Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Saguenay has a population of around 144,723 people. The city's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Saguenay has decreased by ▼ -0.84%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 145,949 | 144,723 | --0.84% |
2026 Population Projection
Saguenay's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 144,723 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Saguenay Population Trend & Context
Saguenay had a 2021 census population of 144,723 — a decline of 1,226 (▼ 0.84%) people from the 145,949 recorded in 2016.
The city's population has remained relatively stable over this period, reflecting broader trends in mid-sized Quebec cities. The city's median age of 46 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 Saguenay is around 71,935 while the female population is around 72,790.
Of the 144,723 total population in Saguenay, the largest gender is female with around 72,790 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 71,935 | 72,790 | -1.17% |
Is Saguenay a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Saguenay 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.
Saguenay Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Saguenay compares to the city's key indicators:
| Indicator | Saguenay | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $69,000 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.5% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 46 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.8% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 1.4% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Saguenay has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 8.70% of the total population. The city median age is 46.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 6,135 8.50% | 6,445 8.90% | 4.81% | 12,585 8.70% |
| 65 to 69 years | 5,590 7.80% | 5,690 7.80% | 1.76% | 11,275 7.80% |
| 55 to 59 years | 5,280 7.30% | 5,470 7.50% | 3.47% | 10,750 7.40% |
| 70 to 74 years | 4,530 6.30% | 4,720 6.50% | 4.03% | 9,260 6.40% |
| 40 to 44 years | 4,765 6.60% | 4,340 6.00% | 8.92% | 9,105 6.30% |
| 35 to 39 years | 4,565 6.30% | 4,165 5.70% | 8.76% | 8,725 6.00% |
| 30 to 34 years | 4,355 6.10% | 3,970 5.50% | 8.84% | 8,330 5.80% |
| 25 to 29 years | 4,280 5.90% | 3,915 5.40% | 8.53% | 8,195 5.70% |
| 45 to 49 years | 3,960 5.50% | 3,735 5.10% | 5.68% | 7,695 5.30% |
| 10 to 14 years | 3,870 5.40% | 3,670 5.00% | 5.17% | 7,535 5.20% |
| 50 to 54 years | 3,715 5.20% | 3,775 5.20% | 1.59% | 7,485 5.20% |
| 5 to 9 years | 3,745 5.20% | 3,725 5.10% | 0.53% | 7,470 5.20% |
| 20 to 24 years | 3,805 5.30% | 3,515 4.80% | 7.62% | 7,315 5.10% |
| 15 to 19 years | 3,530 4.90% | 3,460 4.80% | 1.98% | 6,990 4.80% |
| 75 to 79 years | 3,050 4.20% | 3,600 4.90% | 15.28% | 6,645 4.60% |
| 0 to 4 years | 3,430 4.80% | 3,170 4.40% | 7.58% | 6,600 4.60% |
| 80 to 84 years | 1,875 2.60% | 2,645 3.60% | 29.11% | 4,515 3.10% |
| 85 years and over | 1,455 2.00% | 2,795 3.80% | 47.94% | 4,250 2.90% |
| 85 to 89 years | 980 1.40% | 1,610 2.20% | 39.13% | 2,585 1.80% |
| 90 to 94 years | 385 0.50% | 965 1.30% | 60.10% | 1,350 0.90% |
| 95 to 99 years | 90 0.10% | 200 0.30% | 55.00% | 285 0.20% |
Broader Age Groups
If the city'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 60.20% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 24.80% and 14.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Saguenay are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 61.70% | 58.80% | 60.20% |
| 65 years and over | 22.90% | 26.70% | 24.80% |
| 0 to 14 years | 15.40% | 14.50% | 14.90% |
Population of Saguenay by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Saguenay is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Saguenay is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the city appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Saguenay are Canadian, which accounts for 41.85% of the total population, followed by French (19.92%), French Canadian (11.62%), Caucasian (White) (2.76%), and Irish (2.43%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Saguenay include First Nations (North American Indian), Scottish, Christian, n.i.e., Acadian, and European.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 41.30% | 42.39% | 41.85% |
| French | 20.45% | 19.40% | 19.92% |
| French Canadian | 11.56% | 11.67% | 11.62% |
| Caucasian (White) | 2.83% | 2.70% | 2.76% |
| Irish | 2.36% | 2.50% | 2.43% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 2.26% | 2.36% | 2.31% |
| Scottish | 1.49% | 1.68% | 1.58% |
| Christian, n.i.e. | 1.46% | 1.58% | 1.52% |
| Acadian | 1.19% | 1.24% | 1.21% |
| European | 1.20% | 1.06% | 1.13% |
Indigenous Identity in Saguenay
About 3.81% of Saguenay's population (5,370 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 96.19% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 1,695 people (1.20% 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 Saguenay's population profile.
About 1.4% of Saguenay's population are immigrants (1,980 people).
The top countries of origin for Saguenay's immigrant population are France (455), China (85), Haiti (65), Colombia (60), Algeria (60).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| France | 455 |
| China | 85 |
| Haiti | 65 |
| Colombia | 60 |
| Algeria | 60 |
98.5% of Saguenay's residents (138,945 people) are Canadian citizens, and 1.5% are not.
By generation status, 2.9% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 1.7% are second generation, and 95.5% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 32,445 of Saguenay's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 19.20% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 18.15% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.65%, 4.85%, and 2.15%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 25,900 | 19.20% |
| 1 person | 24,490 | 18.15% |
| 3 persons | 7,640 | 5.65% |
| 4 persons | 6,560 | 4.85% |
| 5 or more persons | 2,930 | 2.15% |
Family and Household Structure in Saguenay
Of census families in Saguenay, 86.6% are couple families and 13.4% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.7 people.
36.3% of households in Saguenay are one-person households, 51.2% are couple-family households, 7.5% are one-parent-family households, and 0.6% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 24,485 | 36.3% |
| Couple-family households | 34,570 | 51.2% |
| One-parent-family households | 5,090 | 7.5% |
| Multigenerational households | 395 | 0.6% |
Income in Saguenay
Analyzing income distribution in Saguenay can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Saguenay is $41,600.
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 city's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Saguenay population or around 18,435 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 17,095 and 15,805 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Saguenay's median household income is $69,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Saguenay's median household income is 15,000 dollars below the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the city'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 city's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Saguenay
This data sheds light on the distribution of Saguenay 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.
76.00% or most of the Saguenay population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 14.20% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 9.80% 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 | 27,430 | 27,675 | 55,110 | 76.00% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 5,325 | 4,935 | 10,260 | 14.20% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 3,790 | 3,320 | 7,110 | 9.80% |
Below national average 22.1% of Saguenay's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Saguenay
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Saguenay. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Saguenay is at 5.51% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 56.62% |
| Unemployment rate | 5.51% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Saguenay, 32.9% worked full year full time in the reference year, 27.7% worked part year and/or part time, and 39.4% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 39,370 | 32.9% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 33,115 | 27.7% |
| Did not work | 47,100 | 39.4% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the city who work as an employee. The majority of Saguenay's population (around 72.40%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the city, there are 3,315 men and 2,750 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 6,065.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 3,315 | 2,750 | 6,065 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Saguenay industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Saguenay is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Saguenay has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (16%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 13%, followed by Manufacturing at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 2,115 | 9,505 | 16% |
| Retail trade | 4,235 | 4,955 | 13% |
| Manufacturing | 6,025 | 1,415 | 10% |
| Educational services | 1,940 | 3,780 | 8% |
| Public administration | 3,155 | 2,465 | 8% |
| Construction | 4,340 | 725 | 7% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 2,600 | 1,725 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 1,830 | 2,140 | 6% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 1,915 | 1,870 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 1,885 | 1,045 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 1,965 | 430 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 1,345 | 360 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 485 | 1,010 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 610 | 430 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 450 | 420 | 1% |
| Utilities | 690 | 155 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 640 | 170 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 425 | 310 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 665 | 60 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 40 | 35 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Saguenay residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Saguenay: Health care and social assistance (16%), Retail trade (13%), Manufacturing (10%)
Top occupation categories in Saguenay: Sales and service occupations (25%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (17%), Business, finance and administration occupations (15%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the city. 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 | 26,540 | 25,530 | 52,070 | 76.90% |
| Worked at home | 4,385 | 4,745 | 9,130 | 13.50% |
| No fixed workplace address | 4,810 | 1,655 | 6,460 | 9.50% |
| Worked outside Canada | 30 | 20 | 45 | 0.10% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Saguenay 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 Saguenay residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Saguenay spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the city's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the city.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 49.10% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 38.20% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 8.50% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.20% |
| 60 minutes and over | 2.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Saguenay 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 city's social fabric. We can gain insights into Saguenay's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights city'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 Saguenay. About 141,550 people living in the city speak French, 1,375 people speak English, 380 people speak English and French language, and 95 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 141,550 |
| English | 1,375 |
| English and French | 380 |
| Neither English nor French | 95 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 24.4% of Saguenay's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 0.2% know English only, 75.3% know French only, and 0.1% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 325 | 0.2% |
| French only | 107,930 | 75.3% |
| English and French | 35,035 | 24.4% |
| Neither English nor French | 110 | 0.1% |
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 | 97.4% | 98.3% |
| Non-official languages | 1.1% | 0.5% |
| English | 0.8% | 0.7% |
Religion
Saguenay is predominantly Christian. About 110,160 of its population is Christian (53,605 males and 56,550 females).
The second largest religion in the city is Muslim with 0.5% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Hindu, both represent 0.1% and 0.0% of the population, while Jewish represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 78.1% |
| Islam | 0.5% |
| Buddhist | 0.1% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Nearest Cities to Saguenay
- Quebec 177.4 km · 549,459 people
- Levis 178.4 km · 149,683 people
- Shawinigan 243.0 km · 49,620 people
- Trois-Rivieres 254.8 km · 139,163 people
- Sherbrooke 339.6 km · 172,950 people
- Sherbrooke 339.6 km · 172,950 people
- Sherbrooke 339.6 km · 172,950 people
- Sherbrooke 339.6 km · 172,950 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Saguenay
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Saguenay has a population of 144,723 people, making it the 8th city in Quebec. The population declined slightly from 145,949 in 2016, a decrease of 1,226 people or 0.84%. The city has a population density of 128.7 people per km² across a land area of 1,124.63 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Saguenay's population declined by 0.84% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 145,949 to 144,723 people, a loss of 1,226 residents. This stability is characteristic of many mid-sized other Quebec cities during this period. The median age of 46.00 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (36.3%) 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.
Saguenay has a population density of approximately 128.70 people per square kilometre.
Saguenay covers a land area of approximately 1,124.63 km².
The median age of the population in Saguenay is 46.00 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Saguenay is Canadian.
The median household income in Saguenay is $69,000, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Saguenay.
Christian is the predominant religion in Saguenay.
According to the 2021 Census, 3.8% of Saguenay's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
98.5% of Saguenay's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 13.4% of census families in Saguenay, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.6% of all households in Saguenay, per the 2021 Census.
24.4% of Saguenay'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 Saguenay, 32.9% 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.