South River, NL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
674
2.1 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,000/yr
Private dwellings
351

South River population

How many people live in South River

South River is home to 674 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 51.1% identify as male and 48.9% as female.

Total population
674
2.1% year-over-year change
Population density
113/km2
Gender ratio
Male
51.1%
345
Female
48.9%
330
Value Percent
Male 345 51.1%
Female 330 48.9%
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 South River is 45.8. Children under 15 make up 14% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 7.4%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11% are 25 to 34, 12.5% are 35 to 44, and 12.5% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 25.7%.

Average age
45.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
14%
15 to 24
7.4%
25 to 34
11%
35 to 44
12.5%
45 to 54
12.5%
55 to 64
16.9%
Over 65
25.7%
Value Percent
Under 15 95 14%
15 to 24 50 7.4%
25 to 34 75 11%
35 to 44 85 12.5%
45 to 54 85 12.5%
55 to 64 115 16.9%
Over 65 175 25.7%
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 South River, 97.7% of residents were born in Canada, while 2.3% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
97.7%
Immigrants
2.3%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 625 97.7%
Immigrants 15 2.3%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
0%
Non-minorities
100%
Value Percent
Non-minorities 640 100%
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 South River
English
99.3%
French
0.7%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 670 99.3%
French 5 0.7%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99.3% of people in South River speak English as their primary language, 0.7% 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 South River

A peek inside South River households

South River has 285 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 23.7% of all homes, while 49.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 11.9%, and homes with four or more people account for 15.3% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
285
Average people per household
2.3
1 person
23.7%
2 persons
49.2%
3 persons
11.9%
4 persons
11.9%
5 or more persons
3.4%
Value Percent
1 person 70 23.7%
2 persons 145 49.2%
3 persons 35 11.9%
4 persons 35 11.9%
5 or more persons 10 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 South River

The housing landscape of South River

South River has a total of 351 private dwellings.

Total private dwellings
351
Housing types
Single-detached homes
95%
Attached homes
5%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 285 95%
Attached homes 15 5%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
0%
2 or 3 bedrooms
75%
4 or more bedrooms
25.4%
Value Percent
2 or 3 bedrooms 205 75%
4 or more bedrooms 70 25.4%
Homes built since 2011
70

The age of buildings in South River

About 9.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 10.9% between 1946 and 1960. Another 9.1% went up in the 1960s, 21.8% in the 1970s, and 14.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 5.4% of homes were added, and 3.6% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 25 9.1%
Between 1946 and 1960 30 10.9%
Between 1961 and 1970 25 9.1%
Between 1971 and 1980 60 21.8%
Between 1981 and 1990 40 14.6%
Between 1991 and 2000 15 5.4%
Between 2001 and 2010 10 3.6%
After 2011 70 25.4%
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.

South River occupancy rates

In South River, there are 297 occupied private dwellings, of which 79% are owner-occupied and 21% are rented. Meanwhile, 54 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
297
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
21%
Owned households
79%
Value Percent
Rented households 60 21%
Owned households 225 79%
Unoccupied dwellings
54
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 South River, homeowners pay a median of $830 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,030. About 91.1% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 8.9% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$830
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,030
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
91.1%
≥30% on shelter
8.9%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 255 91.1%
≥30% on shelter 25 8.9%
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 South River

South River education at a glance

In South River, educational attainment varies across the community. About 18.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 21.9% have completed high school and 16.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 21% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 19.3% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 105 18.4%
High school diploma 125 21.9%
Apprenticeship diploma 95 16.7%
College diploma 120 21%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 15 2.6%
University degree 110 19.3%
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 South River

How much people earn in South River

In South River, the median household income sits at $73,000, while the median after-tax household income is $65,000.

Median household income
$73,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$65,000/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.

South River income by age

Young adults in South River between 15 and 24 have a median income of $14,900, 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 $48,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $50,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $52,800, followed by $36,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $25,400.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 14,900
25 - 34 48,000
35 - 44 50,000
45 - 54 52,800
55 - 64 36,400
Over 65 25,400

Employment in South River

Workforce and job sectors in South River

In South River, 315 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
315
Unemployment rate
14.3%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 35 11.3%
Natural and applied sciences 20 6.4%
Health 15 4.8%
Education, law, community and government services 50 16.1%
Sales and service 90 29%
Trades and transport 80 25.8%
Natural resources and agriculture 10 3.2%
Manufacturing and utilities 10 3.2%
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 South River

How people get around in South River

In South River, the average commute is 28 minutes. The remaining 6.1% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
28 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
42.3%
15 to 29 minutes
21.2%
30 to 44 minutes
5.8%
45 to 59 minutes
15.4%
More than 60 minutes
15.4%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 110 42.3%
15 to 29 minutes 55 21.2%
30 to 44 minutes 15 5.8%
45 to 59 minutes 40 15.4%
More than 60 minutes 40 15.4%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 220 89.8%
By bicycle/by walking 10 4.1%
By other methods 15 6.1%
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 South River demographics 

What is the current total population in South River?

South River has a population of 674, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.1% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of South River?  

South River has a population density of 113 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in South River?

South River has the following gender distribution:
  • 51.1% males (345 residents)  
  • 48.9% females (330 residents)

What is the age distribution of South River residents?  

The age distribution of South River residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14% (95 residents)   
  • 15-24: 7.4% (50 residents)   
  • 25-34: 11% (75 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12.5% (85 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.5% (85 residents)   
  • 55-64: 16.9% (115 residents)   
  • Over 64: 25.7% (175 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in South River? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in South River: 
  • 97.7% non-immigrants (625 residents)  
  • 2.3% immigrants (15 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in South River?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in South River: 
  • English: 99.3% 
  • French: 0.7% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in South River?  

The typical household size in South River is 2.3 people. 

What is the median household income in South River?  

The median household income in South River is $73,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of South River residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in South River is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 18.4% (105 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 21.9% (125 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 16.7% (95 residents) 
  • College diploma: 21% (120 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.6% (15 residents) 
  • University degree: 19.3% (110 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in South River?  

The most common occupations in South River fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 0% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 11.3% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 16.1% 
  • Health: 4.8% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 3.2% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 6.4% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3.2% 
  • Sales and service: 29% 
  • Trades and transport: 25.8% 

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