Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Sherbrooke has a population of around 172,950 people. The city's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Sherbrooke has increased by ▲ 7.21%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 161,323 | 172,950 | +7.21% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.40% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Sherbrooke's population is projected to reach approximately 185,415 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 524.66 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 172,950 | 185,415 | 524.66 |
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.
Sherbrooke Population Trend & Context
Sherbrooke had a 2021 census population of 172,950 — an increase of 11,627 (▲ 7.21%) people from the 161,323 recorded in 2016.
The city's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Quebec cities. The city's median age of 41.2 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 Sherbrooke is around 84,805 while the female population is around 88,145.
Of the 172,950 total population in Sherbrooke, the largest gender is female with around 88,145 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 84,805 | 88,145 | +3.79% |
Is Sherbrooke a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Sherbrooke 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.
Sherbrooke Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Sherbrooke compares to the city's key indicators:
| Indicator | Sherbrooke | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $62,400 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.1% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 41.2 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.3% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 8.8% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Sherbrooke has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 20 to 24 years old, accounting for 7.80% of the total population. The city median age is 41.20.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 to 24 years | 6,825 8.00% | 6,680 7.60% | 2.12% | 13,505 7.80% |
| 25 to 29 years | 6,530 7.70% | 6,220 7.10% | 4.75% | 12,755 7.40% |
| 60 to 64 years | 5,395 6.40% | 5,900 6.70% | 8.56% | 11,295 6.50% |
| 30 to 34 years | 5,635 6.60% | 5,315 6.00% | 5.68% | 10,955 6.30% |
| 55 to 59 years | 5,285 6.20% | 5,615 6.40% | 5.88% | 10,900 6.30% |
| 40 to 44 years | 5,385 6.30% | 5,495 6.20% | 2.00% | 10,880 6.30% |
| 65 to 69 years | 5,040 5.90% | 5,660 6.40% | 10.95% | 10,705 6.20% |
| 35 to 39 years | 5,335 6.30% | 5,180 5.90% | 2.91% | 10,520 6.10% |
| 10 to 14 years | 5,005 5.90% | 4,700 5.30% | 6.09% | 9,705 5.60% |
| 70 to 74 years | 4,380 5.20% | 5,035 5.70% | 13.01% | 9,415 5.40% |
| 5 to 9 years | 4,840 5.70% | 4,535 5.10% | 6.30% | 9,375 5.40% |
| 45 to 49 years | 4,630 5.50% | 4,740 5.40% | 2.32% | 9,370 5.40% |
| 50 to 54 years | 4,680 5.50% | 4,695 5.30% | 0.32% | 9,370 5.40% |
| 15 to 19 years | 4,740 5.60% | 4,515 5.10% | 4.75% | 9,255 5.40% |
| 0 to 4 years | 4,270 5.00% | 3,880 4.40% | 9.13% | 8,145 4.70% |
| 75 to 79 years | 3,190 3.80% | 3,840 4.40% | 16.93% | 7,030 4.10% |
| 85 years and over | 1,830 2.20% | 3,380 3.80% | 45.86% | 5,215 3.00% |
| 80 to 84 years | 1,810 2.10% | 2,750 3.10% | 34.18% | 4,555 2.60% |
| 85 to 89 years | 1,175 1.40% | 1,850 2.10% | 36.49% | 3,025 1.70% |
| 90 to 94 years | 555 0.70% | 1,090 1.20% | 49.08% | 1,640 0.90% |
| 95 to 99 years | 95 0.10% | 375 0.40% | 74.67% | 465 0.30% |
Broader Age Groups
If the city'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 62.90% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 21.30% and 15.70%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Sherbrooke are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 64.20% | 61.70% | 62.90% |
| 65 years and over | 19.20% | 23.40% | 21.30% |
| 0 to 14 years | 16.60% | 14.90% | 15.70% |
Population of Sherbrooke by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Sherbrooke is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Sherbrooke is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the city appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Sherbrooke are Canadian, which accounts for 34.66% of the total population, followed by French (26.03%), French Canadian (7.76%), Irish (5.02%), and Caucasian (White) (2.16%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Sherbrooke include First Nations (North American Indian), English, Scottish, Italian, and German.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 33.95% | 35.36% | 34.66% |
| French | 26.22% | 25.85% | 26.03% |
| French Canadian | 7.65% | 7.88% | 7.76% |
| Irish | 4.68% | 5.37% | 5.02% |
| Caucasian (White) | 2.14% | 2.19% | 2.16% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 2.06% | 2.27% | 2.16% |
| English | 2.03% | 2.11% | 2.07% |
| Scottish | 1.86% | 2.01% | 1.94% |
| Italian | 1.66% | 1.67% | 1.67% |
| German | 1.32% | 1.44% | 1.38% |
Indigenous Identity in Sherbrooke
About 1.69% of Sherbrooke's population (2,820 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 98.31% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 575 people (0.30% 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 Sherbrooke's population profile.
About 8.8% of Sherbrooke's population are immigrants (14,745 people).
The top countries of origin for Sherbrooke's immigrant population are France (1,825), Colombia (1,135), Afghanistan (1,085), Morocco (790), Bosnia and Herzegovina (615).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| France | 1,825 |
| Colombia | 1,135 |
| Afghanistan | 1,085 |
| Morocco | 790 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 615 |
94.6% of Sherbrooke's residents (158,215 people) are Canadian citizens, and 5.4% are not.
By generation status, 11.8% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 6.0% are second generation, and 82.3% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 36,655 of Sherbrooke's population live in a apartment in a building that has fewer than five storeys. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 20.05% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 17.20% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.40%, 4.75%, and 2.60%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 32,260 | 20.05% |
| 2 persons | 27,680 | 17.20% |
| 3 persons | 8,725 | 5.40% |
| 4 persons | 7,660 | 4.75% |
| 5 or more persons | 4,155 | 2.60% |
Family and Household Structure in Sherbrooke
Of census families in Sherbrooke, 83.4% are couple families and 16.6% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.8 people.
40.1% of households in Sherbrooke are one-person households, 44.8% are couple-family households, 8.3% are one-parent-family households, and 0.6% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 32,260 | 40.1% |
| Couple-family households | 36,045 | 44.8% |
| One-parent-family households | 6,705 | 8.3% |
| Multigenerational households | 480 | 0.6% |
Income in Sherbrooke
Analyzing income distribution in Sherbrooke can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Sherbrooke 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 city's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Sherbrooke population or around 24,800 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 21,005 and 18,780 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Sherbrooke's median household income is $62,400, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Sherbrooke'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 city'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 city's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Sherbrooke
This data sheds light on the distribution of Sherbrooke 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.
74.20% or most of the Sherbrooke population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 15.60% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 10.20% 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 | 30,160 | 32,940 | 63,095 | 74.20% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 7,115 | 6,165 | 13,280 | 15.60% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 5,000 | 3,705 | 8,705 | 10.20% |
Below national average 31.7% of Sherbrooke's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Sherbrooke
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Sherbrooke. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Sherbrooke is at 6.06% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 59.84% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.06% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Sherbrooke, 32.0% worked full year full time in the reference year, 32.7% worked part year and/or part time, and 35.3% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 44,750 | 32.0% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 45,780 | 32.7% |
| Did not work | 49,460 | 35.3% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the city who work as an employee. The majority of Sherbrooke's population (around 71.90%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the city, there are 5,005 men and 4,075 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 9,075.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 5,005 | 4,075 | 9,075 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Sherbrooke industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Sherbrooke is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Sherbrooke has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (18%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Manufacturing sector comes second at 12%, followed by Retail trade at 12%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 3,645 | 12,765 | 18% |
| Manufacturing | 8,185 | 2,855 | 12% |
| Retail trade | 5,280 | 5,445 | 12% |
| Educational services | 3,735 | 6,080 | 11% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 3,775 | 2,910 | 8% |
| Accommodation and food services | 2,585 | 2,635 | 6% |
| Construction | 4,440 | 670 | 6% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 1,780 | 2,185 | 4% |
| Public administration | 2,050 | 1,840 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 1,855 | 1,205 | 3% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 1,990 | 380 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 970 | 1,325 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 1,235 | 485 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 930 | 500 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 725 | 555 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 580 | 460 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 605 | 310 | 1% |
| Utilities | 245 | 50 | 0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 210 | 30 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 10 | 25 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Sherbrooke residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Sherbrooke: Health care and social assistance (18%), Manufacturing (12%), Retail trade (12%)
Top occupation categories in Sherbrooke: Sales and service occupations (24%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (15%), Business, finance and administration occupations (15%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the city. 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 | 30,245 | 31,650 | 61,900 | 73.90% |
| Worked at home | 6,805 | 7,210 | 14,015 | 16.70% |
| No fixed workplace address | 5,685 | 2,020 | 7,705 | 9.20% |
| Worked outside Canada | 140 | 10 | 150 | 0.20% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Sherbrooke 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 Sherbrooke residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Sherbrooke spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the city's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the city.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 15 to 29 minutes | 44.10% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 38.90% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 11.10% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 3.30% |
| 60 minutes and over | 2.60% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Sherbrooke 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 city's social fabric. We can gain insights into Sherbrooke's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights city'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 Sherbrooke. About 157,275 people living in the city speak French, 8,710 people speak English, 3,430 people speak English and French language, and 1,130 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 157,275 |
| English | 8,710 |
| English and French | 3,430 |
| Neither English nor French | 1,130 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 46.1% of Sherbrooke's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 1.7% know English only, 51.6% know French only, and 0.7% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 2,865 | 1.7% |
| French only | 87,950 | 51.6% |
| English and French | 78,545 | 46.1% |
| Neither English nor French | 1,185 | 0.7% |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| French | 86.4% | 88.7% |
| Non-official languages | 7.5% | 4.4% |
| English | 3.9% | 4.1% |
Religion
Sherbrooke is predominantly Christian. About 104,005 of its population is Christian (49,210 males and 54,790 females).
The second largest religion in the city is Muslim with 3.7% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Hindu, both represent 0.2% and 0.1% of the population, while Jewish represent 0.1% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 62.2% |
| Islam | 3.7% |
| Buddhist | 0.2% |
| Hindu | 0.1% |
| Jewish | 0.1% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Nearest Cities to Sherbrooke
- Saint-Hyacinthe 85.6 km · 57,239 people
- Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu 107.2 km · 97,873 people
- Trois-Rivieres 116.1 km · 139,163 people
- Longueuil 123.6 km · 254,483 people
- Repentigny 127.1 km · 86,100 people
- Montreal 131.6 km · 1,762,949 people
- Terrebonne 139.8 km · 119,944 people
- Shawinigan 142.9 km · 49,620 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Sherbrooke
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Sherbrooke has a population of 172,950 people, making it the 6th city in Quebec. The population increased significantly from 161,323 in 2016, an increase of 11,627 people or 7.21%. The city has a population density of 489.4 people per km² across a land area of 353.40 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Sherbrooke's population grew by 7.21% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 161,323 to 172,950 people, a gain of 11,627 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Quebec cities during this period. The median age of 41.20 years suggests a mature, established community. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (40.1%) 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.
Sherbrooke has a population density of approximately 489.40 people per square kilometre.
Sherbrooke covers a land area of approximately 353.40 km².
The median age of the population in Sherbrooke is 41.20 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Sherbrooke is Canadian.
The median household income in Sherbrooke is $62,400, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Sherbrooke.
Christian is the predominant religion in Sherbrooke.
According to the 2021 Census, 1.7% of Sherbrooke's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
94.6% of Sherbrooke's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 16.6% of census families in Sherbrooke, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.6% of all households in Sherbrooke, per the 2021 Census.
46.1% of Sherbrooke'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 Sherbrooke, 32.0% 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.