Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, La Malbaie has a population of around 8,235 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of La Malbaie has decreased by ▼ -0.44%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 8,271 | 8,235 | --0.44% |
2026 Population Projection
La Malbaie's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 8,235 people recorded in the 2021 census.
La Malbaie Population Trend & Context
La Malbaie had a 2021 census population of 8,235 — a decline of 36 (▼ 0.44%) people from the 8,271 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has remained relatively stable over this period, reflecting broader trends in mid-sized Quebec towns. The town's median age of 54 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 La Malbaie is around 4,065 while the female population is around 4,170.
Of the 8,235 total population in La Malbaie, the largest gender is female with around 4,170 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 4,065 | 4,170 | -2.52% |
Is La Malbaie a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how La Malbaie 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.
La Malbaie Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how La Malbaie compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | La Malbaie | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $63,200 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.1% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 54 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.3% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 1.1% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
La Malbaie has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 10.40% of the total population. The town median age is 54.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 435 10.70% | 425 10.20% | 2.30% | 860 10.40% |
| 65 to 69 years | 390 9.60% | 380 9.10% | 2.56% | 765 9.30% |
| 55 to 59 years | 325 8.00% | 345 8.30% | 5.80% | 665 8.10% |
| 70 to 74 years | 330 8.10% | 330 7.90% | 0.00% | 655 8.00% |
| 50 to 54 years | 245 6.00% | 270 6.50% | 9.26% | 520 6.30% |
| 75 to 79 years | 210 5.20% | 255 6.10% | 17.65% | 465 5.60% |
| 40 to 44 years | 230 5.70% | 235 5.60% | 2.13% | 460 5.60% |
| 45 to 49 years | 190 4.70% | 225 5.40% | 15.56% | 420 5.10% |
| 10 to 14 years | 205 5.00% | 180 4.30% | 12.20% | 385 4.70% |
| 35 to 39 years | 205 5.00% | 180 4.30% | 12.20% | 385 4.70% |
| 5 to 9 years | 185 4.60% | 185 4.40% | 0.00% | 370 4.50% |
| 0 to 4 years | 180 4.40% | 170 4.10% | 5.56% | 350 4.30% |
| 15 to 19 years | 175 4.30% | 175 4.20% | 0.00% | 350 4.30% |
| 30 to 34 years | 170 4.20% | 175 4.20% | 2.86% | 340 4.10% |
| 20 to 24 years | 170 4.20% | 150 3.60% | 11.76% | 325 3.90% |
| 85 years and over | 125 3.10% | 190 4.60% | 34.21% | 310 3.80% |
| 80 to 84 years | 140 3.40% | 165 4.00% | 15.15% | 305 3.70% |
| 25 to 29 years | 150 3.70% | 150 3.60% | 0.00% | 300 3.60% |
| 85 to 89 years | 80 2.00% | 105 2.50% | 23.81% | 185 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 56.20% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 30.40% and 13.40%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in La Malbaie are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 56.70% | 55.80% | 56.20% |
| 65 years and over | 29.30% | 31.40% | 30.40% |
| 0 to 14 years | 14.10% | 12.70% | 13.40% |
Population of La Malbaie by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of La Malbaie is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. La Malbaie 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 La Malbaie are Canadian, which accounts for 42.16% of the total population, followed by French (23.24%), French Canadian (12.24%), Irish (2.37%), and Scottish (1.50%).
Other ethnicities and origins in La Malbaie include Caucasian (White), First Nations (North American Indian), Christian, n.i.e., North American Indigenous, and German.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 43.00% | 41.29% | 42.16% |
| French | 23.58% | 22.87% | 23.24% |
| French Canadian | 12.36% | 12.24% | 12.24% |
| Irish | 2.14% | 2.72% | 2.37% |
| Scottish | 1.51% | 1.48% | 1.50% |
| Caucasian (White) | 1.39% | 1.48% | 1.44% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 1.26% | 1.61% | 1.44% |
| Christian, n.i.e. | 1.26% | 1.11% | 1.25% |
| North American Indigenous | 0.88% | 1.48% | 1.25% |
| German | 0.76% | 1.48% | 1.06% |
Indigenous Identity in La Malbaie
About 3.06% of La Malbaie's population (245 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 96.94% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 35 people (0.40% 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 La Malbaie's population profile.
About 1.1% of La Malbaie's population are immigrants (85 people).
The top countries of origin for La Malbaie's immigrant population are France (40), Morocco (10), Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| France | 40 |
| Morocco | 10 |
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
98.9% of La Malbaie's residents (7,925 people) are Canadian citizens, and 1.1% are not.
By generation status, 2.0% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 1.2% are second generation, and 96.8% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 2,610 of La Malbaie's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 19.80% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 17.80% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.00%, 4.30%, and 2.15%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 1,515 | 19.80% |
| 1 person | 1,360 | 17.80% |
| 3 persons | 460 | 6.00% |
| 4 persons | 330 | 4.30% |
| 5 or more persons | 165 | 2.15% |
Family and Household Structure in La Malbaie
Of census families in La Malbaie, 86.2% are couple families and 13.8% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.6 people.
35.4% of households in La Malbaie are one-person households, 51.6% are couple-family households, 7.8% are one-parent-family households, and 0.7% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 1,355 | 35.4% |
| Couple-family households | 1,975 | 51.6% |
| One-parent-family households | 300 | 7.8% |
| Multigenerational households | 25 | 0.7% |
Income in La Malbaie
Analyzing income distribution in La Malbaie can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within La Malbaie is $37,600.
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 La Malbaie population or around 1,345 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 1,070 and 730 people, respectively.
Household Income
The La Malbaie's median household income is $63,200, according to 2020 data.
Below national average La Malbaie's median household income is 20,800 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 La Malbaie
This data sheds light on the distribution of La Malbaie 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.
63.40% or most of the La Malbaie population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 23.30% 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 | 1,255 | 1,270 | 2,520 | 63.40% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 430 | 500 | 925 | 23.30% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 250 | 280 | 530 | 13.30% |
Below national average 14.6% of La Malbaie's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in La Malbaie
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in La Malbaie. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in La Malbaie is at 9.06% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 51.05% |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in La Malbaie, 25.5% worked full year full time in the reference year, 34.0% worked part year and/or part time, and 40.5% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 1,755 | 25.5% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 2,340 | 34.0% |
| Did not work | 2,790 | 40.5% |
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 La Malbaie's population (around 65.80%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 235 men and 190 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 425.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 235 | 190 | 425 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The La Malbaie industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in La Malbaie is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
La Malbaie 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 Accommodation and food services at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 145 | 495 | 17% |
| Retail trade | 260 | 325 | 15% |
| Accommodation and food services | 145 | 280 | 11% |
| Construction | 300 | 40 | 9% |
| Manufacturing | 235 | 85 | 8% |
| Educational services | 100 | 160 | 7% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 100 | 140 | 6% |
| Public administration | 130 | 60 | 5% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 85 | 75 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 120 | 25 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 65 | 35 | 3% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 65 | 25 | 2% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 45 | 40 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 25 | 55 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 35 | 10 | 1% |
| Wholesale trade | 25 | 10 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 25 | 0 | 1% |
| Utilities | 20 | 0 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 20 | 0 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where La Malbaie residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in La Malbaie: Health care and social assistance (17%), Retail trade (15%), Accommodation and food services (11%)
Top occupation categories in La Malbaie: Sales and service occupations (31%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (21%), 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 | 1,200 | 1,465 | 2,670 | 76.00% |
| No fixed workplace address | 430 | 100 | 530 | 15.10% |
| Worked at home | 150 | 170 | 320 | 9.10% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how La Malbaie 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 La Malbaie residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of La Malbaie 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 | 58.50% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 25.00% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 8.60% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.10% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 3.90% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in La Malbaie 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 La Malbaie'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 La Malbaie. About 8,075 people living in the town speak French, 75 people speak English, 10 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 8,075 |
| English | 75 |
| English and French | 10 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 19.9% of La Malbaie's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 0.2% know English only, 79.9% know French only, and 0.1% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 15 | 0.2% |
| French only | 6,520 | 79.9% |
| English and French | 1,620 | 19.9% |
| 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 | 98.1% | 99.0% |
| English | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Non-official languages | 0.6% | 0.2% |
Religion
La Malbaie is predominantly Christian. About 6,735 of its population is Christian (3,245 males and 3,490 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 0.5% 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 | 84.1% |
| Islam | 0.5% |
| Buddhist | 0.1% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in La Malbaie
Hospitals
Schools
- École des Eaux-Vives
- École secondaire du Plateau
- École Laure-Gaudreault
- École Notre-Dame-Du-Bon-Conseil
Parks
Community Centres
Places to Visit in La Malbaie
Museums
Attractions
Historic Sites
Green Spaces in La Malbaie
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Jardins de Quatre-Vents | Parks | — |
| Parc Saint-Fidèle | Parks | 2.8 ha |
| Centre d’accueil du Parc marin Saguenay-Saint-Laurent | Parks | 1.0 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to La Malbaie
- Saint-Pascal 29.8 km · 3,530 people
- La Pocatiere 33.4 km · 4,078 people
- Baie-Saint-Paul 35.5 km · 7,371 people
- Riviere-du-Loup 51.3 km · 20,118 people
- Pohenegamook 72.7 km · 2,481 people
- Saint-Pamphile 82.4 km · 2,274 people
- Beaupre 88.0 km · 4,117 people
- Trois-Pistoles 89.7 km · 3,115 people
Frequently Asked Questions about La Malbaie
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, La Malbaie has a population of 8,235 people, making it the 117th town in Quebec. The population declined slightly from 8,271 in 2016, a decrease of 36 people or 0.44%. The town has a population density of 18.0 people per km² across a land area of 458.19 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
La Malbaie's population declined by 0.44% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 8,271 to 8,235 people, a loss of 36 residents. This stability is characteristic of many mid-sized other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 54.00 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (35.6%) 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.
La Malbaie has a population density of approximately 18.00 people per square kilometre.
La Malbaie covers a land area of approximately 458.19 km².
The median age of the population in La Malbaie is 54.00 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in La Malbaie is Canadian.
The median household income in La Malbaie is $63,200, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in La Malbaie.
Christian is the predominant religion in La Malbaie.
According to the 2021 Census, 3.1% of La Malbaie's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
98.9% of La Malbaie's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 13.8% of census families in La Malbaie, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.7% of all households in La Malbaie, per the 2021 Census.
19.9% of La Malbaie'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 La Malbaie, 25.5% 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.