| French only | 2,430 | 73.1% |
| English and French | 890 | 26.8% |
| 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 | 96.5% | 97.3% |
| English | 1.5% | 1.1% |
| Non-official languages | 1.4% | 0.5% |
Religion
Portneuf is predominantly Christian. About 2,510 of its population is Christian (1,215 males and 1,295 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 0.5% 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 | 76.8% |
| Islam | 0.5% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Portneuf
Hospitals
Schools
Parks
- sentiers des marais
- Centre de plein-air Dansereau
- Entré de la réserve faunique de portneuf
- Entré Talbot
- Centre de ski de fond Les Portes de l'Enfer
- Parc J.-M.-A.-Gouin
- Parc du Centre Récréatif
- Parc Dussault
- Centre récréatif de la famille
- Parc municipal
- Parc Terry-Fox
- Parc Détente
- Parc des Anglais
- Terrain des loisirs
- Parc Donnacona
- Parc des Ancêtres
- Parc Jean-Guy-Fournier
- Parc des Sentiers
- Parc des Ainés
- Parc du Martin Pêcheur
- Îlot loisirs
- Parc du Grand Héron
- Parc Alexandre Paquet
Libraries
- shannon municipal library
- Bibliothèque Auguste-Honoré-Gosselin
- Bibliothèque de Portneuf
- Bibliothèque : "Au fil des mots"
- Bibliothèque Jean-Charles-Magnan
- Centre d'archives régional de Portneuf
Community Centres
- Le Bivouac
- Centre communautaire et culturel
- Administration Municipale de Saint-Prosper
- Centre la Rencontre
- Salle Municipale
- Centre communautaire Saint-Éloi
- Centre Communautaire Charles-Henri Lapointe
- Centre multifonctionnel Rolland-Dion
- Centre Ernest-J.-Papillon
Places to Visit in Portneuf
Museums
Attractions
- Station Touristique Duchesnay
- La Vallée Secrète
- Centre d'Interpretation du Granite
- Vallée bras du nord accueil cantin
- Moulin de La Chevrotière
- Île de Monte-Christo
- Château d’If (Rémond/Rousse)
- Saint Patrick's Church
- Labyrinthe
- Chapelle Saint-Agricole
- Église Saint-Bartholomew
- Maison Quézel
Historic Sites
- Église Christ Church
- Central
- Barrage
- Plaque commémorative, site du décès de Hector de Saint-Denys Garneau
- Le Puits Vouillé
- Jean Baudet et Marie Grandin
- Petite école du 4e Rang
- Église Saint-Joseph
- Maison Ancestrale de Beaudet
Theatres
Green Spaces in Portneuf
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| sentiers des marais | Parks | — |
| Centre de plein-air Dansereau | Parks | — |
| Entré de la réserve faunique de portneuf | Parks | — |
| Entré Talbot | Parks | — |
| Centre de ski de fond Les Portes de l'Enfer | Parks | — |
| Parc J.-M.-A.-Gouin | Parks | 3.8 ha |
| Parc du Centre Récréatif | Parks | 4.1 ha |
| Parc Dussault | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Centre récréatif de la famille | Parks | 2.8 ha |
| Parc municipal | Parks | 4.8 ha |
| Parc Terry-Fox | Parks | 5.6 ha |
| Parc Détente | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Domaine Joly-De Lotbinière | Nature Reserves | — |
| Réserve faunique des Laurentides | Nature Reserves | — |
| Réserve faunique des Laurentides | Nature Reserves | — |
| Réserve faunique de Portneuf | Nature Reserves | — |
| Réserve faunique de Portneuf | Nature Reserves | — |
| Réserve faunique de Portneuf | Nature Reserves | — |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Portneuf
- Saint-Raymond 17.4 km · 11,108 people
- Lac-Sergent 25.5 km · 541 people
- Lac-Saint-Joseph 28.1 km · 304 people
- Saint-Basile 29.8 km · 2,709 people
- Fossambault-sur-le-Lac 32.4 km · 2,327 people
- Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier 34.0 km · 8,442 people
- Saint-Marc-des-Carrieres 34.8 km · 2,901 people
- Pont-Rouge 35.3 km · 10,121 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Portneuf
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Portneuf has a population of 3,329 people, making it the 177th town in Quebec. The population increased moderately from 3,187 in 2016, an increase of 142 people or 4.46%. The town has a population density of 30.5 people per km² across a land area of 109.10 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Portneuf's population grew by 4.46% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 3,187 to 3,329 people, a gain of 142 residents. This modest growth reflects patterns seen in many other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 49.60 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (37.1%) 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.
Portneuf has a population density of approximately 30.50 people per square kilometre.
Portneuf covers a land area of approximately 109.10 km².
The median age of the population in Portneuf is 49.60 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Portneuf is Canadian.
The median household income in Portneuf is $64,000, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Portneuf.
Christian is the predominant religion in Portneuf.
According to the 2021 Census, 2.0% of Portneuf's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
98.6% of Portneuf's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 12.6% of census families in Portneuf, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.6% of all households in Portneuf, per the 2021 Census.
26.8% of Portneuf'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 Portneuf, 31.2% 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.