Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador Population

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Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador, recorded a 2021 population of 3,547, down 520 people (-12.8%) from 4,067 in 2016. The town spans 38.84 km² with a population density of 91.3 people per km². There were 1,814 total private dwellings, of which 1,652 were occupied by usual residents.

Quick stats

Statistic	Value
Population (2021)	3,547
Population (2016)	4,067
Change 2016–2021	−520 (−12.8%)
Land area	38.84 km²
Population density	91.3 / km²
Total private dwellings	1,814
Occupied private dwellings	1,652
Average household size	2.1 persons
Median age	54.0 years
Average age	49.2 years

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Population Growth Trends

The town experienced a population decline between 2016 and 2021 as older age groups grew in share and youth cohorts remained comparatively small.

Measure	2016	2021	Change
Population	4,067	3,547	−520 (−12.8%)

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Age Distribution

Median age in Channel-Port aux Basques is 54.0, reflecting an older age profile than provincial and national averages.

Age groups (counts and share)

Age Group	Population	Percent
0–14 years	435	12.3%
15–64 years	2,040	57.5%
65+ years	1,065	30.0%

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Households & Dwellings

Channel-Port aux Basques is dominated by ground-oriented housing with high ownership and relatively modest shelter costs for owners.

Household occupancy and size

Item	Count	Percent
Total private dwellings	1,814	—
Occupied dwellings (usual residents)	1,652	91.1% of dwellings
Private households	1,650	—
Average household size	2.1	—
1-person households	500	30.3%
2-person households	700	42.4%
3-person households	250	15.2%
4-person households	175	10.6%
5+-person households	30	1.8%

Structural type of dwelling (occupied)

Type	Count	Percent
Single-detached house	1,415	85.5%
Semi-detached	35	2.1%
Apartment/flat in duplex	80	4.8%
Apartment (<5 storeys)	115	6.9%
Other single-attached	15	0.9%
Row, 5+ storey apt, movable	0	0.0%

Tenure & shelter costs (25% sample)

Measure	Value
Owner households	1,315 (≈78.5%)
Renter households	360 (≈21.5%)
Owners spending ≥30% on shelter	3.4%
Tenants spending ≥30% on shelter	43.8%
Median monthly shelter cost (owners)	$572
Median monthly shelter cost (renters)	$700

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Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)

The community is predominantly non-visible-minority and English-speaking, with a meaningful Indigenous identity presence and strong local (“Newfoundlander”) and British Isles ancestries reported in the census.

Group	Count	Percent
Indigenous identity (private households)	135	3.8%
Non-Indigenous identity	3,375	96.2%
Total visible minority population	40	1.1%
Not a visible minority	3,470	98.9%

Notes: Multiple ethnic origins can be reported; percentages for visible minority and Indigenous identity use the “population in private households” denominator.

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Income & Poverty

Household incomes are solid for two-or-more-person households, while single-person and non-family incomes are much lower. Seniors experience higher rates of low income.

Measure	Value
Median household total income (2020)	$62,000
Median household after-tax income (2020)	$56,800
Median income – one-person households	$29,400
Median income – 2+-person households	$82,000
Median total income – economic families	$81,000
Median total income – persons 15+ not in economic families	$29,600
Low-income rate (LIM-AT, all ages)	15.6%
LIM-AT: 0–17 years	14.4%
LIM-AT: 18–64 years	10.5%
LIM-AT: 65+ years	25.6%
Low-income rate (LICO-AT)	3.4%

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Education

Nearly 4 in 10 residents aged 15+ hold a postsecondary credential, led by college and trades qualifications.

Highest Certificate/Diploma/Degree (15+)	Count	Percent
No certificate, diploma or degree	890	28.8%
High school diploma/equivalency	990	32.0%
Postsecondary (any)	1,210	39.2%
• College/CEGEP/other non-university	640	20.7%
• Apprenticeship/trades	245	7.9%
• University below bachelor	45	1.5%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher	280	9.1%

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Employment

Labour force participation is modest with a higher-than-average unemployment rate, and a workforce concentrated in trades/transport, sales/service, health, and public services.

Labour force indicators (15+)

Indicator	Value
In the labour force	1,490
Employed	1,240
Unemployed	255
Participation rate	48.2%
Employment rate	40.1%
Unemployment rate	17.1%

Leading occupations (NOC 2021)

Occupation (broad group)	Count	Share of labour force occupations
Trades, transport & equipment operators	405	27.7%
Sales & service	400	27.4%
Education, law, social, community & government	215	14.7%
Business, finance & administration	145	9.9%
Health occupations	130	8.9%
Other categories combined	165	11.3%

Top industries (NAICS 2017)

Industry sector	Count	Share of employed labour force (industries)
Transportation & warehousing	320	21.9%
Health care & social assistance	270	18.5%
Retail trade	195	13.4%
Public administration	90	6.2%
Accommodation & food services	85	5.8%
Construction	65	4.5%
All other sectors	435	29.8%

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Commuting & Transportation

Most workers commute locally by car with short travel times.

Place of work status (employed 15+)

Status	Count	Percent
Worked at home	80	6.5%
No fixed workplace	205	16.5%
Usual place of work	955	77.0%

Commuting destination (of those with a usual place of work)

Destination	Count	Percent
Within Channel-Port aux Basques	830	86.8%
Different CSD, same census division	10	1.0%
Different CSD/CD within NL	80	8.4%
Different province/territory	35	3.7%

Main mode of commuting

Mode	Count	Percent
Car, truck or van (driver or passenger)	1,025	88.4%
Public transit	25	2.2%
Walked	65	5.6%
Bicycle	0	0.0%
Other method	40	3.4%

Commute duration

Duration	Count	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	920	79.3%
15–29 minutes	160	13.8%
30–44 minutes	50	4.3%
45–59 minutes	15	1.3%
60 minutes and over	20	1.7%

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Conclusion

Channel-Port aux Basques had 3,547 residents in 2021, a 12.8% decline since 2016. The median age of 54 and a 30% share aged 65+ signal an aging community. Households are small (average 2.1 people), most live in single-detached homes, and ownership is high, though renters face higher shelter-cost burdens. The economy leans toward transportation & warehousing and health care, with many workers in trades, transport, and service roles. A unique characteristic of the town is its role as Newfoundland’s primary gateway community, reflected in the outsized transportation workforce and short, local commutes.

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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