Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Waterloo has a population of around 4,920 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Waterloo has increased by ▲ 11.56%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 4,410 | 4,920 | +11.56% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.21% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Waterloo's population is projected to reach approximately 5,489 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 448.81 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 4,920 | 5,489 | 448.81 |
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.
Waterloo Population Trend & Context
Waterloo had a 2021 census population of 4,920 — an increase of 510 (▲ 11.56%) people from the 4,410 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 42.8 years closely mirrors the national median of 41.9, suggesting a demographic profile in line with the Canadian average.
Population By Genders
The male population of Waterloo is around 2,405 while the female population is around 2,515.
Of the 4,920 total population in Waterloo, the largest gender is female with around 2,515 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 2,405 | 2,515 | +4.37% |
Is Waterloo a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Waterloo 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.
Waterloo Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Waterloo compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Waterloo | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $59,200 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 42.8 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.3% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 3.4% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Waterloo has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 8.10% of the total population. The town median age is 42.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 195 8.10% | 205 8.20% | 4.88% | 400 8.10% |
| 55 to 59 years | 185 7.70% | 200 8.00% | 7.50% | 385 7.80% |
| 65 to 69 years | 175 7.30% | 175 7.00% | 0.00% | 345 7.00% |
| 5 to 9 years | 170 7.10% | 170 6.80% | 0.00% | 335 6.80% |
| 10 to 14 years | 170 7.10% | 155 6.20% | 8.82% | 325 6.60% |
| 40 to 44 years | 165 6.90% | 155 6.20% | 6.06% | 320 6.50% |
| 30 to 34 years | 155 6.40% | 145 5.80% | 6.45% | 300 6.10% |
| 35 to 39 years | 140 5.80% | 155 6.20% | 9.68% | 290 5.90% |
| 25 to 29 years | 135 5.60% | 145 5.80% | 6.90% | 285 5.80% |
| 15 to 19 years | 125 5.20% | 145 5.80% | 13.79% | 265 5.40% |
| 45 to 49 years | 120 5.00% | 130 5.20% | 7.69% | 255 5.20% |
| 50 to 54 years | 130 5.40% | 120 4.80% | 7.69% | 250 5.10% |
| 0 to 4 years | 135 5.60% | 115 4.60% | 14.81% | 245 5.00% |
| 70 to 74 years | 120 5.00% | 120 4.80% | 0.00% | 240 4.90% |
| 20 to 24 years | 115 4.80% | 100 4.00% | 13.04% | 215 4.40% |
| 75 to 79 years | 85 3.50% | 115 4.60% | 26.09% | 200 4.10% |
| 80 to 84 years | 55 2.30% | 90 3.60% | 38.89% | 145 2.90% |
| 85 years and over | 35 1.50% | 75 3.00% | 53.33% | 110 2.20% |
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, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 21.20% and 18.50%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Waterloo are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 60.70% | 60.00% | 60.30% |
| 65 years and over | 19.50% | 22.70% | 21.20% |
| 0 to 14 years | 19.50% | 17.50% | 18.50% |
Population of Waterloo by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Waterloo is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Waterloo 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 Waterloo are Canadian, which accounts for 42.23% of the total population, followed by French (23.25%), French Canadian (7.51%), Irish (6.05%), and English (4.07%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Waterloo include European, Caucasian (White), Scottish, Christian, n.i.e., and German.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 40.43% | 43.81% | 42.23% |
| French | 24.09% | 22.52% | 23.25% |
| French Canadian | 8.17% | 7.10% | 7.51% |
| Irish | 5.38% | 6.90% | 6.05% |
| English | 2.80% | 5.27% | 4.07% |
| European | 3.01% | 2.23% | 2.71% |
| Caucasian (White) | 3.23% | 1.83% | 2.50% |
| Scottish | 2.58% | 2.23% | 2.40% |
| Christian, n.i.e. | 1.72% | 2.43% | 1.98% |
| German | 1.72% | 1.22% | 1.46% |
Indigenous Identity in Waterloo
About 1.67% of Waterloo's population (80 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 98.33% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 10 people (0.20% 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 Waterloo's population profile.
About 3.4% of Waterloo's population are immigrants (165 people).
The top countries of origin for Waterloo's immigrant population are France (45), United States of America (20), Morocco (15), Brazil (0), Colombia (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| France | 45 |
| United States of America | 20 |
| Morocco | 15 |
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
98.5% of Waterloo's residents (4,725 people) are Canadian citizens, and 1.6% are not.
By generation status, 4.2% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 4.4% are second generation, and 91.6% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 940 of Waterloo's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 20.00% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 16.85% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.25%, 4.35%, and 3.70%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 895 | 20.00% |
| 2 persons | 755 | 16.85% |
| 3 persons | 235 | 5.25% |
| 4 persons | 195 | 4.35% |
| 5 or more persons | 165 | 3.70% |
Family and Household Structure in Waterloo
Of census families in Waterloo, 80.8% are couple families and 19.2% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.9 people.
40.0% of households in Waterloo are one-person households, 44.4% are couple-family households, 10.0% are one-parent-family households, and 0.9% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 895 | 40.0% |
| Couple-family households | 995 | 44.4% |
| One-parent-family households | 225 | 10.0% |
| Multigenerational households | 20 | 0.9% |
Income in Waterloo
Analyzing income distribution in Waterloo can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Waterloo is $36,400.
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 Waterloo population or around 720 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 625 and 515 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Waterloo's median household income is $59,200, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Waterloo's median household income is 24,800 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 Waterloo
This data sheds light on the distribution of Waterloo 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.
52.80% or most of the Waterloo population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 25.40% of the population has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 21.70% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate. (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 | 630 | 665 | 1,300 | 52.80% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 380 | 240 | 625 | 25.40% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 260 | 275 | 535 | 21.70% |
Below national average 15.9% of Waterloo's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Waterloo
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Waterloo. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Waterloo is at 6.96% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 56.61% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.96% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Waterloo, 31.3% worked full year full time in the reference year, 31.3% worked part year and/or part time, and 37.4% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 1,220 | 31.3% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 1,220 | 31.3% |
| Did not work | 1,455 | 37.4% |
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 Waterloo's population (around 75.50%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 120 men and 110 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 230.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 120 | 110 | 230 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Waterloo industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Waterloo is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Waterloo has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (18%) 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 | 290 | 150 | 18% |
| Retail trade | 130 | 170 | 13% |
| Health care and social assistance | 25 | 215 | 10% |
| Accommodation and food services | 55 | 135 | 8% |
| Educational services | 50 | 130 | 8% |
| Construction | 135 | 0 | 6% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 70 | 60 | 6% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 75 | 55 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 75 | 35 | 5% |
| Public administration | 50 | 50 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 60 | 30 | 4% |
| Wholesale trade | 35 | 20 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 20 | 40 | 3% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 15 | 20 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 30 | 15 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 30 | 10 | 2% |
| Utilities | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 15 | 0 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Waterloo residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Waterloo: Manufacturing (18%), Retail trade (13%), Health care and social assistance (10%)
Top occupation categories in Waterloo: Sales and service occupations (26%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (20%), 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 | 815 | 820 | 1,635 | 74.10% |
| Worked at home | 125 | 195 | 320 | 14.50% |
| No fixed workplace address | 170 | 75 | 250 | 11.30% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Waterloo 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 Waterloo residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Waterloo 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 |
|---|---|
| 15 to 29 minutes | 39.00% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 34.20% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 18.30% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 4.80% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Waterloo 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 Waterloo'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 Waterloo. About 4,145 people living in the town speak French, 650 people speak English, 50 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 4,145 |
| English | 650 |
| English and French | 50 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 44.5% of Waterloo's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 5.2% know English only, 50.4% know French only, and 0.1% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 250 | 5.2% |
| French only | 2,440 | 50.4% |
| English and French | 2,155 | 44.5% |
| Neither English nor French | 5 | 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 | 83.1% | 84.2% |
| English | 12.7% | 12.8% |
| Non-official languages | 1.5% | 0.4% |
Religion
Waterloo is predominantly Christian. About 3,085 of its population is Christian (1,450 males and 1,635 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 0.9% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Jewish, both represent 0.2% and 0.2% of the population, while Hindu represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 64.3% |
| Islam | 0.9% |
| Buddhist | 0.2% |
| Jewish | 0.2% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Waterloo
Schools
Parks
- Parc du carré Foster
- Place du Centenaire
- Parc de la Caboose
- Parc des Génerations
- Parc Robinson
- Parc Wilfrid-Émond
Community Centres
Green Spaces in Waterloo
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Parc du carré Foster | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Place du Centenaire | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Parc de la Caboose | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Parc des Génerations | Parks | 1.3 ha |
| Parc Robinson | Parks | 3.9 ha |
| Parc Wilfrid-Émond | Parks | 0.2 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Waterloo
- Bromont 10.6 km · 11,357 people
- Lac-Brome 14.2 km · 5,923 people
- Granby 17.2 km · 69,025 people
- Valcourt 22.9 km · 2,139 people
- Cowansville 23.6 km · 15,234 people
- Sutton 27.1 km · 4,548 people
- Magog 30.1 km · 28,312 people
- Dunham 32.6 km · 3,599 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Waterloo
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Waterloo has a population of 4,920 people, making it the 154th town in Quebec. The population increased significantly from 4,410 in 2016, an increase of 510 people or 11.56%. The town has a population density of 402.2 people per km² across a land area of 12.23 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Waterloo's population grew by 11.56% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 4,410 to 4,920 people, a gain of 510 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 42.80 years suggests a mature, established community. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (40.0%) 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.
Waterloo has a population density of approximately 402.20 people per square kilometre.
Waterloo covers a land area of approximately 12.23 km².
The median age of the population in Waterloo is 42.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Waterloo is Canadian.
The median household income in Waterloo is $59,200, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Waterloo.
Christian is the predominant religion in Waterloo.
According to the 2021 Census, 1.7% of Waterloo's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
98.5% of Waterloo's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 19.1% of census families in Waterloo, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.9% of all households in Waterloo, per the 2021 Census.
44.5% of Waterloo'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 Waterloo, 31.3% 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.