Bay Roberts, Newfoundland and Labrador Population

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Bay Roberts, Newfoundland and Labrador recorded a population of 5,974 in the 2021 Census. That’s a decline of 38 people (-0.6%) from 6,012 in 2016. The town spans 24.51 km² with a population density of 243.7 people per km².

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Population Growth Trends

Bay Roberts experienced a modest population dip between 2016 and 2021.

Change (2016 → 2021)	2016	2021	Δ (number)	Δ (%)
Population	6,012	5,974	-38	-0.6%

Quick take: The town’s population is largely stable, edging down slightly over five years.

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Age Distribution

Bay Roberts has a median age of 47.2 (average age 44.5), reflecting a relatively mature population with over one in five residents aged 65+.

Age Group	Population	Percent
0–14 years	910	15.2%
15–64 years	3,705	62.0%
65+ years	1,350	22.6%

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Households & Dwellings

Bay Roberts counted 2,803 total private dwellings, of which 2,490 were occupied by usual residents. Average household size is 2.4 people.

Measure	Count / Value
Total private dwellings	2,803
Occupied private dwellings	2,490
Occupancy rate (occupied/total)	~88.8%
Population density	243.7 per km²
Land area	24.51 km²
Estimated dwelling density (all / occupied)	~114 / ~102 per km²
Households that own	~2,010 (~81%)*
Households that rent	~475 (~19%)*

* Owner/renter are sample-based; totals may not sum perfectly to 2,490.

Housing costs & need (highlights)

• Owners spending ≥30% of income on shelter: 7.9%
• Renters spending ≥30% of income on shelter: 43.8%
• Median monthly shelter costs: $775 (owner); $850 (renter)
• Core housing need: 2.0% (owners); 26.9% (renters)

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Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)

Bay Roberts’ population is overwhelmingly English-speaking and not a visible minority, with a small Indigenous population and a mix of self-reported ethnic origins typical of Newfoundland and Labrador heritage.

Visible Minority & Indigenous Identity

Group	Number	Percent
Visible minority (total)	35	~0.6%
Not a visible minority	5,905	~99.5%
Indigenous identity (any)	110	~1.9%

Top self-reported ethnic or cultural origins (multiple responses; shares can sum to >100%)

Origin	Number	Percent of population
Canadian	2,470	~41.6%
English	1,970	~33.2%
Irish	1,060	~17.9%
Scottish	330	~5.6%
Newfoundlander	320	~5.4%
Mi’kmaq (n.o.s.)	65	~1.1%
Inuit (n.o.s.)	60	~1.0%
Métis	45	~0.8%

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Income & Poverty

Most income figures below are for 2020 (the Census reference year).

Measure	Value
Median household income	$72,500
Median economic family income	$88,000
Median income, two-or-more-person households	$88,000
Median income, one-person households	$29,800
Median income, persons not in economic families	$29,600
Median after-tax household income	$64,000
Low-income rate (LIM-AT), all persons	15.2%
LIM-AT, 0–17	16.2%
LIM-AT, 18–64	11.2%
LIM-AT, 65+	25.1%
Income inequality (after-tax Gini)	0.275
P90/P10 (after-tax income)	3.5

Context: Family households have considerably higher median incomes than one-person or non-family residents. Seniors show a higher low-income rate than other age groups.

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Education

Among residents aged 15+, about half have postsecondary credentials, with strong representation in trades and college pathways.

Level (15+ population)	Number	Percent
No certificate, diploma or degree	1,095	21.8%
High school (or equivalent)	1,450	28.8%
Postsecondary (any)	2,485	49.4%
— Trades/apprenticeship	590	11.7%
— College/CEGEP/other non-university	1,180	23.5%
— University below bachelor	85	1.7%
— Bachelor’s degree or higher	635	12.6%
• Bachelor’s degree	415	8.3%
• Master’s degree	140	2.8%
• Professional (MD/DDS/DVM/OD)	20	0.4%
• Doctorate	10	0.2%

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Employment

Labour force (15+): participation 54.5%, employment 46.6%, unemployment 14.2%.

Status (15+)	Number
In the labour force	2,740
Employed	2,345
Unemployed	390
Not in the labour force	2,290

Leading occupations (share of employed labour force)

Occupation	Number	Percent
Sales & service	780	29.5%
Trades, transport & equipment	540	20.5%
Education, law, social, community & government	345	13.1%
Business, finance & administration	330	12.5%
Health	260	9.8%

Industry mix (share of employed labour force)

Industry	Number	Percent
Health care & social assistance	435	16.5%
Retail trade	390	14.8%
Accommodation & food services	250	9.5%
Public administration	240	9.1%
Construction	225	8.5%
Educational services	215	8.1%
Manufacturing	160	6.1%

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Commuting & Transportation

Place of work status (employed, 15+)

Status	Number	Percent
Worked at home	245	10.5%
No fixed workplace	395	16.8%
Usual place of work	1,705	72.7%

Main mode of commuting (usual place or no fixed workplace)

Mode	Number	Percent
Car, truck or van (any)	1,950	92.9%
— as a driver	1,810	86.2%
— as a passenger	140	6.7%
Walked	75	3.6%
Public transit	10	0.5%
Bicycle	10	0.5%
Other method	55	2.6%

Commute duration

Duration	Number	Percent
Under 15 minutes	1,065	50.7%
15–29 minutes	470	22.4%
30–44 minutes	150	7.1%
45–59 minutes	110	5.2%
60 minutes and over	310	14.8%

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Conclusion

In 2021, Bay Roberts remained largely stable in size with 5,974 residents and a slight 0.6% decline since 2016. The town has a mature age profile (median age 47.2) and high homeownership, with many workers employed in health care, retail, public administration, construction, and education. A defining characteristic is the short, car-based commute—over half of commuters travel under 15 minutes, underscoring Bay Roberts’ small-town convenience and tight regional labour market.

FAQ

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Source:

• Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.
• Statistics Canada. Table 17-10-0148-01  Population estimates, July 1, by census metropolitan area and census agglomeration, 2021 boundaries

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