Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Waterville has a population of around 2,307 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Waterville has increased by ▲ 8.77%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 2,121 | 2,307 | +8.77% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.70% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Waterville's population is projected to reach approximately 2,509 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 56.98 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 2,307 | 2,509 | 56.98 |
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.
Waterville Population Trend & Context
Waterville had a 2021 census population of 2,307 — an increase of 186 (▲ 8.77%) people from the 2,121 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 39.2 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
Population By Genders
The male population of Waterville is around 1,160 while the female population is around 1,145.
Of the 2,307 total population in Waterville, the largest gender is male with around 1,160 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,160 | 1,145 | +1.29% |
Is Waterville a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Waterville 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.
Waterville Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Waterville compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Waterville | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $74,500 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 39.2 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.1% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 4.2% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Waterville has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 10 to 14 years old, accounting for 8.00% of the total population. The town median age is 39.20.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 to 14 years | 85 7.30% | 95 8.30% | 10.53% | 185 8.00% |
| 0 to 4 years | 85 7.30% | 90 7.90% | 5.56% | 175 7.60% |
| 5 to 9 years | 85 7.30% | 90 7.90% | 5.56% | 175 7.60% |
| 40 to 44 years | 85 7.30% | 75 6.60% | 11.76% | 165 7.20% |
| 45 to 49 years | 70 6.00% | 90 7.90% | 22.22% | 160 6.90% |
| 55 to 59 years | 90 7.80% | 60 5.20% | 33.33% | 155 6.70% |
| 35 to 39 years | 65 5.60% | 75 6.60% | 13.33% | 145 6.30% |
| 30 to 34 years | 75 6.50% | 70 6.10% | 6.67% | 140 6.10% |
| 15 to 19 years | 75 6.50% | 65 5.70% | 13.33% | 135 5.90% |
| 50 to 54 years | 75 6.50% | 60 5.20% | 20.00% | 135 5.90% |
| 60 to 64 years | 70 6.00% | 70 6.10% | 0.00% | 135 5.90% |
| 25 to 29 years | 70 6.00% | 55 4.80% | 21.43% | 120 5.20% |
| 65 to 69 years | 55 4.70% | 55 4.80% | 0.00% | 115 5.00% |
| 70 to 74 years | 45 3.90% | 55 4.80% | 18.18% | 105 4.60% |
| 20 to 24 years | 45 3.90% | 55 4.80% | 18.18% | 100 4.30% |
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 60.30% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 23.20% and 16.50%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Waterville are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 61.60% | 59.40% | 60.30% |
| 0 to 14 years | 22.00% | 24.00% | 23.20% |
| 65 years and over | 16.40% | 16.60% | 16.50% |
Population of Waterville by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Waterville is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Waterville 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 Waterville are Canadian, which accounts for 40.17% of the total population, followed by French (27.95%), Irish (12.01%), English (10.04%), and Scottish (7.64%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Waterville include French Canadian, First Nations (North American Indian), European, German, and British Isles.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 42.79% | 37.72% | 40.17% |
| French | 30.13% | 25.44% | 27.95% |
| Irish | 10.48% | 14.04% | 12.01% |
| English | 10.92% | 9.21% | 10.04% |
| Scottish | 6.11% | 9.65% | 7.64% |
| French Canadian | 6.11% | 6.14% | 6.11% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 2.62% | 1.75% | 1.97% |
| European | 1.75% | 2.19% | 1.97% |
| German | 1.31% | 2.19% | 1.75% |
| British Isles | 1.31% | 2.19% | 1.75% |
Indigenous Identity in Waterville
About 1.53% of Waterville's population (35 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 98.47% 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 Waterville's population profile.
About 4.2% of Waterville's population are immigrants (95 people).
The top countries of origin for Waterville's immigrant population are France (35), United Kingdom (10), Morocco (10), Brazil (0), Colombia (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| France | 35 |
| United Kingdom | 10 |
| Morocco | 10 |
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
99.1% of Waterville's residents (2,265 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.9% are not.
By generation status, 5.5% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 10.3% are second generation, and 84.1% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 690 of Waterville's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 17.70% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 13.00% of the population. 4 persons, 3 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.45%, 7.20%, and 4.95%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 320 | 17.70% |
| 1 person | 235 | 13.00% |
| 4 persons | 135 | 7.45% |
| 3 persons | 130 | 7.20% |
| 5 or more persons | 90 | 4.95% |
Family and Household Structure in Waterville
Of census families in Waterville, 84.2% are couple families and 15.8% are one-parent families. The average census family has 3.0 people.
25.3% of households in Waterville are one-person households, 58.8% are couple-family households, 10.4% are one-parent-family households, and 0.0% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 230 | 25.3% |
| Couple-family households | 535 | 58.8% |
| One-parent-family households | 95 | 10.4% |
| Multigenerational households | 0 | 0.0% |
Income in Waterville
Analyzing income distribution in Waterville can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Waterville is $39,600.
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 town's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Waterville population or around 320 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 295 and 250 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Waterville's median household income is $74,500, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Waterville's median household income is 9,500 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 Waterville
This data sheds light on the distribution of Waterville 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.
70.40% or most of the Waterville population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 18.30% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 10.90% 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 | 410 | 395 | 810 | 70.40% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 115 | 100 | 210 | 18.30% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 75 | 50 | 125 | 10.90% |
Below national average 27.4% of Waterville's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Waterville
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Waterville. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Waterville is at 4.88% which is pretty low.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 66.10% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.88% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Waterville, 32.9% worked full year full time in the reference year, 35.1% worked part year and/or part time, and 32.0% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 580 | 32.9% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 620 | 35.1% |
| Did not work | 565 | 32.0% |
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 Waterville's population (around 63.80%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 105 men and 85 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 195.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 105 | 85 | 195 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Waterville industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Waterville is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Waterville has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (18%) works in the manufacturing sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 12%, followed by Educational services at 12%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 160 | 60 | 18% |
| Health care and social assistance | 15 | 140 | 12% |
| Educational services | 50 | 100 | 12% |
| Retail trade | 65 | 55 | 10% |
| Construction | 105 | 0 | 9% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 40 | 30 | 6% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 40 | 30 | 5% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 60 | 0 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 30 | 20 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 15 | 25 | 3% |
| Accommodation and food services | 20 | 15 | 3% |
| Public administration | 20 | 20 | 3% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 15 | 15 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 15 | 15 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 25 | 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 Waterville residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Waterville: Manufacturing (18%), Health care and social assistance (12%), Educational services (12%)
Top occupation categories in Waterville: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (22%), Sales and service occupations (18%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (12%)
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 | 435 | 375 | 810 | 68.90% |
| Worked at home | 95 | 125 | 225 | 19.10% |
| No fixed workplace address | 100 | 45 | 140 | 11.90% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Waterville 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 Waterville residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Waterville 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 | 36.80% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 35.30% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 21.10% |
| 60 minutes and over | 3.70% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 3.20% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Waterville 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 Waterville'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 Waterville. About 1,695 people living in the town speak French, 575 people speak English, 40 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 1,695 |
| English | 575 |
| English and French | 40 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 51.7% of Waterville's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 8.2% know English only, 39.8% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 190 | 8.2% |
| French only | 920 | 39.8% |
| English and French | 1,195 | 51.7% |
| 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 | 71.2% | 70.1% |
| English | 23.8% | 25.1% |
| Non-official languages | 2.4% | 1.1% |
Religion
Waterville is predominantly Christian. About 1,220 of its population is Christian (590 males and 630 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Buddhist with 0.4% 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 | 53.4% |
| Buddhist | 0.4% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Waterville
Schools
Parks
- Parc Bellevue
- Parc de la tour d'eau
- Parc de Huntingville
- Parc du Centenaire
- Parc des Ainés
- Parc des cascades
- Parc de la Passerelle
- Parc de la maison des jeunes
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Waterville
Museums
Attractions
- Pont Couvert d'Eustis
- Ruine du Moulin
- Grotte à dynamite
- L'Epopée De Capelton
- L'Epopée De Capelton
- Chemin du Pont-Couvert;Pont Couvert de Milby
Historic Sites
Green Spaces in Waterville
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Parc Bellevue | Parks | 3.3 ha |
| Parc de la tour d'eau | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Parc de Huntingville | Parks | 2.1 ha |
| Parc du Centenaire | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Parc des Ainés | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Parc des cascades | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Parc de la Passerelle | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Parc de la maison des jeunes | Parks | 0.3 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Waterville
- Coaticook 17.4 km · 8,867 people
- Magog 20.2 km · 28,312 people
- Cookshire-Eaton 25.4 km · 5,344 people
- East Angus 29.2 km · 3,840 people
- Windsor 33.7 km · 5,294 people
- Stanstead 33.8 km · 2,824 people
- Valcourt 41.0 km · 2,139 people
- Richmond 47.1 km · 3,259 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Waterville
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Waterville has a population of 2,307 people, making it the 208th town in Quebec. The population increased significantly from 2,121 in 2016, an increase of 186 people or 8.77%. The town has a population density of 52.4 people per km² across a land area of 44.03 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Waterville's population grew by 8.77% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 2,121 to 2,307 people, a gain of 186 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 39.20 years suggests a relatively balanced demographic profile. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Waterville has a population density of approximately 52.40 people per square kilometre.
Waterville covers a land area of approximately 44.03 km².
The median age of the population in Waterville is 39.20 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Waterville is Canadian.
The median household income in Waterville is $74,500, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Waterville.
Christian is the predominant religion in Waterville.
According to the 2021 Census, 1.5% of Waterville's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
99.1% of Waterville's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 16.0% of census families in Waterville, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.0% of all households in Waterville, per the 2021 Census.
51.7% of Waterville'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 Waterville, 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.