Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Mashteuiatsh has a population of around 2,010 people. The Indian reserve's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Mashteuiatsh has increased by ▲ 2.71%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,957 | 2,010 | +2.71% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.54% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Mashteuiatsh's population is projected to reach approximately 2,064 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 143.04 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 2,010 | 2,064 | 143.04 |
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.
Mashteuiatsh Population Trend & Context
Mashteuiatsh had a 2021 census population of 2,010 — an increase of 53 (▲ 2.71%) people from the 1,957 recorded in 2016.
The Indian reserve's population has grown slightly over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Quebec Indian reserves. The Indian reserve's median age of 43.6 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 Mashteuiatsh is around 1,010 while the female population is around 1,000.
Of the 2,010 total population in Mashteuiatsh, the largest gender is male with around 1,010 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,010 | 1,000 | +0.99% |
Is Mashteuiatsh a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Mashteuiatsh 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.
Mashteuiatsh Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Mashteuiatsh compares to the Indian reserve's key indicators:
| Indicator | Mashteuiatsh | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $77,500 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 11.4% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 43.6 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.4% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 0.0% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Mashteuiatsh has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 55 to 59 years old, accounting for 8.20% of the total population. The Indian reserve median age is 43.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 to 59 years | 100 9.90% | 65 6.50% | 35.00% | 165 8.20% |
| 60 to 64 years | 65 6.40% | 95 9.50% | 31.58% | 160 8.00% |
| 50 to 54 years | 70 6.90% | 80 8.00% | 12.50% | 150 7.50% |
| 20 to 24 years | 75 7.40% | 75 7.50% | 0.00% | 145 7.20% |
| 40 to 44 years | 75 7.40% | 65 6.50% | 13.33% | 140 7.00% |
| 10 to 14 years | 70 6.90% | 70 7.00% | 0.00% | 135 6.70% |
| 25 to 29 years | 70 6.90% | 60 6.00% | 14.29% | 125 6.20% |
| 65 to 69 years | 60 5.90% | 60 6.00% | 0.00% | 125 6.20% |
| 70 to 74 years | 60 5.90% | 60 6.00% | 0.00% | 120 6.00% |
| 5 to 9 years | 65 6.40% | 45 4.50% | 30.77% | 110 5.50% |
| 45 to 49 years | 55 5.40% | 55 5.50% | 0.00% | 110 5.50% |
| 0 to 4 years | 55 5.40% | 50 5.00% | 9.09% | 105 5.20% |
| 15 to 19 years | 45 4.50% | 55 5.50% | 18.18% | 100 5.00% |
Broader Age Groups
If the Indian reserve'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 63.70% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 18.70% and 17.40%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Mashteuiatsh are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 62.90% | 64.00% | 63.70% |
| 65 years and over | 18.30% | 19.50% | 18.70% |
| 0 to 14 years | 18.30% | 16.50% | 17.40% |
Population of Mashteuiatsh by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Mashteuiatsh is quite diverse, which contributes to the Indian reserve's vibrant cultural landscape. Mashteuiatsh is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the Indian reserve appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Mashteuiatsh are Innu/Montagnais, which accounts for 37.69% of the total population, followed by First Nations (North American Indian) (29.65%), North American Indigenous (11.81%), Canadian (11.06%), and Cree (3.52%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Mashteuiatsh include French, Abenaki, Atikamekw, Scottish, and French Canadian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innu/Montagnais | 38.00% | 37.37% | 37.69% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 28.00% | 30.81% | 29.65% |
| North American Indigenous | 13.50% | 10.61% | 11.81% |
| Canadian | 10.50% | 11.11% | 11.06% |
| Cree | 3.50% | 3.54% | 3.52% |
| French | 2.50% | 3.54% | 3.02% |
| Abenaki | 2.50% | 3.03% | 2.76% |
| Atikamekw | 1.50% | 3.03% | 2.01% |
| Scottish | 1.00% | 2.53% | 2.01% |
| French Canadian | 1.50% | 2.02% | 1.76% |
Indigenous Identity in Mashteuiatsh
About 84.96% of Mashteuiatsh's population (1,695 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 15.04% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 1,650 people (82.70% 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 Mashteuiatsh's population profile.
About 0.0% of Mashteuiatsh's population are immigrants (0 people).
The top countries of origin for Mashteuiatsh's immigrant population are Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0), Guyana (0), Haiti (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
| Guyana | 0 |
| Haiti | 0 |
0.0% of Mashteuiatsh's residents (0 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.0% are not.
By generation status, 1.5% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 1.0% are second generation, and 97.7% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 610 of Mashteuiatsh's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 15.45% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 14.80% of the population. 4 persons, 3 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.70%, 7.40%, and 4.65%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 250 | 15.45% |
| 1 person | 240 | 14.80% |
| 4 persons | 125 | 7.70% |
| 3 persons | 120 | 7.40% |
| 5 or more persons | 75 | 4.65% |
Family and Household Structure in Mashteuiatsh
Of census families in Mashteuiatsh, 74.3% are couple families and 25.7% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.9 people.
29.6% of households in Mashteuiatsh are one-person households, 44.4% are couple-family households, 11.1% are one-parent-family households, and 4.3% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 240 | 29.6% |
| Couple-family households | 360 | 44.4% |
| One-parent-family households | 90 | 11.1% |
| Multigenerational households | 35 | 4.3% |
Income in Mashteuiatsh
Analyzing income distribution in Mashteuiatsh can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Mashteuiatsh is $38,400.
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 Indian reserve's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Mashteuiatsh population or around 265 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 250 and 225 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Mashteuiatsh's median household income is $77,500, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Mashteuiatsh's median household income is 6,500 dollars below the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the Indian reserve'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 Indian reserve's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Mashteuiatsh
This data sheds light on the distribution of Mashteuiatsh 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.
69.80% or most of the Mashteuiatsh population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 16.10% of the population has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 13.70% 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 | 350 | 370 | 715 | 69.80% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 90 | 70 | 165 | 16.10% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 75 | 70 | 140 | 13.70% |
Below national average 17.1% of Mashteuiatsh's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Mashteuiatsh
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Mashteuiatsh. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Mashteuiatsh is at 11.40% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 52.13% |
| Unemployment rate | 11.40% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Mashteuiatsh, 34.0% worked full year full time in the reference year, 26.4% worked part year and/or part time, and 39.2% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 560 | 34.0% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 435 | 26.4% |
| Did not work | 645 | 39.2% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the Indian reserve who work as an employee. The majority of Mashteuiatsh's population (around 66.80%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the Indian reserve, there are 40 men and 30 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 70.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 40 | 30 | 70 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Mashteuiatsh industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Mashteuiatsh is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Mashteuiatsh has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (19%) works in the public administration sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 12%, followed by Educational services at 9%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public administration | 90 | 95 | 19% |
| Health care and social assistance | 20 | 100 | 12% |
| Educational services | 15 | 70 | 9% |
| Construction | 70 | 10 | 8% |
| Retail trade | 35 | 45 | 8% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 55 | 0 | 7% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 50 | 0 | 6% |
| Manufacturing | 40 | 10 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 20 | 20 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 20 | 20 | 4% |
| Accommodation and food services | 15 | 20 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 10 | 15 | 3% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 10 | 15 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 10 | 10 | 2% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Utilities | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 10 | 10 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Mashteuiatsh residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Mashteuiatsh: Public administration (19%), Health care and social assistance (12%), Educational services (9%)
Top occupation categories in Mashteuiatsh: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (20%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (19%), Sales and service occupations (19%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the Indian reserve. 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 | 315 | 340 | 655 | 76.60% |
| Worked at home | 40 | 60 | 100 | 11.70% |
| No fixed workplace address | 75 | 20 | 95 | 11.10% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Mashteuiatsh 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 Mashteuiatsh residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Mashteuiatsh spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the Indian reserve's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the Indian reserve.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 67.50% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 17.20% |
| 60 minutes and over | 7.90% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 4.00% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.60% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Mashteuiatsh 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 Indian reserve's social fabric. We can gain insights into Mashteuiatsh's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights Indian reserve'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 Mashteuiatsh. About 1,970 people living in the Indian reserve speak French, 20 people speak English, 5 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 1,970 |
| English | 20 |
| English and French | 5 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 15.0% of Mashteuiatsh's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 0.3% know English only, 84.5% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 5 | 0.3% |
| French only | 1,685 | 84.5% |
| English and French | 300 | 15.0% |
| Neither English nor French | 0 | 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 | 92.0% | 97.0% |
| Non-official languages | 5.5% | 1.5% |
| English | 1.3% | 0.8% |
Religion
Mashteuiatsh is predominantly Christian. About 1,615 of its population is Christian (805 males and 805 females).
The second largest religion in the Indian reserve is Buddhist with 0.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Jewish, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 81.0% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Mashteuiatsh
Parks
Places to Visit in Mashteuiatsh
Museums
Attractions
Green Spaces in Mashteuiatsh
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Site Uashassihtsh | Parks | 2.8 ha |
| Parc municipal | Parks | 4.6 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Indian Reserves to Mashteuiatsh
- Communaute de Wemotaci 136.6 km · 1,142 people
- Lac-John 199.3 km · 21 people
- Obedjiwan 28 199.5 km · 1,991 people
- Wendake 202.0 km · 2,200 people
- Essipit 210.4 km · 310 people
- Communaute Atikamekw de Manawan 220.4 km · 2,000 people
- Wolinak 250.4 km · 194 people
- Pessamit 266.1 km · 2,428 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Mashteuiatsh
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Mashteuiatsh has a population of 2,010 people, making it the 217th Indian reserve in Quebec. The population increased moderately from 1,957 in 2016, an increase of 53 people or 2.71%. The Indian reserve has a population density of 139.3 people per km² across a land area of 14.43 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Mashteuiatsh's population grew by 2.71% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 1,957 to 2,010 people, a gain of 53 residents. This modest growth reflects patterns seen in many other Quebec Indian reserves during this period. The median age of 43.60 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.
Mashteuiatsh has a population density of approximately 139.30 people per square kilometre.
Mashteuiatsh covers a land area of approximately 14.43 km².
The median age of the population in Mashteuiatsh is 43.60 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Mashteuiatsh is Innu/Montagnais.
The median household income in Mashteuiatsh is $77,500, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Mashteuiatsh.
Christian is the predominant religion in Mashteuiatsh.
According to the 2021 Census, 85.0% of Mashteuiatsh's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
0.0% of Mashteuiatsh's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 25.9% of census families in Mashteuiatsh, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 4.3% of all households in Mashteuiatsh, per the 2021 Census.
15.0% of Mashteuiatsh'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 Mashteuiatsh, 34.0% 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.