Québec, January 14, 2026. – Almost all of Québec’s administrative regions saw their population increase between July 1, 2024 and July 1, 2025. However, growth has slowed down after record levels were reached in several regions last year. This slowdown mainly stems from the decline in temporary immigration observed throughout the province.
A demographic overview for each of Québec’s 17 administrative regions is provided in the publication Fiches démographiques – Les régions administratives du Québec en 2025 released today by the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
15 out of 17 regions registered growth, but to varying degrees
Lanaudière, Laurentides and Chaudière-Appalaches are the regions where the population increased the most in 2024–2025. By comparison, growth was relatively modest in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Montréal, and Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Côte-Nord and Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine are the only regions where the population did not increase, but their losses were minimal.
Slowdown in growth particularly marked in Montréal
In several regions, growth rates declined by more than half in 2024–2025 compared with the previous year, which saw exceptionally strong growth. This contrast is particularly marked in Montréal, where the rate dropped from 3.4% in 2023–2024, the highest rate of all regions by far, to 0.3%, one of the lowest rates.
Fewer gains from temporary immigration
After a few years of large increases, temporary immigration—composed mainly of temporary foreign workers, international students and asylum claimants—was down in 2024–2025. The number of temporary immigrants continued to increase in most regions, but to a much lesser degree than in 2023–2024, which greatly contributed to the slowdown in demographic growth.
Permanent immigration increased in several regions outside Montréal
In most regions, the decline in temporary immigration was partially offset by an increase in permanent immigration. Montréal, Laval, Montérégie, Outaouais and Nord-du-Québec are the only regions where the number of new permanent residents decreased in 2024–2025, a sign that the regionalization of immigration has continued. Among the people admitted as permanent residents in 2024–2025, 45% had Montréal as their region of residence, compared to nearly 75% 20 years ago.
More deaths than births in a majority of regions
Births tend to decrease while deaths tend to increase in Québec. As a result, deaths now exceed births in most regions. The Nord-du-Québec region stands out in this regard, as the surplus of births over deaths remains the main factor of population growth. Births also exceeded deaths in Montréal, Laval, Montérégie and Outaouais, but only by a small margin.
Migration between Québec’s regions: stable losses for Montréal, smaller gains in several regions
Montréal once again lost residents to other Québec regions in 2024–2025. However, its internal migration deficit has remained stable since the end of the pandemic and has been offset by other growth factors. Laval also posted a deficit from interregional migration, along with Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Côte-Nord, and Nord-du-Québec.
In contrast, Lanaudière and Laurentides again posted the largest interregional migration gains. Among the regions with a positive migration balance, only Chaudière-Appalaches and Centre-du-Québec saw their gains increase significantly in 2024–2025.
For more information
Demographic fact sheets on Québec’s regions.
Interactive charts comparing the demographic components of regions.
Migration between regions is specifically addressed in the publication La migration interrégionale au Québec en 2024-2025 : une dynamique globalement défavorable aux plus grands centres (PDF).
The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various 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 all those wishing to learn more about Québec.