Carbonear, Newfoundland and Labrador Population

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Carbonear’s population in 2021 was 4,696. That’s a decline of 162 people from 4,858 in 2016, a –3.3% change. The town covers 12.44 km² with a population density of 377.4 persons/km².

Quick housing snapshot: 2,289 total private dwellings, 2,094 occupied by usual residents (about 91.5% occupancy).

Population & Area At-a-Glance

Metric	2016	2021	Change	Percent
Population	4,858	4,696	–162	–3.3%
Land area (km²)	—	12.44	—	—
Population density (per km²)	—	377.4	—	—
Total private dwellings	—	2,289	—	—
Occupied private dwellings	—	2,094	—	—
Estimated dwellings per km²	—	184	—	—

Population Growth Trends

Carbonear experienced modest decline between 2016 and 2021 (–3.3%). With an older age profile (see below) and short commutes, recent patterns suggest stability anchored by local services, retail, health care, and construction.

Age Distribution

The community skews older, with 28.9% aged 65+ and a median age of 51.6 (average age 47.6).

Age Group	Population	Percent
0–14 years	605	12.9%
15–64 years	2,740	58.4%
65+ years	1,355	28.9%

Households & Dwellings

Carbonear’s housing stock is predominantly single-detached homes and smaller households (1–2 persons).

Household Size

Household Size	Households	Percent
1 person	680	32.5%
2 persons	805	38.4%
3 persons	315	15.0%
4 persons	215	10.3%
5+ persons	70	3.3%
Total households	2,095	100%
Average household size: 2.2 persons

Structural Type of Dwelling (Occupied)

Dwelling Type	Count	Percent
Single-detached house	1,785	85.2%
Semi-detached house	55	2.6%
Row house	85	4.1%
Apartment in duplex	20	1.0%
Apartment (<5 storeys)	150	7.2%
Apartment (5+ storeys)	0	0.0%
Other single-attached / Movable	0	0.0%

Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)

Carbonear is largely non-visible-minority with a small but meaningful Indigenous presence, especially Inuit identity.

Visible Minority Status*

Group	Population	Percent
Visible minority (total)	135	3.0%
— South Asian	15	0.3%
— Southeast Asian	15	0.3%
— Black	10	0.2%
— Multiple visible minorities	30	0.7%
— Other categories (each)	0	0.0%
Not a visible minority	4,370	97.0%

Indigenous Identity*

Group	Population	Percent
Indigenous identity (total)	175	3.9%
— First Nations	35	0.8%
— Métis	35	0.8%
— Inuit (Inuk)	85	1.9%
Non-Indigenous identity	4,330	96.1%

*Base for demographic tables is the population in private households (≈4,505), which differs slightly from total population.

Income & Poverty

Household incomes vary by household type, with seniors facing higher low-income prevalence.

Income Measure (2020)	Amount
Median household income	$56,800
Median after-tax household income	$52,000
Median income, one-person households	$27,000
Median income, 2+ person households	$79,000 (after-tax $70,500)

Low Income (LIM-AT)	Rate
Overall prevalence	20.1%
Children (0–17)	20.0%
Working-age (18–64)	15.2%
Seniors (65+)	31.0%

Education

More than half of residents aged 15+ hold postsecondary credentials, led by college and trades pathways.

Highest Certificate/Diploma/Degree (15+)*	Count	Percent
No certificate, diploma or degree	775	19.7%
High school diploma or equivalent	1,115	28.4%
Postsecondary (any)	2,040	51.9%
— Trades/apprenticeship	440	11.2%
— College/CEGEP/other non-university	1,210	30.8%
— University below bachelor	65	1.7%
— Bachelor’s degree or higher	330	8.4%
—— Bachelor’s degree	235	6.0%
—— Master’s degree	65	1.7%
—— Professional (MD, DDS, etc.)	15	0.4%
—— Doctorate	0	0.0%

*Base ≈ 3,930 people aged 15+ in private households.

Employment

Labour market participation is moderate with a sizable services and trades footprint.

Key Labour Indicators (15+)

Indicator	Value
Participation rate	49.0%
Employment rate	39.1%
Unemployment rate	20.3%

Leading Occupations (NOC 2021)

Occupation Group	Count
Sales & service	650
Trades, transport & equipment operators	465
Health	205
Business, finance & administration	170
Education, law, social, community & gov’t	165
Manufacturing & utilities	105
Natural & applied sciences	55
Natural resources & agriculture	45
Art, culture, recreation & sport	10

Leading Industries (NAICS 2017)

Industry	Count
Retail trade	425
Health care & social assistance	295
Construction	230
Transportation & warehousing	130
Accommodation & food services	130
Manufacturing	105
Public administration	100
Other services (except public administration)	100
Professional, scientific & technical services	65
Educational services	65

Commuting & Transportation

Commuting is overwhelmingly by car, with very short travel times for most workers.

Main Mode of Commuting*

Mode	Commuters	Percent
Car, truck or van (driver or passenger)	1,280	89.2%
Public transit	20	1.4%
Walked	80	5.6%
Bicycle	0	0.0%
Other method	55	3.8%

Commuting Duration*

Duration	Commuters	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	950	66.2%
15–29 minutes	205	14.3%
30–44 minutes	45	3.1%
45–59 minutes	20	1.4%
60 minutes and over	210	14.6%

Place of Work & Destination

Measure	Count	Percent
Worked at home (of employed)	100	6.5%
No fixed workplace address (of employed)	325	21.2%
Usual place of work (of employed)	1,105	72.0%
Commute within Carbonear (of usual-place group)	810	73.3%
Commute to different CSD, same division	270	24.4%
Commute to different division/province	30	2.7%

*Base ≈ 1,435 commuters (workers with a usual place or no fixed workplace address).

Conclusion

Carbonear counted 4,696 residents in 2021, down 3.3% from 2016. The median age of 51.6 reflects an older population, with nearly 29% aged 65+. Households are small (mostly 1–2 people) in predominantly single-detached homes. The economy leans toward retail trade, health care, construction, and trades, and commutes are notably quick—two-thirds get to work in under 15 minutes, a distinctive quality of everyday life in Carbonear.

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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