Québec, May 8, 2025. – Québec’s population reached 9.11 million on January 1, 2025, which corresponds to an increase of 155,300 people in 2024. Although it was lower than the record growth of 193,400 people that Québec saw in 2023, this was still one of the largest increases ever registered.
International migration, more specifically temporary immigration, once again drove this strong demographic growth. On the other hand, fertility dropped to an all-time low, and deaths outnumbered births. These findings come from the Bilan démographique du Québec published today by the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
Total population growth, natural increase and migration increase, Québec, 1972-2024
Notes
Natural increase is the difference between the number of births and deaths.
Net international migration is the sum of permanent and temporary immigration, minus emigration.
Sources
Statistics Canada and Institut de la statistique du Québec.
Despite a slowdown, international migration remains a strong source of growth
After two years of strong growth, net international migration—which takes into account permanent and temporary immigration—was down in Québec in 2024. International migration added 158,600 people to the population, which was less than the peak of 200,300 people in 2023. Nevertheless, the migration increase of 2024 remains larger than any recorded before 2023.
For the third consecutive year, temporary immigration was the main source of migration gains. The number of non-permanent residents (NPRs) increased by 103,700 in Québec in 2024. These NPRs were mainly temporary foreign workers, international students and asylum claimants. Growth in the number of NPRs was, however, lower than in 2023 (152,100), which led to a decline in net international migration. The number of NPRs continued to increase sharply in the first months of 2024, but this growth slowed and returned to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, Québec welcomed 59,900 immigrants as permanent residents, slightly more than in 2023 (52,800). Nearly half (48%) of permanent immigrants admitted in Québec in 2024 had previously been granted NPR status.
Nearly 617,000 non-permanent residents in Québec in early 2025
As a result of the large increase in the number of NPRs in the past few years, their total number rose to 616,600 in Québec on January 1, 2025. In Québec as elsewhere in Canada, temporary foreign workers made up the largest proportion of NPRs:
- Temporary foreign workers: 273,500 (44%)
- Asylum claimants: 181,100 (29%)
- International students: 71,100 (12%)
- Work and study permit holders: 59,800 (10%)
- Other types of NPRs: 31,000 (5%)
Québec stands out as the province with the highest proportion of asylum claimants and the lowest proportion of international students. As a result, according to the January 1, 2025 estimate, Québec is home to 40% of asylum claimants present in Canada, 19% of temporary workers, and 12% of international students.
More deaths than births
In 2024, 77,400 babies were born in Québec. This number is only slightly lower than the 77,950 births in 2023, but it marks a continuation of the downward trend in births that began about 10 years ago. For its part, the number of deaths is estimated at 78,800 for 2024, up from 77,550 in 2023. The excess in deaths over births led to a net loss of -1,400 people. The number of births barely exceeded the number of deaths in the past few years, and it was expected that deaths would eventually outnumber births.
Fertility at an all-time low
The fertility rate was 1.33 children per woman in 2024, a historical low in Québec. The previous record low dates back to 1987, when the fertility rate was 1.36 children per woman.
This decline in fertility is not unique to Québec. It is also observed in Canada and in many other developed countries. Fertility remains higher in Québec than in most of the other Canadian provinces and is in line with the average for developed countries.
Total fertility rate (TFR), Québec 1970–2024
Note
Detailed data are available on the ISQ’s website.
Source
Institut de la statistique du Québec.
Gains in life expectancy have slowed, as in many other countries
The life expectancy of Quebecers was 82.7 years in 2024. Women can expect to live to the age of 84.4 years and men to 80.9 years based on mortality in the past year. These levels are essentially the same as in 2016.
After decades of increases, gains in life expectancy are slowing down, a trend that is also observed in many other countries. Despite a certain stagnation, life expectancy in Québec remains among the highest in the world. It is lower than in certain countries such as Japan, but well above that of other countries like the United States. It is also higher than in the rest of Canada.
Migration losses to other provinces among the lowest on record
Québec’s migration losses to the rest of Canada are estimated at -1,900 people in 2024, among the lowest in recent decades. The deficit has gone down significantly since the mid 2010s, when it stood at about -14,000 people annually.
Read highlights on:
- Population change (in French only)
- Births and fertility (in French only)
- Deaths and mortality (in French only)
- External migration (in French only)
The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on different aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and an essential source of information for those wishing to learn more about Québec.