Deer Lake, NL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,864
0.4 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,400/yr
Private dwellings
2,309

Deer Lake population

How many people live in Deer Lake

Deer Lake is home to 4,864 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.1% identify as male and 51.9% as female.

Total population
4,864
0.4% year-over-year change
Population density
66.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.1%
2,340
Female
51.9%
2,525
Value Percent
Male 2,340 48.1%
Female 2,525 51.9%
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 Deer Lake is 47.5. Children under 15 make up 13.3% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 8.6% are 25 to 34, 9.7% are 35 to 44, and 13.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 28.3%.

Average age
47.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.3%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 34
8.6%
35 to 44
9.7%
45 to 54
13.8%
55 to 64
16.6%
Over 65
28.3%
Value Percent
Under 15 645 13.3%
15 to 24 475 9.8%
25 to 34 420 8.6%
35 to 44 470 9.7%
45 to 54 670 13.8%
55 to 64 810 16.6%
Over 65 1,375 28.3%
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 Deer Lake, 98.6% of residents were born in Canada, while 1.2% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
98.6%
Immigrants
1.2%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 4,695 98.6%
Immigrants 55 1.2%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
1.5%
Non-minorities
98.5%
Value Percent
Minorities 70 1.5%
Non-minorities 4,690 98.5%
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 Deer Lake
English
99.8%
French
0.2%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 4,850 99.8%
French 10 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99.8% of people in Deer Lake 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 Deer Lake

A peek inside Deer Lake households

Deer Lake has 2,140 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 27.6% of all homes, while 41.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 15.2% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
2,140
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
27.6%
2 persons
41.6%
3 persons
15.6%
4 persons
11.2%
5 or more persons
4%
Value Percent
1 person 590 27.6%
2 persons 890 41.6%
3 persons 335 15.6%
4 persons 240 11.2%
5 or more persons 85 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 Deer Lake

The housing landscape of Deer Lake

Deer Lake has a total of 2,309 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Deer Lake offers a variety of home sizes: 6% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 71% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 23.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
2,309
Housing types
Single-detached homes
77.2%
Attached homes
20.2%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
2.6%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,645 77.2%
Attached homes 430 20.2%
Movable homes 55 2.6%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
6%
2 or 3 bedrooms
71%
4 or more bedrooms
23.4%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 120 6%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,520 71%
4 or more bedrooms 500 23.4%
Homes built since 2011
320

The age of buildings in Deer Lake

About 4% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 14.7% between 1946 and 1960. Another 14.9% went up in the 1960s, 18.2% in the 1970s, and 11% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 7% of homes were added, and 15.4% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 85 4%
Between 1946 and 1960 315 14.7%
Between 1961 and 1970 320 14.9%
Between 1971 and 1980 390 18.2%
Between 1981 and 1990 235 11%
Between 1991 and 2000 150 7%
Between 2001 and 2010 330 15.4%
After 2011 320 14.9%
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.

Deer Lake occupancy rates

In Deer Lake, there are 2,139 occupied private dwellings, of which 73% are owner-occupied and 27% are rented. Meanwhile, 170 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
2,139
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
27%
Owned households
73%
Value Percent
Rented households 580 27%
Owned households 1,565 73%
Unoccupied dwellings
170
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 Deer Lake, homeowners pay a median of $960 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $820. About 82% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 18% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$960
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$820
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
82%
≥30% on shelter
18%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 1,750 82%
≥30% on shelter 385 18%
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 Deer Lake

Deer Lake education at a glance

In Deer Lake, educational attainment varies across the community. About 21.3% of residents have no formal diploma, while 33.4% have completed high school and 12.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 21.9% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.9% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 9.2% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 880 21.3%
High school diploma 1,380 33.4%
Apprenticeship diploma 505 12.2%
College diploma 905 21.9%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 80 1.9%
University degree 380 9.2%
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 Deer Lake

How much people earn in Deer Lake

In Deer Lake, the median household income sits at $62,400, while the median after-tax household income is $57,200.

Median household income
$62,400/year
Median after-tax household income
$57,200/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.

Deer Lake income by age

Young adults in Deer Lake between 15 and 24 have a median income of $15,400, 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 $36,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $47,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $44,000, followed by $37,200 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 15,400
25 - 34 36,400
35 - 44 47,600
45 - 54 44,000
55 - 64 37,200
Over 65 25,000

Employment in Deer Lake

Workforce and job sectors in Deer Lake

In Deer Lake, 1,970 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 17%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
1,970
Unemployment rate
17%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 10 0.5%
Business, finance and administration 250 13.3%
Natural and applied sciences 80 4.2%
Health 125 6.6%
Education, law, community and government services 225 11.9%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 40 2.1%
Sales and service 640 34%
Trades and transport 405 21.5%
Natural resources and agriculture 80 4.2%
Manufacturing and utilities 30 1.6%
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 Deer Lake

How people get around in Deer Lake

In Deer Lake, the average commute is 15 minutes. The remaining 3.3% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
15 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
73%
15 to 29 minutes
11.2%
30 to 44 minutes
7.9%
45 to 59 minutes
4.3%
More than 60 minutes
3.6%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 1,110 73%
15 to 29 minutes 170 11.2%
30 to 44 minutes 120 7.9%
45 to 59 minutes 65 4.3%
More than 60 minutes 55 3.6%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 1,350 88.8%
By bicycle/by walking 120 7.9%
By other methods 50 3.3%
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 Deer Lake demographics 

What is the current total population in Deer Lake?

Deer Lake has a population of 4,864, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.4% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Deer Lake?  

Deer Lake has a population density of 66.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Deer Lake?

Deer Lake has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.1% males (2,340 residents)  
  • 51.9% females (2,525 residents)

What is the age distribution of Deer Lake residents?  

The age distribution of Deer Lake residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 13.3% (645 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9.8% (475 residents)   
  • 25-34: 8.6% (420 residents)   
  • 35-44: 9.7% (470 residents)   
  • 45-54: 13.8% (670 residents)   
  • 55-64: 16.6% (810 residents)   
  • Over 64: 28.3% (1,375 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Deer Lake? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Deer Lake: 
  • 98.6% non-immigrants (4,695 residents)  
  • 1.2% immigrants (55 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Deer Lake?  

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

What is the typical household size in Deer Lake?  

The typical household size in Deer Lake is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Deer Lake?  

The median household income in Deer Lake is $62,400 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Deer Lake residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Deer Lake is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 21.3% (880 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 33.4% (1,380 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 12.2% (505 residents) 
  • College diploma: 21.9% (905 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.9% (80 residents) 
  • University degree: 9.2% (380 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Deer Lake?  

The most common occupations in Deer Lake fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.1% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 13.3% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11.9% 
  • Health: 6.6% 
  • Management: 0.5% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 1.6% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 4.2% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 4.2% 
  • Sales and service: 34% 
  • Trades and transport: 21.5% 

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