Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Baie-Comeau has a population of around 20,687 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Baie-Comeau has decreased by ▼ -3.94%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 21,536 | 20,687 | --3.94% |
2026 Population Projection
Baie-Comeau's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 20,687 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Baie-Comeau Population Trend & Context
Baie-Comeau had a 2021 census population of 20,687 — a decline of 849 (▼ 3.94%) people from the 21,536 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 48.4 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 Baie-Comeau is around 10,430 while the female population is around 10,260.
Of the 20,687 total population in Baie-Comeau, the largest gender is male with around 10,430 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 10,430 | 10,260 | -1.63% |
Is Baie-Comeau a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Baie-Comeau 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.
Baie-Comeau Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Baie-Comeau compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Baie-Comeau | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $75,500 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.5% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 48.4 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.8% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 1.4% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Baie-Comeau 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 48.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 1,030 9.90% | 940 9.20% | 8.74% | 1,970 9.50% |
| 55 to 59 years | 950 9.10% | 965 9.40% | 1.55% | 1,915 9.30% |
| 65 to 69 years | 790 7.60% | 645 6.30% | 18.35% | 1,435 6.90% |
| 50 to 54 years | 715 6.90% | 685 6.70% | 4.20% | 1,405 6.80% |
| 40 to 44 years | 615 5.90% | 620 6.00% | 0.81% | 1,235 6.00% |
| 45 to 49 years | 600 5.80% | 595 5.80% | 0.83% | 1,190 5.80% |
| 70 to 74 years | 555 5.30% | 595 5.80% | 6.72% | 1,150 5.60% |
| 35 to 39 years | 570 5.50% | 575 5.60% | 0.87% | 1,145 5.50% |
| 30 to 34 years | 560 5.40% | 535 5.20% | 4.46% | 1,100 5.30% |
| 5 to 9 years | 540 5.20% | 525 5.10% | 2.78% | 1,070 5.20% |
| 10 to 14 years | 535 5.10% | 530 5.20% | 0.93% | 1,060 5.10% |
| 25 to 29 years | 535 5.10% | 495 4.80% | 7.48% | 1,030 5.00% |
| 15 to 19 years | 530 5.10% | 490 4.80% | 7.55% | 1,020 4.90% |
| 20 to 24 years | 535 5.10% | 475 4.60% | 11.21% | 1,010 4.90% |
| 75 to 79 years | 475 4.60% | 540 5.30% | 12.04% | 1,010 4.90% |
| 0 to 4 years | 445 4.30% | 400 3.90% | 10.11% | 845 4.10% |
| 80 to 84 years | 270 2.60% | 310 3.00% | 12.90% | 580 2.80% |
| 85 years and over | 180 1.70% | 330 3.20% | 45.45% | 515 2.50% |
| 85 to 89 years | 145 1.40% | 225 2.20% | 35.56% | 370 1.80% |
| 90 to 94 years | 30 0.30% | 80 0.80% | 62.50% | 115 0.60% |
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 62.90% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 22.70% and 14.40%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Baie-Comeau are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 63.70% | 62.20% | 62.90% |
| 65 years and over | 21.80% | 23.60% | 22.70% |
| 0 to 14 years | 14.50% | 14.20% | 14.40% |
Population of Baie-Comeau by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Baie-Comeau is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Baie-Comeau 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 Baie-Comeau are Canadian, which accounts for 36.92% of the total population, followed by French (20.58%), French Canadian (11.24%), Irish (3.46%), and Caucasian (White) (3.11%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Baie-Comeau include First Nations (North American Indian), Acadian, Christian, n.i.e., Innu/Montagnais, and Scottish.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 36.68% | 37.23% | 36.92% |
| French | 20.95% | 20.21% | 20.58% |
| French Canadian | 11.36% | 11.17% | 11.24% |
| Irish | 3.37% | 3.50% | 3.46% |
| Caucasian (White) | 3.12% | 3.05% | 3.11% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 2.61% | 3.05% | 2.83% |
| Acadian | 2.31% | 2.13% | 2.20% |
| Christian, n.i.e. | 1.66% | 1.63% | 1.64% |
| Innu/Montagnais | 1.56% | 1.52% | 1.57% |
| Scottish | 1.61% | 1.47% | 1.54% |
Indigenous Identity in Baie-Comeau
About 3.99% of Baie-Comeau's population (790 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 96.01% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 245 people (1.20% 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 Baie-Comeau's population profile.
About 1.4% of Baie-Comeau's population are immigrants (270 people).
The top countries of origin for Baie-Comeau's immigrant population are France (50), Congo, Democratic Republic of the (20), Romania (15), Morocco (15), Haiti (10).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| France | 50 |
| Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 20 |
| Romania | 15 |
| Morocco | 15 |
| Haiti | 10 |
98.9% of Baie-Comeau's residents (19,580 people) are Canadian citizens, and 1.1% are not.
By generation status, 2.3% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 1.4% are second generation, and 96.3% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 4,940 of Baie-Comeau's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 19.00% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 18.40% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.95%, 4.80%, and 1.85%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 3,635 | 19.00% |
| 1 person | 3,515 | 18.40% |
| 3 persons | 1,140 | 5.95% |
| 4 persons | 915 | 4.80% |
| 5 or more persons | 350 | 1.85% |
Family and Household Structure in Baie-Comeau
Of census families in Baie-Comeau, 85.4% are couple families and 14.6% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.7 people.
36.8% of households in Baie-Comeau are one-person households, 51.0% are couple-family households, 8.4% are one-parent-family households, and 0.5% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 3,515 | 36.8% |
| Couple-family households | 4,875 | 51.0% |
| One-parent-family households | 800 | 8.4% |
| Multigenerational households | 50 | 0.5% |
Income in Baie-Comeau
Analyzing income distribution in Baie-Comeau can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Baie-Comeau is $44,800.
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 Baie-Comeau population or around 2,285 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $50,000 to $79,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 2,265 and 2,255 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Baie-Comeau's median household income is $75,500, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Baie-Comeau's median household income is 8,500 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 Baie-Comeau
This data sheds light on the distribution of Baie-Comeau 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.
71.30% or most of the Baie-Comeau population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 16.30% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 12.40% 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 | 3,780 | 3,790 | 7,570 | 71.30% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 850 | 875 | 1,730 | 16.30% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 710 | 615 | 1,320 | 12.40% |
Below national average 17.9% of Baie-Comeau's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Baie-Comeau
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Baie-Comeau. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Baie-Comeau is at 5.49% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 57.79% |
| Unemployment rate | 5.49% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Baie-Comeau, 35.6% worked full year full time in the reference year, 27.0% worked part year and/or part time, and 37.5% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 5,990 | 35.6% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 4,545 | 27.0% |
| Did not work | 6,310 | 37.5% |
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 Baie-Comeau's population (around 74.50%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 350 men and 380 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 735.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 350 | 380 | 735 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Baie-Comeau industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Baie-Comeau is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Baie-Comeau has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (20%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 13%, followed by Manufacturing at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 380 | 1,720 | 20% |
| Retail trade | 565 | 720 | 13% |
| Manufacturing | 955 | 140 | 11% |
| Educational services | 280 | 595 | 8% |
| Public administration | 315 | 310 | 6% |
| Utilities | 485 | 130 | 6% |
| Construction | 520 | 90 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 220 | 265 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 220 | 220 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 210 | 210 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 310 | 70 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 150 | 145 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 80 | 120 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 130 | 55 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 60 | 60 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 75 | 40 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 70 | 45 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 50 | 50 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 70 | 10 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Baie-Comeau residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Baie-Comeau: Health care and social assistance (20%), Retail trade (13%), Manufacturing (11%)
Top occupation categories in Baie-Comeau: Sales and service occupations (25%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (20%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (15%)
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 | 3,810 | 4,055 | 7,865 | 80.80% |
| Worked at home | 415 | 565 | 980 | 10.10% |
| No fixed workplace address | 680 | 210 | 890 | 9.10% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Baie-Comeau 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 Baie-Comeau residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Baie-Comeau 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 | 65.80% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 27.90% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 3.70% |
| 60 minutes and over | 1.90% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 0.70% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Baie-Comeau 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 Baie-Comeau'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 Baie-Comeau. About 20,250 people living in the town speak French, 165 people speak English, 40 people speak English and French language, and 5 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 20,250 |
| English | 165 |
| English and French | 40 |
| Neither English nor French | 5 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 21.4% of Baie-Comeau's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 0.1% know English only, 78.4% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 15 | 0.1% |
| French only | 16,045 | 78.4% |
| English and French | 4,385 | 21.4% |
| Neither English nor French | 5 | 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 | 97.7% | 98.7% |
| Non-official languages | 1.0% | 0.2% |
| English | 0.7% | 0.5% |
Religion
Baie-Comeau is predominantly Christian. About 15,265 of its population is Christian (7,570 males and 7,700 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 0.2% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Hindu, both represent 0.1% and 0.0% of the population, while Jewish represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 77.1% |
| Islam | 0.2% |
| Buddhist | 0.1% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Baie-Comeau
Hospitals
Schools
- École Trudel
- Polyvalente Des Baies
- École primaire Leventoux
- École Secondaire Jean-Paul II
- École Monseigneur Bélanger
- École Boivert
Parks
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Baie-Comeau
Museums
Theatres
Green Spaces in Baie-Comeau
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Parc des Pionniers | Parks | 20.3 ha |
| Place du colonel McCormick | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Aire de Repos Bégin | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Terrain Laval | Parks | 2.6 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Baie-Comeau
- Metis-sur-Mer 61.2 km · 594 people
- Matane 62.4 km · 13,987 people
- Mont-Joli 69.8 km · 6,384 people
- Forestville 84.6 km · 2,892 people
- Rimouski 88.5 km · 48,935 people
- Rimouski 88.5 km · 48,935 people
- Amqui 99.4 km · 5,999 people
- Cap-Chat 109.3 km · 2,516 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Baie-Comeau
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Baie-Comeau has a population of 20,687 people, making it the 57th town in Quebec. The population declined moderately from 21,536 in 2016, a decrease of 849 people or 3.94%. The town has a population density of 61.8 people per km² across a land area of 334.83 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Baie-Comeau's population declined by 3.94% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 21,536 to 20,687 people, a loss of 849 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 48.40 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (36.8%) 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.
Baie-Comeau has a population density of approximately 61.80 people per square kilometre.
Baie-Comeau covers a land area of approximately 334.83 km².
The median age of the population in Baie-Comeau is 48.40 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Baie-Comeau is Canadian.
The median household income in Baie-Comeau is $75,500, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Baie-Comeau.
Christian is the predominant religion in Baie-Comeau.
According to the 2021 Census, 4.0% of Baie-Comeau's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
98.9% of Baie-Comeau's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 14.6% of census families in Baie-Comeau, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.5% of all households in Baie-Comeau, per the 2021 Census.
21.4% of Baie-Comeau'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 Baie-Comeau, 35.6% 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.