Notice of release
Québec, March 4, 2021. – The Institut de la statistique du Québec today published the results of the 2018 economic vitality index of Québec localities and regional county municipalities (RCMs).
The Institut also posted an analysis bulletin presenting the main findings of the 2018 economic vitality index of Québec localities and the methodology used.
Highlights
Top-ranked localities according to the economic vitality index
- Many localities with the highest economic vitality scores in 2018 were concentrated in the census metropolitan areas of Montréal, Québec, and Ottawa-Gatineau.
- Carignan, a municipality on Montréal’s South Shore, topped the list in 2018. It was followed by three localities in the Capitale-Nationale region: Shannon, Boischatel, and Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval.
- These localities stand out for their strong population growth and for having among the highest median total income and rate of workers age 25 to 64 in Québec.
Localities in the bottom quintile of the index
- In 2018 localities on the low end of the economic vitality index (i.e., those in the lowest quintile) were mainly concentrated in eastern Québec. Of the 233 least economically vitalized localities, 21 were located in Côte-Nord, 33 in Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, and 47 in Bas-Saint-Laurent.
- These localities are generally smaller and farther away from major urban centres and have more people over age 65 than under 20. They also have populations that are in significant decline as well as a far lower median total income and rate of workers than other Québec localities.
- On the financial side, these localities have lower standardized property values than others.
Situation improving in a number of localities in Abitibi-Témiscamingue
- Most localities in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region improved their relative position on the index between 2008 and 2018. This region’s improving economic situation is largely attributable to the strong mining sector.
- In contrast, a number of localities in the north of the Outaouais, Laurentides, Lanaudière, and Mauricie regions slipped in the ranking between 2008 and 2018. The decline of the forestry sector, a major economic base in the north of these regions, could partially explain this.
Distribution of localities by economic vitality index quintile, 2018
Note: Interactive map also available on the Institut’s website.
Sources: Institut de la statistique du Québec (economic vitality index data).
Ministère de l’Énergie et des Ressources naturelles (administrative boundaries).
Méthodology
The economic vitality index is the geometric mean of normalized variables for three indicators: the median total income of individuals age 18 and older, the rate of workers (percentage of people with a job) age 25 to 64, and the average annual population growth over five years. Each of these indicators represents an essential dimension of vitality, respectively the labour market, living standards, and demographic dynamics.
The index draws on these three dimensions to present an overview of the economic vitality of the territories. However, it represents a broad, simplified picture of a much more complex situation. To learn more about the methodology used for the economic vitality index, please see the Rapport technique et méthodologique.
Brossant un portrait de la situation antérieure à la pandémie de COVID-19, les résultats diffusés aujourd’hui pourront servir de points de comparaison pour la mesure des répercussions économiques que la crise sanitaire aura eues sur les localités et les MRC lorsque des données portant sur l’année 2020 seront disponibles.
The results released today, which paint a portrait of the situation prior to the COVID-19 epidemic, can be used as a benchmark for measuring the economic impact of the health crisis on localities and RCMs once data for the year 2020 is available.
Dynamic tables and interactive maps
For interactive maps, dynamic tables and documents with data on the economic vitality index of localities and RCMs, go to the Institut de la statistique du Québec website.
Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes, and disseminates official, objective, and high-quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. Its valuable work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and all those wishing to learn more about Québec.