Newfoundland and Labrador demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
510,550
1.2 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$71,500/yr
Private dwellings
269,184

Newfoundland and Labrador population

How many people live in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador is home to 510,550 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49% identify as male and 51% as female.

Total population
510,550
1.2% year-over-year change
Population density
1.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49%
250,075
Female
51%
260,475
Value Percent
Male 250,075 49%
Female 260,475 51%
A larger population often brings more rental variety and a busier pace of life. The gender breakdown, namely the ratio of men to women in the area, offers clues about the community’s vibe and social landscape.

Age demographics

The average age in Newfoundland and Labrador is 45.5. Children under 15 make up 13.4% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.2%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 10.3% are 25 to 34, 11.8% are 35 to 44, and 14.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 23.6%.

Average age
45.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.4%
15 to 24
10.2%
25 to 34
10.3%
35 to 44
11.8%
45 to 54
14.2%
55 to 64
16.6%
Over 65
23.6%
Value Percent
Under 15 68,190 13.4%
15 to 24 51,795 10.2%
25 to 34 52,570 10.3%
35 to 44 60,335 11.8%
45 to 54 72,370 14.2%
55 to 64 84,670 16.6%
Over 65 120,610 23.6%
Age distribution gives you a glimpse into who makes up the area. Younger communities might feel more energetic or student-friendly, while older ones tend to be calmer and more settled. A mix of age groups usually means a balance of parks, schools, healthcare, and other services for all walks of life.

Residence status

In Newfoundland and Labrador, 96.1% of residents were born in Canada, while 2.8% have settled here from abroad. Another 1% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
96.1%
Immigrants
2.8%
Non-permanent residents
1%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 482,615 96.1%
Immigrants 14,250 2.8%
Non-permanent residents 5,235 1%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
3.4%
Non-minorities
96.6%
Value Percent
Minorities 16,855 3.4%
Non-minorities 485,240 96.6%
Knowing how many people in the area are newcomers, temporary residents, or Canadian-born can give you a feel for how established or internationally connected a community is. It may also hint at the kind of services, food, and cultural touchpoints you’ll find nearby.
Languages used in Newfoundland and Labrador
English
99.4%
French
0.4%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.1%
Value Percent
English 501,645 99.4%
French 2,110 0.4%
English and French 345 0.1%
Neither English nor French 705 0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99.4% of people in Newfoundland and Labrador speak English as their primary language, 0.4% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.1% use other languages.

Language use shapes everything from signage to services. Whether you're looking for bilingual support or just curious about the local vibe, these stats give a quick peek at how people connect day-to-day.

Households in Newfoundland and Labrador

A peek inside Newfoundland and Labrador households

Newfoundland and Labrador has 223,250 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 27.9% of all homes, while 40.7% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.7%, and homes with four or more people account for 15.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
223,250
Average people per household
2.3
1 person
27.9%
2 persons
40.7%
3 persons
15.7%
4 persons
11.4%
5 or more persons
4.2%
Value Percent
1 person 62,290 27.9%
2 persons 90,925 40.7%
3 persons 35,080 15.7%
4 persons 25,555 11.4%
5 or more persons 9,400 4.2%
Household size can reveal a lot about how people live in the area. More one- and two-person homes might hint at a mix of young professionals or empty nesters, while larger households often reflect families or multi-generational setups. It’s a good indicator of the kinds of rentals and living spaces you'll find nearby.

Housing in Newfoundland and Labrador

The housing landscape of Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador has a total of 269,184 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 72.3% are single-detached houses, 26.8% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.4% are apartments. When it comes to space, Newfoundland and Labrador offers a variety of home sizes: 6% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 70% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 24.3% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
269,184
Housing types
Single-detached homes
72.3%
Attached homes
26.8%
Apartments
0.4%
Movable homes
0.6%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 161,410 72.3%
Attached homes 59,735 26.8%
Apartments 810 0.4%
Movable homes 1,295 0.6%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
6%
2 or 3 bedrooms
70%
4 or more bedrooms
24.3%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 13,455 6%
2 or 3 bedrooms 155,545 70%
4 or more bedrooms 54,255 24.3%
Homes built since 2011
25,305

The age of buildings in Newfoundland and Labrador

About 7.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 11.1% between 1946 and 1960. Another 13.3% went up in the 1960s, 18.6% in the 1970s, and 14.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 11.7% of homes were added, and 12.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 15,835 7.1%
Between 1946 and 1960 24,805 11.1%
Between 1961 and 1970 29,625 13.3%
Between 1971 and 1980 41,550 18.6%
Between 1981 and 1990 33,060 14.8%
Between 1991 and 2000 26,120 11.7%
Between 2001 and 2010 26,955 12.1%
After 2011 25,305 11.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Newfoundland and Labrador occupancy rates

In Newfoundland and Labrador, there are 223,253 occupied private dwellings, of which 75.7% are owner-occupied and 24% are rented. Meanwhile, 45,931 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
223,253
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
24%
Owned households
75.7%
Value Percent
Rented households 53,680 24%
Owned households 169,010 75.7%
Unoccupied dwellings
45,931
Understanding whether homes are owned or rented gives insight into the housing market’s stability and flexibility. High ownership rates may point to longer-term residents and more stable neighbourhoods, while a greater share of rentals can indicate mobility, availability, or housing diversity. Vacancy levels can also hint at supply-and-demand dynamics for renters.

Shelter costs

In Newfoundland and Labrador, homeowners pay a median of $750 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $870. About 85.4% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 14.6% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$750
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$870
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
85.4%
≥30% on shelter
14.6%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 189,435 85.4%
≥30% on shelter 32,390 14.6%
Shelter cost includes all monthly expenses tied to housing—like rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and additional fees. Owners usually cover a wider range of costs, while renters typically just pay rent plus basic services. Comparing these numbers gives a clearer view of what living in the area actually costs, and whether households are stretched beyond the 30% affordability benchmark.

Education in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador education at a glance

In Newfoundland and Labrador, educational attainment varies across the community. About 20.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 27.6% have completed high school and 9.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 23.4% have graduated from college. Finally, 2% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 16.6% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 88,710 20.4%
High school diploma 119,855 27.6%
Apprenticeship diploma 42,715 9.8%
College diploma 101,680 23.4%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 8,810 2%
University degree 72,190 16.6%
Education levels give a snapshot of the local talent pool and job readiness. A strong share of college and university graduates can mean better access to skilled jobs, while trades and apprenticeship diplomas often support hands-on industries. For renters, these stats help paint a picture of the economic opportunities and workforce makeup in the area.

Income in Newfoundland and Labrador

How much people earn in Newfoundland and Labrador

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the median household income sits at $71,500, while the median after-tax household income is $63,200.

Median household income
$71,500/year
Median after-tax household income
$63,200/year
Household income—especially after tax—offers one of the clearest indicators of how affordable a place might feel. It also helps renters understand earning power in the area, whether they're budgeting for rent or comparing communities with similar price tags. Local income trends can reveal whether the economy is growing, steady, or facing challenges.

Newfoundland and Labrador income by age

Young adults in Newfoundland and Labrador between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,400, often reflecting part-time or early career work. For those aged 25 to 34, when many are advancing in their jobs, the figure rises to $42,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $52,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $50,000, followed by $40,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $26,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 17,400
25 - 34 42,000
35 - 44 52,400
45 - 54 50,000
55 - 64 40,800
Over 65 26,600

Employment in Newfoundland and Labrador

Workforce and job sectors in Newfoundland and Labrador

In Newfoundland and Labrador, 243,330 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 15.2%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and education, law, community and government services employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
243,330
Unemployment rate
15.2%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 2,045 0.9%
Business, finance and administration 32,540 13.8%
Natural and applied sciences 15,155 6.4%
Health 21,510 9.1%
Education, law, community and government services 33,725 14.3%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 4,735 2%
Sales and service 59,440 25.1%
Trades and transport 47,285 20%
Natural resources and agriculture 10,740 4.5%
Manufacturing and utilities 9,225 3.9%
Knowing what kinds of jobs dominate the area can help you understand local culture, income levels, and day-to-day rhythms. When looking for a community that suits your lifestyle, these labour stats offer helpful clues.

Transportation in Newfoundland and Labrador

How people get around in Newfoundland and Labrador

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the average commute is 19 minutes. About 88.9% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 2% rely on public transit and 5% walk or bike. The remaining 4.2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
19 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
51.4%
15 to 29 minutes
31.1%
30 to 44 minutes
8.8%
45 to 59 minutes
2.8%
More than 60 minutes
5.8%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 92,060 51.4%
15 to 29 minutes 55,765 31.1%
30 to 44 minutes 15,825 8.8%
45 to 59 minutes 5,090 2.8%
More than 60 minutes 10,330 5.8%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 159,145 88.9%
By public transit 3,580 2%
By bicycle/by walking 8,915 5%
By other methods 7,435 4.2%
Commute trends hint at both the layout and vibe of a place. If most people drive or take transit, the area may be more spread out. Shorter commutes suggest convenient access to jobs, while longer ones may confirm the area’s low-density layout.

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FAQs about Newfoundland and Labrador demographics 

What is the current total population in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Newfoundland and Labrador has a population of 510,550, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.2% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Newfoundland and Labrador?  

Newfoundland and Labrador has a population density of 1.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Newfoundland and Labrador has the following gender distribution:
  • 49% males (250,075 residents)  
  • 51% females (260,475 residents)

What is the age distribution of Newfoundland and Labrador residents?  

The age distribution of Newfoundland and Labrador residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 13.4% (68,190 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10.2% (51,795 residents)   
  • 25-34: 10.3% (52,570 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.8% (60,335 residents)   
  • 45-54: 14.2% (72,370 residents)   
  • 55-64: 16.6% (84,670 residents)   
  • Over 64: 23.6% (120,610 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Newfoundland and Labrador? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Newfoundland and Labrador: 
  • 96.1% non-immigrants (482,615 residents)  
  • 2.8% immigrants (14,250 residents)  
  • 1% non-permanent residents (5,235 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Newfoundland and Labrador?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Newfoundland and Labrador: 
  • English: 99.4% 
  • French: 0.4% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.1% 

What is the typical household size in Newfoundland and Labrador?  

The typical household size in Newfoundland and Labrador is 2.3 people. 

What is the median household income in Newfoundland and Labrador?  

The median household income in Newfoundland and Labrador is $71,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Newfoundland and Labrador residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Newfoundland and Labrador is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 20.4% (88,710 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 27.6% (119,855 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 9.8% (42,715 residents) 
  • College diploma: 23.4% (101,680 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2% (8,810 residents) 
  • University degree: 16.6% (72,190 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Newfoundland and Labrador?  

The most common occupations in Newfoundland and Labrador fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 13.8% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 14.3% 
  • Health: 9.1% 
  • Management: 0.9% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 3.9% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 6.4% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 4.5% 
  • Sales and service: 25.1% 
  • Trades and transport: 20% 

Data source & methodology

Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest census data from Statistics Canada (2021), with the total population figure reflecting the official 2024 population estimate.
Census aggregated data represented here is extracted from Data Tables, by topic, at the census subdivision area level.
Differences may be found between the totals of the various categories due to multiple variables.
The information is updated as soon as new data is made available. No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information.

Page last updated: September 2025