Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Riviere-Rouge has a population of around 4,631 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Riviere-Rouge has increased by ▲ 7.15%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 4,322 | 4,631 | +7.15% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.39% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Riviere-Rouge's population is projected to reach approximately 4,962 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 10.99 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 4,631 | 4,962 | 10.99 |
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.
Riviere-Rouge Population Trend & Context
Riviere-Rouge had a 2021 census population of 4,631 — an increase of 309 (▲ 7.15%) people from the 4,322 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 58 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 Riviere-Rouge is around 2,325 while the female population is around 2,305.
Of the 4,631 total population in Riviere-Rouge, the largest gender is male with around 2,325 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 2,325 | 2,305 | +0.86% |
Is Riviere-Rouge a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Riviere-Rouge 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.
Riviere-Rouge Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Riviere-Rouge compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Riviere-Rouge | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $54,000 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.8% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 58 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 8.0% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 1.8% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Riviere-Rouge has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 11.20% of the total population. The town median age is 58.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 240 10.30% | 285 12.40% | 15.79% | 520 11.20% |
| 65 to 69 years | 275 11.80% | 235 10.20% | 14.55% | 505 10.90% |
| 55 to 59 years | 230 9.90% | 230 10.00% | 0.00% | 465 10.00% |
| 70 to 74 years | 245 10.50% | 200 8.70% | 18.37% | 440 9.50% |
| 75 to 79 years | 170 7.30% | 135 5.90% | 20.59% | 310 6.70% |
| 50 to 54 years | 145 6.20% | 140 6.10% | 3.45% | 285 6.20% |
| 40 to 44 years | 115 4.90% | 130 5.60% | 11.54% | 245 5.30% |
| 45 to 49 years | 115 4.90% | 100 4.30% | 13.04% | 215 4.60% |
| 80 to 84 years | 90 3.90% | 100 4.30% | 10.00% | 190 4.10% |
| 35 to 39 years | 85 3.70% | 100 4.30% | 15.00% | 180 3.90% |
| 10 to 14 years | 80 3.40% | 100 4.30% | 20.00% | 175 3.80% |
| 15 to 19 years | 90 3.90% | 90 3.90% | 0.00% | 175 3.80% |
| 25 to 29 years | 85 3.70% | 90 3.90% | 5.56% | 175 3.80% |
| 5 to 9 years | 95 4.10% | 75 3.30% | 21.05% | 170 3.70% |
| 30 to 34 years | 75 3.20% | 85 3.70% | 11.76% | 160 3.50% |
| 85 years and over | 50 2.20% | 95 4.10% | 47.37% | 145 3.10% |
| 0 to 4 years | 80 3.40% | 65 2.80% | 18.75% | 140 3.00% |
| 20 to 24 years | 65 2.80% | 70 3.00% | 7.14% | 130 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 55.10% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 34.30% and 10.60%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Riviere-Rouge are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 53.50% | 56.60% | 55.10% |
| 65 years and over | 35.30% | 33.20% | 34.30% |
| 0 to 14 years | 11.00% | 10.40% | 10.60% |
Population of Riviere-Rouge by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Riviere-Rouge is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Riviere-Rouge 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 Riviere-Rouge are Canadian, which accounts for 35.54% of the total population, followed by French (22.87%), French Canadian (9.64%), First Nations (North American Indian) (3.59%), and North American Indigenous (2.58%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Riviere-Rouge include Irish, European, Algonquin, Italian, and English.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 35.19% | 35.89% | 35.54% |
| French | 24.50% | 21.44% | 22.87% |
| French Canadian | 9.80% | 9.48% | 9.64% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 4.01% | 3.16% | 3.59% |
| North American Indigenous | 2.00% | 3.39% | 2.58% |
| Irish | 2.45% | 2.48% | 2.47% |
| European | 3.12% | 1.81% | 2.35% |
| Algonquin | 2.23% | 2.26% | 2.24% |
| Italian | 2.45% | 1.58% | 1.91% |
| English | 1.11% | 1.58% | 1.46% |
Indigenous Identity in Riviere-Rouge
About 9.97% of Riviere-Rouge's population (445 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 90.03% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 85 people (1.90% 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 Riviere-Rouge's population profile.
About 1.8% of Riviere-Rouge's population are immigrants (80 people).
The top countries of origin for Riviere-Rouge's immigrant population are France (20), Germany (10), Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| France | 20 |
| Germany | 10 |
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
99.9% of Riviere-Rouge's residents (4,460 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.0% are not.
By generation status, 1.9% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 2.0% are second generation, and 96.1% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 1,700 of Riviere-Rouge's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 20.75% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 20.20% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 4.40%, 2.90%, and 1.70%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 965 | 20.75% |
| 2 persons | 940 | 20.20% |
| 3 persons | 205 | 4.40% |
| 4 persons | 135 | 2.90% |
| 5 or more persons | 80 | 1.70% |
Family and Household Structure in Riviere-Rouge
Of census families in Riviere-Rouge, 86.4% are couple families and 13.6% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.5 people.
41.4% of households in Riviere-Rouge are one-person households, 46.8% are couple-family households, 6.2% are one-parent-family households, and 1.1% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 965 | 41.4% |
| Couple-family households | 1,090 | 46.8% |
| One-parent-family households | 145 | 6.2% |
| Multigenerational households | 25 | 1.1% |
Income in Riviere-Rouge
Analyzing income distribution in Riviere-Rouge can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Riviere-Rouge is $32,800.
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 Riviere-Rouge population or around 580 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 470 and 330 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Riviere-Rouge's median household income is $54,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Riviere-Rouge's median household income is 30,000 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 Riviere-Rouge
This data sheds light on the distribution of Riviere-Rouge 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.
56.80% or most of the Riviere-Rouge population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 21.80% of the population has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 21.10% 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 | 570 | 685 | 1,250 | 56.80% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 330 | 150 | 480 | 21.80% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 210 | 255 | 465 | 21.10% |
Below national average 7.3% of Riviere-Rouge's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Riviere-Rouge
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Riviere-Rouge. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Riviere-Rouge is at 8.78% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 40.66% |
| Unemployment rate | 8.78% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Riviere-Rouge, 22.9% worked full year full time in the reference year, 23.0% worked part year and/or part time, and 54.3% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 905 | 22.9% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 910 | 23.0% |
| Did not work | 2,150 | 54.3% |
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 Riviere-Rouge's population (around 67.40%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 160 men and 75 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 230.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 160 | 75 | 230 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Riviere-Rouge industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Riviere-Rouge is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Riviere-Rouge has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (24%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 16%, followed by Public administration at 9%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 95 | 315 | 24% |
| Retail trade | 125 | 160 | 16% |
| Public administration | 90 | 65 | 9% |
| Construction | 105 | 10 | 7% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 65 | 35 | 6% |
| Manufacturing | 75 | 20 | 5% |
| Accommodation and food services | 55 | 40 | 5% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 65 | 25 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 60 | 25 | 5% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 35 | 25 | 4% |
| Educational services | 20 | 40 | 3% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 25 | 10 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 20 | 10 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 20 | 15 | 2% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 25 | 0 | 1% |
| Wholesale trade | 20 | 0 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 15 | 1% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 0 | 1% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Riviere-Rouge residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Riviere-Rouge: Health care and social assistance (24%), Retail trade (16%), Public administration (9%)
Top occupation categories in Riviere-Rouge: Sales and service occupations (29%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (20%), Business, finance and administration occupations (13%)
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 | 575 | 635 | 1,210 | 75.20% |
| No fixed workplace address | 200 | 65 | 265 | 16.50% |
| Worked at home | 60 | 80 | 140 | 8.70% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Riviere-Rouge 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 Riviere-Rouge residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Riviere-Rouge 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 | 46.10% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 25.10% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 11.20% |
| 60 minutes and over | 10.20% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 7.10% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Riviere-Rouge 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 Riviere-Rouge'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 Riviere-Rouge. About 4,355 people living in the town speak French, 95 people speak English, 10 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 4,355 |
| English | 95 |
| English and French | 10 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 28.1% of Riviere-Rouge's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 0.2% know English only, 71.7% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 10 | 0.2% |
| French only | 3,200 | 71.7% |
| English and French | 1,255 | 28.1% |
| 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 | 96.2% | 97.6% |
| English | 2.0% | 1.5% |
| Non-official languages | 0.9% | 0.2% |
Religion
Riviere-Rouge is predominantly Christian. About 3,410 of its population is Christian (1,690 males and 1,715 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 | 76.4% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Riviere-Rouge
Hospitals
Schools
Parks
- L'Oie-Zoo
- Parc Gilles-Paiement
- Parc Liguori-Gervais
- Parc Michel-Beaudoin
- Parc de la Gare
- Parc Grégoire-Charbonneau
- Parc de la Gare
- Plage Municipale
- Parc Adolph-Ozell
- Jardin communautaire
- Parc des Canotiers
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Riviere-Rouge
Attractions
- Pont couvert de La Macaza (1904)
- jonction baie chapitoine
- mara grenouile
- becos
- chapitoune
- mare à grenouille
- the du labrador
- tale the labrador
Historic Sites
Green Spaces in Riviere-Rouge
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| L'Oie-Zoo | Parks | — |
| Parc Gilles-Paiement | Parks | 2.3 ha |
| Parc Liguori-Gervais | Parks | 6.7 ha |
| Parc Michel-Beaudoin | Parks | 3.7 ha |
| Parc de la Gare | Parks | 0.9 ha |
| Parc Grégoire-Charbonneau | Parks | 2.8 ha |
| Parc de la Gare | Parks | 0.9 ha |
| Plage Municipale | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Parc Adolph-Ozell | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Jardin communautaire | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Parc des Canotiers | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Parc National du Mont-Tremblant - Secteur de la Cachée | Nature Reserves | — |
| Parc écologique Le Renouveau Rosaire-Sénécal | Nature Reserves | 197.7 ha |
| Parc régional Kiamika | Nature Reserves | 19,259.2 ha |
| Réserve Faunique de Papineau-Labelle | Nature Reserves | 163,881.4 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Riviere-Rouge
- Mont-Tremblant 39.2 km · 10,992 people
- Mont-Laurier 50.5 km · 14,180 people
- Barkmere 50.9 km · 81 people
- Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts 60.8 km · 11,211 people
- Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson 75.4 km · 3,367 people
- Sainte-Adele 76.1 km · 14,010 people
- Esterel 77.1 km · 1,088 people
- Saint-Sauveur 79.3 km · 11,580 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Riviere-Rouge
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Riviere-Rouge has a population of 4,631 people, making it the 156th town in Quebec. The population increased significantly from 4,322 in 2016, an increase of 309 people or 7.15%. The town has a population density of 10.3 people per km² across a land area of 451.43 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Riviere-Rouge's population grew by 7.15% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 4,322 to 4,631 people, a gain of 309 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 58.00 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (41.5%) 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.
Riviere-Rouge has a population density of approximately 10.30 people per square kilometre.
Riviere-Rouge covers a land area of approximately 451.43 km².
The median age of the population in Riviere-Rouge is 58.00 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Riviere-Rouge is Canadian.
The median household income in Riviere-Rouge is $54,000, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Riviere-Rouge.
Christian is the predominant religion in Riviere-Rouge.
According to the 2021 Census, 10.0% of Riviere-Rouge's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
99.9% of Riviere-Rouge's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 13.5% of census families in Riviere-Rouge, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 1.1% of all households in Riviere-Rouge, per the 2021 Census.
28.1% of Riviere-Rouge'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 Riviere-Rouge, 22.9% 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.