Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Pessamit has a population of around 2,428 people. The Indian reserve's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Pessamit has increased by ▲ 7.62%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 2,256 | 2,428 | +7.62% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.48% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Pessamit's population is projected to reach approximately 2,613 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 10.66 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 2,428 | 2,613 | 10.66 |
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.
Pessamit Population Trend & Context
Pessamit had a 2021 census population of 2,428 — an increase of 172 (▲ 7.62%) people from the 2,256 recorded in 2016.
The Indian reserve's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Quebec Indian reserves. The Indian reserve's median age of 34.4 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
Population By Genders
The male population of Pessamit is around 1,150 while the female population is around 1,280.
Of the 2,428 total population in Pessamit, the largest gender is female with around 1,280 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,150 | 1,280 | +10.16% |
Is Pessamit a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Pessamit 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.
Pessamit Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Pessamit compares to the Indian reserve's key indicators:
| Indicator | Pessamit | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $62,400 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 14.0% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 34.4 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 6.3% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 0.0% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Pessamit has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 10 to 14 years old, accounting for 9.30% of the total population. The Indian reserve median age is 34.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 to 14 years | 120 10.40% | 110 8.60% | 8.33% | 225 9.30% |
| 15 to 19 years | 85 7.40% | 115 9.00% | 26.09% | 205 8.50% |
| 5 to 9 years | 105 9.10% | 80 6.30% | 23.81% | 185 7.60% |
| 25 to 29 years | 80 7.00% | 90 7.00% | 11.11% | 175 7.20% |
| 40 to 44 years | 85 7.40% | 95 7.40% | 10.53% | 175 7.20% |
| 0 to 4 years | 90 7.80% | 80 6.30% | 11.11% | 165 6.80% |
| 55 to 59 years | 85 7.40% | 80 6.30% | 5.88% | 165 6.80% |
| 35 to 39 years | 60 5.20% | 90 7.00% | 33.33% | 155 6.40% |
| 50 to 54 years | 65 5.70% | 90 7.00% | 27.78% | 155 6.40% |
| 45 to 49 years | 55 4.80% | 90 7.00% | 38.89% | 145 6.00% |
| 20 to 24 years | 65 5.70% | 75 5.90% | 13.33% | 140 5.80% |
| 60 to 64 years | 55 4.80% | 85 6.60% | 35.29% | 140 5.80% |
| 30 to 34 years | 75 6.50% | 55 4.30% | 26.67% | 135 5.60% |
| 65 to 69 years | 50 4.30% | 70 5.50% | 28.57% | 115 4.70% |
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 65.40% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 23.90% and 10.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Pessamit are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 62.60% | 67.60% | 65.40% |
| 0 to 14 years | 27.00% | 21.50% | 23.90% |
| 65 years and over | 10.40% | 10.90% | 10.90% |
Population of Pessamit by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Pessamit is quite diverse, which contributes to the Indian reserve's vibrant cultural landscape. Pessamit 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 Pessamit are Innu/Montagnais, which accounts for 76.67% of the total population, followed by First Nations (North American Indian) (15.42%), Inuit (3.54%), Canadian (3.13%), and North American Indigenous (1.46%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Pessamit include Irish, French, Atikamekw, Scottish, and Huron (Wendat).
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innu/Montagnais | 77.43% | 75.98% | 76.67% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 13.72% | 16.54% | 15.42% |
| Inuit | 3.54% | 3.54% | 3.54% |
| Canadian | 3.54% | 3.15% | 3.13% |
| North American Indigenous | 1.33% | 1.97% | 1.46% |
| Irish | 0.88% | 2.36% | 1.46% |
| French | 1.33% | 1.18% | 1.04% |
| Atikamekw | 0.88% | 0.79% | 0.83% |
| Scottish | 0.88% | 1.18% | 0.83% |
| Huron (Wendat) | 0.88% | 0.79% | 0.63% |
Indigenous Identity in Pessamit
About 97.92% of Pessamit's population (2,355 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 2.08% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 2,300 people (95.60% 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 Pessamit's population profile.
About 0.0% of Pessamit's population are immigrants (0 people).
The top countries of origin for Pessamit'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 Pessamit's residents (0 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.0% are not.
By generation status, 0.4% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 0.4% are second generation, and 99.4% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 750 of Pessamit's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 11.90% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 3 persons households ranked second, accounting for 11.00% of the population. 1 person, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 10.65%, 8.55%, and 7.95%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 195 | 11.90% |
| 3 persons | 180 | 11.00% |
| 1 person | 175 | 10.65% |
| 4 persons | 140 | 8.55% |
| 5 or more persons | 130 | 7.95% |
Family and Household Structure in Pessamit
Of census families in Pessamit, 41.2% are couple families and 58.8% are one-parent families. The average census family has 3.0 people.
21.3% of households in Pessamit are one-person households, 24.4% are couple-family households, 29.9% are one-parent-family households, and 11.0% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 175 | 21.3% |
| Couple-family households | 200 | 24.4% |
| One-parent-family households | 245 | 29.9% |
| Multigenerational households | 90 | 11.0% |
Income in Pessamit
Analyzing income distribution in Pessamit can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Pessamit is $30,600.
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 Indian reserve's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Pessamit population or around 320 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $30,000 to $49,999, and Under $10,000 with around 280 and 255 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Pessamit's median household income is $62,400, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Pessamit's median household income is 21,600 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 Pessamit
This data sheds light on the distribution of Pessamit 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.
51.80% or most of the Pessamit population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 36.70% of the population has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 11.40% 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 | 280 | 355 | 635 | 51.80% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 210 | 240 | 450 | 36.70% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 60 | 80 | 140 | 11.40% |
Below national average 6.9% of Pessamit's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Pessamit
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Pessamit. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Pessamit is at 13.87% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 40.71% |
| Unemployment rate | 13.87% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Pessamit, 26.3% worked full year full time in the reference year, 22.7% worked part year and/or part time, and 51.2% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 480 | 26.3% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 415 | 22.7% |
| Did not work | 935 | 51.2% |
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 Pessamit's population (around 68.00%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the Indian reserve, there are 0 men and 10 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 15.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 0 | 10 | 15 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Pessamit industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Pessamit is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Pessamit has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (36%) works in the public administration sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 12%, followed by Educational services at 12%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public administration | 165 | 140 | 36% |
| Health care and social assistance | 20 | 85 | 12% |
| Educational services | 25 | 80 | 12% |
| Retail trade | 30 | 35 | 8% |
| Accommodation and food services | 15 | 50 | 8% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 30 | 15 | 5% |
| Construction | 30 | 0 | 4% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 15 | 0 | 2% |
| Utilities | 10 | 0 | 2% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 0 | 10 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 10 | 10 | 2% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 1% |
| Manufacturing | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 10 | 10 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 10 | 10 | 1% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Pessamit residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Pessamit: Public administration (36%), Health care and social assistance (12%), Educational services (12%)
Top occupation categories in Pessamit: Sales and service occupations (27%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (22%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (15%)
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 | 260 | 375 | 635 | 85.20% |
| No fixed workplace address | 65 | 30 | 95 | 12.80% |
| Worked at home | 10 | 10 | 15 | 2.00% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Pessamit 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 Pessamit residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Pessamit 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 | 77.40% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 8.20% |
| 60 minutes and over | 7.50% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 4.80% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.70% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Pessamit 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 Pessamit'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 Pessamit. About 2,160 people living in the Indian reserve speak French, 170 people speak English and French, 65 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 15 people speak English language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 2,160 |
| English and French | 170 |
| Neither English nor French | 65 |
| English | 15 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 11.4% of Pessamit's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 0.2% know English only, 86.1% know French only, and 2.7% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 5 | 0.2% |
| French only | 2,070 | 86.1% |
| English and French | 275 | 11.4% |
| Neither English nor French | 65 | 2.7% |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Non-official languages | 86.3% | 73.6% |
| French | 9.8% | 18.5% |
| English | 0.0% | 0.2% |
Religion
Pessamit is predominantly Christian. About 2,085 of its population is Christian (975 males and 1,110 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 | 86.7% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Pessamit
Schools
Nearest Indian Reserves to Pessamit
- Essipit 86.9 km · 310 people
- Listuguj 176.3 km
- Uashat 27 215.5 km · 1,550 people
- Gesgapegiag 216.6 km · 637 people
- Maliotenam 226.0 km · 1,610 people
- Mashteuiatsh 266.1 km · 2,010 people
- Lac-John 295.0 km · 21 people
- Wendake 307.6 km · 2,200 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Pessamit
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Pessamit has a population of 2,428 people, making it the 201st Indian reserve in Quebec. The population increased significantly from 2,256 in 2016, an increase of 172 people or 7.62%. The Indian reserve has a population density of 9.9 people per km² across a land area of 245.19 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Pessamit's population grew by 7.62% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 2,256 to 2,428 people, a gain of 172 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Quebec Indian reserves during this period. The median age of 34.40 years suggests a comparatively young population. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Pessamit has a population density of approximately 9.90 people per square kilometre.
Pessamit covers a land area of approximately 245.19 km².
The median age of the population in Pessamit is 34.40 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Pessamit is Innu/Montagnais.
The median household income in Pessamit is $62,400, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Pessamit.
Christian is the predominant religion in Pessamit.
According to the 2021 Census, 97.9% of Pessamit's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
0.0% of Pessamit's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 58.8% of census families in Pessamit, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 11.0% of all households in Pessamit, per the 2021 Census.
11.4% of Pessamit'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 Pessamit, 26.3% 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.