Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Rouyn-Noranda has a population of around 42,313 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Rouyn-Noranda has decreased by ▼ -0.05%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 42,334 | 42,313 | --0.05% |
2026 Population Projection
Rouyn-Noranda's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 42,313 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Rouyn-Noranda Population Trend & Context
Rouyn-Noranda had a 2021 census population of 42,313 — a decline of 21 (▼ 0.05%) people from the 42,334 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 42 years closely mirrors the national median of 41.9, suggesting a demographic profile in line with the Canadian average.
Population By Genders
The male population of Rouyn-Noranda is around 21,205 while the female population is around 21,105.
Of the 42,313 total population in Rouyn-Noranda, the largest gender is male with around 21,205 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 21,205 | 21,105 | -0.47% |
Is Rouyn-Noranda a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Rouyn-Noranda 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.
Rouyn-Noranda Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Rouyn-Noranda compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Rouyn-Noranda | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $76,000 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 42 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.7% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 1.8% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Rouyn-Noranda has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 7.80% of the total population. The town median age is 42.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 1,665 7.90% | 1,625 7.70% | 2.40% | 3,290 7.80% |
| 55 to 59 years | 1,625 7.70% | 1,545 7.30% | 4.92% | 3,170 7.50% |
| 30 to 34 years | 1,495 7.10% | 1,330 6.30% | 11.04% | 2,830 6.70% |
| 25 to 29 years | 1,430 6.70% | 1,375 6.50% | 3.85% | 2,805 6.60% |
| 65 to 69 years | 1,375 6.50% | 1,395 6.60% | 1.43% | 2,775 6.60% |
| 35 to 39 years | 1,455 6.90% | 1,305 6.20% | 10.31% | 2,760 6.50% |
| 40 to 44 years | 1,315 6.20% | 1,225 5.80% | 6.84% | 2,545 6.00% |
| 5 to 9 years | 1,310 6.20% | 1,230 5.80% | 6.11% | 2,540 6.00% |
| 50 to 54 years | 1,235 5.80% | 1,265 6.00% | 2.37% | 2,500 5.90% |
| 10 to 14 years | 1,215 5.70% | 1,235 5.90% | 1.62% | 2,455 5.80% |
| 45 to 49 years | 1,195 5.60% | 1,170 5.50% | 2.09% | 2,360 5.60% |
| 0 to 4 years | 1,165 5.50% | 1,140 5.40% | 2.15% | 2,305 5.40% |
| 20 to 24 years | 1,150 5.40% | 1,135 5.40% | 1.30% | 2,285 5.40% |
| 70 to 74 years | 1,040 4.90% | 1,125 5.30% | 7.56% | 2,170 5.10% |
| 15 to 19 years | 1,110 5.20% | 1,020 4.80% | 8.11% | 2,130 5.00% |
| 75 to 79 years | 715 3.40% | 755 3.60% | 5.30% | 1,465 3.50% |
| 85 years and over | 315 1.50% | 730 3.50% | 56.85% | 1,045 2.50% |
| 80 to 84 years | 395 1.90% | 500 2.40% | 21.00% | 890 2.10% |
| 85 to 89 years | 230 1.10% | 445 2.10% | 48.31% | 670 1.60% |
| 90 to 94 years | 70 0.30% | 225 1.10% | 68.89% | 295 0.70% |
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 63.00% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 19.70% and 17.20%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Rouyn-Noranda are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 64.50% | 61.60% | 63.00% |
| 65 years and over | 18.10% | 21.30% | 19.70% |
| 0 to 14 years | 17.40% | 17.10% | 17.20% |
Population of Rouyn-Noranda by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Rouyn-Noranda is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Rouyn-Noranda 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 Rouyn-Noranda are Canadian, which accounts for 38.87% of the total population, followed by French (26.30%), French Canadian (9.13%), Irish (4.50%), and First Nations (North American Indian) (2.54%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Rouyn-Noranda include Caucasian (White), European, Scottish, English, and Christian, n.i.e..
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 38.49% | 39.26% | 38.87% |
| French | 27.18% | 25.36% | 26.30% |
| French Canadian | 8.97% | 9.27% | 9.13% |
| Irish | 4.43% | 4.59% | 4.50% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 2.25% | 2.82% | 2.54% |
| Caucasian (White) | 2.46% | 2.13% | 2.30% |
| European | 1.56% | 1.62% | 1.57% |
| Scottish | 1.56% | 1.54% | 1.55% |
| English | 1.12% | 1.30% | 1.20% |
| Christian, n.i.e. | 1.27% | 1.08% | 1.19% |
Indigenous Identity in Rouyn-Noranda
About 3.28% of Rouyn-Noranda's population (1,355 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 96.72% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 390 people (0.90% 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 Rouyn-Noranda's population profile.
About 1.8% of Rouyn-Noranda's population are immigrants (750 people).
The top countries of origin for Rouyn-Noranda's immigrant population are France (125), Morocco (65), Lebanon (45), Algeria (40), Mexico (25).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| France | 125 |
| Morocco | 65 |
| Lebanon | 45 |
| Algeria | 40 |
| Mexico | 25 |
98.4% of Rouyn-Noranda's residents (40,620 people) are Canadian citizens, and 1.6% are not.
By generation status, 3.0% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 2.4% are second generation, and 94.5% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 10,295 of Rouyn-Noranda's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 18.30% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 17.80% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.05%, 5.25%, and 2.65%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 7,060 | 18.30% |
| 2 persons | 6,870 | 17.80% |
| 3 persons | 2,325 | 6.05% |
| 4 persons | 2,020 | 5.25% |
| 5 or more persons | 1,015 | 2.65% |
Family and Household Structure in Rouyn-Noranda
Of census families in Rouyn-Noranda, 85.5% are couple families and 14.5% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.8 people.
36.6% of households in Rouyn-Noranda are one-person households, 50.4% are couple-family households, 8.1% are one-parent-family households, and 0.6% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 7,055 | 36.6% |
| Couple-family households | 9,725 | 50.4% |
| One-parent-family households | 1,555 | 8.1% |
| Multigenerational households | 115 | 0.6% |
Income in Rouyn-Noranda
Analyzing income distribution in Rouyn-Noranda can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Rouyn-Noranda is $44,000.
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 Rouyn-Noranda population or around 5,315 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 5,025 and 4,955 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Rouyn-Noranda's median household income is $76,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Rouyn-Noranda's median household income is 8,000 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 Rouyn-Noranda
This data sheds light on the distribution of Rouyn-Noranda 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.
68.80% or most of the Rouyn-Noranda population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 16.30% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 15.00% 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 | 7,715 | 7,515 | 15,235 | 68.80% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 1,710 | 1,890 | 3,605 | 16.30% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 1,975 | 1,340 | 3,315 | 15.00% |
Below national average 20.8% of Rouyn-Noranda's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Rouyn-Noranda
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Rouyn-Noranda. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Rouyn-Noranda is at 4.82% which is pretty low.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 62.16% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.82% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Rouyn-Noranda, 35.3% worked full year full time in the reference year, 31.4% worked part year and/or part time, and 33.3% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 11,995 | 35.3% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 10,685 | 31.4% |
| Did not work | 11,315 | 33.3% |
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 Rouyn-Noranda's population (around 75.60%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 985 men and 890 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 1,870.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 985 | 890 | 1,870 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Rouyn-Noranda industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Rouyn-Noranda is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Rouyn-Noranda has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (13%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 12%, followed by Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 445 | 2,445 | 13% |
| Retail trade | 1,255 | 1,475 | 12% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 2,165 | 345 | 11% |
| Construction | 1,580 | 295 | 8% |
| Educational services | 525 | 1,305 | 8% |
| Public administration | 640 | 845 | 7% |
| Manufacturing | 1,035 | 260 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 515 | 720 | 6% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 475 | 525 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 500 | 475 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 465 | 365 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 545 | 210 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 500 | 175 | 3% |
| Utilities | 430 | 145 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 135 | 235 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 170 | 115 | 1% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 120 | 110 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 110 | 95 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 90 | 70 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Rouyn-Noranda residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Rouyn-Noranda: Health care and social assistance (13%), Retail trade (12%), Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (11%)
Top occupation categories in Rouyn-Noranda: Sales and service occupations (24%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (20%), Business, finance and administration occupations (16%)
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 | 8,275 | 7,970 | 16,245 | 76.90% |
| Worked at home | 1,055 | 1,390 | 2,445 | 11.60% |
| No fixed workplace address | 1,860 | 560 | 2,420 | 11.50% |
| Worked outside Canada | 20 | 0 | 20 | 0.10% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Rouyn-Noranda 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 Rouyn-Noranda residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Rouyn-Noranda 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 | 53.30% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 26.70% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 9.80% |
| 60 minutes and over | 7.10% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 3.20% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Rouyn-Noranda 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 Rouyn-Noranda'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 Rouyn-Noranda. About 40,880 people living in the town speak French, 855 people speak English, 190 people speak English and French language, and 15 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 40,880 |
| English | 855 |
| English and French | 190 |
| Neither English nor French | 15 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 35.9% of Rouyn-Noranda's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 0.3% know English only, 63.8% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 140 | 0.3% |
| French only | 26,740 | 63.8% |
| English and French | 15,040 | 35.9% |
| Neither English nor French | 15 | 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 | 95.3% | 97.1% |
| English | 1.8% | 1.2% |
| Non-official languages | 1.6% | 0.6% |
Religion
Rouyn-Noranda is predominantly Christian. About 27,720 of its population is Christian (13,645 males and 14,075 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 0.8% 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 | 67.1% |
| Islam | 0.8% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Rouyn-Noranda
Schools
- Cégep de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue
- École Le Prélude
- École Ste-Bernadette
- École de l'Étincelle
- École de la Petite-Étincelle
- École Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Cœur de Cléricy
- École St-Norbert de Mont-Brun
- École D'Iberville
- École Louis-Querbes
Parks
- Parc Marie-Soleil & Jonathan
- Parc Mouska
- Parc Cléricy
- Place de la paix
- Parc Roger-Duchesneau
- Halte rue Perreault
- Parc Saint-Sauveur
- Parc Laurier
- Parc de l'Agora des Arts
- Parc Trémoy
- Parc Aimé-Mignault
- Parc des Générations
- Parc de l'Amitié
- Parc Jésus
- Parc Arntfield
- Parc Notre-Dame-de-Protection
- Terrain Sportifs Mont-Brun
- Parc de Cadillac
- Parc Aurore-Laframboise
- Parc Bellecombe
- Parc JD Bureau
Libraries
Community Centres
- École et Centre Communautaire de Beaudry
- Quartier D'Alembert
- Quartier Rollet
- Petit théâtre du Vieux Noranda
- Centre communautaire d'Évain
- Centre Communautaire Clovis-Guay
Places to Visit in Rouyn-Noranda
Museums
Historic Sites
Stadiums
Theatres
Nearest Towns to Rouyn-Noranda
- Duparquet 32.6 km · 716 people
- Macamic 57.1 km · 2,744 people
- La Sarre 63.5 km · 7,358 people
- Malartic 67.4 km · 3,355 people
- Amos 76.2 km · 12,675 people
- Val-d'Or 92.7 km · 32,752 people
- Belleterre 97.6 km · 285 people
- Senneterre 132.5 km · 2,782 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Rouyn-Noranda
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Rouyn-Noranda has a population of 42,313 people, making it the 29th town in Quebec. The population declined slightly from 42,334 in 2016, a decrease of 21 people or 0.05%. The town has a population density of 7.1 people per km² across a land area of 5,963.57 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Rouyn-Noranda's population declined by 0.05% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 42,334 to 42,313 people, a loss of 21 residents. This stability is characteristic of many mid-sized other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 42.00 years suggests a mature, established community. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (36.6%) 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.
Rouyn-Noranda has a population density of approximately 7.10 people per square kilometre.
Rouyn-Noranda covers a land area of approximately 5,963.57 km².
The median age of the population in Rouyn-Noranda is 42.00 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Rouyn-Noranda is Canadian.
The median household income in Rouyn-Noranda is $76,000, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Rouyn-Noranda.
Christian is the predominant religion in Rouyn-Noranda.
According to the 2021 Census, 3.3% of Rouyn-Noranda's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
98.4% of Rouyn-Noranda's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 14.5% of census families in Rouyn-Noranda, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.6% of all households in Rouyn-Noranda, per the 2021 Census.
35.9% of Rouyn-Noranda'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 Rouyn-Noranda, 35.3% 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.