Population of Laval, Quebec (2026 Updated Overview)
Laval is the third-largest city in Quebec, after Montreal and Quebec City. Its population has continued to grow steadily over the past decade thanks to immigration, family settlement, and its role as a major suburban and commercial hub of Greater Montreal. This 2026 guide covers the latest population numbers, growth trends, demographics, and what’s driving Laval’s expansion.
Current Population (2026)
As of the most recent estimates, Laval has a population of approximately 460,000–465,000 residents, up from 438,366 at the 2021 Canadian census. This represents about 5.4% of Quebec’s total population.
Population Growth Over Time
| Year | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 343,005 | Statistics Canada Census |
| 2011 | 401,553 | Statistics Canada Census |
| 2016 | 422,993 | Statistics Canada Census |
| 2021 | 438,366 | Statistics Canada Census |
| 2026 (est.) | 460,000–465,000 | Provincial estimates |
Laval has grown by approximately 35% over the past 25 years, faster than the Quebec average.
Why Laval Is Growing
- Immigration: Laval has been one of Quebec’s top destinations for new immigrants, especially from North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
- Family settlement: Larger and more affordable single-family homes compared to Montreal Island attract young families.
- Commercial expansion: Centropolis, Carrefour Laval, and major employers offer growing job opportunities outside downtown Montreal.
- Transit connections: Three metro stations (Montmorency, De la Concorde, Cartier) on the Orange Line make commuting to Montreal easy.
- REM Phase 2: The Réseau express métropolitain expansion plans will further connect Laval to Montreal Island and the airport.
Laval’s Demographic Snapshot
- Median age: ~42 years (similar to Quebec average)
- Households: ~175,000
- Languages spoken at home: French (~60%), English (~5%), other languages (~35%)
- Most common non-official mother tongues: Arabic, Italian, Greek, Armenian, Spanish
- Area: 247 km²
- Population density: ~1,870/km²
How Laval Compares to Other Quebec Cities
- Montreal: ~1.8M (city proper), ~4.4M (metro area)
- Quebec City: ~545,000
- Laval: ~460,000
- Gatineau: ~295,000
- Longueuil: ~250,000
- Sherbrooke: ~170,000
Laval Within Greater Montreal
Laval is part of the Greater Montreal Metropolitan Area (CMM), which has a combined population of about 4.4 million. Within the CMM, Laval ranks second after Montreal Island for population.
What’s Driving the Numbers
Provincial demographic data suggests Laval’s growth will continue through 2030, supported by ongoing immigration and the REM expansion. Affordable housing remains a relative advantage compared to Montreal Island, though prices have risen sharply since 2020.
Sources
Population figures sourced from Statistics Canada (Census 2001, 2011, 2016, 2021), Institut de la statistique du Québec, and the City of Laval annual reports.
