Bishop’s Falls, Newfoundland and Labrador recorded a 2021 population of 3,082, down from 3,156 in 2016—a decline of 74 people (−2.3%). The town covers 26.38 km² with a population density of 116.8 people per km². Bishop’s Falls also has 1,540 total private dwellings, 1,422 occupied by usual residents, and an average household size of 2.1 persons.
Population Growth Trends
- 2016: 3,156
- 2021: 3,082
- Change: −74 (−2.3%)
Quick snapshot
StatCan reports modest decline over the last census cycle, consistent with many small towns in the province.
Age Distribution
Median age: 53.2 (Average age: 48.5). Bishop’s Falls skews older, with over a quarter of residents aged 65+.
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 335 | 10.9% |
| 15–64 years | 1,870 | 60.6% |
| 65+ years | 870 | 28.2% |
Note: StatCan applies random rounding; totals may not sum perfectly.
Households & Dwellings
- Total private dwellings: 1,540
- Occupied by usual residents: 1,422
- Average household size: 2.1
- Households (sample): ~1,420
- Tenure (sample): 1,085 owner households; 340 renter households
Housing condition indicators show most homes require only regular maintenance, with a minority in major repair.
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
In Canada, census reporting uses Indigenous identity and visible minority concepts.
Summary: The population is predominantly non-Indigenous and not part of a visible minority, with a measurable Indigenous community.
Indigenous Identity (population in private households, sample)
| Group | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Indigenous identity | 195 | 6.5% |
| Non-Indigenous | 2,820 | 93.5% |
Visible Minority (population in private households, sample)
| Group | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Visible minority (total) | 20 | 0.7% |
| — Chinese | 10 | 0.3% |
| Not a visible minority | 2,990 | 99.3% |
Languages: Almost entirely English-speaking; English only is most common, with a small share reporting English and French.
Income & Poverty
Household incomes (2020):
- Median household income: $59,600
- Median after-tax household income: $54,400
- Average household income: $73,700 (after-tax: $63,650)
Families & non-family persons (2020):
- Median income, economic families: $75,000 (after-tax: $67,000)
- Median income, persons not in economic families: $29,000 (after-tax: $27,600)
Low income (LIM-AT, 2020):
- Overall prevalence: 20.3%
- Children (0–17): 28.0%
- Seniors (65+): 25.2%
| Income & Poverty Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median household income (2020) | $59,600 |
| Median after-tax household income (2020) | $54,400 |
| Median family income (2020) | $75,000 |
| Median non-family person income (2020) | $29,000 |
| Low income (LIM-AT) rate (2020) | 20.3% |
Education
Highest certificate, diploma or degree (population 15+, sample):
| Credential | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 750 | 27.6% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 735 | 27.1% |
| Postsecondary (any) | 1,230 | 45.3% |
| — Apprenticeship/trades | 245 | 9.0% |
| — College/CEGEP/other non-university | 695 | 25.6% |
| — University below bachelor | 40 | 1.5% |
| — Bachelor’s degree or higher | 255 | 9.4% |
| —— Bachelor’s degree | 205 | 7.5% |
| —— Master’s degree | 50 | 1.8% |
Employment
Labour force (15+, sample):
- Participation rate: 48.0%
- Employment rate: 38.7%
- Unemployment rate: 18.8%
Leading occupations (share of employed labour force):
- Trades, transport & equipment operators: 310 (24.4%)
- Sales & service: 280 (22.0%)
- Education, law, social, community & government: 230 (18.1%)
- Health occupations: 160 (12.6%)
Top industries (NAICS, share of employed labour force):
- Health care & social assistance: 350 (27.6%)
- Construction: 155 (12.2%)
- Retail trade: 150 (11.8%)
- Educational services: 90 (7.1%)
- Public administration / Manufacturing / Other services / Accommodation & food: 5–6% each
| Employment Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Participation rate | 48.0% |
| Employment rate | 38.7% |
| Unemployment rate | 18.8% |
| Largest industry | Health care & social assistance (27.6%) |
Commuting & Transportation
Place of work (employed 15+):
- Worked at home: 45 (4.3%)
- Usual place of work: 860 (81.9%)
- No fixed workplace: 155 (14.8%)
Main mode of commuting (usual/no fixed workplace):
| Mode | Commuters | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Car, truck or van | 955 | 94.6% |
| Public transit | 0 | 0.0% |
| Walked | 30 | 3.0% |
| Bicycle | 0 | 0.0% |
| Other method | 20 | 2.0% |
Commute time (minutes):
| Duration | Commuters | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| <15 | 425 | 42.1% |
| 15–29 | 455 | 45.0% |
| 30–44 | 70 | 6.9% |
| 45–59 | 10 | 1.0% |
| 60+ | 55 | 5.4% |
Conclusion
Bishop’s Falls counted 3,082 residents in 2021, a −2.3% decrease since 2016. The town has an older age profile (median age 53.2), small households (2.1 persons), and a labour market anchored by health care, trades, and retail. A standout characteristic is the near-universal car commuting with effectively no public transit usage, reflecting the community’s rural, drive-to-work pattern.
FAQ
Bishop’s Falls had 3,082 residents in 2021.
It declined by 74 people (−2.3%) from 2016 to 2021.
The median age is 53.2 years.
There are about 1,420 private households, with 1,422 occupied dwellings out of 1,540 total dwellings reported.
Health care & social assistance is the largest sector, followed by construction and retail trade.
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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