The Institut de la statistique du Québec released its latest population projections on Tuesday, showing that growth across the province will be far from uniform. While overall numbers are expected to rise, several regions are slated to experience a decline in residents, even as demand for housing continues to climb throughout Quebec.
The new outlook follows a long‑standing pattern of population concentration in the province’s major urban centres. Historically, cities such as Montreal and Quebec City have attracted the bulk of newcomers, leaving smaller municipalities with slower growth or loss of inhabitants. The ISQ’s forecast confirms that these trends are likely to persist, with the disparity between urban and rural areas widening in the coming years.
Housing analysts note that the projected increase in demand for dwellings does not translate evenly across the province. In areas where the population is projected to shrink, the market may face excess supply, while growth‑heavy regions could see tighter availability and upward pressure on prices. The ISQ data therefore signals divergent challenges for municipal planners, developers and policymakers who must address both declining and expanding communities.
The institute’s findings are intended to guide long‑term planning for infrastructure, services and housing strategies. By highlighting where growth will be strongest and where populations may fall, the projections provide a basis for targeted interventions aimed at balancing regional development and ensuring that housing needs are met in line with demographic realities.