Botwood, Newfoundland and Labrador Population

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Botwood, Newfoundland and Labrador, had a population of 2,778 in 2021. That’s a decline of 97 people (-3.4%) from 2,875 in 2016, or about -0.7% annually over the five-year period. The town covers 14.56 km² with a population density of 190.8 people/km².

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Population Growth Trends

Botwood experienced a modest population decrease between 2016 and 2021.

• 2016 population: 2,875
• 2021 population: 2,778
• Change: -97 people (-3.4%)

While the overall trend shows decline, Botwood retains a compact urban footprint and stable housing stock, supporting local services.

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Age Distribution

Median age: 56.4 (average age 51.3), reflecting an older-than-average population. Broad age groups are:

Age breakdown (counts & share)

Age Group	Population	Percent
0–14 years	295	10.6%
15–64 years	1,525	55.0%
65+ years	955	34.4%

Note: Age totals are for the 2,775 residents with detailed age reporting and may differ slightly from total population due to rounding.

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Households & Dwellings

• Total private dwellings: 1,389
• Occupied private dwellings (usual residents): 1,251
• Average household size: 2.1
• Dwelling density: ~95 dwellings/km² (occupied ~86/km²)
• Structure type (occupied): Single-detached homes dominate at ~83% (1,040 of 1,250), with small shares of semi-detached (80), row houses (60), and low-rise apartments (40).

Tenure & affordability (25% sample):

• Owners: 890 (71.2%); Renters: 360 (28.8%)
• Households spending 30%+ of income on shelter: 185 of 1,245 (14.9%)
• Core housing need: 60 of 1,240 (4.8%)
• Median monthly shelter costs: Owners $628, Renters $760
• Median dwelling value: $155,000

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Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)

Botwood is overwhelmingly non-visible-minority, with a small Indigenous population presence. (The following are 25% sample Census measures; totals may not sum to 100% due to rounding.)

Indigenous identity (25% sample)

Group	Number	Percent
Indigenous identity	100	3.8%
Non-Indigenous identity	2,565	96.4%

Top self-reported ethnic origins (counts): Canadian (985), English (795), Newfoundlander (170), Irish (300), Scottish (185), Mi’kmaq n.o.s. (50), Métis (50).

Visible minority status (25% sample)

Group	Number	Percent
Visible minority	0	0.0%
Not a visible minority	2,660	100.0%

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Income & Poverty

All income figures are for 2020.

• Median household income: $54,800 (after-tax: $50,800)
• Median economic family income:$67,000 (after-tax: $62,000)
  • Couple with children: $95,000
  • Couple only: $62,800
  • One-parent family: $46,000
• Median income (persons 15+ not in economic families): $27,400 (after-tax: $26,000)
• Low income (LIM-AT) prevalence: 23.2% (about 620 people), with higher rates among children (28.0%) and seniors (28.8%).
• Income inequality (after-tax Gini): 0.262

Income snapshot

Measure	Value
Median household income (total)	$54,800
Median household income (after-tax)	$50,800
Median economic family income (total)	$67,000
Median one-parent family income	$46,000
Median, persons not in economic families	$27,400
Low-income rate (LIM-AT)	23.2%

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Education

(25% sample; population 15+ = 2,340)

Credential (highest)	Number	Percent
No certificate, diploma or degree	675	28.8%
High school diploma or equivalent	715	30.6%
Postsecondary (any)	950	40.6%
— Trades/apprenticeship	295	12.6%
— College/other non-university	470	20.1%
— University below bachelor	40	1.7%
— Bachelor’s degree or higher	145	6.2%
— — Master’s degree (subset of above)	50	2.1%

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Employment

(25% sample; population 15+)

• Labour force: 1,015
• Employed: 795
• Unemployed: 220
• Employment rate: 34.0%
• Unemployment rate: 21.7%

Leading occupations (NOC broad categories)

Occupation Group	Number
Sales & service	270
Trades, transport & equipment operators	225
Health occupations	160
Education, law, social, community & government	105

Leading industries (NAICS sectors)

Industry	Number	Share
Health care & social assistance	270	28.0%
Retail trade	195	20.2%
Manufacturing	65	6.7%
Construction	65	6.7%
Transportation & warehousing	55	5.7%
Educational services	55	5.7%
Public administration	40	4.1%
Mining, quarrying, oil & gas	40	4.1%

Base: 965 workers classified to industries; excludes “not applicable.”

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Commuting & Transportation

Work patterns are strongly car-oriented with short commutes.

Mode of commute (employed with usual/no fixed workplace; n=760)

Mode	Number	Percent
Car, truck or van (all)	665	87.5%
— Driver	625	82.2%
— Passenger	40	5.3%
Walked	40	5.3%
Public transit	0	0.0%
Bicycle	0	0.0%
Other method	50	6.6%

Commute duration (n=760)

Duration	Number	Percent
<15 minutes	455	59.9%
15–29 minutes	115	15.1%
30–44 minutes	150	19.7%
45–59 minutes	10	1.3%
60+ minutes	35	4.6%

Totals may not sum exactly to 100% due to rounding and small category differences in published tables.

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Conclusion

Botwood counted 2,778 residents in 2021, a 3.4% decline since 2016. The median age of 56.4 and 34% aged 65+ point to an older population profile, while housing remains predominantly single-detached and owner-occupied, with relatively modest shelter costs. The labour market is anchored by health care and social assistance and retail. A defining local characteristic is Botwood’s very short, car-based commutes, with nearly 60% reaching work in under 15 minutes—underscoring its small-town convenience.

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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