Bonavista, NL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,190
0.7 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,800/yr
Private dwellings
1,732

Bonavista population

How many people live in Bonavista

Bonavista is home to 3,190 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.3% identify as male and 51.7% as female.

Total population
3,190
0.7% year-over-year change
Population density
101.1/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
1,540
Female
51.7%
1,650
Value Percent
Male 1,540 48.3%
Female 1,650 51.7%
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 Bonavista is 50.1. Children under 15 make up 10.7% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 7.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 7.1% are 25 to 34, 10.2% are 35 to 44, and 14.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 18.7% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 30.8%.

Average age
50.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.7%
15 to 24
7.8%
25 to 34
7.1%
35 to 44
10.2%
45 to 54
14.8%
55 to 64
18.7%
Over 65
30.8%
Value Percent
Under 15 340 10.7%
15 to 24 250 7.8%
25 to 34 225 7.1%
35 to 44 325 10.2%
45 to 54 470 14.8%
55 to 64 595 18.7%
Over 65 980 30.8%
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 Bonavista, 98.4% of residents were born in Canada, while 1.6% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
98.4%
Immigrants
1.6%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 3,050 98.4%
Immigrants 50 1.6%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
0.3%
Non-minorities
99.7%
Value Percent
Minorities 10 0.3%
Non-minorities 3,090 99.7%
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 Bonavista
English
100%
French
0%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 3,120 100%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 100% of people in Bonavista speak English as their primary language, communicate mainly in French, are bilingual, and 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 Bonavista

A peek inside Bonavista households

Bonavista has 1,470 households, with an average of 2.1 people living in each. One-person households make up 31% of all homes, while 42.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 11.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
1,470
Average people per household
2.1
1 person
31%
2 persons
42.9%
3 persons
14.6%
4 persons
8.8%
5 or more persons
2.7%
Value Percent
1 person 455 31%
2 persons 630 42.9%
3 persons 215 14.6%
4 persons 130 8.8%
5 or more persons 40 2.7%
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 Bonavista

The housing landscape of Bonavista

Bonavista has a total of 1,732 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Bonavista offers a variety of home sizes: 5% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 79% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 15.7% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
1,732
Housing types
Single-detached homes
89.5%
Attached homes
10.5%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,315 89.5%
Attached homes 155 10.5%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
5%
2 or 3 bedrooms
79%
4 or more bedrooms
15.7%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 75 5%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,160 79%
4 or more bedrooms 230 15.7%
Homes built since 2011
100

The age of buildings in Bonavista

About 27.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 10.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 9.2% went up in the 1960s, 14.9% in the 1970s, and 14.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 9.2% of homes were added, and 7.5% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 410 27.8%
Between 1946 and 1960 150 10.2%
Between 1961 and 1970 135 9.2%
Between 1971 and 1980 220 14.9%
Between 1981 and 1990 215 14.6%
Between 1991 and 2000 135 9.2%
Between 2001 and 2010 110 7.5%
After 2011 100 6.8%
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.

Bonavista occupancy rates

In Bonavista, there are 1,470 occupied private dwellings, of which 79.6% are owner-occupied and 20.4% are rented. Meanwhile, 262 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
1,470
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
20.4%
Owned households
79.6%
Value Percent
Rented households 300 20.4%
Owned households 1,170 79.6%
Unoccupied dwellings
262
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 Bonavista, homeowners pay a median of $484 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $710. About 88.4% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 11.6% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$484
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$710
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
88.4%
≥30% on shelter
11.6%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 1,290 88.4%
≥30% on shelter 170 11.6%
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 Bonavista

Bonavista education at a glance

In Bonavista, educational attainment varies across the community. About 34.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31.2% have completed high school and 7.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.6% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 7% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 960 34.4%
High school diploma 870 31.2%
Apprenticeship diploma 200 7.2%
College diploma 520 18.6%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 45 1.6%
University degree 195 7%
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 Bonavista

How much people earn in Bonavista

In Bonavista, the median household income sits at $54,800, while the median after-tax household income is $49,600.

Median household income
$54,800/year
Median after-tax household income
$49,600/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.

Bonavista income by age

Young adults in Bonavista between 15 and 24 have a median income of $16,000, 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 $39,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $41,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $38,400, followed by $35,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $23,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 16,000
25 - 34 39,200
35 - 44 41,200
45 - 54 38,400
55 - 64 35,600
Over 65 23,600

Employment in Bonavista

Workforce and job sectors in Bonavista

In Bonavista, 1,440 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 18.1%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and manufacturing and utilities employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
1,440
Unemployment rate
18.1%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 115 8.2%
Natural and applied sciences 40 2.9%
Health 130 9.3%
Education, law, community and government services 145 10.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 10 0.7%
Sales and service 305 21.8%
Trades and transport 285 20.4%
Natural resources and agriculture 100 7.1%
Manufacturing and utilities 270 19.3%
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 Bonavista

How people get around in Bonavista

In Bonavista, the average commute is 12 minutes. About 91.5% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.3% rely on public transit and 5.4% walk or bike. The remaining 1.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
12 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
84.2%
15 to 29 minutes
9.5%
30 to 44 minutes
2.7%
45 to 59 minutes
0%
More than 60 minutes
3.6%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 935 84.2%
15 to 29 minutes 105 9.5%
30 to 44 minutes 30 2.7%
More than 60 minutes 40 3.6%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 1,025 91.5%
By public transit 15 1.3%
By bicycle/by walking 60 5.4%
By other methods 20 1.8%
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 Bonavista demographics 

What is the current total population in Bonavista?

Bonavista has a population of 3,190, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.7% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Bonavista?  

Bonavista has a population density of 101.1 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Bonavista?

Bonavista has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.3% males (1,540 residents)  
  • 51.7% females (1,650 residents)

What is the age distribution of Bonavista residents?  

The age distribution of Bonavista residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 10.7% (340 residents)   
  • 15-24: 7.8% (250 residents)   
  • 25-34: 7.1% (225 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10.2% (325 residents)   
  • 45-54: 14.8% (470 residents)   
  • 55-64: 18.7% (595 residents)   
  • Over 64: 30.8% (980 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Bonavista? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Bonavista: 
  • 98.4% non-immigrants (3,050 residents)  
  • 1.6% immigrants (50 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Bonavista?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Bonavista: 
  • English: 100% 
  • French: 0% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Bonavista?  

The typical household size in Bonavista is 2.1 people. 

What is the median household income in Bonavista?  

The median household income in Bonavista is $54,800 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Bonavista residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Bonavista is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 34.4% (960 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 31.2% (870 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 7.2% (200 residents) 
  • College diploma: 18.6% (520 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.6% (45 residents) 
  • University degree: 7% (195 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Bonavista?  

The most common occupations in Bonavista fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 0.7% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 8.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 10.4% 
  • Health: 9.3% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 19.3% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 2.9% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 7.1% 
  • Sales and service: 21.8% 
  • Trades and transport: 20.4% 

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