Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Rimouski has a population of around 48,935 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Rimouski has increased by ▲ 0.56%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 48,664 | 48,935 | +0.56% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.11% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Rimouski's population is projected to reach approximately 49,208 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 145.10 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 48,935 | 49,208 | 145.10 |
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.
Rimouski Population Trend & Context
Rimouski had a 2021 census population of 48,935 — an increase of 271 (▲ 0.56%) people from the 48,664 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 47.2 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 Rimouski is around 23,485 while the female population is around 25,450.
Of the 48,935 total population in Rimouski, the largest gender is female with around 25,450 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 23,485 | 25,450 | +7.72% |
Is Rimouski a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Rimouski 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.
Rimouski Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Rimouski compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Rimouski | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $66,000 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 47.2 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.8% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 2.4% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Rimouski has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 8.60% of the total population. The town median age is 47.20.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 1,940 8.30% | 2,260 8.90% | 14.16% | 4,200 8.60% |
| 65 to 69 years | 1,940 8.30% | 2,195 8.60% | 11.62% | 4,135 8.40% |
| 70 to 74 years | 1,635 7.00% | 1,870 7.30% | 12.57% | 3,505 7.20% |
| 55 to 59 years | 1,630 6.90% | 1,865 7.30% | 12.60% | 3,485 7.10% |
| 40 to 44 years | 1,475 6.30% | 1,480 5.80% | 0.34% | 2,955 6.00% |
| 35 to 39 years | 1,395 5.90% | 1,460 5.70% | 4.45% | 2,855 5.80% |
| 25 to 29 years | 1,365 5.80% | 1,445 5.70% | 5.54% | 2,810 5.70% |
| 30 to 34 years | 1,400 6.00% | 1,320 5.20% | 5.71% | 2,715 5.50% |
| 20 to 24 years | 1,340 5.70% | 1,335 5.20% | 0.37% | 2,675 5.50% |
| 45 to 49 years | 1,260 5.40% | 1,365 5.40% | 7.69% | 2,620 5.40% |
| 50 to 54 years | 1,235 5.30% | 1,325 5.20% | 6.79% | 2,560 5.20% |
| 10 to 14 years | 1,290 5.50% | 1,195 4.70% | 7.36% | 2,485 5.10% |
| 5 to 9 years | 1,240 5.30% | 1,190 4.70% | 4.03% | 2,425 5.00% |
| 75 to 79 years | 1,085 4.60% | 1,275 5.00% | 14.90% | 2,350 4.80% |
| 15 to 19 years | 1,145 4.90% | 1,125 4.40% | 1.75% | 2,265 4.60% |
| 0 to 4 years | 1,050 4.50% | 1,005 3.90% | 4.29% | 2,060 4.20% |
| 85 years and over | 475 2.00% | 940 3.70% | 49.47% | 1,410 2.90% |
| 80 to 84 years | 600 2.60% | 805 3.20% | 25.47% | 1,400 2.90% |
| 85 to 89 years | 325 1.40% | 555 2.20% | 41.44% | 875 1.80% |
| 90 to 94 years | 140 0.60% | 280 1.10% | 50.00% | 415 0.80% |
| 95 to 99 years | 20 0.10% | 95 0.40% | 78.95% | 110 0.20% |
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 59.60% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 26.20% and 14.20%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Rimouski are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 60.40% | 58.80% | 59.60% |
| 65 years and over | 24.40% | 27.80% | 26.20% |
| 0 to 14 years | 15.30% | 13.30% | 14.20% |
Population of Rimouski by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Rimouski is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Rimouski 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 Rimouski are Canadian, which accounts for 39.13% of the total population, followed by French (27.16%), French Canadian (10.21%), Irish (3.16%), and Acadian (2.50%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Rimouski include Caucasian (White), Scottish, First Nations (North American Indian), European, and English.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 38.35% | 39.86% | 39.13% |
| French | 27.60% | 26.76% | 27.16% |
| French Canadian | 9.89% | 10.49% | 10.21% |
| Irish | 3.15% | 3.17% | 3.16% |
| Acadian | 2.48% | 2.53% | 2.50% |
| Caucasian (White) | 2.37% | 2.41% | 2.38% |
| Scottish | 1.61% | 1.45% | 1.52% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 1.52% | 1.49% | 1.52% |
| European | 1.15% | 1.21% | 1.18% |
| English | 1.28% | 1.06% | 1.17% |
Indigenous Identity in Rimouski
About 1.71% of Rimouski's population (810 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 98.29% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 265 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 Rimouski's population profile.
About 2.4% of Rimouski's population are immigrants (1,155 people).
The top countries of origin for Rimouski's immigrant population are France (330), Congo, Democratic Republic of the (85), Morocco (45), Colombia (40), Algeria (35).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| France | 330 |
| Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 85 |
| Morocco | 45 |
| Colombia | 40 |
| Algeria | 35 |
98.0% of Rimouski's residents (46,505 people) are Canadian citizens, and 2.0% are not.
By generation status, 3.8% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 2.2% are second generation, and 94.0% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 11,475 of Rimouski's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 19.70% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 18.55% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.30%, 4.50%, and 1.95%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 9,255 | 19.70% |
| 2 persons | 8,700 | 18.55% |
| 3 persons | 2,495 | 5.30% |
| 4 persons | 2,110 | 4.50% |
| 5 or more persons | 910 | 1.95% |
Family and Household Structure in Rimouski
Of census families in Rimouski, 86.0% are couple families and 14.0% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.7 people.
39.4% of households in Rimouski are one-person households, 48.3% are couple-family households, 7.5% are one-parent-family households, and 0.4% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 9,255 | 39.4% |
| Couple-family households | 11,330 | 48.3% |
| One-parent-family households | 1,760 | 7.5% |
| Multigenerational households | 95 | 0.4% |
Income in Rimouski
Analyzing income distribution in Rimouski can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Rimouski is $40,800.
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 Rimouski population or around 6,380 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 5,690 and 5,465 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Rimouski's median household income is $66,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Rimouski's median household income is 18,000 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 Rimouski
This data sheds light on the distribution of Rimouski 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.
77.00% or most of the Rimouski population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 14.40% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 8.60% 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 | 8,430 | 10,090 | 18,515 | 77.00% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 1,755 | 1,710 | 3,460 | 14.40% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 1,255 | 825 | 2,075 | 8.60% |
Below national average 30.0% of Rimouski's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Rimouski
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Rimouski. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Rimouski is at 7.62% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 54.50% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.62% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Rimouski, 30.6% worked full year full time in the reference year, 30.5% worked part year and/or part time, and 38.8% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 12,400 | 30.6% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 12,350 | 30.5% |
| Did not work | 15,710 | 38.8% |
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 Rimouski's population (around 71.30%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 1,075 men and 1,070 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 2,150.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 1,075 | 1,070 | 2,150 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Rimouski industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Rimouski is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Rimouski has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (21%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 14%, followed by Educational services at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 1,060 | 3,920 | 21% |
| Retail trade | 1,700 | 1,515 | 14% |
| Educational services | 865 | 1,600 | 10% |
| Public administration | 930 | 880 | 8% |
| Accommodation and food services | 590 | 680 | 5% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 655 | 590 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 470 | 695 | 5% |
| Information and cultural industries | 745 | 390 | 5% |
| Construction | 980 | 125 | 5% |
| Manufacturing | 770 | 210 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 690 | 105 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 495 | 260 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 260 | 305 | 2% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 305 | 150 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 330 | 110 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 245 | 185 | 2% |
| Utilities | 220 | 35 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 130 | 95 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 95 | 15 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 10 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Rimouski residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Rimouski: Health care and social assistance (21%), Retail trade (14%), Educational services (10%)
Top occupation categories in Rimouski: Sales and service occupations (26%), Business, finance and administration occupations (17%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (16%)
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 | 7,495 | 8,725 | 16,220 | 73.60% |
| Worked at home | 1,860 | 2,025 | 3,880 | 17.60% |
| No fixed workplace address | 1,450 | 480 | 1,940 | 8.80% |
| Worked outside Canada | 10 | 0 | 10 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Rimouski 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 Rimouski residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Rimouski 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 | 62.20% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 27.80% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 6.50% |
| 60 minutes and over | 2.30% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 1.20% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Rimouski 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 Rimouski'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 Rimouski. About 48,045 people living in the town speak French, 420 people speak English, 130 people speak English and French language, and 30 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 48,045 |
| English | 420 |
| English and French | 130 |
| Neither English nor French | 30 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 28.0% of Rimouski's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 0.1% know English only, 71.8% know French only, and 0.1% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 55 | 0.1% |
| French only | 34,915 | 71.8% |
| English and French | 13,620 | 28.0% |
| Neither English nor French | 35 | 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 | 97.2% | 98.3% |
| Non-official languages | 1.3% | 0.6% |
| English | 0.8% | 0.5% |
Religion
Rimouski is predominantly Christian. About 35,220 of its population is Christian (16,720 males and 18,500 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 0.6% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Jewish, both represent 0.1% and 0.1% of the population, while Hindu represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 74.2% |
| Islam | 0.6% |
| Buddhist | 0.1% |
| Jewish | 0.1% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Rimouski
Hospitals
Schools
- École du Grand-Pavois
- École de l’Écho-des-Montagnes–Lavoie
- École du Havre - Pavillon Mont Saint-Louis
- École des Merisiers
- École Boijoli
- École de la Rose-des-Vents
- École secondaire Langevin
- École Élisabeth-Turgeon
- École Paul-Hubert
- CFP Rimouski-Neigette
- École Saint-Jean
- École des Bois-et-Marées
- École du Grand-Pavois
Universities
Parks
- Parc de la Normandie
- Parc des Grands-Hérons
- Parc Laurent-Dumais
- Parc Terrasse-Arthur-Buies
- Parc rue Élisabeth-Turgeon (Élize Picard)
- Place de la Commémoration
- Place de la Commémoration
- Parc de la Gare
- Parc des Dames-Hélène-De-Champlain
- Parc du centre communautaire Sainte-Agnès Nord
- Parc du Millénaire
- Parc de la Pointe-à-Pouliot
- Parc du Noroît
- Place des Vétérans
- Parc du centre communautaire Saint-Robert
- Îlot de la rue Monseigneur-Courchesne
- Site historique de la Maison Lamontagne
- Parc Marcelle-Gauvreau
- Parc Victoire-Perreault
- Parc entre les rues des Pommetiers et des Bouleaux
- Parc Eugène-Lauzier
- Parc de La Durantaye
Libraries
Community Centres
- Centre de loisirs du Curé-Soucy
- Centre communautaire de Pointe-au-Père
- Centre communautaire Sacré-Coeur
- Pavillon des loisirs de St-Fabien
- Centre communautaire Rimouski-Est
- Centre communautaire de Saint-Valérien
- Centre communautaire Sainte-Agnès Nord
- Centre communautaire Nazareth
Places to Visit in Rimouski
Museums
- Musée régional de RImouski
- Site historique maritime de Pointe-au-Père
- Maison Lamontagne
- La Grange Octogonale (musée)
Attractions
Historic Sites
Stadiums
Theatres
Green Spaces in Rimouski
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Parc de la Normandie | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Parc des Grands-Hérons | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Parc Laurent-Dumais | Parks | 1.6 ha |
| Parc Terrasse-Arthur-Buies | Parks | 2.2 ha |
| Parc rue Élisabeth-Turgeon (Élize Picard) | Parks | 0.9 ha |
| Place de la Commémoration | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Place de la Commémoration | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Parc de la Gare | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Parc des Dames-Hélène-De-Champlain | Parks | 2.6 ha |
| Parc du centre communautaire Sainte-Agnès Nord | Parks | 2.2 ha |
| Parc du Millénaire | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Parc de la Pointe-à-Pouliot | Parks | 2.5 ha |
| Parc du Noroît | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Place des Vétérans | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Parc du centre communautaire Saint-Robert | Parks | 2.0 ha |
| Îlot de la rue Monseigneur-Courchesne | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Site historique de la Maison Lamontagne | Parks | 2.3 ha |
| Parc Marcelle-Gauvreau | Parks | 1.0 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Rimouski
- Mont-Joli 29.5 km · 6,384 people
- Metis-sur-Mer 46.8 km · 594 people
- Forestville 52.2 km · 2,892 people
- Trois-Pistoles 59.8 km · 3,115 people
- Amqui 81.0 km · 5,999 people
- Matane 85.7 km · 13,987 people
- Baie-Comeau 88.5 km · 20,687 people
- Temiscouata-sur-le-Lac 89.2 km · 5,054 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Rimouski
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Rimouski has a population of 48,935 people, making it the 23rd town in Quebec. The population increased slightly from 48,664 in 2016, an increase of 271 people or 0.56%. The town has a population density of 144.3 people per km² across a land area of 339.13 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Rimouski's population grew by 0.56% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 48,664 to 48,935 people, a gain of 271 residents. This modest growth reflects patterns seen in many other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 47.20 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (39.4%) 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.
Rimouski has a population density of approximately 144.30 people per square kilometre.
Rimouski covers a land area of approximately 339.13 km².
The median age of the population in Rimouski is 47.20 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Rimouski is Canadian.
The median household income in Rimouski is $66,000, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Rimouski.
Christian is the predominant religion in Rimouski.
According to the 2021 Census, 1.7% of Rimouski's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
98.0% of Rimouski's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 14.0% of census families in Rimouski, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.4% of all households in Rimouski, per the 2021 Census.
28.0% of Rimouski'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 Rimouski, 30.6% 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.