Clarenville, NL recorded a 2021 population of 6,704, up from 6,291 in 2016—an increase of +413 residents (+6.6%). The town covers 139.91 km² with a population density of 47.9 people per km². There are 3,123 private dwellings, of which 2,804 are occupied, for an occupancy rate of ~89.8% and an average household size of 2.3 persons.
Population Growth Trends
Clarenville continued a modest growth trajectory between 2016 and 2021, adding 413 residents. Growth reflects the town’s role as a regional service and employment centre for the Bonavista Peninsula and surrounding areas.
Quick growth math
- 2016: 6,291
- 2021: 6,704
- Change: +413 (+6.6%)
Age Distribution
Median age: 45.2 years (average age 43.8). Clarenville’s age profile skews middle-aged to older, with just over one-fifth aged 65+.
Broad age groups
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 1,040 | 15.5% |
| 15–64 years | 4,155 | 62.0% |
| 65+ years | 1,505 | 22.4% |
Households & Dwellings
Clarenville’s housing stock is predominantly single-detached, with solid ownership rates and relatively moderate shelter costs compared to larger centres.
| Key Indicator | Count / Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total private dwellings | 3,123 | — |
| Occupied by usual residents | 2,804 | ~89.8% of dwellings |
| Average household size | 2.3 | — |
| Households (all) | 2,805 | Size mix below |
| Owner households | 1,850 (≈66.0%) | — |
| Renter households | 955 (≈34.1%) | — |
| Single-detached houses (occupied) | 1,835 | Largest structure type |
| Median value of owned dwellings | $250,000 | — |
| Median monthly shelter cost (owners) | $1,100 | Mortgage, taxes, etc. |
| Median monthly shelter cost (renters) | $830 | — |
| Households spending ≥30% on shelter | 530 | Across all tenures |
| Owners spending ≥30% | 9.5% of owners | ~176 households (approx.) |
| Renters spending ≥30% | 37.6% of renters | ~359 households (approx.) |
Household size
| Household Size | Households | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 775 | 27.6% |
| 2 persons | 1,060 | 37.8% |
| 3 persons | 470 | 16.8% |
| 4 persons | 390 | 13.9% |
| 5+ persons | 110 | 3.9% |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Clarenville is predominantly not a visible minority, with a small but growing mix of communities—most notably South Asian and Filipino residents. Indigenous identity is reported by about 180 residents (First Nations ~70, Métis ~65, Inuit ~40).
| Group | Population | Percent of population in private households (6,455) |
|---|---|---|
| Total visible minority | 210 | 3.3% |
| South Asian | 70 | 1.1% |
| Filipino | 50 | 0.8% |
| Arab | 30 | 0.5% |
| Black | 15 | 0.2% |
| Latin American | 10 | 0.2% |
| Multiple visible minorities | 15 | 0.2% |
| Not a visible minority | 6,245 | 96.7% |
Income & Poverty
Clarenville’s incomes reflect a mixed service, retail, construction, and public-sector economy. Families tend to have substantially higher median incomes than non-family individuals.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Median household income (2020) | $72,000 |
| Median after-tax household income (2020) | $63,200 |
| Median income of economic families (2020) | $93,000 |
| Median income of persons not in economic families | $30,200 |
| Low-income rate (LIM-AT), all ages | 14.8% (≈955 people) |
| Low-income rate (LICO-AT), all ages | 3.1% (≈205 people) |
| Gini index (after-tax, adjusted household income) | 0.286 |
Education
More than half of adults hold a postsecondary credential, with strong representation of college and trades—well-aligned to regional labour needs in construction, transportation, health, and services.
| Highest Credential (age 15+) | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 1,010 | 18.7% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1,495 | 27.7% |
| Postsecondary (any) | 2,905 | 53.7% |
| Apprenticeship / trades | 570 | 10.5% |
| College / CEGEP diploma | 1,375 | 25.4% |
| University below bachelor | 115 | 2.1% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 520 | 9.6% |
| Master’s degree | 245 | 4.5% |
| Professional degree (MD/DDS/DVM/OD) | 50 | 0.9% |
| Earned doctorate | 10 | 0.2% |
Employment
Labour force participation and employment are typical for a small regional hub, with a service-oriented job mix.
| Indicator | Rate |
|---|---|
| Participation rate | 62.1% |
| Employment rate | 54.0% |
| Unemployment rate | 13.0% |
Top occupations (share of employed labour force)
- Sales & service: 1,005 (≈30.9%)
- Trades, transport & equipment: 645 (≈19.8%)
- Education, law & social/community/government: 535 (≈16.5%)
- Health: 345 (≈10.6%)
- Business, finance & administration: 350 (≈10.8%)
Leading industries (share of employed labour force)
| Industry | Employed | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Retail trade | 620 | 19.1% |
| Health care & social assistance | 590 | 18.2% |
| Accommodation & food services | 245 | 7.5% |
| Construction | 240 | 7.4% |
| Educational services | 240 | 7.4% |
| Public administration | 240 | 7.4% |
| Manufacturing | 185 | 5.7% |
| Transportation & warehousing | 180 | 5.5% |
| Other services (except public admin) | 170 | 5.2% |
| Professional, scientific & technical | 145 | 4.5% |
Commuting & Transportation
Most residents commute by car and have short travel times—reflecting compact distances and local employment options.
Main mode of commuting (usual place or no fixed workplace; n=2,685)
| Mode | Commuters | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Car, truck or van (any) | 2,465 | 91.8% |
| Driver | 2,180 | 81.2% |
| Passenger | 285 | 10.6% |
| Public transit | 10 | 0.4% |
| Walked | 105 | 3.9% |
| Bicycle | 0 | 0.0% |
| Other method | 95 | 3.5% |
| Additional commute stats | Value |
|---|---|
| Worked at home (of employed, n=2,920) | 230 (≈7.9%) |
| Commute within Clarenville | 1,850 (majority of usual-place workers) |
| Commute time <15 minutes | 2,070 (≈77.1%) |
| 15–29 minutes | 200 (7.4%) |
| 30–44 minutes | 190 (7.1%) |
| 45–59 minutes | 70 (2.6%) |
| 60+ minutes | 150 (5.6%) |
Conclusion
Clarenville’s population grew 6.6% from 2016 to 2021 to reach 6,704. The town’s median age of 45.2 and 22.4% seniors (65+) reflect an aging profile, yet growth persists thanks to its role as a regional service hub. Housing remains largely owner-occupied single-detached, with median household income of $72,000 and short commute times for most workers. A standout characteristic is Clarenville’s diverse employment base for a town its size—anchored by retail, health care, education, construction, and public administration—which supports both local residents and surrounding communities.
FAQ
Clarenville’s 2021 population is 6,704.
Growing—up +413 people (+6.6%) since 2016.
The median age is 45.2 years (average age 43.8).
There are 2,805 households and 3,123 private dwellings (about 89.8% occupied).
Top industries include retail trade, health care & social assistance, education, construction, public administration, and accommodation & food services.
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
Recent Comments