Happy Valley - Goose Bay, NL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,040
0.8 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$107,000/yr
Private dwellings
3,390

Happy Valley - Goose Bay population

How many people live in Happy Valley - Goose Bay

Happy Valley - Goose Bay is home to 8,040 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.8% identify as male and 49.2% as female.

Total population
8,040
0.8% year-over-year change
Population density
26.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
50.8%
4,085
Female
49.2%
3,955
Value Percent
Male 4,085 50.8%
Female 3,955 49.2%
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 Happy Valley - Goose Bay is 39.2. Children under 15 make up 17.5% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 14.4% are 25 to 34, 14% are 35 to 44, and 15.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14.1% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 13%.

Average age
39.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.5%
15 to 24
12%
25 to 34
14.4%
35 to 44
14%
45 to 54
15.1%
55 to 64
14.1%
Over 65
13%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,405 17.5%
15 to 24 960 12%
25 to 34 1,155 14.4%
35 to 44 1,125 14%
45 to 54 1,215 15.1%
55 to 64 1,130 14.1%
Over 65 1,040 13%
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 Happy Valley - Goose Bay, 91.9% of residents were born in Canada, while 6.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
91.9%
Immigrants
6.7%
Non-permanent residents
1.5%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 7,035 91.9%
Immigrants 510 6.7%
Non-permanent residents 115 1.5%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
7.4%
Non-minorities
92.6%
Value Percent
Minorities 565 7.4%
Non-minorities 7,090 92.6%
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 Happy Valley - Goose Bay
English
98.8%
French
0.9%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.1%
Value Percent
English 7,720 98.8%
French 70 0.9%
English and French 10 0.1%
Neither English nor French 10 0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.8% of people in Happy Valley - Goose Bay speak English as their primary language, 0.9% 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 Happy Valley - Goose Bay

A peek inside Happy Valley - Goose Bay households

Happy Valley - Goose Bay has 3,065 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 22.8% of all homes, while 37.3% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 18.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 21.7% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
3,065
Average people per household
2.5
1 person
22.8%
2 persons
37.3%
3 persons
18.2%
4 persons
14.7%
5 or more persons
7%
Value Percent
1 person 700 22.8%
2 persons 1,145 37.3%
3 persons 560 18.2%
4 persons 450 14.7%
5 or more persons 215 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 Happy Valley - Goose Bay

The housing landscape of Happy Valley - Goose Bay

Happy Valley - Goose Bay has a total of 3,390 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Happy Valley - Goose Bay offers a variety of home sizes: 5% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 70% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 24.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
3,390
Housing types
Single-detached homes
64.2%
Attached homes
35.8%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,970 64.2%
Attached homes 1,100 35.8%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
5%
2 or 3 bedrooms
70%
4 or more bedrooms
24.8%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 145 5%
2 or 3 bedrooms 2,160 70%
4 or more bedrooms 760 24.8%
Homes built since 2011
395

The age of buildings in Happy Valley - Goose Bay

About 1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 14.7% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.4% went up in the 1960s, 11.9% in the 1970s, and 14% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 20.2% of homes were added, and 13.9% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 30 1%
Between 1946 and 1960 450 14.7%
Between 1961 and 1970 350 11.4%
Between 1971 and 1980 365 11.9%
Between 1981 and 1990 430 14%
Between 1991 and 2000 620 20.2%
Between 2001 and 2010 425 13.9%
After 2011 395 12.9%
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.

Happy Valley - Goose Bay occupancy rates

In Happy Valley - Goose Bay, there are 3,072 occupied private dwellings, of which 63.8% are owner-occupied and 36.2% are rented. Meanwhile, 318 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
3,072
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
36.2%
Owned households
63.8%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,110 36.2%
Owned households 1,960 63.8%
Unoccupied dwellings
318
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 Happy Valley - Goose Bay, homeowners pay a median of $1,350 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $950. About 90.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 9.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,350
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$950
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
90.9%
≥30% on shelter
9.1%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 2,790 90.9%
≥30% on shelter 280 9.1%
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 Happy Valley - Goose Bay

Happy Valley - Goose Bay education at a glance

In Happy Valley - Goose Bay, educational attainment varies across the community. About 17.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 23.5% have completed high school and 11.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 28.1% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.9% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 17% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,110 17.7%
High school diploma 1,470 23.5%
Apprenticeship diploma 735 11.7%
College diploma 1,760 28.1%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 120 1.9%
University degree 1,065 17%
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 Happy Valley - Goose Bay

How much people earn in Happy Valley - Goose Bay

In Happy Valley - Goose Bay, the median household income sits at $107,000, while the median after-tax household income is $91,000.

Median household income
$107,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$91,000/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.

Happy Valley - Goose Bay income by age

Young adults in Happy Valley - Goose Bay between 15 and 24 have a median income of $20,600, 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 $53,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $64,500. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $68,000, followed by $61,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $33,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 20,600
25 - 34 53,600
35 - 44 64,500
45 - 54 68,000
55 - 64 61,200
Over 65 33,600

Employment in Happy Valley - Goose Bay

Workforce and job sectors in Happy Valley - Goose Bay

In Happy Valley - Goose Bay, 4,475 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 9.7%. 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
4,475
Unemployment rate
9.7%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 40 0.9%
Business, finance and administration 580 13.2%
Natural and applied sciences 225 5.1%
Health 335 7.6%
Education, law, community and government services 845 19.3%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 50 1.1%
Sales and service 1,155 26.3%
Trades and transport 985 22.5%
Natural resources and agriculture 110 2.5%
Manufacturing and utilities 60 1.4%
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 Happy Valley - Goose Bay

How people get around in Happy Valley - Goose Bay

In Happy Valley - Goose Bay, the average commute is 13 minutes. About 87% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.2% rely on public transit and 2.5% walk or bike. The remaining 9.3% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
13 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
71.2%
15 to 29 minutes
17.2%
30 to 44 minutes
5.5%
45 to 59 minutes
2.8%
More than 60 minutes
3.3%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 2,675 71.2%
15 to 29 minutes 645 17.2%
30 to 44 minutes 205 5.5%
45 to 59 minutes 105 2.8%
More than 60 minutes 125 3.3%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 3,265 87%
By public transit 45 1.2%
By bicycle/by walking 95 2.5%
By other methods 350 9.3%
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 Happy Valley - Goose Bay demographics 

What is the current total population in Happy Valley - Goose Bay?

Happy Valley - Goose Bay has a population of 8,040, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.8% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Happy Valley - Goose Bay?  

Happy Valley - Goose Bay has a population density of 26.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Happy Valley - Goose Bay?

Happy Valley - Goose Bay has the following gender distribution:
  • 50.8% males (4,085 residents)  
  • 49.2% females (3,955 residents)

What is the age distribution of Happy Valley - Goose Bay residents?  

The age distribution of Happy Valley - Goose Bay residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 17.5% (1,405 residents)   
  • 15-24: 12% (960 residents)   
  • 25-34: 14.4% (1,155 residents)   
  • 35-44: 14% (1,125 residents)   
  • 45-54: 15.1% (1,215 residents)   
  • 55-64: 14.1% (1,130 residents)   
  • Over 64: 13% (1,040 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Happy Valley - Goose Bay? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Happy Valley - Goose Bay: 
  • 91.9% non-immigrants (7,035 residents)  
  • 6.7% immigrants (510 residents)  
  • 1.5% non-permanent residents (115 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Happy Valley - Goose Bay?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Happy Valley - Goose Bay: 
  • English: 98.8% 
  • French: 0.9% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.1% 

What is the typical household size in Happy Valley - Goose Bay?  

The typical household size in Happy Valley - Goose Bay is 2.5 people. 

What is the median household income in Happy Valley - Goose Bay?  

The median household income in Happy Valley - Goose Bay is $107,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Happy Valley - Goose Bay residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Happy Valley - Goose Bay is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 17.7% (1,110 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 23.5% (1,470 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 11.7% (735 residents) 
  • College diploma: 28.1% (1,760 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.9% (120 residents) 
  • University degree: 17% (1,065 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Happy Valley - Goose Bay?  

The most common occupations in Happy Valley - Goose Bay fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.1% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 13.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 19.3% 
  • Health: 7.6% 
  • Management: 0.9% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 1.4% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.1% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.5% 
  • Sales and service: 26.3% 
  • Trades and transport: 22.5% 

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