Gander, NL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,880
1.2 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$80,000/yr
Private dwellings
5,424

Gander population

How many people live in Gander

Gander is home to 11,880 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.6% identify as male and 51.4% as female.

Total population
11,880
1.2% year-over-year change
Population density
113.7/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
5,765
Female
51.4%
6,110
Value Percent
Male 5,765 48.6%
Female 6,110 51.4%
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 Gander is 43.7. Children under 15 make up 15.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11.1%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.1% are 25 to 34, 12.4% are 35 to 44, and 15.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 13.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 21.1%.

Average age
43.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.2%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 34
11.1%
35 to 44
12.4%
45 to 54
15.1%
55 to 64
13.9%
Over 65
21.1%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,810 15.2%
15 to 24 1,320 11.1%
25 to 34 1,320 11.1%
35 to 44 1,475 12.4%
45 to 54 1,790 15.1%
55 to 64 1,655 13.9%
Over 65 2,505 21.1%
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 Gander, 96.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 2.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.7% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
96.8%
Immigrants
2.5%
Non-permanent residents
0.7%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 11,175 96.8%
Immigrants 290 2.5%
Non-permanent residents 80 0.7%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
2.7%
Non-minorities
97.3%
Value Percent
Minorities 315 2.7%
Non-minorities 11,235 97.3%
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 Gander
English
99.3%
French
0.6%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 11,680 99.3%
French 65 0.6%
English and French 10 0.1%
Neither English nor French 5 0%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99.3% of people in Gander speak English as their primary language, 0.6% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% 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 Gander

A peek inside Gander households

Gander has 5,070 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 26.9% of all homes, while 40.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 16.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 16.4% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
5,070
Average people per household
2.3
1 person
26.9%
2 persons
40.2%
3 persons
16.4%
4 persons
12.1%
5 or more persons
4.3%
Value Percent
1 person 1,365 26.9%
2 persons 2,040 40.2%
3 persons 830 16.4%
4 persons 615 12.1%
5 or more persons 220 4.3%
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 Gander

The housing landscape of Gander

Gander has a total of 5,424 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 66% are single-detached houses, 33.6% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.3% are apartments. When it comes to space, Gander offers a variety of home sizes: 6% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 64% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 30.2% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
5,424
Housing types
Single-detached homes
66%
Attached homes
33.6%
Apartments
0.3%
Movable homes
0.1%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 3,350 66%
Attached homes 1,705 33.6%
Apartments 15 0.3%
Movable homes 5 0.1%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
6%
2 or 3 bedrooms
64%
4 or more bedrooms
30.2%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 300 6%
2 or 3 bedrooms 3,230 64%
4 or more bedrooms 1,530 30.2%
Homes built since 2011
805

The age of buildings in Gander

About 1.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 16.4% between 1946 and 1960. Another 16.4% went up in the 1960s, 17.5% in the 1970s, and 10.4% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 9.3% of homes were added, and 12.7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 80 1.6%
Between 1946 and 1960 830 16.4%
Between 1961 and 1970 830 16.4%
Between 1971 and 1980 885 17.5%
Between 1981 and 1990 525 10.4%
Between 1991 and 2000 470 9.3%
Between 2001 and 2010 645 12.7%
After 2011 805 15.9%
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.

Gander occupancy rates

In Gander, there are 5,068 occupied private dwellings, of which 63.1% are owner-occupied and 36.9% are rented. Meanwhile, 356 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
5,068
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
36.9%
Owned households
63.1%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,870 36.9%
Owned households 3,200 63.1%
Unoccupied dwellings
356
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 Gander, homeowners pay a median of $1,240 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $910. About 82.5% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 17.5% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,240
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$910
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
82.5%
≥30% on shelter
17.5%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 4,170 82.5%
≥30% on shelter 885 17.5%
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 Gander

Gander education at a glance

In Gander, educational attainment varies across the community. About 14.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 28% have completed high school and 9.9% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 29.9% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 15.7% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,430 14.7%
High school diploma 2,720 28%
Apprenticeship diploma 965 9.9%
College diploma 2,905 29.9%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 180 1.8%
University degree 1,530 15.7%
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 Gander

How much people earn in Gander

In Gander, the median household income sits at $80,000, while the median after-tax household income is $69,500.

Median household income
$80,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$69,500/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.

Gander income by age

Young adults in Gander between 15 and 24 have a median income of $16,400, 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 $43,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $55,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $56,000, followed by $46,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $32,400.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 16,400
25 - 34 43,600
35 - 44 55,600
45 - 54 56,000
55 - 64 46,400
Over 65 32,400

Employment in Gander

Workforce and job sectors in Gander

In Gander, 5,940 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 14.3%. 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
5,940
Unemployment rate
14.3%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 65 1.1%
Business, finance and administration 705 12.2%
Natural and applied sciences 300 5.2%
Health 725 12.6%
Education, law, community and government services 835 14.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 90 1.6%
Sales and service 1,790 31%
Trades and transport 1,125 19.5%
Natural resources and agriculture 60 1%
Manufacturing and utilities 70 1.2%
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 Gander

How people get around in Gander

In Gander, the average commute is 12 minutes. About 93.3% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.2% rely on public transit and 4% walk or bike. The remaining 2.5% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
12 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
86.5%
15 to 29 minutes
5.9%
30 to 44 minutes
2.4%
45 to 59 minutes
1.5%
More than 60 minutes
3.7%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 4,100 86.5%
15 to 29 minutes 280 5.9%
30 to 44 minutes 115 2.4%
45 to 59 minutes 70 1.5%
More than 60 minutes 175 3.7%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 4,425 93.3%
By public transit 10 0.2%
By bicycle/by walking 190 4%
By other methods 120 2.5%
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 Gander demographics 

What is the current total population in Gander?

Gander has a population of 11,880, 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 Gander?  

Gander has a population density of 113.7 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Gander?

Gander has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.6% males (5,765 residents)  
  • 51.4% females (6,110 residents)

What is the age distribution of Gander residents?  

The age distribution of Gander residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 15.2% (1,810 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11.1% (1,320 residents)   
  • 25-34: 11.1% (1,320 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12.4% (1,475 residents)   
  • 45-54: 15.1% (1,790 residents)   
  • 55-64: 13.9% (1,655 residents)   
  • Over 64: 21.1% (2,505 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Gander? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Gander: 
  • 96.8% non-immigrants (11,175 residents)  
  • 2.5% immigrants (290 residents)  
  • 0.7% non-permanent residents (80 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Gander?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Gander: 
  • English: 99.3% 
  • French: 0.6% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Gander?  

The typical household size in Gander is 2.3 people. 

What is the median household income in Gander?  

The median household income in Gander is $80,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Gander residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Gander is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 14.7% (1,430 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 28% (2,720 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 9.9% (965 residents) 
  • College diploma: 29.9% (2,905 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.8% (180 residents) 
  • University degree: 15.7% (1,530 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Gander?  

The most common occupations in Gander fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.6% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 12.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 14.5% 
  • Health: 12.6% 
  • Management: 1.1% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 1.2% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.2% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 1% 
  • Sales and service: 31% 
  • Trades and transport: 19.5% 

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