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NHS Focus on Geography Series – Sherbrooke


Aboriginal Peoples

Demographic characteristics of Aboriginal people

In 2011, 0.9% (1,775) of the population of Sherbrooke had an Aboriginal identity.Aboriginal Peoples Footnote 1 Of those, 58.6% (1,040) reported a First Nations identityAboriginal Peoples Footnote 2 only, 34.1% (605) reported a Métis identity only, and 1.1% (20) reported an Inuit identity only. An additional 75, or 4.2%, reported other Aboriginal identities and 35, or 2.0%, reported more than one Aboriginal identity.

Table 1 – Population by Aboriginal identity, Sherbrooke

Table summary

This table presents the population by Aboriginal identity. The column headings are: population; Sherbrooke and Quebec. The columns Sherbrooke and Quebec are divided into number, percentage of total population and percentage of Aboriginal identity population. The rows are: total population; Aboriginal identity population; First Nations single identity; First Nations single identity (Registered or Treaty Indian); First Nations single identity (not a Registered or Treaty Indian); Métis single identity; Inuit single identity; multiple Aboriginal identities; Aboriginal identities not included elsewhere; non-Aboriginal identity population.

Table 1 – Population by Aboriginal identity, Sherbrooke, Quebec
Population Sherbrooke Quebec
Number % of total population % of Aboriginal identity population Number % of total population % of Aboriginal identity population
Total population in private households 196,675 100.0 ... 7,732,520 100.0 ...
   Aboriginal identity population 1,775 0.9 100.0 141,915 1.8 100.0
      First Nations single identity 1,040 0.5 58.6 82,425 1.1 58.1
         First Nations single identity (Registered or Treaty Indian) 200 0.1 11.3 52,650 0.7 37.1
         First Nations single identity (not a Registered or Treaty Indian) 840 0.4 47.3 29,775 0.4 21.0
      Métis single identity 605 0.3 34.1 40,955 0.5 28.9
      Inuit single identity 20 0.0 1.1 12,570 0.2 8.9
      Multiple Aboriginal identities 35 0.0 2.0 1,550 0.0 1.1
      Aboriginal identities not included elsewhere 75 0.0 4.2 4,415 0.1 3.1
   Non-Aboriginal identity population 194,905 99.1 ... 7,590,605 98.2 ...

In general, the Aboriginal population in Canada is younger than the non-Aboriginal population.

In Sherbrooke, Aboriginal children aged 14 and under represented 14.4% of the total Aboriginal population and 0.8% of all children in Sherbrooke. Non-Aboriginal children aged 14 and under accounted for 16.1% of the non-Aboriginal population.

The age distribution of First Nations people, Métis and Inuit is shown in table 2.

Table 2 – Age distribution by Aboriginal identity, Sherbrooke

Table summary

This table presents the population by Aboriginal identity and distribution by various age groups. The column headings are: population; Sherbrooke and Quebec. The column percentage distribution by age groups is shown for Sherbrooke and Quebec and is further divided into: total - age groups; 0 to 14 years; 15 to 24 years; 25 to 64 years; 65 years and over. The rows are: total population; Aboriginal identity population; First Nations single identity; First Nations single identity (Registered or Treaty Indian); First Nations single identity (not a Registered or Treaty Indian); Métis single identity; Inuit single identity; multiple Aboriginal identities; Aboriginal identities not included elsewhere; non-Aboriginal identity population.

Table 2 – Age distribution by Aboriginal identity, Sherbrooke, Quebec
Population Sherbrooke Quebec
Total – Age groups 0 to 14 years 15 to 24 years 25 to 64 years 65 years and over Total – Age groups 0 to 14 years 15 to 24 years 25 to 64 years 65 years and over
Percentage (%) distribution by age groups Percentage (%) distribution by age groups
Total population in private households 100.0 16.1 14.0 54.9 15.1 100.0 16.3 12.6 56.5 14.6
   Aboriginal identity population 100.0 14.4 18.9 57.5 9.0 100.0 23.7 16.2 51.7 8.4
      First Nations single identity 100.0 13.9 19.2 55.8 11.1 100.0 25.0 16.5 49.9 8.5
         First Nations single identity (Registered or Treaty Indian) 100.0 0.0 27.5 62.5 7.5 100.0 28.9 17.4 47.0 6.7
         First Nations single identity (not a Registered or Treaty Indian) 100.0 16.1 17.9 54.8 11.9 100.0 18.3 15.1 54.9 11.7
      Métis single identity 100.0 16.5 17.4 62.0 5.0 100.0 18.6 14.4 58.7 8.4
      Inuit single identity 100.0 0.0 50.0 0.0 0.0 100.0 35.3 21.5 39.5 3.5
      Multiple Aboriginal identities 100.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 42.9 100.0 20.6 16.8 52.9 9.7
      Aboriginal identities not included elsewhere 100.0 0.0 26.7 60.0 0.0 100.0 12.6 12.3 55.9 19.1
   Non-Aboriginal identity population 100.0 16.1 14.0 54.8 15.1 100.0 16.1 12.5 56.6 14.7

Living arrangements of Aboriginal children

In Sherbrooke, 64.7% of Aboriginal children aged 14 and under lived in a familyAboriginal Peoples Footnote 3 with both their parents (biological or adoptive) and 21.6% lived in a lone-parent family.Aboriginal Peoples Footnote 4 Other Aboriginal children in that age group were stepchildren,Aboriginal Peoples Footnote 5 grandchildren living in a skip-generation family,Aboriginal Peoples Footnote 6 foster childrenAboriginal Peoples Footnote 7 or children living with other relatives.

Living arrangements of First Nations, Métis and Inuit children aged 14 and under are illustrated in table 3.

Table 3 – Percentage distribution of the population aged 14 and under by living arrangement for selected Aboriginal identity categories, Sherbrooke

Table summary

This table presents the percentage distribution of the population aged 14 and under by living arrangement for selected Aboriginal identity categories. The column headings are: living arrangements; percentage distribution of the population for: total Aboriginal identity population; First Nations single identity; Métis single identity; Inuit single identity; non-Aboriginal identity population. The rows are: total population aged 14 and under; children of both parents; stepchildren; children of lone parent; of male lone parent; of female lone parent; grandchildren in skip-generation family; foster children; children living with other relatives.

Table 3 – Percentage distribution of the population aged 14 and under by living arrangement for selected Aboriginal identity categories, Sherbrooke
Living arrangements Total Aboriginal identity population First Nations single identity Métis single identity Inuit single identity Non-Aboriginal identity population
Percentage (%) distribution of the population
Table note(s):
Footnote 1

Includes children in a two-parent family where there may also be step siblings or half-siblings present. Also includes children in a two-parent family for whom it cannot be determined if they are stepchildren.

Return to footnote 3-1 referrer

Footnote 2

Non-relatives may be present.

Return to footnote 3-2 referrer

Footnote 3

This category excludes foster children.

Return to footnote 3-3 referrer

Total population aged 14 and under 100.0 100.0 100.0 ... 100.0
   Children of both parentsTable 3 Footnote 1 64.7 62.1 65.0 ... 68.5
   Stepchildren 13.7 17.2 0.0 ... 9.3
   Children of lone parent 21.6 20.7 30.0 ... 21.5
      Of male lone parent 5.9 0.0 0.0 ... 5.2
      Of female lone parent 17.6 17.2 20.0 ... 16.4
   Grandchildren in skip-generation family 0.0 0.0 0.0 ... 0.2
   Foster children 0.0 0.0 0.0 ... 0.4
   Children living with other relativesTable 3 Footnote 2,Table 3 Footnote 3 0.0 0.0 0.0 ... 0.2

Language and Aboriginal peoples

In 2011, 0.0% of the Aboriginal identity population reported an Aboriginal language as mother tongue, defined as the first language learned at home in childhood and still understood.

As well, 0.0% of Aboriginal people reported speaking an Aboriginal language at home: 0.0% spoke it most often while another 0.0% spoke it on a regular basis.

Linguistic characteristics of First Nations people, Métis and Inuit are shown in tables 4 to 6.

Table 4 – Number and proportion of Aboriginal identity population, First Nations people, Métis and Inuit for selected Aboriginal language indicators, Sherbrooke

Table summary

This table presents number and proportion of Aboriginal identity population, First Nations people, Métis and Inuit for selected Aboriginal language indicators. The column headings are: selected Aboriginal language indicators; total Aboriginal identity population; First Nations single identity; Métis single identity; Inuit single identity. The last four columns are divided into number and percentage of population. The rows are: ability to conduct a conversation in an Aboriginal language; Aboriginal language as mother tongue; Aboriginal language spoken at least regularly at home; Aboriginal language spoken most often at home; Aboriginal language spoken regularly at home.

Table 4 – Number and proportion of Aboriginal identity population, First Nations people, Métis and Inuit for selected Aboriginal language indicators, Sherbrooke
Selected Aboriginal language indicators Total Aboriginal identity population First Nations single identity Métis single identity Inuit single identity
numberTable 4 Footnote 1 % of population number % of population number % of population number % of population
Table note(s):
Footnote 1

The estimates for the three Aboriginal groups do not add to the total Aboriginal identity population because only selected Aboriginal identity categories are shown.

Return to footnote 4-1 referrer

Footnote 2

This category excludes individuals who reported speaking one Aboriginal language most often at home and speaking another Aboriginal language regularly at home. These individuals are included only in the category 'Aboriginal language spoken most often at home.'

Return to footnote 4-2 referrer

Ability to conduct a conversation in an Aboriginal language 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0
Aboriginal language as mother tongue 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0
Aboriginal language spoken at least regularly at home 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0
   Aboriginal language spoken most often at home 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0
   Aboriginal language spoken regularly at homeTable 4 Footnote 2 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0

In Sherbrooke, 54.6% of the Aboriginal identity population reported that they were able to conduct a conversation only in English or only in French. Additionally, 45.1% of Aboriginal people reported that they were able to conduct a conversation in both of Canada's official languages. The other 0.0%, or 0, reported that they were not able to conduct a conversation in either of these two languages.

Table 5 – Percentage distribution of the population by knowledge of official languages for selected Aboriginal identity categories, Sherbrooke

Table summary

This table presents the percentage distribution of the population by knowledge of official languages for selected Aboriginal identity categories. The column headings are: knowledge of official languages; percentage distribution of the population for: total Aboriginal identity population; First Nations single identity; Métis single identity; Inuit single identity; non-Aboriginal identity population. The rows are: total population; English only; French only; English and French; neither English nor French.

Table 5 – Percentage distribution of the population by knowledge of official languages for selected Aboriginal identity categories, Sherbrooke
Knowledge of official languages Total Aboriginal identity population First Nations single identity Métis single identity Inuit single identity Non-Aboriginal identity population
Percentage (%) distribution of the population
Total population in private households 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
   English only 1.7 2.9 0.0 0.0 1.4
   French only 53.2 58.7 43.0 0.0 56.1
   English and French 45.1 38.9 57.0 50.0 42.2
   Neither English nor French 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4

In Sherbrooke, among the 0 Aboriginal people who reported being able to conduct a conversation in an Aboriginal language, % reported that same language as their mother tongue. The other % reported a different language, such as English or French, as mother tongue, which suggests these individuals have acquired an Aboriginal language as a second language.

On the other hand, among the 0 Aboriginal people who reported an Aboriginal language as mother tongue, % could no longer conduct a conversation in this language, despite the fact that they still understand it.

Table 6 – Population who reported an ability to conduct a conversation in an Aboriginal language that is not their mother tongue and population who reported an Aboriginal mother tongue but who could not conduct a conversation in that language, for selected Aboriginal identity categories, Sherbrooke

Table summary

This table presents the population who reported an ability to conduct a conversation in an Aboriginal language that is not their mother tongue and the population who reported an Aboriginal mother tongue but who could not conduct a conversation in that language, for selected Aboriginal identity categories. The column headings are: selected Aboriginal identity categories; persons reporting an ability to conduct a conversation in an Aboriginal language that is not their mother tongue; persons reporting an Aboriginal mother tongue but who could not conduct a conversation in that language. The last two columns are divided into number and percentage of population. The rows are: total Aboriginal identity population; First Nations single identity; Métis single identity; Inuit single identity; non-Aboriginal identity population.

Table 6 – Population who reported an ability to conduct a conversation in an Aboriginal language that is not their mother tongue and population who reported an Aboriginal mother tongue but who could not conduct a conversation in that language, for selected Aboriginal identity categories, Sherbrooke
Selected Aboriginal identity categories Persons reporting an ability to conduct a conversation in an Aboriginal language that is not their mother tongue Persons reporting an Aboriginal mother tongue but who could not conduct a conversation in that language
numberTable 6 Footnote 1 % of population numberTable 6 Footnote 1 % of population
Table note(s):
Footnote 1

The estimates for the three Aboriginal groups do not add to the total Aboriginal identity population because only selected Aboriginal identity categories are shown.

Return to footnote 6-1 referrer

Total Aboriginal identity population 0 ... 0 ...
   First Nations single identity 0 ... 0 ...
   Métis single identity 0 ... 0 ...
   Inuit single identity 0 ... 0 ...
Non-Aboriginal identity population 0 ... 0 ...

Note(s):

Footnote 1

Aboriginal identity: The term 'Aboriginal identity' refers to whether the person reported being an Aboriginal person, that is, First Nations (North American Indian), Métis or Inuk (Inuit) and/or being a Registered or Treaty Indian, (that is, registered under the Indian Act of Canada) and/or being a member of a First Nation or Indian band. Aboriginal peoples of Canada are defined in the Constitution Act, 1982, section 35 (2) as including the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada.

Aboriginal Peoples Return to footnote 1 referrer

Footnote 2

Respondents self-identified as 'First Nations (North American Indian)' on the NHS questionnaire; however, the term 'First Nations people' is used throughout this document.

Aboriginal Peoples Return to footnote 2 referrer

Footnote 3

Family: The term 'family' in this document refers to the census definition of 'census family,' but for simplicity, the term 'family' is used throughout this report. A census family is composed of a married or common-law couple, with or without children, or of a lone parent living with at least one child in the same dwelling. Couples can be of the opposite sex or of the same sex.

Aboriginal Peoples Return to footnote 3 referrer

Footnote 4

Lone parents: Mothers or fathers, with no married spouse or common-law partner present, living in a dwelling with one or more children.

Aboriginal Peoples Return to footnote 4 referrer

Footnote 5

Stepchild: A stepchild is a child in a couple family who is the biological or adopted child of only one married spouse or common-law partner in the couple, and whose birth or adoption preceded the current relationship.

Aboriginal Peoples Return to footnote 5 referrer

Footnote 6

Skip-generation family: A census family that consists of grandparents and grandchildren without the presence of parents in the home.

Aboriginal Peoples Return to footnote 6 referrer

Footnote 7

Foster children: The population in private households who have been reported as foster children on the NHS questionnaire. Foster children are considered as 'other relatives' outside of a census family.

Aboriginal Peoples Return to footnote 7 referrer

Immigration and Ethnocultural Diversity

Immigrant population

According to the 2011 National Household Survey (NHS), 12,120 (6.2%) of the population of the Sherbrooke census metropolitan area (CMA) were foreign-born (immigrants), 183,520 (93.3%) were Canadian-born (non-immigrants) and 1,035 (0.5%) were non-permanent residents.Ethnocultural Footnote 1 In comparison, the proportion of the population of Quebec who were immigrants was 12.6%, 86.5% were non-immigrants, and 0.9% were non-permanent residents.

Figure 1 Percentage of Canadian born (non-immigrants), foreign born (immigrants) and non permanent residents in Sherbrooke (CMA)

Figure description

This vertical bar graph shows the percentage of Canadian born (non-immigrants), foreign born (immigrants) and non-permanent residents. The y-axis is the percentage of population and the x-axis, from left to right, shows Canadian born (non-immigrants), foreign born (immigrants) and non-permanent residents.

Of the immigrants living in Sherbrooke in 2011, 4,045 came to Canada between 2006 and 2011. These recent immigrants made up 33.4% of the immigrants in Sherbrooke.

The three most common countries of birth of immigrants living in Sherbrooke were: France (accounting for 12.7% of the immigrant population in Sherbrooke), Colombia (9.7%) and United States (8.3%). In comparison, the top three countries of birth of immigrants living in Quebec were: Haiti (accounting for 7.1% of the immigrant population in Quebec), France (6.9%) and Italy (5.9%).

Table 1 – Immigrants by country of birth, Sherbrooke (CMA)

Table summary

This table shows the most common countries of birth of immigrants. The column headings are: immigrants by country of birth along with the selected geography showing both numbers and percentages. The rows are: total immigrants and the most common countries of birth of immigrants.

Table – Immigrants by country of birth, Sherbrooke (CMA)
Immigrants by country of birth Sherbrooke (CMA) Quebec
Count % Rank Count % Rank
Total immigrants 12,120 100.0 ... 974,895 100.0 ...
   France 1,535 12.7 1 67,650 6.9 2
   Colombia 1,170 9.7 2 21,320 2.2 12
   United States 1,000 8.3 3 26,785 2.7 9

In 2011, among Sherbrooke's immigrant population, 62.2% spoke English and/or French most often at home. Meanwhile, the three most frequently reported non-official languages spoken most often at home by immigrants in Sherbrooke were Spanish, Arabic and Persian (Farsi). This compared to the top three non-official languages for immigrants in Quebec, which were Arabic, Spanish and Italian.Ethnocultural Footnote 2

Table 2 – Immigrants by non-official languages spoken most often at home, Sherbrooke (CMA)

Table summary

This table presents the most common non-official language spoken most often at home for immigrants. The column headings are: immigrants by non-official language spoken most often at home with the selected geography showing both numbers and percentages. The rows are: the most common non-official language spoken most often at home.

Immigrants by non-official languages spoken most often at home, Sherbrooke (CMA)
Immigrants by non-official language spoken most often at homeEthnocultural Footnote 2 Sherbrooke (CMA) Quebec
Count % Rank Count % Rank
Spanish 1,870 15.4 1 75,005 7.7 2
Arabic 680 5.6 2 86,265 8.8 1
Persian (Farsi) 465 3.8 3 13,355 1.4 11

The median age of immigrants in Sherbrooke was 27.3 years in 2011, compared to 31.5 years for the immigrant population at the provincial level.

Visible minority population and ethnic origins

The 2011 NHS estimated that 8,690 individuals in the Sherbrooke belonged to a visible minority group, accounting for 4.4% of its total population.Ethnocultural Footnote 1 In comparison, visible minorities comprised 11.0% of Quebec's population.

The three largest visible minority groups living in Sherbrooke were Black, Latin American and Arab. In Quebec, the three largest visible minority groups were Black, Arab and Latin American.

The median age of the visible minority population in Sherbrooke was 27.3 years in 2011, compared to 31.5 years for the visible minority population at the provincial level.

Table 3 – Population showing visible minority groups, Sherbrooke (CMA) , Quebec, and Canada

Table summary

This table shows the population by visible minority groups. The column headings are: population showing visible minority groups along with the selected geography showing both numbers and percentages. The rows are: total population; total visible minority population; South Asian; Chinese; Black; Filipino; Latin American; Arab; Southeast Asian; West Asian; Korean; Japanese; visible minority, n.i.e., multiple visible minorities and not a visible minority.

Table – Population showing visible minority groups, Sherbrooke (CMA) , Quebec, and Canada
Population showing visible minority groups Sherbrooke (CMA) Quebec Canada
Count % Count % Count %
Total population in private households 196,675 100.0 7,732,520 100.0 32,852,320 100.0
   Total visible minority population 8,690 4.4 850,240 11.0 6,264,750 19.1
      South Asian 465 0.2 83,320 1.1 1,567,400 4.8
      Chinese 440 0.2 82,850 1.1 1,324,750 4.0
      Black 2,635 1.3 243,625 3.2 945,665 2.9
      Filipino 45 0.0 31,490 0.4 619,310 1.9
      Latin American 2,205 1.1 116,380 1.5 381,280 1.2
      Arab 1,420 0.7 166,260 2.2 380,620 1.2
      Southeast Asian 640 0.3 65,855 0.9 312,080 0.9
      West Asian 485 0.2 23,450 0.3 206,840 0.6
      Korean 85 0.0 6,660 0.1 161,125 0.5
      Japanese 55 0.0 4,025 0.1 87,265 0.3
      Visible minority, n.i.e. 55 0.0 8,900 0.1 106,475 0.3
      Multiple visible minorities 170 0.1 17,420 0.2 171,935 0.5
   Not a visible minority 187,985 95.6 6,882,285 89.0 26,587,575 80.9

The three most frequently reported ethnic origins in Sherbrooke, for people reporting either one or multiple ethnic origins, were Canadian, French and Irish. This compared to the top three in Quebec, which were Canadian, French and Irish.

Table 4 – Most frequently reported ethnic origins, Sherbrooke (CMA)

Table summary

This table shows the most common ethnic origins. The column headings are: ethnic origin along with the selected geography showing both numbers and percentages. The rows are: the most common ethnic origins.

Table – Most frequently reported ethnic origins, Sherbrooke (CMA)
Most frequently reported ethnic origins Sherbrooke (CMA) Quebec
Count % Rank Count % Rank
   Canadian 136,230 69.3 1 4,571,990 59.1 1
   French 64,085 32.6 2 2,246,705 29.1 2
   Irish 11,690 5.9 3 428,570 5.5 3

Religion

According to the 2011 NHS, 87.0% of the population in the Sherbrooke reported a religious affiliation, while 13.0% said they had no religious affiliation.Ethnocultural Footnote 1 At the provincial level, 87.9% of the population reported a religious affiliation, while 12.1% had no religious affiliation.

The most frequently reported religious affiliation in Sherbrooke was Roman Catholic, reported by 156,025 (79.3%) of the population. Other frequently reported religions included: Muslim (1.3%) and Christian, n.i.e. (1.1%). In comparison, the top three most frequently reported religions in Quebec were: Roman Catholic (reported by 74.6% of the population of Quebec), Muslim (3.1%) and Christian, n.i.e. (1.4%).

Table 5 – Most frequently reported religions, Sherbrooke (CMA)

Table summary

This table shows the most common religions. The column headings are: religion along with the selected geography showing both numbers and percentages. The rows are: the most common religions.

Table – Most frequently reported religions, Sherbrooke (CMA)
Most frequently reported religions Sherbrooke (CMA) Quebec
Count % Rank Count % Rank
Total population in private households 196,675 100.0 ... 7,732,520 100.0 ...
   Total reporting a religious affiliation 171,075 87.0 ... 6,794,975 87.9 ...
      Roman Catholic 156,025 79.3 1 5,766,750 74.6 1
      Muslim 2,610 1.3 2 243,430 3.1 2
      Christian, n.i.e. 2,165 1.1 3 110,875 1.4 3
   Total not reporting a religious affiliation 25,605 13.0 ... 937,545 12.1 ...

Note(s):

Footnote 1

For details on the concepts, definitions, universes, variables and geographic terms used in the 2011 National Household Survey, please consult the National Household Survey Dictionary, Catalogue no. 99-000-X. For detailed explanations on concepts and for information on data quality, please refer to the reference guides found on the NHS website.

Ethnocultural Return to footnote 1 referrer

Footnote 2

These counts include both single non-official language responses and multiple language responses. A multiple language response is a combination of non-official language response with a response of English and/or French.

Ethnocultural Return to footnote 2 referrer

Education

Educational attainment Education Footnote 1

In 2011, 61.8% of the 137,550 adults aged 25 years and over in Sherbrooke had completed some form of postsecondary education, compared with 59.6% at the national level.

Of the population aged 25 years and over in Sherbrooke, 26.2% had a university certificate or degree. An additional 16.4% had a college diploma and 19.2% had a trades certificate.

The share of the adult population that had completed a high school diploma as their highest level of educational attainment was 19.6%, and 18.6% had completed neither high school nor any postsecondary certificates, diplomas or degrees.

Table 1 – Population aged 25 and over by highest level of educational attainmentEducation Footnote 1, Sherbrooke (CMA), Quebec, Canada

Table summary

This table presents the population aged 25 years and over by highest level of educational attainment. The column headings are: highest level of educational attainment; Sherbrooke, Quebec and Canada, which are divided in number and percentage. The rows are: total population aged 25 years and over; no certificate, diploma or degree; high school diploma; a subtotal for postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree: trades certificate which is a subtotal of the rows for trades certificate or diploma (other than apprenticeship) and registered apprenticeship certificate; college diploma; university certificate below bachelor; university degree which is a subtotal of the rows for bachelor's degree; university certificate above bachelor; degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry; master's degree; earned doctorate.

Table 1 – Population aged 25 and over by highest level of educational attainment
Highest level of educational attainment Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Number % Number % Number %
Total – Population aged 25 years and over 137,550 100.0 5,499,490 100.0 22,935,460 100.0
No certificate, diploma or degree 25,520 18.6 1,108,545 20.2 3,956,620 17.3
High school diplomaEducation Footnote 2 26,965 19.6 1,102,860 20.1 5,300,080 23.1
Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree 85,060 61.8 3,288,085 59.8 13,678,765 59.6
Trades certificateEducation Footnote 3 26,440 19.2 957,225 17.4 2,744,380 12.0
Trades certificate or diploma (other than apprenticeship) 18,720 13.6 682,930 12.4 1,596,595 7.0
Registered Apprenticeship certificateEducation Footnote 4 7,715 5.6 274,295 5.0 1,147,790 5.0
College diplomaEducation Footnote 5 22,565 16.4 899,710 16.4 4,487,520 19.6
University certificate below bachelorEducation Footnote 6 6,385 4.6 285,970 5.2 1,100,325 4.8
University degreeEducation Footnote 7 29,680 21.6 1,145,180 20.8 5,346,530 23.3
Bachelor's degree 17,115 12.4 717,340 13.0 3,347,425 14.6
University certificate above bachelorEducation Footnote 8 2,900 2.1 122,265 2.2 571,525 2.5
Degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry 1,030 0.7 31,235 0.6 151,715 0.7
Master's degree 6,635 4.8 227,315 4.1 1,068,190 4.7
Earned doctorate 1,995 1.5 47,025 0.9 207,680 0.9

Overall, successive generations of Canadians have been completing high school and attaining postsecondary qualifications in increasing proportions. In 2011, 41.7% of Canadians aged 65 years and over had a postsecondary credential; this compares with 69.5% among adults between the ages of 25 and 44. As well, 35.7% of those aged 65 years and over had not completed any certificate, diploma or degree compared with 9.5% of individuals aged 25 to 44.

In Sherbrooke, 41.3% of those aged 65 years and over had a postsecondary credential, compared to 75.3% of adults aged 25 to 44; 35.5% of individuals aged 65 years and over had no certificate, diploma or degree, compared to 10.2% of 25 to 44 year-olds.

Sherbrooke (CMA) – Proportion of the population aged 25 years and over by level of educational attainment and age groups This product was revised on October 7, 2014.

Figure description

This vertical bar graph shows the proportion of the population aged 25 years and over by level of educational attainment and age groups. The age groups are: 25 to 44, 45 to 64 and 65 and over. The y-axis is the percentage of the population and the x-axis is level of educational attainment including: No certificate, diploma or degree; High school diploma; Trades certificate; College diploma; University certificate below bachelor; Bachelor's degree; University above bachelor.

Major field of study

Table 2 – Most common fields of studyEducation Footnote 9 for the population aged 25 years and over with postsecondary qualifications by level of educational attainmentEducation Footnote 1, Sherbrooke (CMA), Quebec, Canada

Table summary

This table presents the five most common fields of study by level of educational attainment for the population aged 25 years and over with postsecondary qualifications. The column headings are: field of study; Sherbrooke, Quebec and Canada, which are divided in number, percentage and rank. The rows are: the five most common fields of study under the educational attainment levels of: trades certificate; college diploma; university.

Sherbrooke (CMA) – Proportion of the population aged 25 years and over by level of educational attainment and age groups Table 2 Canada, #currentGeo# – Most common fields of study for the population aged 25 years and over with postsecondary qualifications by level of educational attainment
Field of study Sherbrooke Quebec Canada
Number % Rank Number % Rank Number % Rank
Table note(s):
Footnote 1

Liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities' includes a significant number of responses such as 'bachelor of arts' that had insufficient additional detail to be classified elsewhere.

Return to footnote 2-1 referrer

Trades certificate
Business, management, marketing and related support services 4,490 17.0 1 159,510 16.7 1 329,330 12.0 3
Mechanic and repair technologies/technicians 3,900 14.8 2 145,335 15.2 2 485,755 17.7 1
Precision production 3,500 13.2 3 107,505 11.2 5 289,740 10.6 5
Personal and culinary services 3,265 12.3 4 117,510 12.3 3 328,125 12.0 4
Construction trades 3,125 11.8 5 111,680 11.7 4 434,090 15.8 2
College diploma
Business, management, marketing and related support services 5,580 24.7 1 243,835 27.1 1 1,242,870 27.7 1
Health professions and related programs 4,065 18.0 2 126,850 14.1 2 787,660 17.6 2
Engineering technologies and engineering-related fields 2,690 11.9 3 85,315 9.5 3 413,205 9.2 3
Education 1,385 6.1 4 39,475 4.4 7 137,815 3.1 8
Liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities Table 2 Education Footnote 1 1,375 6.1 5 40,315 4.5 6 65,140 1.5 16
UniversityEducation Footnote 10
Education 7,220 20.0 1 216,005 15.1 2 921,390 14.3 2
Business, management, marketing and related support services 7,205 20.0 2 334,330 23.4 1 1,215,210 18.8 1
Health professions and related programs 4,440 12.3 3 143,120 10.0 3 702,280 10.9 3
Engineering 2,650 7.3 4 137,850 9.6 4 686,100 10.6 4
Psychology 1,740 4.8 5 42,805 3.0 9 193,635 3.0 8

Location of studyEducation Footnote 11

In 2011, there were 85,060 residents of Sherbrooke aged 25 years and over with postsecondary credentials. Of these graduates, 93.1% had studied in Quebec, 2.0% had studied in another province or territory and 4.9% had studied outside Canada. Nationally, 72.5% of graduates had studied in the same province/territory in which they lived in 2011, 10.4% had studied in another province or territory and 17.1% had studied outside Canada.

In all provinces, individuals with trades or college certificates were more likely than those with university credentials to have earned their highest certificate, diploma or degree in the province in which they lived in 2011.

Table 3 – Population aged 25 years and over with postsecondary qualifications by location of study and by level of educational attainment, Sherbrooke (CMA)

Table summary

This table presents location of study compared with the province or territory of residence in 2011 for the population aged 25 years and over with postsecondary qualifications by level of educational attainment. The column headings are: educational attainment; location of study divided into studied in Quebec, studied in another province / territory, studied outside Canada further divided in number and percentage. The rows are: total population aged 25 years and over with postsecondary qualifications; trades certificate; college diploma; university certificate below bachelor; bachelor's degree; university above bachelor.

Table 3 – Population aged 25 years and over with postsecondary qualifications by location of study and by level of educational attainment, Sherbrooke
Educational attainment Location of study
Studied in Quebec Studied in another province/territory Studied outside Canada
number % number % number %
Total population aged 25 years and over with postsecondary qualifications 79,165 93.1 1,690 2.0 4,205 4.9
Trades certificate 25,625 96.9 210 0.8 600 2.3
College diploma 21,520 95.4 415 1.8 630 2.8
University certificate below bachelor 5,945 93.1 115 1.8 320 5.0
Bachelor's degree 15,640 91.4 480 2.8 1,000 5.8
University above bachelor 10,430 83.0 475 3.8 1,655 13.2

Note(s):

Footnote 1

The terms 'Educational attainment,' 'level of educational attainment' and 'highest level of educational attainment' used in this document refer to the Highest certificate, diploma or degree completed by a person. The portion of the population that completed each type of education noted is the portion that completed it as their highest certificate, diploma or degree.

Education return to footnote 1 referrer

Footnote 2

'High school diploma' refers to 'secondary (high) school diploma or equivalent.'

Education return to footnote 2 referrer

Footnote 3

'Trades certificate' refers to 'apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma,' and is an aggregation which includes both 'Registered Apprenticeship certificate' as well as 'trades certificate or diploma (other than apprenticeship).'

Education return to footnote 3 referrer

Footnote 4

'Registered Apprenticeship certificate' includes those with a certificate of qualification/journeyperson's designation.

Education return to footnote 4 referrer

Footnote 5

'College diploma' refers to 'college, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma.'

Education return to footnote 5 referrer

Footnote 6

'University certificate below bachelor' refers to 'university certificate or diploma below bachelor level.' Comparisons with other data sources suggest that this category was over-reported in the NHS. It is recommended that users interpret the results for this category with caution. For further information, please refer to the Education Reference Guide, National Household Survey.

Education return to footnote 6 referrer

Footnote 7

'University degree' refers to 'university certificate, diploma or degree at bachelor level or above.'

Education return to footnote 7 referrer

Footnote 8

'University certificate above bachelor' refers to 'university certificate or diploma above bachelor level'.

Education return to footnote 8 referrer

Footnote 9

'Field of study' in this table is classified based on the 2-digit series from the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Canada 2011. It is the major field of study for the highest postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree completed by the person.

Education return to footnote 9 referrer

Footnote 10

'University' in this table refers to 'university certificate, diploma or degree,' and includes all university certificates, diplomas and degrees including university certificates below the bachelor level, bachelor's degrees and university certificates and degrees above the bachelor level.

Education return to footnote 10 referrer

Footnote 11

'Location of study' refers to the province, territory or country of the institution where the highest postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree was completed. Here, location of study is compared with province or territory of residence to indicate whether the location of study is the same province or territory as the person's residence in 2011, a different Canadian province or territory, or outside Canada.

Education return to footnote 11 referrer

Labour

Labour

In Sherbrooke, 96,935 people were employed and 6,490 were unemployed for a total labour force of 103,420 in May 2011. The employment rate was at 58.7% and the unemployment rate was at 6.3%.

Table 1 Total population aged 15 years and over by labour force status, Sherbrooke (CMA), Quebec

Table summary

This table presents the labour force status for the population aged 15 years and over. The column headings are: labour force status; Sherbrooke and Quebec. The rows are: total population aged 15 years and over with sub-totals of: in the labour force (number) and not in the labour force (number). In the labour force (number) there are two components: employed (number) and unemployed (number). Rates are also presented for: participation rate (%); employment rate (%); and unemployment rate (%).

Table 1 Total population aged 15 years and over by labour force status
Labour force status Sherbrooke Quebec
Table note(s):
Footnote 1

In the past, this variable was called Labour force activity.

Labour: Return to footnote 1-1 referrer

Total population aged 15 years and overLabour Table 1 Footnote 1 165,090 6,474,590
In the labour force 103,420 4,183,445
Employed 96,935 3,880,420
Unemployed 6,490 303,025
Not in the labour force 61,670 2,291,145
Participation rate 62.6 64.6
Employment rate 58.7 59.9
Unemployment rate 6.3 7.2

Within Sherbrooke, 15.3% of the employed labour force was aged 15 to 24 and 14.9% was aged 55 to 64. This compares to 13.3% and 14.8% respectively for Quebec.

Table 2 Employed labour force by age groups, Sherbrooke (CMA), Quebec

Table summary

This table presents the employed labour force by selected age groups. The column headings are: age groups and Sherbrooke and Quebec, which are divided in number and percentage. The rows are: total; age groups; 15 to 24 years; 25 to 34 years; 35 to 54 years; 55 to 64 years; 65 years and over.

Table 2 Employed labour force by age groups
Age groups Sherbrooke Quebec
number % number %
Total 96,935 100.0 3,880,420 100.0
15 to 24 years 14,820 15.3 518,030 13.3
25 to 34 years 21,070 21.7 820,080 21.1
35 to 54 years 43,995 45.4 1,860,310 47.9
55 to 64 years 14,490 14.9 573,220 14.8
65 years and over 2,555 2.6 108,780 2.8

Within Sherbrooke, the top occupations were: Retail salespersons; Administrative assistants; Cashiers. For Quebec as a whole the top occupations were: Retail salespersons; Administrative assistants; Cashiers.

Table 3 Top occupations for the employed labour force, Sherbrooke (CMA), Quebec

Table summary

This table presents the top occupations. The column headings are: occupation, Sherbrooke and Quebec, which are divided in number and percentage. The rows are: the top occupations.

Table 3 Top occupations for the employed labour force
Occupation Sherbrooke Quebec
number % Rank number % Rank
Retail salespersons 4,380 4.5 1 158,000 4.1 1
Administrative assistants 3,040 3.1 2 114,170 2.9 2
Cashiers 2,180 2.2 3 81,560 2.1 3
Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations 2,005 2.1 4 66,345 1.7 6
Retail and wholesale trade managers 1,940 2.0 5 80,140 2.1 4
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses 1,880 1.9 6 63,850 1.6 7
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates 1,810 1.9 7 55,580 1.4 11
Light duty cleaners 1,790 1.8 8 57,800 1.5 9
Elementary school and kindergarten teachers 1,740 1.8 9 55,110 1.4 12
Early childhood educators and assistants 1,710 1.8 10 71,335 1.8 5

Within Sherbrooke, the top industries were: Hospitals; Elementary and secondary schools; Universities. For Quebec as a whole the top industries were: Elementary and secondary schools; Hospitals; Grocery stores.

Table 4 Top industries for the employed labour force, Sherbrooke (CMA), Quebec

Table summary

This table presents the top industries. The column headings are: industry, Sherbrooke and Quebec, which are divided in number and percentage. The rows are: the top industries.

Table 4 Top industries for the employed labour force
Industry Sherbrooke Quebec
number % Rank number % Rank
Hospitals 6,425 6.6 1 173,015 4.5 2
Elementary and secondary schools 5,450 5.6 2 182,775 4.7 1
Universities 3,760 3.9 3 53,110 1.4 16
Full-service restaurants 2,915 3.0 4 106,475 2.7 4
Grocery stores 2,515 2.6 5 108,535 2.8 3
Nursing and residential care facilities 2,180 2.2 6 79,650 2.1 8
Local, municipal and regional public administration 1,925 2.0 7 81,115 2.1 7
Provincial and territorial public administration 1,880 1.9 8 92,505 2.4 5
Child day-care services 1,865 1.9 9 72,465 1.9 9
Limited-service restaurants 1,845 1.9 10 67,560 1.7 11

The number of self-employed in Sherbrooke amounted to 9,725 or 10.0% of all total employed workers.

Table 5 Employed labour force by class of workers, Sherbrooke (CMA), Quebec

Table summary

This table presents class of worker. The column headings are: class of worker; Sherbrooke and Quebec, which are divided in number and percentage. The rows are: total employed labour force; with subtotals of employee (number and percent) and total – self-employed (number and percent). The total – self-employed there are two components: self-employed (incorporated or unincorporated) and unpaid family worker.

Table 5 Employed labour force by class of workers
Class of worker Sherbrooke Quebec
number % number %
Table note(s):
Footnote 1

Includes self-employed with an incorporated business and self-employed with an unincorporated business. Also included among the self-employed are unpaid family workers.

Return to footnote 5-1 referrer

Total employed labour force 96,935 100.0 3,880,420 100.0
Employee 87,210 90.0 3,465,775 89.3
Total – Self-employedTable 5 Footnote 1 9,725 10.0 414,650 10.7
Self-employed (incorporated or unincorporated) 9,605 9.9 406,800 10.5
Unpaid family worker 120 0.1 7,845 0.2

In 2011, 4.2% of commuters within Sherbrooke used public transit to get to work. This compares to Quebec at 13.3%. 83.5% of the population used a car, truck or van as a driver, while 4.0% used a car, truck or van as a passenger. The average commuting time to work in Sherbrooke was 18.8 minutes, this compares to Quebec at 25.2 minutes.

Within Sherbrooke, 87.2% of the employed labour force aged 15 years and over worked at their usual place, 5.4% worked at home and 7.1% had no fixed workplace address.

Table 6 Employed labour force by mode of transportation, Sherbrooke (CMA), Quebec

Table summary

This table presents the employed labour force by mode of transportation. The column headings are: mode of transportation; Sherbrooke and Quebec, which are divided in number and percentage. The rows are: total employed labour force with a usual place of work or no fixed workplace address; car, truck or van as driver; car, truck or van as passenger; public transit; walked; bicycle; other.

Table 6 Employed labour force by mode of transportation
Mode of transportation Sherbrooke Quebec
number % number %
Total employed labour force with a usual place of work or no fixed workplace address 91,430 100.0 3,633,085 100.0
Car, truck or van as driver 76,325 83.5 2,713,295 74.7
Car, truck or van as passenger 3,660 4.0 136,495 3.8
Public transit 3,825 4.2 484,595 13.3
Walked 6,020 6.6 215,215 5.9
Bicycle 735 0.8 48,870 1.3
Other 870 1.0 34,620 1.0

Table 7 Average commuting duration for the employed labour force, Sherbrooke (CMA), Quebec

Table summary

This table presents the average commuting duration. The column headings are: average commuting duration; Sherbrooke and Quebec. The row includes the average commuting duration.

Table 7 Average commuting duration for the employed labour force
Commuting duration Sherbrooke Quebec
Average 18.8 25.2

Table 8 Employed Labour force by time leaving for work, Sherbrooke (CMA), Quebec

Table summary

This table presents time leaving for work. The column headings are: time leaving for work; Sherbrooke and Quebec, which are divided in number and percentage. The rows are: total; 5 to 5:59 a.m.; 6 to 6:59 a.m.; 7 to 7:59 a.m.; 8 to 8:59 a.m.; 9 to 11:59 a.m.; 12 p.m. to 4:59 a.m.

Table 8 Employed Labour force by time leaving for work
Time leaving for work Sherbrooke Quebec
number % number %
Total 91,430 100.0 3,633,085 100.0
5 to 5:59 a.m. 3,330 3.6 249,210 6.9
6 to 6:59 a.m. 14,880 16.3 679,010 18.7
7 to 7:59 a.m. 32,830 35.9 1,137,025 31.3
8 to 8:59 a.m. 20,810 22.8 737,375 20.3
9 to 11:59 a.m. 6,795 7.4 327,620 9.0
12 p.m. to 4:59 a.m. 12,780 14.0 502,850 13.8

Table 9 Employed labour force by place of work status, Sherbrooke (CMA), Quebec

Table summary

This table presents place of work. The column headings are: place of work; Sherbrooke and Quebec, which are divided in number and percentage. The rows are: total; usual place of work; worked at home; worked outside Canada; no fixed workplace address.

Table 9 Employed labour force by place of work status
Place of work Sherbrooke Quebec
number % number %
Total employed labour force 96,935 100.0 3,880,420 100.0
Usual place of work 84,530 87.2 3,301,560 85.1
Worked at home 5,260 5.4 237,625 6.1
Worked outside Canada 240 0.2 9,705 0.3
No fixed workplace address 6,905 7.1 331,520 8.5

In Sherbrooke, 4.4% (4,810) of the population aged 15 years and over who worked in 2010 or 2011 reported English only as the language used most often at work, 92.7% (102,300) reported French only and 2.5% (2,765) said they used both official languages (English and French) equally. In addition, 0.1% of the population aged 15 years and over who worked in 2010 or 2011 reported using an official language and a non-official language equally most often at work and 0.3% a non-official language only.

Furthermore, 23.0% (25,370) of the population aged 15 years and over who worked in 2010 or 2011 reported working in English on a regular basis, 2.6% (2,835) in French on a regular basis and 0.0% (0) in the country's two official languages on a regular basis. In addition, 0.2% (225) of of the population aged 15 years and over who worked in 2010 or 2011 reported using an official language and a non-official language on a regular basis at work and 0.4% (430) a non-official language only.

In Quebec, 11.9% (526,790) of the population aged 15 years and over who worked in 2010 or 2011 reported English only as the language used most often at work, 81.6% (3,614,285) reported French only and 5.3 (235,475) said they used both official languages (English and French) equally. Furthermore, 0.4% of the population aged 15 years and over who worked in 2010 or 2011 reported using an official language and a non-official language equally most often at work.

As for the language used at work on a regular basis in Quebec, the proportions are as follows: 21.3% (944,195) reported using English; 6.4% (284,730) use French; 0.0% (1,550) use both official languages; 0.4% (19,325) reported using an official language and a non-official language; and 1.0% (43,905) a non-official language only.

Table 10 Languages used at work, Sherbrooke (CMA), Quebec

Table summary

This table presents the languages used most often and regularly at work. The column headings are: languages used at work; language used most often at work and language used regularly at work for Sherbrooke and Quebec, which are divided in number and percentage. The rows are: Total population 15 years and over who worked since 2010; English only; French only; other language only; English and French; English and other language; French and other language; English, French and other language.

Table 10 Languages used at work
Languages used at work Language used most often Language used regularlyTable 1 Footnote 1
Sherbrooke Quebec Sherbrooke Quebec
number % number % number % number %
Table note(s):
Footnote 1

Other than the language spoken most often.

Return to footnote 1-1 referrer

Total population aged 15 years and over who worked since 2010 110,310 100.0 4,426,985 100.0 28,865 26.2 1,293,710 29.2
English only 4,810 4.4 526,790 11.9 25,370 23.0 944,195 21.3
French only 102,300 92.7 3,614,285 81.6 2,835 2.6 284,730 6.4
Other language only 305 0.3 31,755 0.7 430 0.4 43,905 1.0
English and French 2,765 2.5 235,475 5.3 0 0.0 1,550 0.0
English and other language 15 0.0 4,865 0.1 195 0.2 12,895 0.3
French and other language 55 0.0 4,770 0.1 25 0.0 6,355 0.1
English, French and other language. 55 0.0 9,040 0.2 0 0.0 75 0.0
None ... ... ... ... 81,440 73.8 3,133,275 70.8

In Sherbrooke, the non-official languages most used, most often or regularly, with or without an official language, are Spanish, Persian (Farsi) and Chinese languages, which account respectively for 0.3% (695), 0.0% (95) and 0.0% (55) of the population aged 15 years and over who worked in 2010 or 2011.

In Quebec, the non-official languages most used, most often or regularly, with or without an official language, are Spanish, Chinese languages and Arabic, which account respectively for 0.3% (29,245), 0.1% (11,740) and 0.1% (10,185) of the population aged 15 years and older who worked in 2010 or 2011.

Table 11 Non-official languages used at work, Sherbrooke (CMA), Quebec

Table summary

This table presents non-official languages used at work. The column headings are: languages used at work; language used at least regularly at work, language used most often at work and language used regularly at work for Sherbrooke and Quebec, which are divided in number and percentage. The rows are the top non-official languages used at least regularly at work.

Table 11 Non-official languages used at work
Languages used at work Language used at least regularlyTable 2 Footnote 2 Language used most oftenTable 2 Footnote 2 Language used regularlyTable 2 Footnote 1,Table 2 Footnote 3
Sherbrooke Quebec Sherbrooke Quebec Sherbrooke Quebec
number % rank number % rank number % rank number % rank number % rank number % rank
Table note(s):
Footnote 1

Other than the language spoken most often.

Return to footnote 2-1 referrer

Footnote 2

Percentages calculated over the population aged 15 years and over who worked in 2010 or 2011.

Return to footnote 2-2 referrer

Footnote 3

Percentages calculated over the population aged 15 years and over who worked in 2010 or 2011 and who declared one or more languages used regularly at work.

Return to footnote 2-3 referrer

Spanish 695 0.3 1 29,245 0.3 1 260 0.2 1 8,775 0.2 1 435 1.5 1 20,470 1.6 1
Persian (Farsi) 95 0.0 2 1,275 0.0 16 35 0.0 2 695 0.0 15 60 0.2 2 580 0.0 18
Chinese languages 55 0.0 3 11,740 0.1 2 35 0.0 2 7,385 0.2 2 20 0.1 4 4,355 0.3 4
Arabic 50 0.0 4 10,185 0.1 3 0 0.0 ... 4,305 0.1 4 50 0.2 3 5,880 0.5 3
Serbian 20 0.0 5 95 0.0 48 0 0.0 ... 20 0.0 57 20 0.1 4 75 0.0 42
Serbo-Croatian 20 0.0 5 55 0.0 53 20 0.0 4 35 0.0 49 0 0.0 ... 15 0.0 68
Income

Income composition

The total income for the population in private households can be broken down into two basic components: market incomeIncome Footnote 1 and government transfers.Income Footnote 2 In Sherbrooke, 83.6% of total income was from market income in 2010 and 16.4% was from government transfers. (Aggregate total income for Sherbrooke was 5.4 billion dollars in 2010.)

Figure 1 Income composition for the population in private households in 2010

Figure description

This stacked horizontal bar figure shows income composition for the population in private households. The y-axis is Canada, Quebec and Sherbrooke. The x-axis is percentage of income composition (market income and government transfer payments).

Market income's main component was employment income. In Sherbrooke, it accounted for $82.70 of every $100 of market income, below the figure for Quebec of $84.40. For the two components of employment income, wages and salaries represented $76.50 and net income from self-employment, $6.20.

The other components of market income were smaller than employment income: in Sherbrooke, investment income represented $5.30 per $100 of market income, retirement income, $10.20 and $1.80 came from other private sources of money.

The government transfers received in Sherbrooke were Canada Pension Plan or Quebec Pension Plan with $27.90 of every $100 of total government transfers received, Old Age Security (OAS) pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement ($25.00), Other income from government sources ($18.90), Employment Insurance benefits ($14.30), and Child benefits ($13.90).

Table 1 – Income composition for the population in private households in 2010, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada

Table summary

This table shows income composition for the population in private households in 2010. The column headings are: income composition, Sherbrooke, Quebec and Canada. The rows are: aggregate total income in millions of dollars which has main components of market income and government transfer payments. Market income is further divided into: employment income in percentage (including wages and salaries in percentage and self-employment income in percentage); investment income in percentage; retirement pensions, superannuation and annuities in percentage; other money income. Government transfer payments is further divided into: Canada / Quebec pension plan benefits in percentage; Old Age Security pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement in percentage; employment insurance benefits in percentage; child benefits in percentage and other income from government sources in percentage. Also included are income taxes paid (as a percent of total income) and after-tax income (as a percent of total income).

Table 1 – Income composition for the population in private households in 2010, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Income composition Sherbrooke (CMA) Quebec Canada
Aggregate total income (million $) 5,408.8 224,780.4 1,053,582.1
Composition of total income in 2010 (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0
Market income (%) 83.6 85.0 87.6
Employment income (%) 69.1 71.7 74.7
Wages and salaries (%) 63.9 66.8 70.3
Self-employment income (%) 5.2 4.9 4.4
Investment income (%) 4.4 4.1 4.6
Retirement pensions, superannuation and annuities (%) 8.5 7.6 6.7
Other money income (%) 1.5 1.6 1.7
Government transfer payments (%) 16.4 15.0 12.4
Canada/Quebec Pension Plan benefits (%) 4.6 3.9 3.5
Old Age Security pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement (%) 4.1 3.8 3.1
Employment Insurance benefits (%) 2.4 2.4 1.8
Child benefits (%) 2.3 2.2 1.5
Other income from government sources (%) 3.1 2.7 2.6
Income taxes paid – as a % of total income 15.6 16.7 16.4
After-tax income – as a % of total income 84.4 83.3 83.6

High total income

Among the Canadian population in private households aged 15 years and over, ten percent had total incomes of more than $80,400 in 2010. To be in the top five percent, Canadians needed to have a total income of slightly above $102,300 and to be in the top one percent required just over $191,100, nearly seven times the national median income of $27,800.Income Footnote 3

In Sherbrooke, 2.5% percent of the population aged 15 years and over had total income that put them in the top five percent and 0.6% in the top one percent. This compared with 3.3% and 0.7% in Quebec and 5.0% and 1.0% in Canada.

Table 2 – Population aged 15 years and over by total income, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada

Table summary

The following table presents the population aged 15 years and over by total income. The column headings are: total income, Sherbrooke, Quebec and Canada. The rows are: population aged 15 years and over by total income (count); without income or less than $27,815 in percentage; without income or less than $12,025 in percentage; $12,025 to $27,814 in percentage; $27,815 and over in percentage; $27,815 to $51,304 in percentage; $51,305 and over in percentage; $80,420 and over (top 10 percent) in percentage; $102,305 and over top 5 percent) in percentage and $191,150 and over (top 1 percent) in percentage.

Table 2 – Population aged 15 years and over by total income, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Total income Sherbrooke (CMA) Quebec Canada
Population 15 years and over by total income (count) 165,090 6,474,590 27,259,525
Without income or less than $27,815 (%) 53.3 51.9 50.0
Without income or less than $12,025 (%) 24.4 24.5 25.0
$12,025 to $27,814 (%) 28.9 27.3 25.0
$27,815 and over (%) 46.7 48.1 50.0
$27,815 to $51,304 (%) 28.9 27.6 25.0
$51,305 and over (%) 17.8 20.6 25.0
$80,420 and over (top 10 percent) (%) 5.2 6.7 10.0
$102,305 and over (top 5 percent) (%) 2.5 3.3 5.0
$191,150 and over (top 1 percent) (%) 0.6 0.7 1.0

A national map showing the spatial distribution of persons with total income in the top five percent of persons with the highest total income is also available. Canada. Percentage of population in top five percent of total income in 2010 by 2011 census division (CD)

Employment income

Of those persons with employment income in Sherbrooke, 47.2% worked full year, full timeIncome Footnote 4 in 2010 compared to 49.0% in Quebec. The median employment income was $38,946 for these workers ($41,963 for those in Quebec).

The top three most common occupations for those working full-year full-time in 2010 in Sherbrooke were Administrative assistants; Retail salespersons; and Retail and wholesale trade managers.

Table 3 – Median earnings of the most common full-year, full-time occupations in 2010, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada

Table summary

The following table presents the most common occupations for full-year, full-time workers in 2010. The column headings are: population with earnings who worked full-year, full-time in 2010, Sherbrooke divided into number and median earnings in dollars and Quebec and Canada divided in median earnings in dollars. The rows are the most common occupations.

Table 3 – Median earnings of the most common full-year, full-time occupations in 2010, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Population with earnings who worked full-year, full-time in 2010Income Footnote 5 Sherbrooke (CMA) Quebec Canada
number median earnings ($) median earnings ($) median earnings ($)
Administrative assistants 1,940 35,301 36,765 39,143
Retail salespersons 1,655 24,682 27,664 30,249
Retail and wholesale trade managers 1,555 35,311 36,326 42,697

Family income

The median after-tax income of economic families in Sherbrooke in 2010 was $56,451, the median for couple families was $60,971 and for lone-parent families, $39,169. For persons not in economic families (persons living alone or with non relatives only), the median after-tax income was $21,189.

These compare to the medians in Quebec of $59,560 for after-tax family income of all economic families, $64,197 for couple families, $41,275 for lone-parent families and $23,120 for persons living alone or without relatives.

Table 4 – Median after-tax income in 2010 for economic families and persons not in economic families, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada

Table summary

This table shows median after-tax income in 2010 by economic family structure and sex. The column headings are: economic family structure and sex, Sherbrooke divided into number and median after-tax income in dollars and Quebec and Canada divided into median after-tax income in dollars. The rows are: all economic families (couple families, lone-parent families, other economic families); persons not in economic families (males, females).

Table 4 – Median after-tax income in 2010 for economic families and persons not in economic families, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Economic family structure and sex Sherbrooke (CMA) Quebec Canada
number median after-tax income ($) median after-tax income ($) median after-tax income ($)
All economic families 55,670 56,451 59,560 67,044
Couple families 46,180 60,971 64,197 72,356
Lone-parent families 8,520 39,169 41,275 42,401
Other economic families 965 41,214 47,097 55,484
Persons not in economic families 40,240 21,189 23,120 25,761
Males 18,780 21,543 25,167 28,197
Females 21,465 20,829 21,605 23,917

Figure 2 Median after-tax income in 2010 for Sherbrooke, Quebec and Canada

Figure description

The following vertical bar figure shows the median after-tax income in 2010 by economic family structure and sex. The y-axis is the median after-tax income in dollars. The x-axis is economic family structure and sex including: all economic families; couple families; lone-parent families; other economic families; persons not in economic families; males not in economic families and females not in economic families.

Families came in different sizes and larger families may have benefited from pooling of resources and economies of scale. In Sherbrooke, based on their after-tax income adjusted for family size, 38.1% of the population was in the top half of the income distribution, below the rate of 42.3% in Quebec.

In Sherbrooke, the percentage of the population in the lowest income decile groupIncome Footnote 6 at 11.8% was higher than in Quebec (10.4%). The percentage of the population in the highest decile group was 4.2%, lower than in Quebec (5.6%).

Table 5 – Population in private households by adjusted after-tax family income in 2010, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada

Table summary

The following table shows the population in private households by adjusted after-tax income in 2010. The column headings are: percentage of private households in decile groups of adjusted after-tax income in 2010, Sherbrooke, Quebec and Canada. The rows are: population in private households as count, decile groups.

Table 5 – Population in private households by adjusted after-tax family income in 2010, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Population in private households by decile groups of adjusted after-tax income in 2010 Sherbrooke (CMA) Quebec Canada
Population in private households (count) 196,675 7,732,520 32,852,320
In bottom half of Canadian distribution (%) 61.9 57.7 50.0
In lowest decile (%) 11.8 10.4 10.0
In second decile (%) 12.1 11.5 10.0
In third decile (%) 13.4 12.1 10.0
In fourth decile (%) 13.1 12.1 10.0
In fifth decile (%) 11.5 11.6 10.0
In top half of Canadian distribution (%) 38.1 42.3 50.0
In sixth decile (%) 10.9 10.8 10.0
In seventh decile (%) 9.6 10.1 10.0
In eighth decile (%) 7.8 8.7 10.0
In ninth decile (%) 5.6 7.1 10.0
In highest decile (%) 4.2 5.6 10.0

Low incomeIncome Footnote 7

In the NHS, a relative measure is used to classify persons by income status: the low-income measure based on after-tax income (LIM-AT). For this measure, the income threshold is half the Canadian median of after-tax household income. The income has been adjusted to account for household size. Persons in households with a household income below this thresholdIncome Footnote 8 were considered to be in low income.

Based on the after-tax income low-income measure, the proportion of the population in low income in Sherbrooke was 18.2%, above the rate of 16.7% observed in Quebec. In Sherbrooke, compared to the population of all ages, for persons under 18, the rate was lower (16.4%) and for the population aged 65 years and over, it was higher at 19.2%.

Table 6 – Income status based on after-tax low-income measure (LIM-AT) in 2010, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada

Table summary

This table shows income status based on the after-tax low-income measure in 2010. The column headings are: income status, Sherbrooke, Quebec and Canada. The rows are: total - persons in private households for income status statistics (count); proportion in low income (based on LIM-AT) in percentage; under 18 years in percentage; under 6 years in percentage; 18 to 64 in percentage; 65 years and over in percentage.

Table 6 – Income status based on after-tax low-income measure (LIM-AT) in 2010, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Income status Sherbrooke (CMA) Quebec Canada
Total - Persons in private households for low income (count)Income Footnote 9 196,675 7,691,755 32,386,170
Proportion in low income (based on LIM-AT) (%) 18.2 16.7 14.9
Under 18 years (%) 16.4 16.3 17.3
Under 6 years (%) 16.2 16.8 18.1
18 to 64 years (%) 18.6 16.0 14.4
65 years and over (%) 19.2 20.1 13.4

A map showing the proportion of the population in low income within Sherbrooke CMA is also available.

Note(s):

Footnote 1

Market income includes income from all non-government sources such as employment, investments, private pensions and spousal or child support payments.

Income return to footnote 1 referrer

Footnote 2

Government transfers include Canada/Quebec Pension Plan benefits, Old Age Security (OAS) pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement, Employment Insurance benefits, child benefits and other income from government sources.

Income return to footnote 2 referrer

Footnote 3

The population aged 15 years and over without income and those with negative income are included at the bottom of the distribution.

Income return to footnote 3 referrer

Footnote 4

Full-year, full-time: worked 49 to 52 weeks, mainly full-time.

Income return to footnote 4 referrer

Footnote 5

Only the most common occupations with at least 250 persons with earnings who worked full-year, full-time are presented here.

Income return to footnote 5 referrer

Footnote 6

The income decile group provides a rough ranking of the economic situation of a person based on his or her relative position in the economic families adjusted after-tax income distribution. The population in private households is sorted according to its adjusted after-tax family income and then divided into 10 equal groups each containing 10% of the population.

Income return to footnote 6 referrer

Footnote 7

The low-income estimates from the National Household Survey (NHS) are not directly comparable to estimates from other sources such as earlier censuses or the Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics but comparisons of different groups or geographies with sufficient sample size within the NHS are of good quality.

Income return to footnote 7 referrer

Footnote 8

A household of four with after-tax income below $38,920 would be considered low income and, for a person living alone, the threshold was $19,460.

Income return to footnote 8 referrer

Footnote 9

For the purposes of low-income statistics, households in the territories and in First Nations communities were excluded. The use of a statistic based only on money income could be misleading in areas where there are substantial in-kind transfers or non-cash activities. In Sherbrooke, 0 persons in private households were excluded.

Income return to footnote 9 referrer

Housing

Housing

The number of households in Sherbrooke was 91,090. The homeownership rate in Sherbrooke was 54.9% - which was lower than the Quebec homeownership rate of 61.2%.

Table 1 – Housing tenure for all households, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada

Table summary

This table shows the number and percentage of households by housing tenure for Sherbrooke, Quebec. The column headings are: housing tenure; Sherbrooke, Quebec and Canada showing number and percentage. The rows are: total households; owner and renter.

Table 1 – Housing tenure for all households, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Housing tenure Sherbrooke (CMA) Quebec Canada
number percentage percentage percentage
Total households 91,090 100.0 100.0 100.0
Owner 50,010 54.9 61.2 69.0
Renter 41,080 45.1 38.6 30.6

Sherbrooke – AffordabilityHousing Footnote 1

Households in Sherbrooke that paid 30% or more of household total income toward shelter costs represented 24.9% of non-farm, non-reserve households with total income greater than zero. This proportion was higher than the Quebec proportion (23.4%).

A lower proportion of owner households paid 30% or more compared to tenant households in Sherbrooke (13.2% for owners versus 39.1% for renters).

Households in Sherbrooke paid an average monthly shelter cost of $772 – which was lower than the Quebec amount of $839. The average monthly shelter cost for tenant households was $626, this was lower than the average monthly shelter cost for owner households of $893.

Table 2 – Housing affordability for non-farm, non-reserve households, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada

Table summary

This table shows the percentage of households spending 30% or more of 2010 total income on shelter costs for the selected geography. The column headings are: housing indicator; housing tenure; Sherbrooke, Quebec and Canada. The rows are: percentage of households spending 30% or more of 2010 total income on shelter costs and average monthly shelter cost ($). Both are further divided into total, owner and renter.

Table 2 – Housing affordability for non-farm, non-reserve households, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Housing indicator Housing tenure Sherbrooke (CMA) Quebec Canada
Percentage of households spending 30% or more of 2010 total
income on shelter costsHousing Table 2 Footnote 1
Total 24.9 23.4 25.2
Owner 13.2 14.9 18.5
Renter 39.1 36.8 40.1
Average monthly shelter cost ($) Total 772 839 1,050
Owner 893 936 1,141
Renter 626 685 848

Table note(s):

Footnote 1

Excludes households with zero or negative income in 2010.

Housing: Return to footnote 2-1 referrer

Sherbrooke – Need for major repairsHousing Footnote 2

In Sherbrooke, 5.2% of households reported living in dwellings that required major repairs. This was lower than the Quebec proportion of 7.2%. The proportion of households reporting major repair requirements was higher for owners than renters (5.2% for owner-occupied dwellings and 5.1% for renter-occupied dwellings).

Table 3 – Need for major repairs by housing tenure, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada

Table summary

This table shows percentage of households who reported that their dwelling was in need of major repairs. The column headings are: housing indicator; housing tenure; Sherbrooke, Quebec and Canada. The row under housing indicator is: percentage of households reporting that their dwelling was in need of major repairs, which is further divided into total, owner and renter.

Table 3 – Need for major repairs by housing tenure, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Housing indicator Housing tenure Sherbrooke (CMA) Quebec Canada
Percentage of households reporting that their dwelling
was in need of major repairs
Total 5.2 7.2 7.4
Owner 5.2 6.5 6.4
Renter 5.1 8.0 9.1

Sherbrooke – Suitability

In Sherbrooke, 3.1% of households lived in dwellings that were not suitable; that is, the dwelling was crowded because there were not enough bedrooms based on the National Occupancy Standard.Housing Footnote 3 This was lower than the Quebec proportion of 4.8%. The proportion of households living in dwellings that were not suitable was lower for owners than renters (2.1% for owner households and 4.4% for renter households).

Table 4 – Housing suitability by housing tenure, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada

Table summary

This table shows percentage of households living in dwellings that were not suitable. The column headings are: housing indicator; housing tenure; Sherbrooke, Quebec and Canada. The rows are: percentage of households living in dwellings that were not suitable, which is further divided into total, owner and renter.

Table 4 – Housing suitability by housing tenure, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Housing indicator Housing tenure Sherbrooke (CMA) Quebec Canada
Percentage of households living
in dwellings that were not suitable
Total 3.1 4.8 6.0
Owner 2.1 2.8 3.8
Renter 4.4 7.8 10.6

Sherbrooke – Condominium by period of construction

Out of the 91,090 households in Sherbrooke, 6,135 lived in condominium dwellings.

Of dwellings built between 2001 and 2011, 2,065 (13.9%) were condominiums. Of dwellings built between 1991 and 2000, 1,160 (10.0%) were condominiums. Between 1981 and 1990, 1,455 (9.3%) were condominiums, and, for 1980 or before, 1,455 (3.0%) were condominiums.

Figure description

This stacked vertical bar chart shows the percentage of condominiums and non-condominiums by period of construction. The y-axis is percentage and x-axis is period of construction including: 1980 or before; 1981 to 1990; 1991 to 2000; 2001 to 2011 and total.

Note(s):

Footnote 1

In 1986, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the provinces agreed to use the 30% threshold to measure affordability for the purposes of defining need for social housing. This agreement was reached during the development of the federal/provincial social housing programs.

Housing return to footnote 1 referrer

Footnote 2

The need for major repairs is based on the judgment of the respondent. Examples of major repairs provided to respondents included defective plumbing or electrical wiring, structural repairs to walls, floors or ceilings, etc.

Housing return to footnote 2 referrer

Footnote 3

Housing suitability and the National Occupancy Standard (NOS) were developed by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) through consultations with provincial housing agencies.

Housing return to footnote 3 referrer

Related data

Related data

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