Economic profile

Ville de Rivière-du-Loup Economic profile

Did you know that Rivière-du-Loup is one of Canada’s entrepreneurial leaders? We’re not making this up! The Canadian Federation of Independent Business gave us top rank in its annual classification. Wouldn’t you rather do business with the leader?

Economic profile
With a population approaching 20,000, Rivière-du-Loup is the administrative centre of the Regional County Municipality (MRC) of the same name, home to 33,958 people. Its commercial and economic influence extends far beyond this territory.

Located in the heart of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, the city is considered a veritable crossroads of regional services and development. Halfway between Montréal and Gaspé, it is close to New Brunswick, the State of Maine and, across the St. Lawrence River, Charlevoix, the Saguenay and the North Shore, connected by ferry service.

Rivière-du-Loup is easy to reach by a well-developed highway, rail, air and sea network. The hub of major highways in eastern Canada is also located in Rivière-du-Loup.

See the Transportation section

Although natural resource extraction and processing is a key component of the local economy, industrial, commercial and service sectors, such as tourism and culture, also form an integral part of our business mix.

Another interesting point: Rivière-du-Loup is home to many organizations and associations that support economic vitality and stimulate entrepreneurship.

Our main economic sectors
- Peat and agro-environmental
- Ecoconstruction
- Food processing
- Metallurgy, glass
- Tourism
- Transportation
- Retail
- Information technology and remote sensing
- Financial services
Last modification : novembre 15, 2023
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Economic statistics

Données démographiques

Population	20 118 personnes
Average age (MRC)	44,5 ans
Demographic outlook (MRC)	+ 2,4 % d’ici 2036

General data

City area	84,76 km2
Average population density	230,9 habitants/km2
Median employment income, 25-64 years (MRC)	36 732 $
Disposable income per capita (MRC)	24 974 $
Total value of building permits (MRC)	45 929 $
Average assessed value of single-family homes (MRC)	173 255 $

Sources : Recensement canadien de 2016 et Institut de la statistique du Québec.

Number of companies and organizations

Stores and services	417
Manufacturing companies	42
Agricultural operations (farms)	14
Financial intermediaries	33
Professional services	81
Accommodation and food services	83
Social and health services	122
Educational institutions	23
Construction companies	63
Transportation companies	36
Government and public services	29
Teaching services	23
Entertainment and recreation	30

Source : CLD de la région de Rivière-du-Loup

Leading employers

Company or organization	Economic sector	Number of employees (2017)
CISSS, Rivière-du-Loup facility	Health	1500
Premier Tech	Horticulture, agriculture, biotechnology, industrial equipment	1050
Commission scolaire Kamouraska–Rivière-du-Loup	Education	912
Viandes du Breton	Agri-food	550
Lepage Millwork	Manufacture of doors and windows	340
Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup	Education	300
Prelco	Glass processing	250
Ville de Rivière-du-Loup	Municipality	207
Papiers White Birch - FF Soucy	Pulp and paper	200