Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Stanstead has a population of around 2,824 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Stanstead has increased by ▲ 1.29%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 2,788 | 2,824 | +1.29% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.26% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Stanstead's population is projected to reach approximately 2,860 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 130.30 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 2,824 | 2,860 | 130.30 |
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.
Stanstead Population Trend & Context
Stanstead had a 2021 census population of 2,824 — an increase of 36 (▲ 1.29%) people from the 2,788 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has grown slightly over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Quebec towns. The town's median age of 48.8 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 Stanstead is around 1,470 while the female population is around 1,355.
Of the 2,824 total population in Stanstead, the largest gender is male with around 1,470 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,470 | 1,355 | +7.82% |
Is Stanstead a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Stanstead 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.
Stanstead Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Stanstead compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Stanstead | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $54,800 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 48.8 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.6% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 8.9% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Stanstead has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 55 to 59 years old, accounting for 8.50% of the total population. The town median age is 48.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 to 59 years | 125 8.50% | 120 8.90% | 4.00% | 240 8.50% |
| 60 to 64 years | 105 7.10% | 115 8.50% | 8.70% | 220 7.80% |
| 65 to 69 years | 105 7.10% | 100 7.40% | 4.76% | 205 7.30% |
| 70 to 74 years | 105 7.10% | 90 6.60% | 14.29% | 195 6.90% |
| 15 to 19 years | 100 6.80% | 75 5.50% | 25.00% | 170 6.00% |
| 5 to 9 years | 105 7.10% | 60 4.40% | 42.86% | 165 5.80% |
| 10 to 14 years | 80 5.40% | 85 6.30% | 5.88% | 165 5.80% |
| 40 to 44 years | 80 5.40% | 80 5.90% | 0.00% | 160 5.70% |
| 50 to 54 years | 80 5.40% | 75 5.50% | 6.25% | 160 5.70% |
| 75 to 79 years | 75 5.10% | 85 6.30% | 11.76% | 160 5.70% |
| 30 to 34 years | 75 5.10% | 70 5.20% | 6.67% | 150 5.30% |
| 35 to 39 years | 80 5.40% | 75 5.50% | 6.25% | 150 5.30% |
| 45 to 49 years | 80 5.40% | 65 4.80% | 18.75% | 140 5.00% |
| 0 to 4 years | 65 4.40% | 55 4.10% | 15.38% | 115 4.10% |
| 25 to 29 years | 60 4.10% | 55 4.10% | 8.33% | 110 3.90% |
| 80 to 84 years | 55 3.70% | 55 4.10% | 0.00% | 110 3.90% |
| 20 to 24 years | 60 4.10% | 45 3.30% | 25.00% | 105 3.70% |
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 57.00% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 26.90% and 15.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Stanstead are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 57.10% | 56.80% | 57.00% |
| 65 years and over | 25.90% | 28.40% | 26.90% |
| 0 to 14 years | 17.00% | 14.80% | 15.90% |
Population of Stanstead by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Stanstead is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Stanstead 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 Stanstead are Canadian, which accounts for 33.82% of the total population, followed by French (25.09%), English (15.45%), Irish (15.09%), and Scottish (11.82%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Stanstead include French Canadian, American, German, First Nations (North American Indian), and Caucasian (White).
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 37.68% | 30.08% | 33.82% |
| French | 23.24% | 27.07% | 25.09% |
| English | 14.44% | 16.54% | 15.45% |
| Irish | 13.03% | 17.29% | 15.09% |
| Scottish | 10.56% | 13.16% | 11.82% |
| French Canadian | 6.69% | 7.89% | 7.09% |
| American | 7.75% | 5.64% | 6.55% |
| German | 5.99% | 5.26% | 5.64% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 4.93% | 4.89% | 4.91% |
| Caucasian (White) | 3.87% | 4.51% | 4.00% |
Indigenous Identity in Stanstead
About 2.18% of Stanstead's population (60 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 97.82% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 0 people (0.00% 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 Stanstead's population profile.
About 8.9% of Stanstead's population are immigrants (245 people).
The top countries of origin for Stanstead's immigrant population are United States of America (170), France (15), United Kingdom (15), Brazil (0), Colombia (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United States of America | 170 |
| France | 15 |
| United Kingdom | 15 |
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
97.8% of Stanstead's residents (2,690 people) are Canadian citizens, and 2.2% are not.
By generation status, 16.0% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 13.8% are second generation, and 70.2% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 830 of Stanstead's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 18.45% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 18.25% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.50%, 4.50%, and 3.35%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 470 | 18.45% |
| 1 person | 465 | 18.25% |
| 3 persons | 140 | 5.50% |
| 4 persons | 115 | 4.50% |
| 5 or more persons | 85 | 3.35% |
Family and Household Structure in Stanstead
Of census families in Stanstead, 82.6% are couple families and 17.4% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.8 people.
36.5% of households in Stanstead are one-person households, 47.8% are couple-family households, 9.0% are one-parent-family households, and 1.2% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 465 | 36.5% |
| Couple-family households | 610 | 47.8% |
| One-parent-family households | 115 | 9.0% |
| Multigenerational households | 15 | 1.2% |
Income in Stanstead
Analyzing income distribution in Stanstead can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Stanstead is $31,400.
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 Stanstead population or around 400 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 345 and 205 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Stanstead's median household income is $54,800, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Stanstead's median household income is 29,200 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 Stanstead
This data sheds light on the distribution of Stanstead 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.
43.10% or most of the Stanstead population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 31.80% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 25.10% 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 | 280 | 290 | 575 | 43.10% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 185 | 240 | 425 | 31.80% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 230 | 105 | 335 | 25.10% |
Below national average 12.4% of Stanstead's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Stanstead
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Stanstead. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Stanstead is at 6.83% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 51.56% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.83% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Stanstead, 29.0% worked full year full time in the reference year, 29.3% worked part year and/or part time, and 41.5% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 655 | 29.0% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 660 | 29.3% |
| Did not work | 935 | 41.5% |
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 Stanstead's population (around 69.50%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 115 men and 75 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 190.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 115 | 75 | 190 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Stanstead industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Stanstead is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Stanstead has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (19%) works in the manufacturing sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 13%, followed by Health care and social assistance at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 175 | 70 | 19% |
| Retail trade | 75 | 85 | 13% |
| Health care and social assistance | 35 | 85 | 10% |
| Construction | 105 | 10 | 9% |
| Educational services | 30 | 45 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 20 | 50 | 6% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 45 | 30 | 6% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 40 | 15 | 5% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 30 | 20 | 5% |
| Wholesale trade | 35 | 20 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 20 | 30 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 25 | 20 | 4% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 20 | 10 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 20 | 2% |
| Public administration | 10 | 20 | 2% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Stanstead residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Stanstead: Manufacturing (19%), Retail trade (13%), Health care and social assistance (10%)
Top occupation categories in Stanstead: Sales and service occupations (25%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (23%), 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 | 475 | 410 | 885 | 76.30% |
| Worked at home | 55 | 80 | 135 | 11.60% |
| No fixed workplace address | 100 | 20 | 120 | 10.30% |
| Worked outside Canada | 10 | 15 | 25 | 2.20% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Stanstead 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 Stanstead residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Stanstead 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 | 48.80% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 21.40% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 19.40% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 7.50% |
| 60 minutes and over | 3.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Stanstead 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 Stanstead'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.
English is the most spoken official language in Stanstead. About 1,525 people living in the town speak English, 1,200 people speak French, 40 people speak English and French language, and 5 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 1,525 |
| French | 1,200 |
| English and French | 40 |
| Neither English nor French | 5 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 61.6% of Stanstead's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 25.8% know English only, 12.3% know French only, and 0.2% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 715 | 25.8% |
| French only | 340 | 12.3% |
| English and French | 1,705 | 61.6% |
| Neither English nor French | 5 | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| English | 50.9% | 59.9% |
| French | 42.2% | 35.7% |
| Non-official languages | 2.0% | 0.4% |
Religion
Stanstead is predominantly Christian. About 1,675 of its population is Christian (870 males and 805 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 | 60.9% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Stanstead
Schools
Parks
- Parc Banting Holmes
- Place Henry Seth Taylor
- Beebe Memorial Park
- Parc Hackett
- Parc des Générations
- Parc du Cercle des Pierres
Libraries
Community Centres
- Salle communautaire de Beebe
- Centre d'Action Bénévole Rediker
- Centre Recreatif Stanstead
- Centre culturel des loisirs de Stanstead
Places to Visit in Stanstead
Museums
Attractions
Historic Sites
- Plaque de la Municipalité de Stanstead
- Monument 560
- Monument 548B
- Monument 549
- Monument 549A
- Monument 551A-35
- Monument 550
- Monument 551
- Monument 554A
- Monument 562A
- Monument 553A
- Monument 558A
- Monument 554W
- Monument 555
- Monument 557A
- Monument 552A
- Monument 556A
- Monument 562
- Monument 558
- Monument 561
- Monument 560A
- Monument 551B
- Monument 557
- Monument 555A
- Monument 563A
- Monument 563
- Char
- United States Customs
- Haskell Free Library & Opera House;Bibliothèque et salle d'opéra Haskell
Green Spaces in Stanstead
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Parc Banting Holmes | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Place Henry Seth Taylor | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Beebe Memorial Park | Parks | 3.1 ha |
| Parc Hackett | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Parc des Générations | Parks | 3.4 ha |
| Parc du Cercle des Pierres | Parks | 14.9 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Stanstead
- Coaticook 26.8 km · 8,867 people
- Magog 28.7 km · 28,312 people
- Waterville 33.8 km · 2,307 people
- Lac-Brome 41.5 km · 5,923 people
- Sutton 42.4 km · 4,548 people
- Waterloo 49.5 km · 4,920 people
- Waterloo 49.5 km · 4,920 people
- Bromont 55.0 km · 11,357 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Stanstead
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Stanstead has a population of 2,824 people, making it the 188th town in Quebec. The population increased moderately from 2,788 in 2016, an increase of 36 people or 1.29%. The town has a population density of 128.7 people per km² across a land area of 21.95 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Stanstead's population grew by 1.29% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 2,788 to 2,824 people, a gain of 36 residents. This modest growth reflects patterns seen in many other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 48.80 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (36.5%) 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.
Stanstead has a population density of approximately 128.70 people per square kilometre.
Stanstead covers a land area of approximately 21.95 km².
The median age of the population in Stanstead is 48.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Stanstead is Canadian.
The median household income in Stanstead is $54,800, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Stanstead.
Christian is the predominant religion in Stanstead.
According to the 2021 Census, 2.2% of Stanstead's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
97.8% of Stanstead's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 17.3% of census families in Stanstead, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 1.2% of all households in Stanstead, per the 2021 Census.
61.6% of Stanstead'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 Stanstead, 29.0% 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.