Moncton, New Brunswick Population

Moncton, New Brunswick, is the most populous city in the Canadian province, with a population of around 88,000 as of 2024. The city's metropolitan area, which includes Dieppe and Riverview, has an estimated population of 140,000, making it the largest CMA in New Brunswick and the second-largest in the Maritime Provinces. Moncton has experienced significant population growth in recent years, with a 5.4% growth rate in 2023, largely driven by immigration. The city covers a total area of 141.17 square kilometres and has a population density of approximately 489.3 people per square kilometre. Moncton is officially bilingual, with a large English and French-speaking population, and is known for its diverse economy, strong employment rate, and cultural attractions.

Moncton's population growth

Moncton, the most populous city in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, has experienced rapid population growth in recent years, solidifying its position as the fastest-growing metropolitan area in Canada. Between July 2021 and July 2022, the Moncton metropolitan area's population surged by 5.3%, almost three times the national average. This growth trend has persisted for several years, with the city attracting young adults, immigrants, and interprovincial migrants.

The population growth in Moncton has brought about both benefits and challenges. On the one hand, it has helped fill labour force gaps and contributed to economic growth. On the other hand, it has put a strain on housing, healthcare, and other infrastructure, leading to increased real estate prices and rents.

As of 2024, Moncton's population is estimated to be around 86,110, with the broader metropolitan area, including Dieppe and Riverview, estimated at 140,000. The city's ability to manage its growth and address the associated challenges will be crucial for sustaining its momentum and maintaining its appeal as a desirable place to live.

Moncton's racial demographics

Moncton, New Brunswick, is a fairly racially homogeneous city, with most people claiming Northwestern European ancestry. The city's population is predominantly White, with approximately 82.4% of residents identifying as such in the 2021 census. Visible minorities make up around 14.9% of the population, with the largest ethnic minority groups being Black (5.3%), South Asian (3.0%), Arab (1.5%), Filipino (1.3%), Chinese (0.9%), Southeast Asian (0.8%), Korean (0.7%), and Latin American (0.7%).

The city has a significant French-speaking Acadian community, accounting for about 32% of the population. Moncton is officially bilingual, with English and French being widely spoken and understood by almost half of the city's residents. This linguistic duality is unique among Canadian cities, shared only by Ottawa, Montreal, and Sudbury.

In terms of immigration, the 2021 census reported that 10.9% of Moncton's population was born outside of Canada. The top countries of origin for immigrants include the Philippines, India, the United States, China, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Syria, South Korea, France, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Moncton's linguistic duality

Moncton, a city in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, is known for its linguistic duality, with a large proportion of its population being bilingual in English and French. This duality has played a significant role in the city's history and development.

Moncton was officially founded in 1766 by Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants, led by Captain John Hall. It was first established as an agricultural settlement, but by the 1840s, a large woodcutting and shipbuilding industry had emerged, leading to significant growth and incorporation in 1855. However, by the 1860s, the shipbuilding economy collapsed, resulting in Moncton losing its civic charter.

The city rebounded in the 1870s, with the establishment of a steam-powered train and railway industry. The Intercolonial Railway of Canada chose Moncton as its headquarters, and the city regained its charter, adopting the motto "Resurgo" (I rise again). Moncton became a major railway hub, a status it maintained for over a century until the Canadian National Railway shops closed in the 1980s, leading to another economic collapse.

Moncton once again demonstrated its resilience by diversifying its economy in the following decades. The city found new opportunities in information technology and bilingual call centres, leveraging its bilingual workforce to boost the local technology sector. This transformation, known as the "Moncton Miracle," solidified Moncton's reputation for economic resilience and strong linguistic duality.

As of 2021, Moncton's population was estimated to be around 79,470, with a metropolitan population of over 150,000. The city's linguistic duality is evident in its demographics, with English being the first language for 65% of residents, while 32% speak French as their mother tongue. Notably, almost half of the city's population is bilingual, speaking both English and French fluently. This proportion of linguistic duality is among the highest in Canada, surpassed only by Ottawa, Montreal, and Sudbury.

Moncton's bilingual status is officially recognised, and it became Canada's first officially bilingual city in 2002. This means that all municipal services, public notices, and information are available in both English and French. The adjacent city of Dieppe also has a significant Francophone population, while the town of Riverview is predominantly Anglophone.

Moncton's bilingualism has also played a role in its economic development. The city has attracted federal employment and call centres due to its high proportion of bilingual workers and its location between predominantly Francophone and Anglophone areas. Moncton is home to regional head offices for several Canadian federal agencies and numerous call centres, providing employment opportunities for its diverse linguistic population.

Moncton's economy and employment

Moncton's economy is stable and diversified, with a strong foundation in transportation, distribution, retail, and commerce. The city's central location in the Maritime Provinces has historically contributed to its economic success, initially as a hub for wooden shipbuilding and, later, as a railway town.

Moncton has proven its resilience, recovering from economic shocks caused by the collapse of the shipbuilding industry in the 1860s and the closure of the Canadian National Railway (CNR) locomotive shops in the 1980s. The city has since diversified its economic base and experienced a "Moncton Miracle", with sectors such as information technology and bilingual call centres driving growth.

Today, Moncton's economy is characterised by its multi-sector strength, with insurance, financial services, ICT, transportation, retail, business process outsourcing, and advanced manufacturing all playing significant roles. The city's bilingual workforce, with almost half of the population speaking both French and English, is a key asset, making it attractive for federal employment and call centres.

Moncton's diverse real estate options, low corporate tax rates, and low-cost business environment, including affordable commercial real estate, make it an attractive location for businesses. The city also boasts a talented and skilled workforce, with major employers including Assumption Life Insurance, Medavie Blue Cross Insurance, Armour Transportation Systems, and Major Drilling Group International.

The strength of Moncton's economy has been recognised nationally, with a local unemployment rate that consistently remains below the national average. Moncton was named the "best city for business in Canada" by Canadian Business magazine in 2004 and ranked as the fifth most business-friendly small-sized city in North America by FDi magazine in 2007.

Moncton's immigration

Moncton, New Brunswick, is a popular destination for immigrants, and its diverse and welcoming community has helped the city rebound from economic struggles.

Moncton was officially founded in 1766 when Pennsylvania Dutch and German immigrants arrived in the area. Initially an agricultural settlement, Moncton developed a large shipbuilding industry by the mid-1840s, which led to significant growth and incorporation in 1855. However, the shipbuilding economy collapsed in the 1860s, causing Moncton to lose its civic charter.

Moncton's economy rebounded in the 1870s, thanks to the establishment of a steam-powered train and railway industry in the area. The Intercolonial Railway of Canada chose Moncton as its headquarters, and the city remained a railway hub for over a century. This transformation led Moncton to reincorporate as a town in 1875, with the motto "Resurgo" (I rise again).

Despite further economic challenges in the late 20th century, including the closure of the Canadian National Railway shops in the 1980s, Moncton has proven its resilience. The city has successfully diversified its economy, particularly in the information technology and bilingual call centre sectors, which have contributed to its strong recovery.

Today, Moncton continues to attract immigrants from around the world, and its population is growing. The city offers a high quality of life, with a low cost of living, excellent recreational facilities, and a safe and friendly community. Moncton's bilingualism, with English and French-speaking communities, is a unique feature that enhances its appeal.

The Greater Moncton Immigration Strategy 2020-2024 aims to grow the population and strengthen the community. This strategy outlines the contributions of immigrants to the local economy and details actions to attract and integrate newcomers. Moncton provides a range of services to support immigrants, including job fairs, credential evaluation, language training, and social events. The city's educational institutions, such as the Université de Moncton, also play a vital role in welcoming international students and promoting cultural diversity.

Moncton's reputation as a welcoming and prosperous city has made it a top choice for individuals and families seeking new opportunities in Canada.

Frequently asked questions