Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador, recorded a 2021 population of 3,190. That’s a decline of 258 people (-7.5%) from 3,448 in 2016. The town spans 31.56 km² with a population density of 101.1 people per km². There are 1,732 total private dwellings, of which 1,470 are occupied (about 84.9%). The median age is 54.8.
Population Growth Trends
Bonavista’s recent trend shows modest decline as older cohorts grow and youth cohorts shrink.
- 2016 → 2021: 3,448 → 3,190 (-258, -7.5%)
- Density (2021): 101.1/km²
- 1-year mobility: 93.1% non-movers, 6.9% movers (25% sample)
Age Distribution
The town skews older with nearly one-third aged 65+.
Key age stats
- Median age: 54.8
- Average age: 50.1
Age breakdown
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 340 | 10.7% |
| 15–64 years | 1,865 | 58.5% |
| 65+ years | 980 | 30.7% |
Households & Dwellings
- Total private dwellings: 1,732
- Occupied dwellings (usual residents): 1,470 (84.9% of all)
- Average household size: 2.1 persons
- Tenure (25% sample): 79.6% owners, 20.4% renters
- Median monthly shelter costs: Owners $484; Renters $710
- Share spending ≥30% of income on shelter: Owners 6.5%; Renters 31.7% (25% sample)
Household size
| Household Size | Households | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 455 | 31.0% |
| 2 persons | 630 | 42.9% |
| 3 persons | 215 | 14.6% |
| 4 persons | 130 | 8.8% |
| 5+ persons | 40 | 2.7% |
| Total | 1,470 | 100% |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Bonavista is overwhelmingly White, with a very small visible minority population and a modest Indigenous community presence (25% sample). Ethnic/cultural origins commonly reported include Canadian, English, Irish, and Newfoundlander.
Visible minority status (25% sample)
| Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Visible minority (all groups) | 10 | 0.3% |
| Not a visible minority | 3,090 | 99.7% |
| Total | 3,100 | 100% |
Indigenous identity (25% sample)
| Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Indigenous identity (total) | 65 | 2.1% |
| Non-Indigenous identity | 3,035 | 97.9% |
| Total | 3,100 | 100% |
Top reported ethnic or cultural origins (selected, 25% sample)
| Origin | Population | Share of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 1,245 | — |
| English | 1,220 | — |
| Irish | 290 | — |
| Newfoundlander | 235 | — |
| Scottish | 100 | — |
(Shares omitted here as multiple responses are allowed.)
Income & Poverty (2020 incomes; 25% sample unless noted)
- Median household income: $54,800 (after-tax $49,600)
- Median economic family income:$70,500 (after-tax $63,200)
- Couple-only families: $63,200
- Couple with children: $100,000
- One-parent families: $46,800
- Median income for persons 15+ not in economic families: $28,000
Poverty (LIM-AT, 2020; 100% data)
| Group | In Low Income | Prevalence |
|---|---|---|
| All persons in private households | 695 | 22.5% |
| Children 0–17 | 100 | 23.6% |
| Working-age 18–64 | 285 | 16.0% |
| Seniors 65+ | 310 | 34.8% |
(LICO-AT prevalence is 3.7% for reference.)
After-tax Gini index: 0.256
Education (25% sample)
Highest certificate, diploma or degree (15+)
| Level | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 960 | 34.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 870 | 31.2% |
| Postsecondary below bachelor | 760 | 27.2% |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher | 195 | 7.0% |
| Total | 2,790 | ~100%* |
*Totals may not equal exactly due to rounding/suppression.
Employment (25% sample)
- Employment rate: 42.1%
- Unemployment rate: 18.1%
Leading occupations
| Occupation (Broad Category) | Workers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Sales & service | 305 | 21.8% |
| Trades, transport & equipment | 285 | 20.4% |
| Manufacturing & utilities | 270 | 19.3% |
| Education, law, social/community & gov’t | 145 | — |
| Health | 130 | — |
Leading industries (NAICS sectors)
| Industry | Workers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 315 | 22.5% |
| Health care & social assistance | 285 | 20.4% |
| Retail trade | 130 | 9.3% |
| Construction | 125 | 8.9% |
| Agriculture/forestry/fishing/hunting | 100 | 7.1% |
| Public administration | 65 | 4.6% |
Commuting & Transportation (25% sample)
Mode of commute (usual place or no fixed workplace)
| Mode | Commuters | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Car, truck or van (driver/passenger) | 1,025 | 91.9% |
| Public transit | 15 | 1.3% |
| Walked | 50 | 4.5% |
| Bicycle | 10 | 0.9% |
| Other | 20 | 1.8% |
| Total | 1,115 | 100% |
Commute time: 83.9% under 15 minutes; 9.4% 15–29 mins; 2.7% 30–44 mins; 3.6% 60+ mins.
Place of work: Most work within Bonavista (810 of 915 with a usual workplace); a small share commute to other CSDs or provinces.
Conclusion
Bonavista’s population in 2021 is 3,190, down 7.5% since 2016. The town has a median age of 54.8, reflecting a mature demographic with 30.7% aged 65+. Households are mainly owner-occupied (79.6%) with modest shelter costs relative to national figures, though renters face higher affordability pressures. The economy is anchored by manufacturing and health care, and most residents enjoy short car commutes. A unique hallmark of Bonavista is its historic coastal character and fishing heritage, which continues to shape local identity and employment.
FAQ
Bonavista’s population is 3,190 in 2021.
It declined by 258 people (-7.5%) from 2016 to 2021.
The median age is 54.8, with 30.7% of residents aged 65+.
There are 1,470 occupied private dwellings out of 1,732 total.
Top sectors include manufacturing and health care & social assistance, with notable roles for retail and construction.
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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