The Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ) released its latest population projections on Tuesday, showing that future growth in the province will be uneven. While Quebec’s total population continues to rise, several regions are expected to experience a decline in residents, even as demand for housing climbs elsewhere.
The new forecast follows a period of steady overall increase in Quebec’s population, driven largely by immigration and natural growth in urban centres. ISQ analysts note that the province’s aggregate numbers mask divergent trends at the regional level, with some areas projected to shed inhabitants over the coming decades.
Rural and northern districts are among those slated for population loss, according to the ISQ data. These zones have long faced challenges such as limited employment opportunities, out‑migration of younger residents, and aging demographics. The projections suggest that without targeted interventions, these regions could see a gradual decrease in their resident counts.
Conversely, the forecast highlights sustained pressure on housing markets in major urban corridors, particularly around Montreal, Quebec City and the surrounding suburbs. Continued inflows of newcomers and a concentration of jobs in these centres are expected to keep demand for homes high, even as the overall provincial population grows at a modest pace.
The divergent outlook carries implications for provincial planners and policymakers. Authorities will need to balance efforts to support declining areas—through infrastructure investment, service maintenance and economic diversification—while also addressing the mounting housing needs in growth hotspots. The ISQ’s findings underscore the importance of region‑specific strategies to manage demographic change across Quebec.
The institute plans to update its projections regularly, providing a benchmark for governments, developers and community groups as they navigate the province’s shifting population landscape.