Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Sorel-Tracy has a population of around 35,165 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Sorel-Tracy has increased by ▲ 1.18%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 34,755 | 35,165 | +1.18% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.23% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Sorel-Tracy's population is projected to reach approximately 35,580 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 621.16 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 35,165 | 35,580 | 621.16 |
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.
Sorel-Tracy Population Trend & Context
Sorel-Tracy had a 2021 census population of 35,165 — an increase of 410 (▲ 1.18%) people from the 34,755 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has grown slightly over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Quebec towns. The town's median age of 53.2 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 Sorel-Tracy is around 17,320 while the female population is around 17,845.
Of the 35,165 total population in Sorel-Tracy, the largest gender is female with around 17,845 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 17,320 | 17,845 | +2.94% |
Is Sorel-Tracy a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Sorel-Tracy 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.
Sorel-Tracy Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Sorel-Tracy compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Sorel-Tracy | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $60,800 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 53.2 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 2.6% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Sorel-Tracy has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 9.40% of the total population. The town median age is 53.20.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 1,605 9.30% | 1,705 9.60% | 5.87% | 3,310 9.40% |
| 65 to 69 years | 1,535 8.90% | 1,635 9.20% | 6.12% | 3,170 9.00% |
| 70 to 74 years | 1,370 7.90% | 1,495 8.40% | 8.36% | 2,865 8.10% |
| 55 to 59 years | 1,230 7.10% | 1,355 7.60% | 9.23% | 2,590 7.40% |
| 75 to 79 years | 1,065 6.10% | 1,210 6.80% | 11.98% | 2,275 6.50% |
| 40 to 44 years | 1,100 6.40% | 1,020 5.70% | 7.27% | 2,120 6.00% |
| 50 to 54 years | 1,000 5.80% | 1,025 5.70% | 2.44% | 2,030 5.80% |
| 35 to 39 years | 1,005 5.80% | 845 4.70% | 15.92% | 1,850 5.30% |
| 45 to 49 years | 940 5.40% | 820 4.60% | 12.77% | 1,760 5.00% |
| 30 to 34 years | 895 5.20% | 865 4.80% | 3.35% | 1,755 5.00% |
| 25 to 29 years | 845 4.90% | 750 4.20% | 11.24% | 1,590 4.50% |
| 5 to 9 years | 835 4.80% | 720 4.00% | 13.77% | 1,555 4.40% |
| 10 to 14 years | 785 4.50% | 750 4.20% | 4.46% | 1,540 4.40% |
| 20 to 24 years | 785 4.50% | 680 3.80% | 13.38% | 1,470 4.20% |
| 15 to 19 years | 760 4.40% | 685 3.80% | 9.87% | 1,440 4.10% |
| 85 years and over | 390 2.30% | 950 5.30% | 58.95% | 1,335 3.80% |
| 0 to 4 years | 645 3.70% | 645 3.60% | 0.00% | 1,285 3.70% |
| 80 to 84 years | 540 3.10% | 690 3.90% | 21.74% | 1,225 3.50% |
| 85 to 89 years | 280 1.60% | 560 3.10% | 50.00% | 840 2.40% |
| 90 to 94 years | 90 0.50% | 305 1.70% | 70.49% | 400 1.10% |
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 56.60% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 30.90% and 12.50%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Sorel-Tracy are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 58.70% | 54.60% | 56.60% |
| 65 years and over | 28.20% | 33.50% | 30.90% |
| 0 to 14 years | 13.10% | 11.90% | 12.50% |
Population of Sorel-Tracy by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Sorel-Tracy is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Sorel-Tracy 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 Sorel-Tracy are Canadian, which accounts for 43.69% of the total population, followed by French (21.53%), French Canadian (9.79%), Irish (2.91%), and Caucasian (White) (2.30%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Sorel-Tracy include Italian, First Nations (North American Indian), German, Christian, n.i.e., and Scottish.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 43.07% | 44.30% | 43.69% |
| French | 21.79% | 21.28% | 21.53% |
| French Canadian | 9.82% | 9.76% | 9.79% |
| Irish | 2.93% | 2.92% | 2.91% |
| Caucasian (White) | 2.60% | 2.00% | 2.30% |
| Italian | 1.25% | 1.50% | 1.39% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 1.34% | 1.30% | 1.31% |
| German | 1.19% | 1.24% | 1.22% |
| Christian, n.i.e. | 1.16% | 0.91% | 1.04% |
| Scottish | 0.87% | 1.06% | 0.96% |
Indigenous Identity in Sorel-Tracy
About 1.41% of Sorel-Tracy's population (475 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 98.59% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 135 people (0.40% 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 Sorel-Tracy's population profile.
About 2.6% of Sorel-Tracy's population are immigrants (890 people).
The top countries of origin for Sorel-Tracy's immigrant population are France (175), Haiti (45), United States of America (40), Peru (35), Morocco (30).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| France | 175 |
| Haiti | 45 |
| United States of America | 40 |
| Peru | 35 |
| Morocco | 30 |
98.8% of Sorel-Tracy's residents (33,320 people) are Canadian citizens, and 1.2% are not.
By generation status, 3.4% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 3.2% are second generation, and 93.4% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 8,985 of Sorel-Tracy's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 19.95% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 19.40% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.20%, 3.80%, and 1.70%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 6,805 | 19.95% |
| 2 persons | 6,620 | 19.40% |
| 3 persons | 1,770 | 5.20% |
| 4 persons | 1,295 | 3.80% |
| 5 or more persons | 585 | 1.70% |
Family and Household Structure in Sorel-Tracy
Of census families in Sorel-Tracy, 83.4% are couple families and 16.6% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.6 people.
39.9% of households in Sorel-Tracy are one-person households, 46.1% are couple-family households, 8.5% are one-parent-family households, and 0.9% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 6,805 | 39.9% |
| Couple-family households | 7,870 | 46.1% |
| One-parent-family households | 1,445 | 8.5% |
| Multigenerational households | 155 | 0.9% |
Income in Sorel-Tracy
Analyzing income distribution in Sorel-Tracy can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Sorel-Tracy 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 Sorel-Tracy population or around 3,985 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 3,470 and 3,300 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Sorel-Tracy's median household income is $60,800, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Sorel-Tracy's median household income is 23,200 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 Sorel-Tracy
This data sheds light on the distribution of Sorel-Tracy 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.
64.50% or most of the Sorel-Tracy population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 18.70% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 16.80% 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 | 5,110 | 5,625 | 10,740 | 64.50% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 1,600 | 1,510 | 3,105 | 18.70% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 1,660 | 1,135 | 2,795 | 16.80% |
Below national average 14.0% of Sorel-Tracy's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Sorel-Tracy
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Sorel-Tracy. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Sorel-Tracy is at 7.72% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 49.08% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.72% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Sorel-Tracy, 28.7% worked full year full time in the reference year, 24.4% worked part year and/or part time, and 46.9% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 8,420 | 28.7% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 7,155 | 24.4% |
| Did not work | 13,755 | 46.9% |
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 Sorel-Tracy's population (around 75.60%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 755 men and 620 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 1,375.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 755 | 620 | 1,375 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Sorel-Tracy industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Sorel-Tracy is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Sorel-Tracy 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 17%, followed by Retail trade at 13%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 440 | 2,315 | 18% |
| Manufacturing | 2,305 | 415 | 17% |
| Retail trade | 915 | 1,105 | 13% |
| Construction | 895 | 160 | 7% |
| Educational services | 200 | 710 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 300 | 560 | 6% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 305 | 400 | 5% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 515 | 125 | 4% |
| Public administration | 340 | 260 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 345 | 225 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 285 | 285 | 4% |
| Wholesale trade | 345 | 120 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 120 | 290 | 3% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 130 | 35 | 1% |
| Utilities | 125 | 45 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 95 | 50 | 1% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 55 | 85 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 70 | 60 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 75 | 20 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 10 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Sorel-Tracy residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Sorel-Tracy: Health care and social assistance (18%), Manufacturing (17%), Retail trade (13%)
Top occupation categories in Sorel-Tracy: Sales and service occupations (25%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (21%), Business, finance and administration occupations (13%)
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 | 5,785 | 5,775 | 11,565 | 80.30% |
| Worked at home | 745 | 815 | 1,560 | 10.80% |
| No fixed workplace address | 905 | 355 | 1,260 | 8.80% |
| Worked outside Canada | 10 | 0 | 15 | 0.10% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Sorel-Tracy 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 Sorel-Tracy residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Sorel-Tracy 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 | 58.60% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 21.20% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 7.80% |
| 60 minutes and over | 6.30% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 6.10% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Sorel-Tracy 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 Sorel-Tracy'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 Sorel-Tracy. About 33,920 people living in the town speak French, 440 people speak English, 140 people speak English and French language, and 35 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 33,920 |
| English | 440 |
| English and French | 140 |
| Neither English nor French | 35 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 28.5% of Sorel-Tracy's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 0.3% know English only, 71.1% know French only, and 0.1% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 100 | 0.3% |
| French only | 24,550 | 71.1% |
| English and French | 9,845 | 28.5% |
| 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 | 96.2% | 97.4% |
| Non-official languages | 1.7% | 0.7% |
| English | 1.1% | 0.9% |
Religion
Sorel-Tracy is predominantly Christian. About 25,230 of its population is Christian (12,295 males and 12,935 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 0.5% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Jewish, both represent 0.2% and 0.0% of the population, while Hindu represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 74.8% |
| Islam | 0.5% |
| Buddhist | 0.2% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Sorel-Tracy
Hospitals
Schools
- Polyvalente Fernand-Lefebvre
- Ecole Saint-Gabriel-Lalemant
- Polyvalente Bernard Gariépy
- École primaire Saint-Jean-Bosco
- École Laplume
- Martel School
- Centre de formation professionnel
- École Maria-Goretti
- Harold Sheppard School
- École Au Petit Bois
Parks
- Carré Royal
- Parc Bord-de-l'eau
- Parc De Grandpré
- Parc Dorimène-Desjardins
- Parc Des Trembles
- Parc Bibeau
- Parc de Bourbon
- Parc Sous-Les-Pins
- Parc Regard-sur-le-Fleuve
- Parc Monseigneur-Nadeau
- Parc Chalifoux
- Parc Hervé-Larivière
Libraries
Community Centres
- Maison de jeunes de Sorel
- Maison des Jeunes de Tracy L'Air Du Temps Inc
- Centre des aînés-Au-Fil-des-Ans
Places to Visit in Sorel-Tracy
Museums
Attractions
Theatres
Green Spaces in Sorel-Tracy
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Carré Royal | Parks | 1.9 ha |
| Parc Bord-de-l'eau | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Parc De Grandpré | Parks | 2.9 ha |
| Parc Dorimène-Desjardins | Parks | 10.2 ha |
| Parc Des Trembles | Parks | 1.8 ha |
| Parc Bibeau | Parks | 0.6 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Sorel-Tracy
- Saint-Joseph-de-Sorel 0.9 km · 1,581 people
- Berthierville 6.3 km · 4,386 people
- Saint-Ours 17.5 km · 1,723 people
- Lavaltrie 22.0 km · 14,425 people
- Contrecoeur 22.7 km · 9,480 people
- Notre-Dame-des-Prairies 24.6 km · 9,471 people
- Joliette 25.2 km · 21,384 people
- Saint-Charles-Borromee 26.7 km · 15,285 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Sorel-Tracy
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Sorel-Tracy has a population of 35,165 people, making it the 31st town in Quebec. The population increased moderately from 34,755 in 2016, an increase of 410 people or 1.18%. The town has a population density of 614.0 people per km² across a land area of 57.28 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Sorel-Tracy's population grew by 1.18% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 34,755 to 35,165 people, a gain of 410 residents. This modest growth reflects patterns seen in many other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 53.20 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (39.9%) 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.
Sorel-Tracy has a population density of approximately 614.00 people per square kilometre.
Sorel-Tracy covers a land area of approximately 57.28 km².
The median age of the population in Sorel-Tracy is 53.20 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Sorel-Tracy is Canadian.
The median household income in Sorel-Tracy is $60,800, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Sorel-Tracy.
Christian is the predominant religion in Sorel-Tracy.
According to the 2021 Census, 1.4% of Sorel-Tracy's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
98.8% of Sorel-Tracy's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 16.6% of census families in Sorel-Tracy, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.9% of all households in Sorel-Tracy, per the 2021 Census.
28.5% of Sorel-Tracy'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 Sorel-Tracy, 28.7% 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.