Brigus, a historic town in Newfoundland and Labrador, recorded a population of 699 in the 2021 Census. This represents a 3.3% decline from its 2016 population of 723, a loss of 24 residents. With a land area of 11.48 km² and a population density of 60.9 persons per km², Brigus remains a small but notable community with deep cultural roots.
Population Growth Trends
Brigus has seen modest population fluctuations over recent decades. Between 2016 and 2021, the population decreased slightly, reflecting broader rural demographic challenges in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Age Distribution
Brigus is characterized by an older median age of 55.2 years. Nearly one-third of its residents are seniors (65+), making it one of the older towns demographically.
Age Distribution in Brigus (2021)
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 75 | 10.7% |
| 15–64 years | 400 | 57.1% |
| 65+ years | 220 | 31.4% |
Households & Dwellings
In 2021, Brigus had 506 private dwellings, of which 327 were occupied. The average household size was 2.1 persons. Housing is dominated by single-detached homes (315 units), with a small presence of row houses and duplexes.
Households are largely small, with 230 households (71%) having one or two persons.
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Brigus is a predominantly non-visible minority community, with English, Irish, and Scottish ancestries strongly represented. According to the 2021 Census, 0 residents identified as visible minorities, and 10 residents identified as Indigenous through ancestry or identity.
Visible Minority Population (2021)
| Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Visible minority | 0 | 0.0% |
| Not visible minority | 715 | 100% |
Immigration
Brigus has virtually no immigrant population. In 2021, 710 residents were non-immigrants (born in Canada), while 0 were immigrants or non-permanent residents. The town’s demographic continuity reflects long-standing family ties and limited recent in-migration.
Immigrant Status (2021)
| Category | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Non-immigrants | 710 | 98.6% |
| Immigrants | 0 | 0.0% |
| Non-permanent residents | 0 | 0.0% |
Income & Poverty
The median household income in 2020 was $62,000, slightly below the national average but comparable to many small Newfoundland towns.
- Median income for one-person households: $26,400
- Median income for two-or-more-person households: $82,000
- Median after-tax income of families: $72,000
About 18.4% of residents lived in low income (LIM-AT), with the rate rising to 29% among seniors (65+).
Education
Brigus residents show a mix of educational attainment:
Highest Level of Education (2021, age 15+)
| Education Level | Population |
|---|---|
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 165 |
| High school diploma | 130 |
| Postsecondary certificate/diploma | 250 |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher | 75 |
Trades, college, and health-related fields are well represented in Brigus, reflecting its practical and community-based workforce.
Employment
The employment rate in Brigus was 31.7%, with an unemployment rate of 25.9%, significantly higher than national averages. This points to limited local job opportunities and reliance on seasonal or part-time work.
Top industries include:
- Construction (50 workers)
- Trades, transport & equipment (80 workers)
- Health care & social assistance (30 workers)
- Educational services (20 workers)
Commuting & Transportation
Workforce commuting patterns show that most employed residents travel outside Brigus for work:
- 170 people commute by car or truck, mostly as drivers.
- 0 commute by public transit or walking.
- Commute times are moderate, with 65 residents commuting 15–29 minutes and 40 commuting over an hour.
Conclusion
In 2021, Brigus had a population of 699, reflecting a slight decline since 2016. The community is characterized by an older median age (55.2 years), a high senior population, and strong English and Irish cultural roots. While local employment is limited and incomes are modest, Brigus remains a historically rich and close-knit town with stable family structures.
FAQ
The population of Brigus in 2021 was 699 residents.
Brigus’ population declined by 3.3% between 2016 and 2021.
The median age in Brigus is 55.2 years, indicating an older population.
There were 327 occupied private dwellings in Brigus in 2021, with an average household size of 2.1.
Construction, trades, health care, and education are key employment sectors in Brigus.
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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