Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Thetford Mines has a population of around 26,072 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Thetford Mines has increased by ▲ 2.63%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 25,403 | 26,072 | +2.63% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.52% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Thetford Mines's population is projected to reach approximately 26,759 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 118.42 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 26,072 | 26,759 | 118.42 |
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.
Thetford Mines Population Trend & Context
Thetford Mines had a 2021 census population of 26,072 — an increase of 669 (▲ 2.63%) people from the 25,403 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 53.6 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 Thetford Mines is around 12,615 while the female population is around 13,455.
Of the 26,072 total population in Thetford Mines, the largest gender is female with around 13,455 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 12,615 | 13,455 | +6.24% |
Is Thetford Mines a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Thetford Mines 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.
Thetford Mines Population Compared to Quebec
Quebec's population in 2021 was 8,501,833, spread across the area. Here's how Thetford Mines compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Thetford Mines | Quebec |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $57,200 | $72,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 7.6% |
| Median age | 53.6 | 43.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 26.5% |
| Immigrants (%) | 1.8% | 14.6% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Thetford Mines has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 8.50% of the total population. The town median age is 53.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 1,050 8.30% | 1,150 8.50% | 8.70% | 2,205 8.50% |
| 65 to 69 years | 1,070 8.50% | 1,095 8.10% | 2.28% | 2,165 8.30% |
| 70 to 74 years | 985 7.80% | 1,070 8.00% | 7.94% | 2,055 7.90% |
| 55 to 59 years | 915 7.30% | 985 7.30% | 7.11% | 1,895 7.30% |
| 75 to 79 years | 735 5.80% | 875 6.50% | 16.00% | 1,605 6.20% |
| 85 years and over | 500 4.00% | 1,025 7.60% | 51.22% | 1,530 5.90% |
| 40 to 44 years | 745 5.90% | 755 5.60% | 1.32% | 1,500 5.80% |
| 50 to 54 years | 665 5.30% | 685 5.10% | 2.92% | 1,350 5.20% |
| 10 to 14 years | 665 5.30% | 640 4.80% | 3.76% | 1,305 5.00% |
| 35 to 39 years | 670 5.30% | 605 4.50% | 9.70% | 1,270 4.90% |
| 45 to 49 years | 635 5.00% | 590 4.40% | 7.09% | 1,230 4.70% |
| 25 to 29 years | 640 5.10% | 575 4.30% | 10.16% | 1,215 4.70% |
| 30 to 34 years | 645 5.10% | 570 4.20% | 11.63% | 1,215 4.70% |
| 5 to 9 years | 630 5.00% | 580 4.30% | 7.94% | 1,210 4.60% |
| 80 to 84 years | 455 3.60% | 720 5.40% | 36.81% | 1,180 4.50% |
| 20 to 24 years | 535 4.20% | 540 4.00% | 0.93% | 1,070 4.10% |
| 15 to 19 years | 555 4.40% | 495 3.70% | 10.81% | 1,055 4.00% |
| 0 to 4 years | 525 4.20% | 495 3.70% | 5.71% | 1,020 3.90% |
| 85 to 89 years | 350 2.80% | 530 3.90% | 33.96% | 880 3.40% |
| 90 to 94 years | 110 0.90% | 415 3.10% | 73.49% | 525 2.00% |
| 95 to 99 years | 40 0.30% | 70 0.50% | 42.86% | 110 0.40% |
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 53.70% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 32.70% and 13.50%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Thetford Mines are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 55.90% | 51.70% | 53.70% |
| 65 years and over | 29.70% | 35.60% | 32.70% |
| 0 to 14 years | 14.40% | 12.70% | 13.50% |
Population of Thetford Mines by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Thetford Mines is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Thetford Mines 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 Thetford Mines are Canadian, which accounts for 44.37% of the total population, followed by French (20.99%), French Canadian (10.87%), Irish (2.85%), and Caucasian (White) (2.58%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Thetford Mines include Christian, n.i.e., German, First Nations (North American Indian), European, and Scottish.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 43.94% | 44.85% | 44.37% |
| French | 21.28% | 20.75% | 20.99% |
| French Canadian | 11.37% | 10.38% | 10.87% |
| Irish | 2.50% | 3.19% | 2.85% |
| Caucasian (White) | 2.37% | 2.82% | 2.58% |
| Christian, n.i.e. | 1.67% | 1.18% | 1.44% |
| German | 1.04% | 1.43% | 1.24% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 1.08% | 1.35% | 1.22% |
| European | 0.83% | 1.10% | 0.99% |
| Scottish | 0.83% | 0.98% | 0.87% |
Indigenous Identity in Thetford Mines
About 1.22% of Thetford Mines's population (295 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 98.78% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 40 people (0.20% 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 Thetford Mines's population profile.
About 1.8% of Thetford Mines's population are immigrants (425 people).
The top countries of origin for Thetford Mines's immigrant population are France (60), Colombia (35), United States of America (35), Congo, Democratic Republic of the (25), Haiti (20).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| France | 60 |
| Colombia | 35 |
| United States of America | 35 |
| Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 25 |
| Haiti | 20 |
97.9% of Thetford Mines's residents (23,735 people) are Canadian citizens, and 2.1% are not.
By generation status, 3.8% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 2.4% are second generation, and 93.8% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 7,730 of Thetford Mines's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 20.20% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 19.10% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 4.75%, 3.95%, and 2.00%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 4,940 | 20.20% |
| 2 persons | 4,670 | 19.10% |
| 3 persons | 1,155 | 4.75% |
| 4 persons | 970 | 3.95% |
| 5 or more persons | 485 | 2.00% |
Family and Household Structure in Thetford Mines
Of census families in Thetford Mines, 84.8% are couple families and 15.2% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.6 people.
40.4% of households in Thetford Mines are one-person households, 47.9% are couple-family households, 8.1% are one-parent-family households, and 0.4% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 4,940 | 40.4% |
| Couple-family households | 5,855 | 47.9% |
| One-parent-family households | 985 | 8.1% |
| Multigenerational households | 50 | 0.4% |
Income in Thetford Mines
Analyzing income distribution in Thetford Mines can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Thetford Mines is $36,400.
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 town's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Thetford Mines population or around 3,305 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 3,275 and 2,420 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Thetford Mines's median household income is $57,200, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Thetford Mines's median household income is 26,800 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 Thetford Mines
This data sheds light on the distribution of Thetford Mines 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.
70.00% or most of the Thetford Mines population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 16.20% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 13.80% 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 | 4,030 | 4,195 | 8,225 | 70.00% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 985 | 925 | 1,910 | 16.20% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 925 | 700 | 1,620 | 13.80% |
Below national average 14.1% of Thetford Mines's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Thetford Mines
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Thetford Mines. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Thetford Mines is at 6.58% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 52.74% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.58% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Thetford Mines, 28.9% worked full year full time in the reference year, 28.8% worked part year and/or part time, and 42.3% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 5,985 | 28.9% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 5,965 | 28.8% |
| Did not work | 8,770 | 42.3% |
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 Thetford Mines's population (around 73.50%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 720 men and 525 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 1,250.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 720 | 525 | 1,250 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Thetford Mines industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Thetford Mines is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Thetford Mines has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (19%) works in the manufacturing sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 17%, followed by Retail trade at 14%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 1,755 | 490 | 19% |
| Health care and social assistance | 345 | 1,640 | 17% |
| Retail trade | 840 | 825 | 14% |
| Educational services | 230 | 635 | 7% |
| Construction | 680 | 80 | 7% |
| Accommodation and food services | 280 | 385 | 6% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 265 | 330 | 5% |
| Public administration | 270 | 240 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 230 | 175 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 280 | 95 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 195 | 145 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 115 | 165 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 175 | 65 | 2% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 125 | 45 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 80 | 30 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 65 | 30 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 70 | 0 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 50 | 20 | 1% |
| Utilities | 25 | 10 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Thetford Mines residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Thetford Mines: Manufacturing (19%), Health care and social assistance (17%), Retail trade (14%)
Top occupation categories in Thetford Mines: Sales and service occupations (25%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (20%), 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 | 4,460 | 4,300 | 8,755 | 80.10% |
| Worked at home | 585 | 560 | 1,150 | 10.50% |
| No fixed workplace address | 750 | 270 | 1,020 | 9.30% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Thetford Mines 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 Thetford Mines residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Thetford Mines 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 | 65.20% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 21.60% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 6.40% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.20% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.50% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Thetford Mines 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 Thetford Mines'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 Thetford Mines. About 25,150 people living in the town speak French, 325 people speak English, 120 people speak English and French language, and 45 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| French | 25,150 |
| English | 325 |
| English and French | 120 |
| Neither English nor French | 45 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 23.5% of Thetford Mines's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 0.3% know English only, 76.0% know French only, and 0.2% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 80 | 0.3% |
| French only | 19,480 | 76.0% |
| English and French | 6,025 | 23.5% |
| Neither English nor French | 55 | 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 | 96.1% | 97.0% |
| Non-official languages | 1.8% | 1.2% |
| English | 1.1% | 0.9% |
Religion
Thetford Mines is predominantly Christian. About 19,375 of its population is Christian (9,355 males and 10,020 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 Hindu, both represent 0.1% and 0.0% of the population, while Jewish represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 79.9% |
| Islam | 0.6% |
| Buddhist | 0.1% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Thetford Mines
Hospitals
Schools
- École Saint-Gabriel
- École de l'Étincelle
- École Saint-Noël
- Polyvalente de Thetford-Mines
- École primaire Saint-Patrick et École secondaire A. S. Johnson Memorial
Parks
- Parc Fillion
- Parc Sainte-Marthe
- Parc Robertsonville
- Parc Notre-Dame
- Parc Boucher
- Parc de la Côte
- Parc Desjardins
- Parc Saint-Alphonse
- Parc Saint-Noël
- Parc de Rivière-Blanche
- Parc Beaupré
- Parc Saint-Maurice
- Parc Martinet
- Parc Ritournelle
- Parc Mitchell
- Parc de la Provence
- Parc Pontbriand
- Parc des Appalaches
- Parc des Tulipes
- parc Boulanger
- Parc Bonneville
- Parc Boulet
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Thetford Mines
Museums
Attractions
Historic Sites
Theatres
Green Spaces in Thetford Mines
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Parc Fillion | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Parc Sainte-Marthe | Parks | 2.9 ha |
| Parc Robertsonville | Parks | 3.8 ha |
| Parc Notre-Dame | Parks | 8.0 ha |
| Parc Boucher | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Parc de la Côte | Parks | 1.5 ha |
| Parc Desjardins | Parks | 6.3 ha |
| Parc Saint-Alphonse | Parks | 5.0 ha |
| Parc Saint-Noël | Parks | 5.6 ha |
| Parc de Rivière-Blanche | Parks | 1.0 ha |
| Parc Beaupré | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Parc Saint-Maurice | Parks | 6.3 ha |
| Parc Martinet | Parks | 1.2 ha |
| Parc Ritournelle | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Parc Mitchell | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Parc de la Provence | Parks | 1.0 ha |
| Parc Pontbriand | Parks | 2.0 ha |
| Parc des Appalaches | Parks | 1.9 ha |
| Parc des Tulipes | Parks | 0.7 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Thetford Mines
- Disraeli 21.2 km · 2,360 people
- Plessisville 39.0 km · 6,414 people
- Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce 40.7 km · 5,014 people
- Beauceville 42.7 km · 6,185 people
- Sainte-Marie 45.0 km · 13,134 people
- Princeville 45.1 km · 6,218 people
- Princeville 45.1 km · 6,218 people
- Princeville 45.1 km · 6,218 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Thetford Mines
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Thetford Mines has a population of 26,072 people, making it the 46th town in Quebec. The population increased moderately from 25,403 in 2016, an increase of 669 people or 2.63%. The town has a population density of 115.4 people per km² across a land area of 225.97 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Thetford Mines's population grew by 2.63% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 25,403 to 26,072 people, a gain of 669 residents. This modest growth reflects patterns seen in many other Quebec towns during this period. The median age of 53.60 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (40.4%) 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.
Thetford Mines has a population density of approximately 115.40 people per square kilometre.
Thetford Mines covers a land area of approximately 225.97 km².
The median age of the population in Thetford Mines is 53.60 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Thetford Mines is Canadian.
The median household income in Thetford Mines is $57,200, based on 2020 data.
French is the most common first official language spoken in Thetford Mines.
Christian is the predominant religion in Thetford Mines.
According to the 2021 Census, 1.2% of Thetford Mines's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
97.9% of Thetford Mines's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 15.2% of census families in Thetford Mines, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.4% of all households in Thetford Mines, per the 2021 Census.
23.5% of Thetford Mines'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 Thetford Mines, 28.9% 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.