Sign In Register

Lac-Mégantic, QC

Quebec

Lac-Mégantic is a small city in Quebec with a population of 5,747. Residents earn $50,800 per year, which is 32% below the national average.

2.9 /5.0
C+ Fair
5,747 Population 677/sq mi density
$50,800 Median Income $38,280 per capita
$180,000 Home Value
$604 Median Rent 18.4% income on rent
43°F Avg Temperature 221 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.9 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.5 / 5.0
$50,800 median income, 7.5% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.7 / 5.0
$180,000 home value, $604/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
D
Education
1.7 / 5.0
9.2% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Lac-Mégantic, QC

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $50,800
32% lower than US avg
Home Value $180,000
36% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 9.2%
73% lower than US avg
Median Rent $604
48% lower than US avg
Unemployment 7.5%
108% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 18.4%
48% higher than US avg

How Lac-Mégantic Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population5,747
Median Age53.6 yrs
Density677/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 98%

Economy

C+
Median Income$50,800
Per Capita$38,280
Unemployment7.5%
Poverty18.4%
Commute15 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$180,000
Rent$604
Ownership54.0%
Housing Units2,935
Rent Burden18.4%

Crime

C+
Property3,500/100K
Burglary484/100K

Climate

Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
Rain52.0 in/yr
Sunny Days221/yr
Elevation1,306 ft (398 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+9.2%
High School+25.8%
Graduate+2.4%

Community

Commute15 min

Is Lac-Mégantic a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Lac-Mégantic receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Lac-Mégantic has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Lac-Mégantic is $50,800, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 18.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Lac-Mégantic is $180,000, 36% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $604 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.

Education

9.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 25.8% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Lac-Mégantic has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 221 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 52.0 inches, including 87.9 inches of snow.

Lac-Mégantic has a population of 5,747 with a density of 677 people per square mile, spread across 8.5 square miles. The median age is 53.6 years, 38% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.4% male. The city is predominantly White (97.8%), with 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 1.4% of residents, while 96.2% speak Spanish.

Population

5,747
Total Population
2021 Census
677
People / sq mi
53.6yrs
Median Age
38% above US avg
8.5mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 47.4%
Female 52.7%

Race & Ethnicity

Lac-Mégantic vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 1.4%
98% below US avg
Spanish 96.2%
618% above US avg
Other Languages 2.4%

Social Characteristics

Lac-Mégantic vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Lac-Mégantic is $50,800, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,280. The average weekly wage is $736, 49% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 178 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Lac-Mégantic vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$50,800
32% below US avg
Per Capita Income$38,280
Avg Weekly Wage$736

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment7.5%
108% above US avg
Poverty Rate18.4%
48% above US avg
Establishments (County)178

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time15.0 min
Drive Alone81.7%
Public Transit1.1%
Work from Home9.2%

Walkability

The median home value in Lac-Mégantic is $180,000, 36% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $604 (48% below the national average of $1,163). 54.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,935 total housing units in the city. 18.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$180,000
36% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$604
48% below US avg
Rent Burden18.4%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership54.0%
Owner-Occupied54.0%
Renter-Occupied46.0%
Housing Units2,935

Property Tax

Property crime stands at 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,503, burglary at 484, vehicle theft at 505 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Lac-Mégantic receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Lac-Mégantic vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Total Property3,500.0/100K
79% above US avg
Burglary483.9/100K
Theft2,503.4/100K
Vehicle Theft504.8/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Lac-Mégantic has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 221 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 52.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 87.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,306 feet.

Temperature

22°F Jan (-6°C) 67°F Jul (20°C)
Annual Average42.7°F
21% below US avg
January Average22°F (-6°C)
July Average67°F (20°C)
Sunny Days221 days/yr

Geography

Elevation1,306 ft (398 m)
Area8.5 sq mi (22.0 km²)
Population Density677/sq mi
Coordinates45.5834°N, 70.8823°W
TimezoneAmerica/Toronto

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 52.0"
37% above US avg
Snowfall 87.9"
Wettest Month (Aug) 5.16"
Driest Month (Feb) 2.95"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

29 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Feb 17, 2025.

Nov 6, 1997 4 km W of L'Ancienne-Lorette, Canada M4.8 141 km
Jan 17, 2000 4 km NNE of Dixfield, Maine M3.6 118 km
Jul 23, 2010 18 km S of Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly, Canada M3.5 117 km
Apr 3, 1997 9 km ENE of Saint-Cyrille-de-Wendover, Canada M3.5 121 km
Aug 27, 2011 24 km SSW of Montmagny, Canada M3.5 134 km
Jan 4, 2018 18 km SSE of Beaupré, Canada M3.4 147 km
Apr 29, 2009 7 km SSE of L'Ange-Gardien, Canada M3.4 142 km
Dec 25, 1999 4 km NE of Saint Albans, Maine M3.0 138 km
Apr 15, 2010 7 km WNW of Valcourt, Canada M3.0 119 km
Nov 6, 1997 4 km SSW of L'Ancienne-Lorette, Canada M2.9 136 km
Jan 3, 2018 18 km SSE of Beaupré, Canada M2.9 147 km
Nov 9, 2009 southern Quebec, Canada M2.9 119 km
Nov 8, 1997 2 km SW of L'Ancienne-Lorette, Canada M2.9 138 km
Feb 4, 2022 0 km SSW of Gorham, New Hampshire M2.9 135 km
Nov 6, 1997 St. Lawrence Valley region, Quebec, Canada M2.8 139 km
Apr 21, 2010 7 km WNW of Valcourt, Canada M2.7 118 km
Apr 15, 2010 9 km W of Valcourt, Canada M2.7 121 km
Aug 9, 2021 12 km E of Bécancour, Canada M2.7 138 km
Mar 29, 2017 3 km NNE of Bécancour, Canada M2.7 147 km
Aug 13, 2016 southern Quebec, Canada M2.7 136 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 22°F (-6°C) 3.5 in
February 12°F (-11°C) 3.0 in Coldest, Driest
March 23°F (-5°C) 3.4 in
April 36°F (2°C) 3.2 in
May 50°F (10°C) 4.0 in
June 59°F (15°C) 4.8 in
July 67°F (20°C) 4.5 in Warmest
August 62°F (17°C) 5.2 in Wettest
September 54°F (12°C) 4.1 in
October 43°F (6°C) 3.9 in
November 31°F (-0°C) 4.1 in
December 17°F (-8°C) 3.8 in

Lac-Mégantic has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 12°F in February to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (5.2") and February the driest (3.0").

View full weather details →
9.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 73% below the national average of 33.7%. 25.8% have completed high school. 2.4% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 81.7% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+9.2%
73% below US avg
High School+25.8%
Graduate Degree+2.4%
D Education Grade (1.7/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density677/sq mi
Total Area8.5 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute15.0 min
Drive Alone81.7%
Public Transit1.1%
Work from Home9.2%

Colleges & Universities in Lac-Mégantic

Institution Type Enrollment Acceptance In-State Tuition Out-of-State
Cégep Beauce-Appalaches

Schools in Lac-Mégantic

3 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
École Notre-Dame-de-Fatima
École Sacré-Coeur
École Polyvalente Montignac
View full schools details →

Museums in Lac-Mégantic

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Abri du prêtre
Maison Culturelle Laurier Gauthier

Hotels in Lac-Mégantic

4 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Auberge et Chalets sur le Lac
Auberge Majella
ESTELLO SUITES & SPA
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lac-Megantic

Cafes in Lac-Mégantic

3 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Café Bistro La Brûlerie
Musi-Café
Tim Hortons

Monuments in Lac-Mégantic

1 monuments within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Lions

Gas Stations in Lac-Mégantic

5 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Canadian Tire
Esso
Olco
Shell
Ultramar

Banks in Lac-Mégantic

2 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Desjardins
National Bank

Shopping Malls in Lac-Mégantic

1 shopping malls within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Carrefour Lac Mégantic

Ski Resorts Near Lac-Mégantic

3 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Ski Eldorado - Secteur St-Paul 0.0 $0
Ski Eldorado - Secteur 10e Rang 0.0 $0
Centre de ski Saint-Georges 0.0 $0

Airports Near Lac-Mégantic

11 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Saint-Georges AirportMedium Airport
Gifford FieldSmall Airport
Lac William ice runway (seasonal)Small Airport
Lambton AirportSmall Airport
Newton FieldSmall Airport
Saint-Ferdinand AirportSmall Airport
Saint-Victor-de-Beauce AirportSmall Airport
St-Frédéric AirportSmall Airport
Steven A. Bean Municipal AirportSmall Airport
Sugarloaf Regional AirportSmall Airport
Thetford Mines AirportSmall Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Lac-Mégantic

2 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Eglise Evangélique Fontaine d'Eau Vive
Église Sainte-Agnès

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Lac-Mégantic.

Get Report

Frequently Asked Questions About Lac-Mégantic

What is the population of Lac-Mégantic?

Lac-Mégantic has a population of 5,747 residents and is located in Quebec. The population density is 677 people per square mile, spread across 8.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.4% male.

Is Lac-Mégantic expensive to live in?

The median household income is $50,800, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $180,000 (36% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $604 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Lac-Mégantic safe?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lac-Mégantic receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Lac-Mégantic?

Lac-Mégantic has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 221 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 52.0 inches, with 87.9 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Lac-Mégantic?

The unemployment rate in Lac-Mégantic is 7.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $736. There are 178 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 9.2% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Lac-Mégantic?

The median home value in Lac-Mégantic is $180,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $604. The homeownership rate is 54.0%.

How are the schools in Lac-Mégantic?

9.2% of adults in Lac-Mégantic hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 25.8% have completed high school. 2.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Lac-Mégantic?

The average commute in Lac-Mégantic is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.7% of workers drive alone to work, 1.1% use public transit, and 9.2% work from home.

What are the demographics of Lac-Mégantic?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lac-Mégantic is 97.8% White, 1.2% Black or African American. 1.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 96.2% speak Spanish.

Nearby Cities

Compare Lac-Mégantic with another city: