Carbonear, NL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,696
1.0 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,800/yr
Private dwellings
2,289

Carbonear population

How many people live in Carbonear

Carbonear is home to 4,696 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 46.3% identify as male and 53.7% as female.

Total population
4,696
1.0% year-over-year change
Population density
377.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
46.3%
2,175
Female
53.7%
2,520
Value Percent
Male 2,175 46.3%
Female 2,520 53.7%
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 Carbonear is 47.6. Children under 15 make up 12.9% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.2%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 8.8% are 25 to 34, 10.9% are 35 to 44, and 12.9% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.4% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 28.9%.

Average age
47.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.9%
15 to 24
9.2%
25 to 34
8.8%
35 to 44
10.9%
45 to 54
12.9%
55 to 64
16.4%
Over 65
28.9%
Value Percent
Under 15 605 12.9%
15 to 24 430 9.2%
25 to 34 415 8.8%
35 to 44 510 10.9%
45 to 54 605 12.9%
55 to 64 770 16.4%
Over 65 1,355 28.9%
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 Carbonear, 97% of residents were born in Canada, while 2.6% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.3% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
97%
Immigrants
2.6%
Non-permanent residents
0.3%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 4,370 97%
Immigrants 115 2.6%
Non-permanent residents 15 0.3%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
3%
Non-minorities
97%
Value Percent
Minorities 135 3%
Non-minorities 4,370 97%
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 Carbonear
English
99.8%
French
0.2%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 4,550 99.8%
French 10 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99.8% of people in Carbonear speak English as their primary language, 0.2% 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 Carbonear

A peek inside Carbonear households

Carbonear has 2,095 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 32.6% of all homes, while 38.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.1%, and homes with four or more people account for 13.7% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
2,095
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
32.6%
2 persons
38.6%
3 persons
15.1%
4 persons
10.3%
5 or more persons
3.4%
Value Percent
1 person 680 32.6%
2 persons 805 38.6%
3 persons 315 15.1%
4 persons 215 10.3%
5 or more persons 70 3.4%
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 Carbonear

The housing landscape of Carbonear

Carbonear has a total of 2,289 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Carbonear offers a variety of home sizes: 6% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 73% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 20.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
2,289
Housing types
Single-detached homes
85.2%
Attached homes
14.8%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,785 85.2%
Attached homes 310 14.8%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
6%
2 or 3 bedrooms
73%
4 or more bedrooms
20.8%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 125 6%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,535 73%
4 or more bedrooms 435 20.8%
Homes built since 2011
255

The age of buildings in Carbonear

About 8.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 10.7% between 1946 and 1960. Another 13.6% went up in the 1960s, 21.2% in the 1970s, and 12.1% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 10.2% of homes were added, and 11.4% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 180 8.6%
Between 1946 and 1960 225 10.7%
Between 1961 and 1970 285 13.6%
Between 1971 and 1980 445 21.2%
Between 1981 and 1990 255 12.1%
Between 1991 and 2000 215 10.2%
Between 2001 and 2010 240 11.4%
After 2011 255 12.1%
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.

Carbonear occupancy rates

In Carbonear, there are 2,094 occupied private dwellings, of which 73.4% are owner-occupied and 26.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 195 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
2,094
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
26.6%
Owned households
73.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 555 26.6%
Owned households 1,535 73.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
195
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 Carbonear, homeowners pay a median of $620 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $830. About 81% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 19% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$620
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$830
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
81%
≥30% on shelter
19%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 1,685 81%
≥30% on shelter 395 19%
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 Carbonear

Carbonear education at a glance

In Carbonear, educational attainment varies across the community. About 19.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 28.3% have completed high school and 11.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 30.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 8.4% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 775 19.7%
High school diploma 1,115 28.3%
Apprenticeship diploma 440 11.2%
College diploma 1,210 30.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 65 1.6%
University degree 330 8.4%
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 Carbonear

How much people earn in Carbonear

In Carbonear, the median household income sits at $56,800, while the median after-tax household income is $52,000.

Median household income
$56,800/year
Median after-tax household income
$52,000/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.

Carbonear income by age

Young adults in Carbonear between 15 and 24 have a median income of $15,700, 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 $45,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $42,400, followed by $34,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $25,000.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 15,700
25 - 34 39,200
35 - 44 45,600
45 - 54 42,400
55 - 64 34,800
Over 65 25,000

Employment in Carbonear

Workforce and job sectors in Carbonear

In Carbonear, 1,925 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 20.3%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and health employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
1,925
Unemployment rate
20.3%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 170 9.1%
Natural and applied sciences 55 2.9%
Health 205 11%
Education, law, community and government services 165 8.8%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 10 0.5%
Sales and service 650 34.8%
Trades and transport 465 24.9%
Natural resources and agriculture 45 2.4%
Manufacturing and utilities 105 5.6%
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 Carbonear

How people get around in Carbonear

In Carbonear, the average commute is 20 minutes. About 89.2% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.4% rely on public transit and 5.6% walk or bike. The remaining 3.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
20 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
66.4%
15 to 29 minutes
14.3%
30 to 44 minutes
3.2%
45 to 59 minutes
1.4%
More than 60 minutes
14.7%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 950 66.4%
15 to 29 minutes 205 14.3%
30 to 44 minutes 45 3.2%
45 to 59 minutes 20 1.4%
More than 60 minutes 210 14.7%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 1,280 89.2%
By public transit 20 1.4%
By bicycle/by walking 80 5.6%
By other methods 55 3.8%
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 Carbonear demographics 

What is the current total population in Carbonear?

Carbonear has a population of 4,696, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.0% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Carbonear?  

Carbonear has a population density of 377.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Carbonear?

Carbonear has the following gender distribution:
  • 46.3% males (2,175 residents)  
  • 53.7% females (2,520 residents)

What is the age distribution of Carbonear residents?  

The age distribution of Carbonear residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 12.9% (605 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9.2% (430 residents)   
  • 25-34: 8.8% (415 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10.9% (510 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.9% (605 residents)   
  • 55-64: 16.4% (770 residents)   
  • Over 64: 28.9% (1,355 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Carbonear? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Carbonear: 
  • 97% non-immigrants (4,370 residents)  
  • 2.6% immigrants (115 residents)  
  • 0.3% non-permanent residents (15 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Carbonear?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Carbonear: 
  • English: 99.8% 
  • French: 0.2% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Carbonear?  

The typical household size in Carbonear is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Carbonear?  

The median household income in Carbonear is $56,800 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Carbonear residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Carbonear is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 19.7% (775 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 28.3% (1,115 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 11.2% (440 residents) 
  • College diploma: 30.8% (1,210 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.6% (65 residents) 
  • University degree: 8.4% (330 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Carbonear?  

The most common occupations in Carbonear fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 0.5% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 9.1% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 8.8% 
  • Health: 11% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 5.6% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 2.9% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.4% 
  • Sales and service: 34.8% 
  • Trades and transport: 24.9% 

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