Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, La Prairie has a population of around 26,406 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of La Prairie has increased by ▲ 9.52%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 24,110 | 26,406 | +9.52% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.84% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, La Prairie's population is projected to reach approximately 28,921 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 665.31 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 26,406 | 28,921 | 665.31 |
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.
La Prairie Population Trend & Context
La Prairie had a 2021 census population of 26,406 — an increase of 2,296 (▲ 9.52%) people from the 24,110 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 La Prairie is around 12,865 while the female population is around 13,540.
Of the 26,406 total population in La Prairie, the largest gender is female with around 13,540 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 12,865 | 13,540 | +4.99% |
Is La Prairie a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how La Prairie 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 Prairie Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how La Prairie compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | La Prairie | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $91,000 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.1% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 42.8 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 16.8% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
La Prairie has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 40 to 44 years old, accounting for 8.00% of the total population. The town median age is 42.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 to 44 years | 995 7.70% | 1,110 8.20% | 10.36% | 2,105 8.00% |
| 45 to 49 years | 1,050 8.20% | 1,050 7.80% | 0.00% | 2,100 8.00% |
| 10 to 14 years | 1,015 7.90% | 945 7.00% | 6.90% | 1,960 7.40% |
| 55 to 59 years | 955 7.40% | 1,005 7.40% | 4.98% | 1,960 7.40% |
| 50 to 54 years | 970 7.50% | 960 7.10% | 1.03% | 1,930 7.30% |
| 60 to 64 years | 895 7.00% | 890 6.60% | 0.56% | 1,790 6.80% |
| 35 to 39 years | 830 6.50% | 910 6.70% | 8.79% | 1,745 6.60% |
| 15 to 19 years | 825 6.40% | 815 6.00% | 1.21% | 1,635 6.20% |
| 5 to 9 years | 765 5.90% | 765 5.60% | 0.00% | 1,530 5.80% |
| 65 to 69 years | 675 5.20% | 755 5.60% | 10.60% | 1,435 5.40% |
| 30 to 34 years | 650 5.10% | 725 5.40% | 10.34% | 1,375 5.20% |
| 0 to 4 years | 635 4.90% | 635 4.70% | 0.00% | 1,275 4.80% |
| 20 to 24 years | 660 5.10% | 615 4.50% | 6.82% | 1,275 4.80% |
| 25 to 29 years | 605 4.70% | 610 4.50% | 0.82% | 1,220 4.60% |
| 70 to 74 years | 540 4.20% | 675 5.00% | 20.00% | 1,215 4.60% |
| 75 to 79 years | 415 3.20% | 500 3.70% | 17.00% | 915 3.50% |
| 80 to 84 years | 230 1.80% | 310 2.30% | 25.81% | 540 2.00% |
| 85 years and over | 145 1.10% | 255 1.90% | 43.14% | 395 1.50% |
| 85 to 89 years | 105 0.80% | 150 1.10% | 30.00% | 255 1.00% |
| 90 to 94 years | 40 0.30% | 85 0.60% | 52.94% | 120 0.50% |
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 64.90% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 18.00% and 17.10%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in La Prairie are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 65.60% | 64.20% | 64.90% |
| 0 to 14 years | 18.80% | 17.40% | 18.00% |
| 65 years and over | 15.60% | 18.40% | 17.10% |
Population of La Prairie by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of La Prairie is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. La Prairie 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 Prairie are Canadian, which accounts for 27.75% of the total population, followed by French (24.74%), French Canadian (7.92%), Chinese (5.63%), and Irish (3.76%).
Other ethnicities and origins in La Prairie include Italian, Scottish, Romanian, English, and European.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 27.16% | 28.28% | 27.75% |
| French | 25.87% | 23.66% | 24.74% |
| French Canadian | 7.93% | 7.91% | 7.92% |
| Chinese | 5.59% | 5.67% | 5.63% |
| Irish | 3.52% | 4.03% | 3.76% |
| Italian | 4.03% | 3.43% | 3.72% |
| Scottish | 2.03% | 2.31% | 2.18% |
| Romanian | 1.56% | 2.01% | 1.79% |
| English | 1.84% | 1.68% | 1.74% |
| European | 1.45% | 1.38% | 1.41% |
Indigenous Identity in La Prairie
About 0.97% of La Prairie's population (255 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 99.03% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 65 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 La Prairie's population profile.
About 16.8% of La Prairie's population are immigrants (4,400 people).
The top countries of origin for La Prairie's immigrant population are China (720), France (335), Romania (275), Iran (215), Colombia (185).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| China | 720 |
| France | 335 |
| Romania | 275 |
| Iran | 215 |
| Colombia | 185 |
95.0% of La Prairie's residents (24,880 people) are Canadian citizens, and 5.0% are not.
By generation status, 18.6% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 12.2% are second generation, and 69.2% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 5,795 of La Prairie's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 16.50% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 15.25% of the population. 4 persons, 3 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.80%, 7.15%, and 3.25%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 3,645 | 16.50% |
| 1 person | 3,375 | 15.25% |
| 4 persons | 1,725 | 7.80% |
| 3 persons | 1,585 | 7.15% |
| 5 or more persons | 720 | 3.25% |
Family and Household Structure in La Prairie
Of census families in La Prairie, 84.0% are couple families and 16.0% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.9 people.
30.5% of households in La Prairie are one-person households, 54.2% are couple-family households, 9.5% are one-parent-family households, and 1.6% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 3,370 | 30.5% |
| Couple-family households | 5,985 | 54.2% |
| One-parent-family households | 1,050 | 9.5% |
| Multigenerational households | 180 | 1.6% |
Income in La Prairie
Analyzing income distribution in La Prairie can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within La Prairie is $47,600.
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 Prairie population or around 3,265 people falls in the $50,000 to $79,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 2,860 and 2,455 people, respectively.
Household Income
The La Prairie's median household income is $91,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average La Prairie's median household income is 7,000 dollars above 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 Prairie
This data sheds light on the distribution of La Prairie 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.
78.20% or most of the La Prairie population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 15.20% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 6.60% 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 | 5,265 | 5,880 | 11,140 | 78.20% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 1,185 | 985 | 2,165 | 15.20% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 570 | 380 | 945 | 6.60% |
Above national average 42.2% of La Prairie's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in La Prairie
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in La Prairie. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in La Prairie is at 6.06% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 63.63% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.06% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in La Prairie, 40.3% worked full year full time in the reference year, 28.9% worked part year and/or part time, and 30.7% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 8,645 | 40.3% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 6,200 | 28.9% |
| Did not work | 6,585 | 30.7% |
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 Prairie's population (around 75.00%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 940 men and 600 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 1,540.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 940 | 600 | 1,540 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The La Prairie industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in La Prairie is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
La Prairie has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (13%) works in the retail trade sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 11%, followed by Professional, scientific and technical services at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail trade | 930 | 930 | 13% |
| Health care and social assistance | 280 | 1,360 | 11% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 815 | 715 | 11% |
| Educational services | 370 | 955 | 9% |
| Manufacturing | 855 | 350 | 8% |
| Public administration | 535 | 455 | 7% |
| Finance and insurance | 440 | 520 | 7% |
| Construction | 720 | 195 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 410 | 300 | 5% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 530 | 155 | 5% |
| Wholesale trade | 300 | 160 | 3% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 235 | 225 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 245 | 200 | 3% |
| Information and cultural industries | 255 | 165 | 3% |
| Utilities | 135 | 60 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 95 | 100 | 1% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 85 | 85 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 40 | 15 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 25 | 0 | 0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 10 | 15 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where La Prairie residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in La Prairie: Retail trade (13%), Health care and social assistance (11%), Professional, scientific and technical services (11%)
Top occupation categories in La Prairie: Sales and service occupations (23%), Business, finance and administration occupations (23%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (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 | 4,095 | 4,395 | 8,490 | 62.30% |
| Worked at home | 1,965 | 2,005 | 3,965 | 29.10% |
| No fixed workplace address | 910 | 255 | 1,165 | 8.50% |
| Worked outside Canada | 15 | 0 | 15 | 0.10% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how La Prairie 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 Prairie residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of La Prairie 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 | 37.80% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 26.60% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 21.90% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 8.00% |
| 60 minutes and over | 5.60% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in La Prairie 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 Prairie'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 Prairie. About 21,650 people living in the town speak French, 2,615 people speak English, 1,685 people speak English and French language, and 335 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 21,650 |
| English | 2,615 |
| English and French | 1,685 |
| Neither English nor French | 335 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 60.4% of La Prairie's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 3.8% know English only, 34.5% know French only, and 1.3% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 1,005 | 3.8% |
| French only | 9,065 | 34.5% |
| English and French | 15,860 | 60.4% |
| Neither English nor French | 350 | 1.3% |
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 | 74.4% | 77.4% |
| Non-official languages | 17.1% | 11.1% |
| English | 4.8% | 6.6% |
Religion
La Prairie is predominantly Christian. About 16,910 of its population is Christian (8,015 males and 8,895 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 4.2% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Hindu, both represent 0.7% and 0.5% of the population, while Jewish represent 0.2% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 64.6% |
| Islam | 4.2% |
| Buddhist | 0.7% |
| Hindu | 0.5% |
| Jewish | 0.2% |
| Sikh | 0.1% |
Points of Interest in La Prairie
Schools
- École Fernand-Séguin
- École de la Magdeleine
- École Saint-François-Xavier
- École Jean-XXIII
- École Notre-Dame
- École de la Rose-des-Vents
- École des Moussaillons
- Académie Marie-Laurier
- École Jean-Leman
- École Saint-Marc
- Collège Jean-de-la-Mennais
Parks
- Parc du Grand Boisé
- Parc Illinois
- Parc Radisson
- Parc Prés-Verts
- Parc du Bassin de La Prairie
- Parc Lucie-F.-Roussel
- Parc Sainte-Marie
- Parc André-J.-Côté
- Parc Léon-Gravel
- Parc des Jésuites
- Parc Léo-Rouillier
- Parc Pierre-Raffeix
- Parc du Rempart
- Place du centenaire
- Parc Georges-Boyer
- Parc Gérard-Laframboise
- Parc Émilie-Gamelin
- Parc Optimiste-Paul-Godin
- Parc Jean-de-la-Mennais
- Parc du Frère Ulysse-Baron
- Parc Montcalm
- Parc des Goélands
- Parc Jason
- Parc de La Tortue
- Parc Roméo-V.-Patenaude
- Parc Hermès
- Parc Mermoz
- Parc de l'Arrondissement
- Parc de la Tadoussac
- Parc Jacques-Laveault
- Parc Haendel
- Parc Saint-François-Xavier
- Parc de Sardaigne
- Parc Sentier du Vieux Fort
- Parc Lunan
- Parc Anatole-Lussier
Libraries
Places to Visit in La Prairie
Museums
Historic Sites
Theatres
Green Spaces in La Prairie
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Parc du Grand Boisé | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Parc Illinois | Parks | 7.5 ha |
| Parc Radisson | Parks | 3.7 ha |
| Parc Prés-Verts | Parks | 1.8 ha |
| Parc du Bassin de La Prairie | Parks | 7.0 ha |
| Parc Lucie-F.-Roussel | Parks | 10.0 ha |
| Parc Sainte-Marie | Parks | 3.1 ha |
| Parc André-J.-Côté | Parks | 8.0 ha |
| Parc Léon-Gravel | Parks | 8.5 ha |
| Parc des Jésuites | Parks | 2.1 ha |
| Parc Léo-Rouillier | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Parc Pierre-Raffeix | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Parc du Rempart | Parks | 1.5 ha |
| Place du centenaire | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Parc Georges-Boyer | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Parc Gérard-Laframboise | Parks | 4.7 ha |
| Parc Émilie-Gamelin | Parks | 10.6 ha |
| Parc Optimiste-Paul-Godin | Parks | 3.4 ha |
| Parc Jean-de-la-Mennais | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Parc du Frère Ulysse-Baron | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Parc Montcalm | Parks | 4.5 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to La Prairie
- Candiac 4.0 km · 22,997 people
- Brossard 4.5 km · 91,525 people
- Delson 6.3 km · 8,328 people
- Saint-Philippe 6.6 km · 7,597 people
- Sainte-Catherine 7.1 km · 17,347 people
- Saint-Constant 8.1 km · 29,954 people
- Saint-Lambert 9.5 km · 22,761 people
- Carignan 10.7 km · 11,740 people
Frequently Asked Questions about La Prairie
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, La Prairie has a population of 26,406 people, making it the 44th town in Quebec. The population increased significantly from 24,110 in 2016, an increase of 2,296 people or 9.52%. The town has a population density of 607.4 people per km² across a land area of 43.47 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
La Prairie's population grew by 9.52% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 24,110 to 26,406 people, a gain of 2,296 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. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
La Prairie has a population density of approximately 607.40 people per square kilometre.
La Prairie covers a land area of approximately 43.47 km².
The median age of the population in La Prairie is 42.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in La Prairie is Canadian.
The median household income in La Prairie is $91,000, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in La Prairie.
Christian is the predominant religion in La Prairie.
According to the 2021 Census, 1.0% of La Prairie's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
95.0% of La Prairie's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 16.0% of census families in La Prairie, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 1.6% of all households in La Prairie, per the 2021 Census.
60.4% of La Prairie'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 Prairie, 40.3% 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.