Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Richelieu has a population of around 5,742 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Richelieu has increased by ▲ 9.66%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 5,236 | 5,742 | +9.66% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.86% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Richelieu's population is projected to reach approximately 6,297 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 203.39 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 5,742 | 6,297 | 203.39 |
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.
Richelieu Population Trend & Context
Richelieu had a 2021 census population of 5,742 — an increase of 506 (▲ 9.66%) people from the 5,236 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Quebec towns. The town's median age of 45.6 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 Richelieu is around 2,870 while the female population is around 2,870.
Of the 5,742 total population in Richelieu, the largest gender is female with around 2,870 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 2,870 | 2,870 | +0.00% |
Is Richelieu a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Richelieu 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.
Richelieu Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Richelieu compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Richelieu | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $77,500 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 45.6 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 4.0% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Richelieu has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 55 to 59 years old, accounting for 7.50% of the total population. The town median age is 45.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 to 59 years | 205 7.10% | 220 7.70% | 6.82% | 430 7.50% |
| 60 to 64 years | 230 8.00% | 185 6.40% | 19.57% | 420 7.30% |
| 40 to 44 years | 185 6.40% | 185 6.40% | 0.00% | 365 6.40% |
| 30 to 34 years | 180 6.30% | 180 6.30% | 0.00% | 355 6.20% |
| 35 to 39 years | 170 5.90% | 170 5.90% | 0.00% | 340 5.90% |
| 50 to 54 years | 170 5.90% | 170 5.90% | 0.00% | 340 5.90% |
| 65 to 69 years | 165 5.70% | 175 6.10% | 5.71% | 340 5.90% |
| 70 to 74 years | 145 5.10% | 175 6.10% | 17.14% | 315 5.50% |
| 25 to 29 years | 160 5.60% | 155 5.40% | 3.13% | 310 5.40% |
| 5 to 9 years | 155 5.40% | 150 5.20% | 3.23% | 305 5.30% |
| 10 to 14 years | 165 5.70% | 140 4.90% | 15.15% | 305 5.30% |
| 45 to 49 years | 165 5.70% | 140 4.90% | 15.15% | 305 5.30% |
| 0 to 4 years | 145 5.10% | 145 5.10% | 0.00% | 295 5.10% |
| 15 to 19 years | 150 5.20% | 140 4.90% | 6.67% | 290 5.10% |
| 85 years and over | 135 4.70% | 150 5.20% | 10.00% | 290 5.10% |
| 20 to 24 years | 140 4.90% | 130 4.50% | 7.14% | 270 4.70% |
| 75 to 79 years | 120 4.20% | 140 4.90% | 14.29% | 265 4.60% |
| 80 to 84 years | 85 3.00% | 115 4.00% | 26.09% | 205 3.60% |
| 85 to 89 years | 85 3.00% | 75 2.60% | 11.76% | 160 2.80% |
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 24.70% and 15.80%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Richelieu are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 61.00% | 58.20% | 59.60% |
| 65 years and over | 22.80% | 26.50% | 24.70% |
| 0 to 14 years | 16.00% | 15.30% | 15.80% |
Population of Richelieu by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Richelieu is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Richelieu 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 Richelieu are Canadian, which accounts for 42.47% of the total population, followed by French (21.42%), French Canadian (8.86%), Irish (3.05%), and Scottish (2.40%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Richelieu include First Nations (North American Indian), Italian, Caucasian (White), English, and Ukrainian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 43.93% | 41.00% | 42.47% |
| French | 21.88% | 20.96% | 21.42% |
| French Canadian | 7.54% | 10.39% | 8.86% |
| Irish | 3.31% | 2.78% | 3.05% |
| Scottish | 2.76% | 2.23% | 2.40% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 1.65% | 2.78% | 2.22% |
| Italian | 2.76% | 1.30% | 2.03% |
| Caucasian (White) | 2.02% | 2.04% | 2.03% |
| English | 0.37% | 1.86% | 1.11% |
| Ukrainian | 0.55% | 1.48% | 1.11% |
Indigenous Identity in Richelieu
About 1.57% of Richelieu's population (85 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 98.43% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 20 people (0.40% 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 Richelieu's population profile.
About 4.0% of Richelieu's population are immigrants (215 people).
The top countries of origin for Richelieu's immigrant population are Brazil (40), France (25), Romania (15), Philippines (10), Colombia (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Brazil | 40 |
| France | 25 |
| Romania | 15 |
| Philippines | 10 |
| Colombia | 0 |
98.3% of Richelieu's residents (5,330 people) are Canadian citizens, and 1.6% are not.
By generation status, 5.1% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 4.8% are second generation, and 90.2% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 1,275 of Richelieu's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 18.65% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 15.95% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.95%, 5.60%, and 2.90%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 900 | 18.65% |
| 1 person | 770 | 15.95% |
| 3 persons | 335 | 6.95% |
| 4 persons | 270 | 5.60% |
| 5 or more persons | 140 | 2.90% |
Family and Household Structure in Richelieu
Of census families in Richelieu, 84.2% are couple families and 15.8% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.8 people.
32.1% of households in Richelieu are one-person households, 51.8% are couple-family households, 9.1% are one-parent-family households, and 1.2% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 775 | 32.1% |
| Couple-family households | 1,250 | 51.8% |
| One-parent-family households | 220 | 9.1% |
| Multigenerational households | 30 | 1.2% |
Income in Richelieu
Analyzing income distribution in Richelieu can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Richelieu is $43,200.
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 Richelieu population or around 740 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $50,000 to $79,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 725 and 670 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Richelieu's median household income is $77,500, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Richelieu's median household income is 6,500 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 Richelieu
This data sheds light on the distribution of Richelieu 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.
70.80% or most of the Richelieu population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 16.70% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 12.50% 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 | 970 | 1,040 | 2,010 | 70.80% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 250 | 225 | 475 | 16.70% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 235 | 125 | 355 | 12.50% |
Below national average 22.7% of Richelieu's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Richelieu
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Richelieu. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Richelieu is at 4.53% which is pretty low.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 63.08% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.53% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Richelieu, 37.8% worked full year full time in the reference year, 28.8% worked part year and/or part time, and 33.4% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 1,705 | 37.8% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 1,300 | 28.8% |
| Did not work | 1,505 | 33.4% |
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 Richelieu's population (around 72.70%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 245 men and 160 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 405.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 245 | 160 | 405 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Richelieu industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Richelieu is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Richelieu has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (15%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Manufacturing sector comes second at 14%, followed by Retail trade at 12%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 110 | 325 | 15% |
| Manufacturing | 310 | 100 | 14% |
| Retail trade | 175 | 185 | 12% |
| Construction | 270 | 65 | 11% |
| Educational services | 35 | 215 | 8% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 115 | 105 | 7% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 105 | 25 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 55 | 70 | 4% |
| Public administration | 75 | 60 | 4% |
| Accommodation and food services | 40 | 75 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 60 | 35 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 75 | 15 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 50 | 30 | 3% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 30 | 20 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 15 | 35 | 2% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 20 | 10 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 15 | 0 | 1% |
| Utilities | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Richelieu residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Richelieu: Health care and social assistance (15%), Manufacturing (14%), Retail trade (12%)
Top occupation categories in Richelieu: Sales and service occupations (21%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (19%), Business, finance and administration occupations (18%)
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 | 1,005 | 1,015 | 2,025 | 71.20% |
| Worked at home | 275 | 220 | 495 | 17.40% |
| No fixed workplace address | 230 | 100 | 330 | 11.60% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Richelieu 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 Richelieu residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Richelieu 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 | 31.90% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 28.30% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 27.40% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 7.20% |
| 60 minutes and over | 5.10% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Richelieu 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 Richelieu'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 Richelieu. About 5,370 people living in the town speak French, 165 people speak English, 80 people speak English and French language, and 5 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 5,370 |
| English | 165 |
| English and French | 80 |
| Neither English nor French | 5 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 44.9% of Richelieu's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 0.4% know English only, 54.5% know French only, and 0.2% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 20 | 0.4% |
| French only | 3,065 | 54.5% |
| English and French | 2,525 | 44.9% |
| Neither English nor French | 10 | 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 | 93.0% | 94.6% |
| English | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Non-official languages | 2.7% | 1.2% |
Religion
Richelieu is predominantly Christian. About 3,525 of its population is Christian (1,740 males and 1,785 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 1.3% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Jewish, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Sikh represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 65.1% |
| Islam | 1.3% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Richelieu
Schools
- Centre de formation du Richelieu
- École de la passerelle
- École Jacques-de Chambly
- École de la Roselière - Waldorf
Parks
- Fort-Chambly
- Parc du Sablé
- Parc Bruno-Roy
- Parc Florence-Viens
- Parc de La Sarre
- Parc Robert-Lebel
- Parc de l'étang
- Parc Neptune
- Parc de la Commune
- Parc Maurice-Berthiaume
- Parc de la gare
- Parc Fortier
- Parc Jean-Lapalme
- Parc Waegener
- Parc de Courcelles
- Parc de la Citière
- Parc des Vétérans
- Parc des Peupliers
- Parc Alphonsine-Dubuc
- Halte de Richelieu
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Richelieu
Attractions
Historic Sites
Green Spaces in Richelieu
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Fort-Chambly | Parks | 6.3 ha |
| Parc du Sablé | Parks | 1.1 ha |
| Parc Gérard-Morin | Parks | 1.2 ha |
| Parc Bruno-Roy | Parks | 1.6 ha |
| Parc Florence-Viens | Parks | 3.4 ha |
| Parc de La Sarre | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Parc Robert-Lebel | Parks | 14.0 ha |
| Parc de l'étang | Parks | 2.0 ha |
| Parc Neptune | Parks | 1.0 ha |
| Parc de la Commune | Parks | 2.1 ha |
| Parc Maurice-Berthiaume | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Parc de la gare | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Parc Fortier | Parks | 1.5 ha |
| Parc Jean-Lapalme | Parks | 1.3 ha |
| Parc Waegener | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Parc de Courcelles | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Parc de la Citière | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Parc des Vétérans | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Parc des Peupliers | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Parc Alphonsine-Dubuc | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Lieu historique national du Fort-Chambly | Nature Reserves | — |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Richelieu
- Chambly 3.5 km · 31,444 people
- Marieville 6.8 km · 11,332 people
- Carignan 8.3 km · 11,740 people
- Saint-Basile-le-Grand 9.6 km · 17,053 people
- Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville 11.5 km · 26,273 people
- Otterburn Park 11.6 km · 8,479 people
- Beloeil 13.8 km · 24,104 people
- Mont-Saint-Hilaire 13.9 km · 18,859 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Richelieu
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Richelieu has a population of 5,742 people, making it the 145th town in Quebec. The population increased significantly from 5,236 in 2016, an increase of 506 people or 9.66%. The town has a population density of 185.4 people per km² across a land area of 30.96 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Richelieu's population grew by 9.66% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 5,236 to 5,742 people, a gain of 506 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 45.60 years suggests an aging population. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Richelieu has a population density of approximately 185.40 people per square kilometre.
Richelieu covers a land area of approximately 30.96 km².
The median age of the population in Richelieu is 45.60 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Richelieu is Canadian.
The median household income in Richelieu is $77,500, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Richelieu.
Christian is the predominant religion in Richelieu.
According to the 2021 Census, 1.6% of Richelieu's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
98.3% of Richelieu's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 15.8% of census families in Richelieu, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 1.2% of all households in Richelieu, per the 2021 Census.
44.9% of Richelieu'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 Richelieu, 37.8% 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.