Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Sept-Iles has a population of around 24,569 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Sept-Iles has decreased by ▼ -3.27%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 25,400 | 24,569 | --3.27% |
2026 Population Projection
Sept-Iles's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 24,569 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Sept-Iles Population Trend & Context
Sept-Iles had a 2021 census population of 24,569 — a decline of 831 (▼ 3.27%) people from the 25,400 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 44.4 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 Sept-Iles is around 12,320 while the female population is around 12,250.
Of the 24,569 total population in Sept-Iles, the largest gender is male with around 12,320 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 12,320 | 12,250 | -0.57% |
Is Sept-Iles a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Sept-Iles 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.
Sept-Iles Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Sept-Iles compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Sept-Iles | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $80,000 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 44.4 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.0% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 2.0% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Sept-Iles has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 55 to 59 years old, accounting for 8.00% of the total population. The town median age is 44.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 to 59 years | 995 8.10% | 970 7.90% | 2.51% | 1,965 8.00% |
| 60 to 64 years | 980 8.00% | 905 7.40% | 7.65% | 1,885 7.70% |
| 50 to 54 years | 820 6.70% | 840 6.90% | 2.38% | 1,655 6.70% |
| 40 to 44 years | 810 6.60% | 815 6.70% | 0.61% | 1,625 6.60% |
| 65 to 69 years | 795 6.50% | 780 6.40% | 1.89% | 1,575 6.40% |
| 45 to 49 years | 810 6.60% | 755 6.20% | 6.79% | 1,570 6.40% |
| 10 to 14 years | 755 6.10% | 730 6.00% | 3.31% | 1,485 6.00% |
| 35 to 39 years | 755 6.10% | 705 5.80% | 6.62% | 1,460 5.90% |
| 30 to 34 years | 705 5.70% | 710 5.80% | 0.70% | 1,415 5.80% |
| 25 to 29 years | 680 5.50% | 705 5.80% | 3.55% | 1,385 5.60% |
| 5 to 9 years | 670 5.40% | 650 5.30% | 2.99% | 1,325 5.40% |
| 15 to 19 years | 670 5.40% | 655 5.30% | 2.24% | 1,325 5.40% |
| 70 to 74 years | 710 5.80% | 610 5.00% | 14.08% | 1,320 5.40% |
| 20 to 24 years | 660 5.40% | 575 4.70% | 12.88% | 1,230 5.00% |
| 0 to 4 years | 595 4.80% | 595 4.90% | 0.00% | 1,185 4.80% |
| 75 to 79 years | 415 3.40% | 530 4.30% | 21.70% | 945 3.80% |
| 80 to 84 years | 300 2.40% | 395 3.20% | 24.05% | 690 2.80% |
| 85 years and over | 185 1.50% | 335 2.70% | 44.78% | 520 2.10% |
| 85 to 89 years | 140 1.10% | 165 1.30% | 15.15% | 300 1.20% |
| 90 to 94 years | 45 0.40% | 150 1.20% | 70.00% | 195 0.80% |
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 63.20% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 20.60% and 16.30%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Sept-Iles are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 64.00% | 62.20% | 63.20% |
| 65 years and over | 19.60% | 21.60% | 20.60% |
| 0 to 14 years | 16.40% | 16.20% | 16.30% |
Population of Sept-Iles by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Sept-Iles is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Sept-Iles 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 Sept-Iles are Canadian, which accounts for 39.58% of the total population, followed by French (18.65%), French Canadian (7.83%), Irish (4.47%), and Caucasian (White) (3.37%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Sept-Iles include Innu/Montagnais, Acadian, First Nations (North American Indian), Scottish, and English.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 38.50% | 40.65% | 39.58% |
| French | 19.04% | 18.25% | 18.65% |
| French Canadian | 8.43% | 7.21% | 7.83% |
| Irish | 4.25% | 4.74% | 4.47% |
| Caucasian (White) | 3.26% | 3.48% | 3.37% |
| Innu/Montagnais | 2.68% | 2.85% | 2.77% |
| Acadian | 2.60% | 2.68% | 2.64% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 2.11% | 2.39% | 2.25% |
| Scottish | 1.90% | 2.10% | 2.00% |
| English | 1.61% | 1.93% | 1.77% |
Indigenous Identity in Sept-Iles
About 8.14% of Sept-Iles's population (1,955 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 91.86% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 1,110 people (4.60% 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 Sept-Iles's population profile.
About 2.0% of Sept-Iles's population are immigrants (480 people).
The top countries of origin for Sept-Iles's immigrant population are France (85), Philippines (50), Italy (25), Morocco (25), Brazil (15).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| France | 85 |
| Philippines | 50 |
| Italy | 25 |
| Morocco | 25 |
| Brazil | 15 |
98.5% of Sept-Iles's residents (23,665 people) are Canadian citizens, and 1.5% are not.
By generation status, 3.0% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 2.3% are second generation, and 94.7% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 5,365 of Sept-Iles's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 18.10% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 17.75% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.65%, 5.20%, and 2.25%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 4,080 | 18.10% |
| 2 persons | 4,005 | 17.75% |
| 3 persons | 1,495 | 6.65% |
| 4 persons | 1,175 | 5.20% |
| 5 or more persons | 510 | 2.25% |
Family and Household Structure in Sept-Iles
Of census families in Sept-Iles, 82.7% are couple families and 17.3% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.7 people.
36.2% of households in Sept-Iles are one-person households, 48.6% are couple-family households, 9.5% are one-parent-family households, and 0.8% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 4,080 | 36.2% |
| Couple-family households | 5,480 | 48.6% |
| One-parent-family households | 1,070 | 9.5% |
| Multigenerational households | 90 | 0.8% |
Income in Sept-Iles
Analyzing income distribution in Sept-Iles can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Sept-Iles is $46,800.
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 Sept-Iles population or around 2,905 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 2,900 and 2,620 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Sept-Iles's median household income is $80,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Sept-Iles's median household income is 4,000 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 Sept-Iles
This data sheds light on the distribution of Sept-Iles 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.
68.00% or most of the Sept-Iles population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 17.50% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 14.50% 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 | 4,405 | 4,330 | 8,740 | 68.00% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 1,060 | 1,195 | 2,250 | 17.50% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 1,020 | 845 | 1,865 | 14.50% |
Below national average 17.1% of Sept-Iles's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Sept-Iles
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Sept-Iles. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Sept-Iles is at 5.03% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 61.74% |
| Unemployment rate | 5.03% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Sept-Iles, 38.7% worked full year full time in the reference year, 28.5% worked part year and/or part time, and 32.8% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 7,740 | 38.7% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 5,710 | 28.5% |
| Did not work | 6,570 | 32.8% |
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 Sept-Iles's population (around 75.00%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 495 men and 475 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 975.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 495 | 475 | 975 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Sept-Iles industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Sept-Iles is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Sept-Iles has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (15%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 14%, followed by Manufacturing at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 310 | 1,660 | 15% |
| Retail trade | 820 | 935 | 14% |
| Manufacturing | 1,155 | 180 | 10% |
| Educational services | 220 | 755 | 8% |
| Public administration | 430 | 510 | 7% |
| Accommodation and food services | 335 | 490 | 6% |
| Construction | 680 | 100 | 6% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 615 | 135 | 6% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 600 | 115 | 6% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 345 | 260 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 280 | 190 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 240 | 200 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 215 | 70 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 135 | 100 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 55 | 160 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 80 | 90 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 105 | 40 | 1% |
| Utilities | 130 | 15 | 1% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 65 | 70 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Sept-Iles residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Sept-Iles: Health care and social assistance (15%), Retail trade (14%), Manufacturing (10%)
Top occupation categories in Sept-Iles: Sales and service occupations (26%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (22%), Business, finance and administration occupations (14%)
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 | 5,310 | 5,050 | 10,360 | 83.90% |
| Worked at home | 465 | 550 | 1,015 | 8.20% |
| No fixed workplace address | 740 | 240 | 970 | 7.90% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0.10% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Sept-Iles 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 Sept-Iles residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Sept-Iles 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 | 61.80% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 22.80% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 11.30% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.90% |
| 60 minutes and over | 1.20% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Sept-Iles 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 Sept-Iles'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 Sept-Iles. About 23,190 people living in the town speak French, 800 people speak English, 190 people speak English and French language, and 35 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 23,190 |
| English | 800 |
| English and French | 190 |
| Neither English nor French | 35 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 30.2% of Sept-Iles's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 1.1% know English only, 68.6% know French only, and 0.2% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 255 | 1.1% |
| French only | 16,615 | 68.6% |
| English and French | 7,305 | 30.2% |
| Neither English nor French | 40 | 0.2% |
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 | 92.5% | 94.2% |
| Non-official languages | 3.0% | 1.7% |
| English | 2.8% | 2.6% |
Religion
Sept-Iles is predominantly Christian. About 18,380 of its population is Christian (9,005 males and 9,370 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 0.8% 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 | 76.5% |
| Islam | 0.8% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Sept-Iles
Schools
- École Jean du Nord
- Manikoutai
- École Manikanetish
- École Camille-Marcoux
- École secondaire Queen Elizabeth
- École Notre-Dame
- École Marie Immaculée
- Institut d'enseignement de Sept-Îles
- École Maisonneuve
- École Monseigneur-Blanche
- École du Boisé
Universities
Parks
- Parc Monaghan
- Parc des Aînés
- Parc Rotary
- Parc Livingston
- Parc Maisonneuve
- Parc des Petites Franciscaines
- Parc du Vieux-Quai
- Parc Devost
- Parc Régnault
- Parc Blanchette
- Parc des Habitations-Basques
- Parc Denis-Perron
- Parc du Souvenir
- Parc Steve-Duchesne
- Parc Franquelin
- Parc Cyr
- Parc Rochette
- Parc Gustave-Gauvreau
- Parc Bois-Joli
- Parc Jardin des Jeunes
Libraries
Community Centres
- Centre Roger-Smith
- Centre communautaire Maurice-Roy
- Centre communautaire Wilfrid-Gallienne
- Centre La Chapelle
- Centre communautaire Marguerite
- Centre communautaire Ferguson
Places to Visit in Sept-Iles
Museums
Historic Sites
Theatres
Green Spaces in Sept-Iles
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Parc Monaghan | Parks | 1.2 ha |
| Parc des Aînés | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Parc Rotary | Parks | 0.9 ha |
| Parc Livingston | Parks | 1.2 ha |
| Parc Maisonneuve | Parks | 4.5 ha |
| Parc des Petites Franciscaines | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Parc du Vieux-Quai | Parks | 1.0 ha |
| Parc Devost | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Parc Régnault | Parks | 0.9 ha |
| Parc Blanchette | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Parc des Habitations-Basques | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Parc Denis-Perron | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Réserve écologique de la Matamec | Nature Reserves | 17,121.1 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Sept-Iles
- Port-Cartier 41.4 km · 6,516 people
- Sainte-Anne-des-Monts 120.8 km · 6,121 people
- Cap-Chat 126.0 km · 2,516 people
- Murdochville 152.9 km · 643 people
- Baie-Comeau 170.6 km · 20,687 people
- Matane 172.9 km · 13,987 people
- Gaspe 178.9 km · 15,063 people
- Metis-sur-Mer 206.8 km · 594 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Sept-Iles
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Sept-Iles has a population of 24,569 people, making it the 47th town in Quebec. The population declined moderately from 25,400 in 2016, a decrease of 831 people or 3.27%. The town has a population density of 14.1 people per km² across a land area of 1,742.88 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Sept-Iles's population declined by 3.27% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 25,400 to 24,569 people, a loss of 831 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 44.40 years suggests a mature, established community. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (36.2%) 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.
Sept-Iles has a population density of approximately 14.10 people per square kilometre.
Sept-Iles covers a land area of approximately 1,742.88 km².
The median age of the population in Sept-Iles is 44.40 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Sept-Iles is Canadian.
The median household income in Sept-Iles is $80,000, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Sept-Iles.
Christian is the predominant religion in Sept-Iles.
According to the 2021 Census, 8.1% of Sept-Iles's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
98.5% of Sept-Iles's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 17.3% of census families in Sept-Iles, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.8% of all households in Sept-Iles, per the 2021 Census.
30.2% of Sept-Iles'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 Sept-Iles, 38.7% 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.