Upper Island Cove, NL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,401
2.1 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$64,500/yr
Private dwellings
669

Upper Island Cove population

How many people live in Upper Island Cove

Upper Island Cove is home to 1,401 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47.5% identify as male and 52.5% as female.

Total population
1,401
2.1% year-over-year change
Population density
179.2/km2
Gender ratio
Male
47.5%
665
Female
52.5%
735
Value Percent
Male 665 47.5%
Female 735 52.5%
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 Upper Island Cove is 48.2. Children under 15 make up 12.1% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 7.5% are 25 to 34, 9.6% are 35 to 44, and 13.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 18.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 28.8%.

Average age
48.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.1%
15 to 24
10%
25 to 34
7.5%
35 to 44
9.6%
45 to 54
13.2%
55 to 64
18.9%
Over 65
28.8%
Value Percent
Under 15 170 12.1%
15 to 24 140 10%
25 to 34 105 7.5%
35 to 44 135 9.6%
45 to 54 185 13.2%
55 to 64 265 18.9%
Over 65 405 28.8%
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 Upper Island Cove, 98.9% of residents were born in Canada, while 1.1% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
98.9%
Immigrants
1.1%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 1,385 98.9%
Immigrants 15 1.1%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
1.1%
Non-minorities
98.9%
Value Percent
Minorities 15 1.1%
Non-minorities 1,385 98.9%
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 Upper Island Cove
English
100%
French
0%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 1,400 100%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 100% of people in Upper Island Cove speak English as their primary language, 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 Upper Island Cove

A peek inside Upper Island Cove households

Upper Island Cove has 585 households, with an average of 2.4 people living in each. One-person households make up 21.4% of all homes, while 43.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.5%, and homes with four or more people account for 20.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
585
Average people per household
2.4
1 person
21.4%
2 persons
43.6%
3 persons
14.5%
4 persons
15.4%
5 or more persons
5.1%
Value Percent
1 person 125 21.4%
2 persons 255 43.6%
3 persons 85 14.5%
4 persons 90 15.4%
5 or more persons 30 5.1%
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 Upper Island Cove

The housing landscape of Upper Island Cove

Upper Island Cove has a total of 669 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Upper Island Cove offers a variety of home sizes: 3% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 80% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 17.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
669
Housing types
Single-detached homes
94%
Attached homes
6%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 550 94%
Attached homes 35 6%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
3%
2 or 3 bedrooms
80%
4 or more bedrooms
17.1%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 20 3%
2 or 3 bedrooms 465 80%
4 or more bedrooms 100 17.1%
Homes built since 2011
60

The age of buildings in Upper Island Cove

About 4.3% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 18.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 12.8% went up in the 1960s, 18.8% in the 1970s, and 16.2% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 12.8% of homes were added, and 6% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 25 4.3%
Between 1946 and 1960 110 18.8%
Between 1961 and 1970 75 12.8%
Between 1971 and 1980 110 18.8%
Between 1981 and 1990 95 16.2%
Between 1991 and 2000 75 12.8%
Between 2001 and 2010 35 6%
After 2011 60 10.3%
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.

Upper Island Cove occupancy rates

In Upper Island Cove, there are 582 occupied private dwellings, of which 91.4% are owner-occupied and 8.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 87 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
582
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
8.6%
Owned households
91.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 50 8.6%
Owned households 530 91.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
87
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 Upper Island Cove, homeowners pay a median of $580 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $810. About 89.7% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 10.3% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$580
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$810
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
89.7%
≥30% on shelter
10.3%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 525 89.7%
≥30% on shelter 60 10.3%
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 Upper Island Cove

Upper Island Cove education at a glance

In Upper Island Cove, educational attainment varies across the community. About 23.9% of residents have no formal diploma, while 27.5% have completed high school and 14.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 21.9% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.2% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 11.3% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 295 23.9%
High school diploma 340 27.5%
Apprenticeship diploma 175 14.2%
College diploma 270 21.9%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 15 1.2%
University degree 140 11.3%
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 Upper Island Cove

How much people earn in Upper Island Cove

In Upper Island Cove, the median household income sits at $64,500, while the median after-tax household income is $59,600.

Median household income
$64,500/year
Median after-tax household income
$59,600/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.

Upper Island Cove income by age

Young adults in Upper Island Cove between 15 and 24 have a median income of $14,800, 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 $41,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $42,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $45,600, followed by $36,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $23,400.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 14,800
25 - 34 41,200
35 - 44 42,800
45 - 54 45,600
55 - 64 36,400
Over 65 23,400

Employment in Upper Island Cove

Workforce and job sectors in Upper Island Cove

In Upper Island Cove, 580 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 24.1%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, sales and service, 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
580
Unemployment rate
24.1%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 60 10.9%
Natural and applied sciences 20 3.6%
Health 50 9.1%
Education, law, community and government services 90 16.4%
Sales and service 110 20%
Trades and transport 165 30%
Natural resources and agriculture 30 5.4%
Manufacturing and utilities 25 4.6%
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 Upper Island Cove

How people get around in Upper Island Cove

In Upper Island Cove, the average commute is 28 minutes. The remaining 2.6% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
28 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
20.8%
15 to 29 minutes
49.4%
30 to 44 minutes
7.8%
45 to 59 minutes
3.9%
More than 60 minutes
18.2%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 80 20.8%
15 to 29 minutes 190 49.4%
30 to 44 minutes 30 7.8%
45 to 59 minutes 15 3.9%
More than 60 minutes 70 18.2%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 380 97.4%
By other methods 10 2.6%
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 Upper Island Cove demographics 

What is the current total population in Upper Island Cove?

Upper Island Cove has a population of 1,401, 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 Upper Island Cove?  

Upper Island Cove has a population density of 179.2 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Upper Island Cove?

Upper Island Cove has the following gender distribution:
  • 47.5% males (665 residents)  
  • 52.5% females (735 residents)

What is the age distribution of Upper Island Cove residents?  

The age distribution of Upper Island Cove residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 12.1% (170 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10% (140 residents)   
  • 25-34: 7.5% (105 residents)   
  • 35-44: 9.6% (135 residents)   
  • 45-54: 13.2% (185 residents)   
  • 55-64: 18.9% (265 residents)   
  • Over 64: 28.8% (405 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Upper Island Cove? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Upper Island Cove: 
  • 98.9% non-immigrants (1,385 residents)  
  • 1.1% immigrants (15 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Upper Island Cove?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Upper Island Cove: 
  • English: 100% 
  • French: 0% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Upper Island Cove?  

The typical household size in Upper Island Cove is 2.4 people. 

What is the median household income in Upper Island Cove?  

The median household income in Upper Island Cove is $64,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Upper Island Cove residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Upper Island Cove is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 23.9% (295 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 27.5% (340 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 14.2% (175 residents) 
  • College diploma: 21.9% (270 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.2% (15 residents) 
  • University degree: 11.3% (140 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Upper Island Cove?  

The most common occupations in Upper Island Cove fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 0% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 10.9% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 16.4% 
  • Health: 9.1% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 4.6% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 3.6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 5.4% 
  • Sales and service: 20% 
  • Trades and transport: 30% 

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