Witless Bay, NL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,640
1.9 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$103,000/yr
Private dwellings
656

Witless Bay population

How many people live in Witless Bay

Witless Bay is home to 1,640 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.1% identify as male and 50.9% as female.

Total population
1,640
1.9% year-over-year change
Population density
93.1/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.1%
805
Female
50.9%
835
Value Percent
Male 805 49.1%
Female 835 50.9%
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 Witless Bay is 41.3. Children under 15 make up 20.1% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 7.9%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.2% are 25 to 34, 14.3% are 35 to 44, and 12.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 17.7%.

Average age
41.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.1%
15 to 24
7.9%
25 to 34
12.2%
35 to 44
14.3%
45 to 54
12.2%
55 to 64
15.6%
Over 65
17.7%
Value Percent
Under 15 330 20.1%
15 to 24 130 7.9%
25 to 34 200 12.2%
35 to 44 235 14.3%
45 to 54 200 12.2%
55 to 64 255 15.6%
Over 65 290 17.7%
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 Witless Bay, 98.7% of residents were born in Canada, while 1.3% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
98.7%
Immigrants
1.3%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 1,570 98.7%
Immigrants 20 1.3%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
0%
Non-minorities
100%
Value Percent
Non-minorities 1,590 100%
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 Witless Bay
English
100%
French
0%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 1,635 100%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 100% of people in Witless Bay 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 Witless Bay

A peek inside Witless Bay households

Witless Bay has 610 households, with an average of 2.6 people living in each. One-person households make up 18% of all homes, while 34.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 21.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 26.2% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
610
Average people per household
2.6
1 person
18%
2 persons
34.4%
3 persons
21.3%
4 persons
22.1%
5 or more persons
4.1%
Value Percent
1 person 110 18%
2 persons 210 34.4%
3 persons 130 21.3%
4 persons 135 22.1%
5 or more persons 25 4.1%
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 Witless Bay

The housing landscape of Witless Bay

Witless Bay has a total of 656 private dwellings.

Total private dwellings
656
Housing types
Single-detached homes
98.4%
Attached homes
0.8%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0.8%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 595 98.4%
Attached homes 5 0.8%
Movable homes 5 0.8%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
0%
2 or 3 bedrooms
70%
4 or more bedrooms
30.3%
Value Percent
2 or 3 bedrooms 425 70%
4 or more bedrooms 185 30.3%
Homes built since 2011
210

The age of buildings in Witless Bay

About 4.9% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 6.6% between 1946 and 1960. Another 3.3% went up in the 1960s, 12.3% in the 1970s, and 10.7% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 12.3% of homes were added, and 15.6% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 30 4.9%
Between 1946 and 1960 40 6.6%
Between 1961 and 1970 20 3.3%
Between 1971 and 1980 75 12.3%
Between 1981 and 1990 65 10.7%
Between 1991 and 2000 75 12.3%
Between 2001 and 2010 95 15.6%
After 2011 210 34.4%
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.

Witless Bay occupancy rates

In Witless Bay, there are 611 occupied private dwellings, of which 96.7% are owner-occupied and 3.3% are rented. Meanwhile, 45 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
611
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
3.3%
Owned households
96.7%
Value Percent
Rented households 20 3.3%
Owned households 590 96.7%
Unoccupied dwellings
45
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

About 93.4% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 6.6% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,300
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$0
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
93.4%
≥30% on shelter
6.6%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 570 93.4%
≥30% on shelter 40 6.6%
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 Witless Bay

Witless Bay education at a glance

In Witless Bay, educational attainment varies across the community. About 14.7% of residents have no formal diploma, while 22.9% have completed high school and 16.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 24.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 17.8% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 190 14.7%
High school diploma 295 22.9%
Apprenticeship diploma 215 16.7%
College diploma 320 24.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 40 3.1%
University degree 230 17.8%
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 Witless Bay

How much people earn in Witless Bay

In Witless Bay, the median household income sits at $103,000, while the median after-tax household income is $87,000.

Median household income
$103,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$87,000/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.

Witless Bay income by age

Young adults in Witless Bay between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,200, 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 $55,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $70,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $59,200, followed by $46,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $29,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 19,200
25 - 34 55,600
35 - 44 70,000
45 - 54 59,200
55 - 64 46,000
Over 65 29,800

Employment in Witless Bay

Workforce and job sectors in Witless Bay

In Witless Bay, 865 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 15%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, sales and service, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
865
Unemployment rate
15%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 135 16%
Natural and applied sciences 70 8.3%
Health 75 8.9%
Education, law, community and government services 120 14.2%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 10 1.2%
Sales and service 140 16.6%
Trades and transport 200 23.7%
Natural resources and agriculture 60 7.1%
Manufacturing and utilities 35 4.1%
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 Witless Bay

How people get around in Witless Bay

In Witless Bay, the average commute is 31 minutes. The remaining 6.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
31 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
22.9%
15 to 29 minutes
12.7%
30 to 44 minutes
50%
45 to 59 minutes
6.8%
More than 60 minutes
7.6%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 135 22.9%
15 to 29 minutes 75 12.7%
30 to 44 minutes 295 50%
45 to 59 minutes 40 6.8%
More than 60 minutes 45 7.6%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 535 90.7%
By bicycle/by walking 15 2.5%
By other methods 40 6.8%
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 Witless Bay demographics 

What is the current total population in Witless Bay?

Witless Bay has a population of 1,640, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.9% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Witless Bay?  

Witless Bay has a population density of 93.1 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Witless Bay?

Witless Bay has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.1% males (805 residents)  
  • 50.9% females (835 residents)

What is the age distribution of Witless Bay residents?  

The age distribution of Witless Bay residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 20.1% (330 residents)   
  • 15-24: 7.9% (130 residents)   
  • 25-34: 12.2% (200 residents)   
  • 35-44: 14.3% (235 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.2% (200 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.6% (255 residents)   
  • Over 64: 17.7% (290 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Witless Bay? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Witless Bay: 
  • 98.7% non-immigrants (1,570 residents)  
  • 1.3% immigrants (20 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Witless Bay?  

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

What is the typical household size in Witless Bay?  

The typical household size in Witless Bay is 2.6 people. 

What is the median household income in Witless Bay?  

The median household income in Witless Bay is $103,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Witless Bay residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Witless Bay is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 14.7% (190 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 22.9% (295 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 16.7% (215 residents) 
  • College diploma: 24.8% (320 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.1% (40 residents) 
  • University degree: 17.8% (230 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Witless Bay?  

The most common occupations in Witless Bay fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 16% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 14.2% 
  • Health: 8.9% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 4.1% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 8.3% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 7.1% 
  • Sales and service: 16.6% 
  • Trades and transport: 23.7% 

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