Conception Bay South, Newfoundland and Labrador recorded a population of 27,168 in 2021, up 969 people (+3.7%) from 26,199 in 2016. The town spans 59.72 km² with a population density of 454.9 persons per km². Housing inventory included 11,364 private dwellings, of which 10,711 were occupied by usual residents.
Population Growth Trends
Conception Bay South continued a steady growth trajectory between census cycles.
- 2016: 26,199
- 2021: 27,168
- Change: +969 residents (+3.7%)
This growth reflects ongoing suburban appeal in the St. John’s CMA hinterland: ample single-detached housing, family-sized lots, and commuting access to regional employment.
Age Distribution
The town has a balanced age profile with a modestly older median compared with many fast-growing suburbs.
- Median age: 43.2 years
- Average age: 41.8 years
Age Groups (Counts and Percent)
Age Group | Population | Percent
------------|------------|--------
0–14 years | 4,455 | 16.4%
15–64 years | 17,950 | 66.1%
65+ years | 4,765 | 17.5%
Total | 27,165 | 100.0%
Note: Age-distribution total (27,165) aligns with the census age table; overall population count is 27,168.
Further detail shows substantial cohorts in the 30–54 band and a sizeable 65–74 group, indicating both family households and aging-in-place.
Households & Dwellings
Housing in Conception Bay South is predominantly ground-oriented.
- Total private dwellings: 11,364
- Occupied by usual residents: 10,711
- Average household size: 2.5 persons
- Structure type (occupied): Single-detached 8,190 (~76%)
- Tenure (sample): Owners 8,815 (~82%); Renters 1,900 (~18%)
- Median monthly shelter costs: Owners $1,430; Renters $950
- Households spending ≥30% on shelter: ~15% overall (higher among renters)
Household Metric | Value
---------------------------------|------
Total private dwellings | 11,364
Occupied private dwellings | 10,711
Average household size | 2.5
Single-detached (count, share) | 8,190 (~76%)
Owner households (share) | 8,815 (~82%)
Renter households (share) | 1,900 (~18%)
Median shelter cost – owners ($) | 1,430
Median shelter cost – renters ($)| 950
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity – Visible Minority)
Conception Bay South remains predominantly not a visible minority, with a small but diverse visible-minority community.
Group | Population | Percent of Pop. in Private Households
--------------------- |-----------:|--------------------------------------:
Not a visible minority| 26,475 | ~98.97%
Total visible minority| 275 | ~1.03%
— Black | 85 | ~0.32%
— South Asian | 50 | ~0.19%
— Chinese | 45 | ~0.17%
— Filipino | 35 | ~0.13%
— Latin American | 30 | ~0.11%
— Multiple/other | 10 | ~0.04%
Base: population in private households = 26,750 (sample)
Indigenous identity (sample) totals ~955, including First Nations (~520), Métis (~230), and Inuk (~120).
Income & Poverty
Household and family incomes in 2020 were comparatively strong for the region.
- Median household income (2020): $94,000
- Median after-tax household income (2020): $79,500
- Median family income (all economic families): $111,000 (after-tax: $93,000)
- Median one-person household income: $40,000 (after-tax: $35,600)
- Low-income measure after tax (LIM-AT) prevalence:8.1% overall
- Children 0–17: 8.4%
- Working-age 18–64: 6.2%
- Seniors 65+: 15.1%
Income Metric | Amount / Rate
---------------------------------------------|---------------
Median household income (2020) | $94,000
Median after-tax household income (2020) | $79,500
Median income – economic families (2020) | $111,000
Median after-tax – economic families (2020) | $93,000
Median income – one-person households (2020) | $40,000
LIM-AT low-income rate | 8.1%
Education
Most residents aged 15+ have completed high school, and over half hold postsecondary credentials, dominated by college/trades.
Highest Level (15+ population) | Count
------------------------------------------ |------
No certificate/diploma/degree | 3,310
High school (secondary) | 5,870
Postsecondary (any) | 13,115
— Below bachelor level (e.g., college) | 9,285
— Bachelor’s degree or higher | 3,835
Fields of study show strong representation in business, construction trades/technologies, health, and protective/transportation services.
Employment
Labour-market indicators reflect pandemic-period conditions in 2020/2021 and the town’s mix of public-service and trades employment.
- Participation rate (15+): 65.0%
- Employment rate (15+): 57.9%
- Unemployment rate (15+): 11.0%
Top occupations (broad categories):
- Sales & service (~3,255)
- Trades, transport & equipment operators (~3,185)
- Education, law, social, community & government services (~1,770)
- Health occupations (~1,170)
- Business, finance & administration (~2,505)
Leading industries (NAICS sectors):
- Health care & social assistance (~2,100)
- Construction (~1,560)
- Retail trade (~1,720)
- Public administration (~1,595)
- Transportation & warehousing (~775)
- Professional, scientific & technical services (~885)
Labour Force Indicator | Value
--------------------------- |------
Participation rate | 65.0%
Employment rate | 57.9%
Unemployment rate | 11.0%
Largest industry (workers) | Health care & social assistance (~2,100)
Second-largest industry | Construction (~1,560)
Third-largest industry | Retail trade (~1,720)
Commuting & Transportation
Commuting in Conception Bay South is overwhelmingly auto-oriented, consistent with low-rise land use and regional job dispersion.
- Worked at home: ~2,095
- Usual place of work: ~8,755
- No fixed workplace: ~2,020
Main mode of commuting (workers with a usual place of work or no fixed workplace):
Mode | Commuters | Share
-------------------- |----------:|------
Car/truck/van total | 10,060 | ~93.4%
— as driver | 9,280 | ~86.1%
— as passenger | 785 | ~7.3%
Public transit | 80 | ~0.7%
Walked | 205 | ~1.9%
Bicycle | 0 | ~0.0%
Other | 430 | ~4.0%
Base: 10,775
Commute time: Most residents travel 15–29 minutes (5,365) or <15 minutes (3,205), reflecting local employment and regional proximity.
Conclusion
Conception Bay South posted solid population growth (+3.7%) from 2016 to 2021, reaching 27,168 residents. With a median age of 43.2, strong owner-occupied, single-detached housing, and leading employment in health care, construction, retail, and public administration, the town blends family-oriented neighbourhoods with access to regional jobs. A defining characteristic is its high rate of auto commuting, typical of low-density Atlantic suburban communities—tempered by relatively short travel times for many workers.
FAQ
The 2021 population is 27,168, up 3.7% from 2016.
Growing. The town added 969 residents from 2016 to 2021.
The median age is 43.2 years, indicating a balanced but slightly older population.
There are 11,364 private dwellings, with 10,711 occupied by usual residents; single-detached homes make up about 76% of occupied dwellings.
Top sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, retail trade, and public administration, alongside strong trades and transport occupations.
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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