Fertility dropped to an all-time low of 1.33 children per woman in Québec in 2024. Regarding the situation in Québec’s regions, a publication released today by the Institut de la statistique du Québec discusses regional variations in fertility rates. In addition, for the first time, data on fertility at the regional county municipality (RCM) level are provided
Fertility particularly low in Montréal and relatively high in Nord-du-Québec
While fertility has tended to decrease in all administrative regions, it is particularly low in Montréal (1.11 children per woman in 2024). In contrast, Nord-du-Québec (2.28 children per woman) is the only region where fertility is above the generational replacement level. Chaudière-Appalaches has the second highest fertility rate, at 1.65 children per woman. In the regions of Montréal, Lanaudière, Laurentides, Outaouais, Bas-Saint-Laurent and Abitibi-Témiscamingue, the fertility rate recorded in 2024 was the lowest since at least 1986, the first year for which regional data are available.
The age at which women are having children also varies from one region to another
Montréal is the region where the average age of childbearing was the highest in 2024 (33.1 years), but mothers in Laval, Montérégie and Capitale-Nationale are also having their children at a relatively older age. In all of these regions, more than half of childbearing occurs after the age of 30, including a non-negligible portion after the age of 35.
Meanwhile, in the regions furthest from large centres and in Chaudière-Appalaches and Centre-du-Québec, the highest fertility rates are observed among women aged 25 to 29. For its part, Nord-du-Québec stands out with a relatively high fertility rate among women under 25.
Lower and later fertility in RCMs where large centres are located
In several regions, the RCM with the largest urban centre has the highest childbearing age and lowest fertility, and in some cases, the difference with surrounding RCMs is significant.
Among RCMs with relatively high fertility rates for the province, the Kativik Regional Government in the Nord-du-Québec region stands out with a rate slightly over 3 children per woman.
To learn more about fertility and births in Québec’s regions
Read the full publication (PDF in French only), which presents additional data, including on the place of birth and conjugal status of parents in the different regions.
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.