Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Alma has a population of around 30,331 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Alma has decreased by ▼ -1.43%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 30,771 | 30,331 | --1.43% |
2026 Population Projection
Alma's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 30,331 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Alma Population Trend & Context
Alma had a 2021 census population of 30,331 — a decline of 440 (▼ 1.43%) people from the 30,771 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 48 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 Alma is around 14,960 while the female population is around 15,370.
Of the 30,331 total population in Alma, the largest gender is female with around 15,370 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 14,960 | 15,370 | -2.67% |
Is Alma a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Alma 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.
Alma Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Alma compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Alma | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $67,500 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 48 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.6% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 0.9% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Alma has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 9.50% of the total population. The town median age is 48.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 1,425 9.50% | 1,445 9.40% | 1.38% | 2,870 9.50% |
| 55 to 59 years | 1,230 8.20% | 1,250 8.10% | 1.60% | 2,480 8.20% |
| 65 to 69 years | 1,195 8.00% | 1,210 7.90% | 1.24% | 2,405 7.90% |
| 40 to 44 years | 975 6.50% | 935 6.10% | 4.10% | 1,905 6.30% |
| 70 to 74 years | 860 5.70% | 930 6.10% | 7.53% | 1,785 5.90% |
| 10 to 14 years | 895 6.00% | 885 5.80% | 1.12% | 1,775 5.90% |
| 35 to 39 years | 860 5.70% | 835 5.40% | 2.91% | 1,695 5.60% |
| 45 to 49 years | 830 5.50% | 795 5.20% | 4.22% | 1,620 5.30% |
| 50 to 54 years | 835 5.60% | 780 5.10% | 6.59% | 1,605 5.30% |
| 15 to 19 years | 785 5.20% | 800 5.20% | 1.88% | 1,580 5.20% |
| 5 to 9 years | 810 5.40% | 730 4.70% | 9.88% | 1,540 5.10% |
| 30 to 34 years | 755 5.00% | 750 4.90% | 0.66% | 1,510 5.00% |
| 25 to 29 years | 750 5.00% | 700 4.60% | 6.67% | 1,445 4.80% |
| 75 to 79 years | 630 4.20% | 810 5.30% | 22.22% | 1,440 4.70% |
| 20 to 24 years | 735 4.90% | 660 4.30% | 10.20% | 1,390 4.60% |
| 0 to 4 years | 670 4.50% | 655 4.30% | 2.24% | 1,325 4.40% |
| 85 years and over | 340 2.30% | 635 4.10% | 46.46% | 980 3.20% |
| 80 to 84 years | 385 2.60% | 575 3.70% | 33.04% | 960 3.20% |
| 85 to 89 years | 215 1.40% | 350 2.30% | 38.57% | 565 1.90% |
| 90 to 94 years | 100 0.70% | 235 1.50% | 57.45% | 335 1.10% |
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 25.00% and 15.30%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Alma are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 61.30% | 58.20% | 59.70% |
| 65 years and over | 22.80% | 27.10% | 25.00% |
| 0 to 14 years | 15.80% | 14.80% | 15.30% |
Population of Alma by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Alma is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Alma 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 Alma are Canadian, which accounts for 43.11% of the total population, followed by French (18.91%), French Canadian (13.35%), Caucasian (White) (3.29%), and Irish (1.94%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Alma include Christian, n.i.e., First Nations (North American Indian), European, Innu/Montagnais, and Scottish.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 42.73% | 43.53% | 43.11% |
| French | 19.95% | 17.88% | 18.91% |
| French Canadian | 12.91% | 13.79% | 13.35% |
| Caucasian (White) | 3.45% | 3.17% | 3.29% |
| Irish | 1.84% | 2.08% | 1.94% |
| Christian, n.i.e. | 1.71% | 1.67% | 1.69% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 1.54% | 1.63% | 1.59% |
| European | 1.57% | 1.40% | 1.50% |
| Innu/Montagnais | 0.92% | 0.99% | 0.97% |
| Scottish | 0.72% | 0.95% | 0.84% |
Indigenous Identity in Alma
About 3.19% of Alma's population (935 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 96.81% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 265 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 Alma's population profile.
About 0.9% of Alma's population are immigrants (265 people).
The top countries of origin for Alma's immigrant population are France (25), Haiti (25), Viet Nam (20), Italy (15), Philippines (10).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| France | 25 |
| Haiti | 25 |
| Viet Nam | 20 |
| Italy | 15 |
| Philippines | 10 |
99.3% of Alma's residents (29,110 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.7% are not.
By generation status, 1.5% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 1.2% are second generation, and 97.3% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 7,150 of Alma'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 17.75% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.65%, 4.90%, and 2.50%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 5,305 | 19.20% |
| 1 person | 4,910 | 17.75% |
| 3 persons | 1,555 | 5.65% |
| 4 persons | 1,360 | 4.90% |
| 5 or more persons | 690 | 2.50% |
Family and Household Structure in Alma
Of census families in Alma, 86.0% are couple families and 14.0% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.7 people.
35.5% of households in Alma are one-person households, 52.2% are couple-family households, 8.1% are one-parent-family households, and 0.5% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 4,910 | 35.5% |
| Couple-family households | 7,210 | 52.2% |
| One-parent-family households | 1,120 | 8.1% |
| Multigenerational households | 70 | 0.5% |
Income in Alma
Analyzing income distribution in Alma can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Alma is $40,000.
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 Alma population or around 3,930 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 3,460 and 3,000 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Alma's median household income is $67,500, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Alma's median household income is 16,500 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 Alma
This data sheds light on the distribution of Alma 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.
72.40% or most of the Alma population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 14.30% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 13.30% 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 | 5,500 | 5,360 | 10,865 | 72.40% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 995 | 1,150 | 2,150 | 14.30% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 1,040 | 960 | 1,995 | 13.30% |
Below national average 16.1% of Alma's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Alma
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Alma. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Alma is at 5.29% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 55.52% |
| Unemployment rate | 5.29% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Alma, 32.3% worked full year full time in the reference year, 27.5% worked part year and/or part time, and 40.1% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 7,980 | 32.3% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 6,800 | 27.5% |
| Did not work | 9,905 | 40.1% |
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 Alma's population (around 73.40%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 755 men and 485 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 1,235.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 755 | 485 | 1,235 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Alma industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Alma is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Alma has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (17%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 15%, followed by Manufacturing at 13%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 465 | 1,950 | 17% |
| Retail trade | 940 | 1,220 | 15% |
| Manufacturing | 1,465 | 350 | 13% |
| Construction | 990 | 175 | 8% |
| Educational services | 345 | 805 | 8% |
| Accommodation and food services | 370 | 510 | 6% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 395 | 285 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 355 | 315 | 5% |
| Public administration | 360 | 250 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 480 | 80 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 315 | 155 | 3% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 295 | 65 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 110 | 245 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 215 | 60 | 2% |
| Utilities | 160 | 20 | 1% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 75 | 60 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 115 | 0 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 55 | 30 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 50 | 25 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Alma residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Alma: Health care and social assistance (17%), Retail trade (15%), Manufacturing (13%)
Top occupation categories in Alma: Sales and service occupations (27%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (19%), Business, finance and administration occupations (13%)
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 | 5,300 | 5,360 | 10,660 | 77.80% |
| No fixed workplace address | 1,275 | 410 | 1,685 | 12.30% |
| Worked at home | 635 | 715 | 1,350 | 9.90% |
| Worked outside Canada | 10 | 0 | 10 | 0.10% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Alma 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 Alma residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Alma 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 | 61.70% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 19.00% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 9.10% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 5.80% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.30% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Alma 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 Alma'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 Alma. About 29,855 people living in the town speak French, 115 people speak English, 25 people speak English and French language, and 20 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 29,855 |
| English | 115 |
| English and French | 25 |
| Neither English nor French | 20 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 18.8% of Alma's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 0.1% know English only, 81.0% know French only, and 0.1% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 20 | 0.1% |
| French only | 24,315 | 81.0% |
| English and French | 5,655 | 18.8% |
| Neither English nor French | 20 | 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 | 98.5% | 99.2% |
| Non-official languages | 0.7% | 0.4% |
| English | 0.4% | 0.2% |
Religion
Alma is predominantly Christian. About 23,695 of its population is Christian (11,570 males and 12,125 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Buddhist with 0.1% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Muslim and Hindu, both represent 0.1% and 0.0% of the population, while Jewish represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 80.8% |
| Buddhist | 0.1% |
| Islam | 0.1% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Alma
Hospitals
Schools
- École St-Joseph
- Commission School Du Lac-Saint-Jean Centre D'entretien
- École St-Julien
- École St-Sacrement
- École Maria
- École Jean-Gauthier
- CFP Alma
- École Saint-Pierre
- École Notre-Dame-de-Lorette
- École Notre-Dame
Universities
Parks
- Parkami
- Argo
- Plaines Vertes
- Parc Falaise
- Parc de L'ile Sainte-Anne
- Parc municipal
- Parc Dolbec
- Parc Saint-Antoine
- Parc de Dieppe
- Parc Frédeau-Duchesne
- Parc Walter-C.-Hamilton
- Parc Saint-Pierre
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Alma
Museums
Stadiums
Theatres
Green Spaces in Alma
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Parkami | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Argo | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Plaines Vertes | Parks | 12.9 ha |
| Parc Falaise | Parks | 4.2 ha |
| Parc de L'ile Sainte-Anne | Parks | 3.5 ha |
| Parc municipal | Parks | 1.2 ha |
| Parc Dolbec | Parks | 0.4 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Alma
- Metabetchouan--Lac-a-la-Croix 21.0 km · 4,121 people
- Desbiens 26.4 km · 995 people
- Saint-Honore 41.7 km · 6,376 people
- Roberval 42.4 km · 9,840 people
- Dolbeau-Mistassini 56.6 km · 13,718 people
- Saint-Felicien 59.8 km · 10,089 people
- Normandin 72.0 km · 2,991 people
- La Malbaie 149.0 km · 8,235 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Alma
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Alma has a population of 30,331 people, making it the 37th town in Quebec. The population declined moderately from 30,771 in 2016, a decrease of 440 people or 1.43%. The town has a population density of 155.6 people per km² across a land area of 194.92 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Alma's population declined by 1.43% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 30,771 to 30,331 people, a loss of 440 residents. This stability is characteristic of many mid-sized other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 48.00 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (35.5%) 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.
Alma has a population density of approximately 155.60 people per square kilometre.
Alma covers a land area of approximately 194.92 km².
The median age of the population in Alma is 48.00 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Alma is Canadian.
The median household income in Alma is $67,500, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Alma.
Christian is the predominant religion in Alma.
According to the 2021 Census, 3.2% of Alma's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
99.3% of Alma's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 14.0% of census families in Alma, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.5% of all households in Alma, per the 2021 Census.
18.8% of Alma'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 Alma, 32.3% 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.