Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Matane has a population of around 13,987 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Matane has decreased by ▼ -2.26%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 14,311 | 13,987 | --2.26% |
2026 Population Projection
Matane's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 13,987 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Matane Population Trend & Context
Matane had a 2021 census population of 13,987 — a decline of 324 (▼ 2.26%) people from the 14,311 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 52.4 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 Matane is around 6,885 while the female population is around 7,105.
Of the 13,987 total population in Matane, the largest gender is female with around 7,105 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 6,885 | 7,105 | -3.10% |
Is Matane a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Matane 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.
Matane Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Matane compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Matane | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $56,000 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 52.4 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.7% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 1.2% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Matane has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 9.70% of the total population. The town median age is 52.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 640 9.30% | 725 10.20% | 11.72% | 1,360 9.70% |
| 65 to 69 years | 595 8.60% | 665 9.40% | 10.53% | 1,255 9.00% |
| 70 to 74 years | 540 7.80% | 590 8.30% | 8.47% | 1,135 8.10% |
| 55 to 59 years | 520 7.60% | 550 7.70% | 5.45% | 1,075 7.70% |
| 40 to 44 years | 445 6.50% | 415 5.80% | 6.74% | 855 6.10% |
| 75 to 79 years | 385 5.60% | 410 5.80% | 6.10% | 795 5.70% |
| 45 to 49 years | 375 5.40% | 395 5.60% | 5.06% | 770 5.50% |
| 20 to 24 years | 410 6.00% | 305 4.30% | 25.61% | 715 5.10% |
| 50 to 54 years | 365 5.30% | 350 4.90% | 4.11% | 715 5.10% |
| 15 to 19 years | 365 5.30% | 335 4.70% | 8.22% | 700 5.00% |
| 10 to 14 years | 340 4.90% | 335 4.70% | 1.47% | 675 4.80% |
| 35 to 39 years | 320 4.60% | 355 5.00% | 9.86% | 675 4.80% |
| 30 to 34 years | 325 4.70% | 320 4.50% | 1.54% | 645 4.60% |
| 5 to 9 years | 315 4.60% | 280 3.90% | 11.11% | 595 4.30% |
| 25 to 29 years | 295 4.30% | 275 3.90% | 6.78% | 575 4.10% |
| 85 years and over | 190 2.80% | 300 4.20% | 36.67% | 490 3.50% |
| 80 to 84 years | 215 3.10% | 270 3.80% | 20.37% | 485 3.50% |
| 0 to 4 years | 240 3.50% | 230 3.20% | 4.17% | 470 3.40% |
| 85 to 89 years | 135 2.00% | 190 2.70% | 28.95% | 330 2.40% |
| 90 to 94 years | 45 0.70% | 90 1.30% | 50.00% | 130 0.90% |
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 57.80% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 29.80% and 12.40%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Matane are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 59.00% | 56.70% | 57.80% |
| 65 years and over | 28.00% | 31.40% | 29.80% |
| 0 to 14 years | 13.00% | 11.80% | 12.40% |
Population of Matane by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Matane is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Matane 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 Matane are Canadian, which accounts for 37.61% of the total population, followed by French (25.37%), French Canadian (13.46%), Scottish (2.77%), and Irish (2.74%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Matane include Caucasian (White), Christian, n.i.e., First Nations (North American Indian), English, and Gaspesian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 36.68% | 38.51% | 37.61% |
| French | 26.56% | 24.29% | 25.37% |
| French Canadian | 12.98% | 13.93% | 13.46% |
| Scottish | 2.48% | 3.06% | 2.77% |
| Irish | 2.70% | 2.70% | 2.74% |
| Caucasian (White) | 1.65% | 1.68% | 1.70% |
| Christian, n.i.e. | 1.73% | 1.68% | 1.70% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 1.95% | 1.31% | 1.66% |
| English | 1.50% | 1.68% | 1.59% |
| Gaspesian | 1.43% | 1.53% | 1.48% |
Indigenous Identity in Matane
About 2.03% of Matane's population (275 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 97.97% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 75 people (0.60% 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 Matane's population profile.
About 1.2% of Matane's population are immigrants (165 people).
The top countries of origin for Matane's immigrant population are France (35), Philippines (20), Colombia (15), Haiti (10), Iraq (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| France | 35 |
| Philippines | 20 |
| Colombia | 15 |
| Haiti | 10 |
| Iraq | 0 |
97.8% of Matane's residents (13,220 people) are Canadian citizens, and 2.3% are not.
By generation status, 3.3% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 1.6% are second generation, and 95.1% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 3,915 of Matane's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 21.20% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 18.20% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.10%, 3.95%, and 1.50%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 2,965 | 21.20% |
| 2 persons | 2,550 | 18.20% |
| 3 persons | 715 | 5.10% |
| 4 persons | 555 | 3.95% |
| 5 or more persons | 210 | 1.50% |
Family and Household Structure in Matane
Of census families in Matane, 84.7% are couple families and 15.3% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.6 people.
42.4% of households in Matane are one-person households, 45.5% are couple-family households, 7.8% are one-parent-family households, and 0.5% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 2,965 | 42.4% |
| Couple-family households | 3,180 | 45.5% |
| One-parent-family households | 545 | 7.8% |
| Multigenerational households | 35 | 0.5% |
Income in Matane
Analyzing income distribution in Matane can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Matane is $36,800.
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 Matane population or around 1,845 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 1,750 and 1,405 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Matane's median household income is $56,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Matane's median household income is 28,000 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 Matane
This data sheds light on the distribution of Matane 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.
65.10% or most of the Matane population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 18.00% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 17.00% 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 | 1,945 | 2,295 | 4,240 | 65.10% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 595 | 580 | 1,170 | 18.00% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 580 | 530 | 1,105 | 17.00% |
Below national average 17.0% of Matane's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Matane
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Matane. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Matane is at 7.73% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 50.38% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.73% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Matane, 30.2% worked full year full time in the reference year, 27.4% worked part year and/or part time, and 42.4% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 3,575 | 30.2% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 3,240 | 27.4% |
| Did not work | 5,025 | 42.4% |
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 Matane's population (around 70.70%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 300 men and 180 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 480.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 300 | 180 | 480 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Matane industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Matane is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Matane has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (16%) works in the retail trade sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 15%, followed by Manufacturing at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail trade | 530 | 485 | 16% |
| Health care and social assistance | 230 | 725 | 15% |
| Manufacturing | 525 | 175 | 11% |
| Public administration | 265 | 415 | 11% |
| Educational services | 150 | 465 | 10% |
| Construction | 320 | 70 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 170 | 215 | 6% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 290 | 45 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 145 | 90 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 95 | 130 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 120 | 55 | 3% |
| Information and cultural industries | 40 | 80 | 2% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 80 | 25 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 25 | 55 | 1% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 70 | 15 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 45 | 35 | 1% |
| Wholesale trade | 60 | 10 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 45 | 0 | 1% |
| Utilities | 40 | 0 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Matane residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Matane: Retail trade (16%), Health care and social assistance (15%), Manufacturing (11%)
Top occupation categories in Matane: Sales and service occupations (27%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (18%), Business, finance and administration occupations (17%)
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 | 2,325 | 2,400 | 4,720 | 79.10% |
| Worked at home | 255 | 400 | 655 | 11.00% |
| No fixed workplace address | 440 | 145 | 585 | 9.80% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Matane 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 Matane residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Matane 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 | 76.40% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 15.00% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 4.10% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.50% |
| 60 minutes and over | 2.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Matane 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 Matane'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 Matane. About 13,785 people living in the town speak French, 70 people speak English, 25 people speak English and French language, and 10 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 13,785 |
| English | 70 |
| English and French | 25 |
| Neither English nor French | 10 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 20.1% of Matane's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 0.0% know English only, 79.8% know French only, and 0.1% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 5 | 0.0% |
| French only | 11,080 | 79.8% |
| English and French | 2,785 | 20.1% |
| Neither English nor French | 10 | 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 | 98.5% | 99.1% |
| English | 0.5% | 0.2% |
| Non-official languages | 0.5% | 0.1% |
Religion
Matane is predominantly Christian. About 10,900 of its population is Christian (5,205 males and 5,690 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 0.3% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Hindu, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Jewish represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 80.6% |
| Islam | 0.3% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Matane
Hospitals
Schools
Parks
- Parc Elspeth-Russell
- Parc Antoinette-Guy
- Parc multirécréatif de Matane
- Parc "Maman Luc" Albina-Fortin-Tremblay
- Parc Nancy-Charest
- Parc Marie-Raphaël
- Parc Mélanie-Joncas
- Parc Jane-McCallum
- Parc des Castors
- Place des Rochelais
- Parc du Tricentenaire
- Parc Jean-Charles-Forbes
- Parc des Îles
- Parc Denise-Bouffard
- Parc Octavia-Christina-Roy-Desjardins
- Parc Jeanne-Dionne
- Parc Hammermill
- Place des Générations
- Parc du Pied-de-la-Côte
- Parc Félicité-Bernier-Fillion
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Matane
Museums
Historic Sites
Stadiums
Theatres
Green Spaces in Matane
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Parc Elspeth-Russell | Parks | — |
| Parc Antoinette-Guy | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Parc multirécréatif de Matane | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Parc "Maman Luc" Albina-Fortin-Tremblay | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Parc Nancy-Charest | Parks | 1.3 ha |
| Parc Marie-Raphaël | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Parc Mélanie-Joncas | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Parc Jane-McCallum | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Parc des Castors | Parks | 10.6 ha |
| Place des Rochelais | Parks | 1.5 ha |
| Parc du Tricentenaire | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Parc Jean-Charles-Forbes | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Parc des Îles | Parks | 15.4 ha |
| Parc Denise-Bouffard | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Parc Octavia-Christina-Roy-Desjardins | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Parc Jeanne-Dionne | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Parc Hammermill | Parks | 0.9 ha |
| Place des Générations | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Parc du Pied-de-la-Côte | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Parc Félicité-Bernier-Fillion | Parks | 0.2 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Matane
- Metis-sur-Mer 39.0 km · 594 people
- Amqui 43.0 km · 5,999 people
- Mont-Joli 56.2 km · 6,384 people
- Causapscal 59.1 km · 2,147 people
- Baie-Comeau 62.4 km · 20,687 people
- Cap-Chat 67.4 km · 2,516 people
- Sainte-Anne-des-Monts 82.3 km · 6,121 people
- Rimouski 85.7 km · 48,935 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Matane
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Matane has a population of 13,987 people, making it the 82nd town in Quebec. The population declined moderately from 14,311 in 2016, a decrease of 324 people or 2.26%. The town has a population density of 71.5 people per km² across a land area of 195.49 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Matane's population declined by 2.26% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 14,311 to 13,987 people, a loss of 324 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 52.40 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (42.4%) 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.
Matane has a population density of approximately 71.50 people per square kilometre.
Matane covers a land area of approximately 195.49 km².
The median age of the population in Matane is 52.40 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Matane is Canadian.
The median household income in Matane is $56,000, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Matane.
Christian is the predominant religion in Matane.
According to the 2021 Census, 2.0% of Matane's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
97.8% of Matane's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 15.3% of census families in Matane, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.5% of all households in Matane, per the 2021 Census.
20.1% of Matane'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 Matane, 30.2% 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.