Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Sainte-Marie has a population of around 13,134 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Sainte-Marie has decreased by ▼ -3.18%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 13,565 | 13,134 | --3.18% |
2026 Population Projection
Sainte-Marie's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 13,134 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Sainte-Marie Population Trend & Context
Sainte-Marie had a 2021 census population of 13,134 — a decline of 431 (▼ 3.18%) people from the 13,565 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has seen a slight decline over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing Quebec towns. The town's median age of 44 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 Sainte-Marie is around 6,540 while the female population is around 6,600.
Of the 13,134 total population in Sainte-Marie, the largest gender is female with around 6,600 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 6,540 | 6,600 | -0.91% |
Is Sainte-Marie a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Sainte-Marie 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.
Sainte-Marie Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Sainte-Marie compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Sainte-Marie | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $78,000 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 44 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.0% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 2.5% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Sainte-Marie has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 7.70% of the total population. The town median age is 44.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 505 7.70% | 505 7.70% | 0.00% | 1,010 7.70% |
| 40 to 44 years | 450 6.90% | 460 7.00% | 2.17% | 910 6.90% |
| 55 to 59 years | 445 6.80% | 450 6.80% | 1.11% | 895 6.80% |
| 65 to 69 years | 435 6.70% | 445 6.70% | 2.25% | 885 6.70% |
| 10 to 14 years | 440 6.70% | 405 6.10% | 7.95% | 840 6.40% |
| 35 to 39 years | 435 6.70% | 385 5.80% | 11.49% | 820 6.20% |
| 5 to 9 years | 390 6.00% | 395 6.00% | 1.27% | 785 6.00% |
| 30 to 34 years | 405 6.20% | 370 5.60% | 8.64% | 775 5.90% |
| 45 to 49 years | 400 6.10% | 370 5.60% | 7.50% | 770 5.90% |
| 70 to 74 years | 370 5.70% | 380 5.80% | 2.63% | 750 5.70% |
| 50 to 54 years | 380 5.80% | 350 5.30% | 7.89% | 730 5.60% |
| 0 to 4 years | 380 5.80% | 335 5.10% | 11.84% | 720 5.50% |
| 15 to 19 years | 320 4.90% | 365 5.50% | 12.33% | 680 5.20% |
| 25 to 29 years | 310 4.70% | 330 5.00% | 6.06% | 640 4.90% |
| 20 to 24 years | 340 5.20% | 275 4.20% | 19.12% | 615 4.70% |
| 75 to 79 years | 255 3.90% | 300 4.50% | 15.00% | 555 4.20% |
| 85 years and over | 120 1.80% | 280 4.20% | 57.14% | 400 3.00% |
| 80 to 84 years | 160 2.40% | 205 3.10% | 21.95% | 365 2.80% |
| 85 to 89 years | 85 1.30% | 155 2.30% | 45.16% | 240 1.80% |
| 90 to 94 years | 30 0.50% | 90 1.40% | 66.67% | 120 0.90% |
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 59.70% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 22.50% and 17.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Sainte-Marie are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 60.90% | 58.40% | 59.70% |
| 65 years and over | 20.50% | 24.40% | 22.50% |
| 0 to 14 years | 18.50% | 17.10% | 17.90% |
Population of Sainte-Marie by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Sainte-Marie is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Sainte-Marie 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 Sainte-Marie are Canadian, which accounts for 41.81% of the total population, followed by French (27.06%), French Canadian (8.43%), Irish (2.81%), and Caucasian (White) (2.49%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Sainte-Marie include First Nations (North American Indian), European, Christian, n.i.e., Mexican, and English.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 40.33% | 43.31% | 41.81% |
| French | 28.22% | 25.88% | 27.06% |
| French Canadian | 8.18% | 8.68% | 8.43% |
| Irish | 3.30% | 2.39% | 2.81% |
| Caucasian (White) | 2.59% | 2.39% | 2.49% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 1.18% | 1.83% | 1.50% |
| European | 1.26% | 0.96% | 1.11% |
| Christian, n.i.e. | 1.18% | 1.04% | 1.11% |
| Mexican | 0.86% | 1.35% | 1.11% |
| English | 0.86% | 0.80% | 0.87% |
Indigenous Identity in Sainte-Marie
About 1.66% of Sainte-Marie's population (210 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 98.34% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 35 people (0.30% 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 Sainte-Marie's population profile.
About 2.5% of Sainte-Marie's population are immigrants (315 people).
The top countries of origin for Sainte-Marie's immigrant population are Colombia (60), France (40), Mexico (35), Sri Lanka (25), Peru (15).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Colombia | 60 |
| France | 40 |
| Mexico | 35 |
| Sri Lanka | 25 |
| Peru | 15 |
97.4% of Sainte-Marie's residents (12,310 people) are Canadian citizens, and 2.6% are not.
By generation status, 4.6% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 2.3% are second generation, and 93.0% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 3,200 of Sainte-Marie's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 18.80% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 15.30% of the population. 4 persons, 3 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.45%, 6.15%, and 3.25%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 2,070 | 18.80% |
| 1 person | 1,685 | 15.30% |
| 4 persons | 710 | 6.45% |
| 3 persons | 675 | 6.15% |
| 5 or more persons | 360 | 3.25% |
Family and Household Structure in Sainte-Marie
Of census families in Sainte-Marie, 86.4% are couple families and 13.6% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.9 people.
30.6% of households in Sainte-Marie are one-person households, 57.2% are couple-family households, 8.5% are one-parent-family households, and 0.5% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 1,685 | 30.6% |
| Couple-family households | 3,145 | 57.2% |
| One-parent-family households | 465 | 8.5% |
| Multigenerational households | 30 | 0.5% |
Income in Sainte-Marie
Analyzing income distribution in Sainte-Marie can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Sainte-Marie 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 Sainte-Marie population or around 1,900 people falls in the $50,000 to $79,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 1,745 and 1,735 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Sainte-Marie's median household income is $78,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Sainte-Marie's median household income is 6,000 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 Sainte-Marie
This data sheds light on the distribution of Sainte-Marie 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.
72.50% or most of the Sainte-Marie population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 19.10% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 8.50% 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 | 2,265 | 2,440 | 4,705 | 72.50% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 660 | 580 | 1,240 | 19.10% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 330 | 215 | 550 | 8.50% |
Below national average 21.7% of Sainte-Marie's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Sainte-Marie
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Sainte-Marie. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Sainte-Marie is at 4.87% which is pretty low.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 65.36% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.87% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Sainte-Marie, 40.1% worked full year full time in the reference year, 29.9% worked part year and/or part time, and 30.0% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 4,135 | 40.1% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 3,085 | 29.9% |
| Did not work | 3,090 | 30.0% |
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 Sainte-Marie's population (around 74.40%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 530 men and 345 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 880.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 530 | 345 | 880 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Sainte-Marie industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Sainte-Marie is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Sainte-Marie has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (24%) works in the manufacturing sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 13%, followed by Health care and social assistance at 12%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 1,180 | 495 | 24% |
| Retail trade | 375 | 515 | 13% |
| Health care and social assistance | 120 | 720 | 12% |
| Construction | 500 | 70 | 8% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 190 | 215 | 6% |
| Educational services | 105 | 295 | 6% |
| Public administration | 200 | 150 | 5% |
| Accommodation and food services | 110 | 240 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 160 | 140 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 185 | 50 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 80 | 145 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 130 | 85 | 3% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 115 | 60 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 85 | 50 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 70 | 35 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 20 | 20 | 1% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 20 | 15 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 10 | 15 | 0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Sainte-Marie residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Sainte-Marie: Manufacturing (24%), Retail trade (13%), Health care and social assistance (12%)
Top occupation categories in Sainte-Marie: Sales and service occupations (21%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (19%), 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 | 2,575 | 2,455 | 5,030 | 74.70% |
| Worked at home | 465 | 580 | 1,050 | 15.60% |
| No fixed workplace address | 510 | 150 | 655 | 9.70% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Sainte-Marie 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 Sainte-Marie residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Sainte-Marie 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 | 55.00% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 21.20% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 15.50% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 5.90% |
| 60 minutes and over | 2.40% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Sainte-Marie 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 Sainte-Marie'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 Sainte-Marie. About 12,745 people living in the town speak French, 100 people speak English, 85 people speak English and French language, and 30 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 12,745 |
| English | 100 |
| English and French | 85 |
| Neither English nor French | 30 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 30.7% of Sainte-Marie's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 0.2% know English only, 68.9% know French only, and 0.3% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 20 | 0.2% |
| French only | 8,935 | 68.9% |
| English and French | 3,975 | 30.7% |
| Neither English nor French | 35 | 0.3% |
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 | 95.7% | 96.9% |
| Non-official languages | 2.7% | 1.6% |
| English | 0.7% | 0.3% |
Religion
Sainte-Marie is predominantly Christian. About 10,340 of its population is Christian (5,075 males and 5,265 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 0.2% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Jewish, both represent 0.2% and 0.1% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 81.8% |
| Islam | 0.2% |
| Hindu | 0.2% |
| Jewish | 0.1% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Sainte-Marie
Schools
- École Monseigneur-Feuiltault
- École Maribel
- Polyvalente Benoît-Vachon
- École primaire l’Éveil
- École Vision Beauce
- École L'Accueil
- École l’Étincelle
- École Notre-Dame de Saint-Elzéar
- École Maribel
Parks
- Parc Carter
- Parc de l'OTJ
- Parc du Centre des loisirs
- Terrain des loisirs
- Parc de l'Éveil
- Parc Saint-Jean
- Parc Marie-Claire-Fleury
- Parc de la Famille
- Parc Dulac
- Parc de l'Observatoire
- Parc Drouin
- Parc nautique Saputo
- Parc Jordan
- Place du Château
- Parc du Versant
- Parc de l'Ouest
- Parc du Mai
- Parc Atkinson
- Parc Joseph-Antoine-Drouin
- Parc des loisirs
- Parc Desjardins
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Sainte-Marie
Museums
Attractions
Historic Sites
Stadiums
Green Spaces in Sainte-Marie
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Parc Carter | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Parc de l'OTJ | Parks | 1.3 ha |
| Parc du Centre des loisirs | Parks | 1.6 ha |
| Terrain des loisirs | Parks | 1.3 ha |
| Parc de l'Éveil | Parks | 1.7 ha |
| Parc Saint-Jean | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Parc Marie-Claire-Fleury | Parks | 3.6 ha |
| Parc de la Famille | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Parc Dulac | Parks | 2.1 ha |
| Parc de l'Observatoire | Parks | 2.8 ha |
| Parc Drouin | Parks | 1.0 ha |
| Parc nautique Saputo | Parks | 2.1 ha |
| Parc Jordan | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Place du Château | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Parc du Versant | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Parc de l'Ouest | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Parc du Mai | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Parc Atkinson | Parks | 4.8 ha |
| Parc Joseph-Antoine-Drouin | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Parc des loisirs | Parks | 3.7 ha |
| Parc nature du Domaine Taschereau | Nature Reserves | 45.7 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Sainte-Marie
- Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce 19.5 km · 5,014 people
- Beauceville 33.1 km · 6,185 people
- Thetford Mines 45.0 km · 26,072 people
- Saint-Georges 45.7 km · 32,935 people
- Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures 46.1 km · 19,907 people
- L'Ancienne-Lorette 46.8 km · 16,970 people
- Neuville 50.5 km · 4,475 people
- Chateau-Richer 57.9 km · 4,425 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Sainte-Marie
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Sainte-Marie has a population of 13,134 people, making it the 88th town in Quebec. The population declined moderately from 13,565 in 2016, a decrease of 431 people or 3.18%. The town has a population density of 122.1 people per km² across a land area of 107.55 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Sainte-Marie's population declined by 3.18% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 13,565 to 13,134 people, a loss of 431 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 44.00 years suggests a mature, established community. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Sainte-Marie has a population density of approximately 122.10 people per square kilometre.
Sainte-Marie covers a land area of approximately 107.55 km².
The median age of the population in Sainte-Marie is 44.00 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Sainte-Marie is Canadian.
The median household income in Sainte-Marie is $78,000, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Sainte-Marie.
Christian is the predominant religion in Sainte-Marie.
According to the 2021 Census, 1.7% of Sainte-Marie's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
97.4% of Sainte-Marie's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 13.6% of census families in Sainte-Marie, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.5% of all households in Sainte-Marie, per the 2021 Census.
30.7% of Sainte-Marie'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 Sainte-Marie, 40.1% 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.