In 2021, the town of Cupids, Newfoundland and Labrador recorded a population of 699, according to the Census of Population. This represented a decline of 44 residents (-5.9%) compared with 2016, when the population stood at 743. Cupids spans a land area of 10.86 km², giving it a population density of 64.4 people per km².
Population Growth Trends
Between 2016 and 2021, Cupids experienced a modest population decrease. This continues a trend seen in several rural communities across Newfoundland and Labrador, where aging populations and limited in-migration contribute to demographic shifts.
Age Distribution
Cupids has an older population profile, with a median age of 54.4 years and an average age of 49.7 years. Nearly 3 in 10 residents (29.3%) are seniors aged 65+, while children (0–14) make up less than 9% of the population.
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 60 | 8.6% |
| 15–64 years | 435 | 62.1% |
| 65+ years | 205 | 29.3% |
Households & Dwellings
There were 428 total private dwellings in Cupids, of which 325 were occupied by usual residents. Most households were in single-detached houses (315). The average household size was 2.2 people.
| Household Size | Number of Households |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 85 |
| 2 persons | 150 |
| 3 persons | 50 |
| 4 persons | 25 |
| 5+ persons | 10 |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Cupids is a predominantly non-visible minority community. The 2021 Census reports that 100% of residents identified as not belonging to a visible minority group, with English, Irish, and Canadian ethnic origins being the most common.
| Visible Minority Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Total visible minority | 0 | 0% |
| Not a visible minority | 695 | 100% |
Immigration
Cupids has a small immigrant population, with only 25 immigrants recorded, most arriving before 1980. The majority of residents (over 95%) are non-immigrants.
| Immigration Status | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Non-immigrants | 665 | 95.7% |
| Immigrants | 25 | 3.6% |
| Non-permanent residents | 0 | 0% |
Income & Poverty
Income levels in Cupids reflect rural Newfoundland averages. In 2020, the median total income for individuals aged 15+ was $32,400, while households reported a median after-tax income of $56,800.
However, 18.8% of residents lived in low income (LIM-AT), with seniors (65+) experiencing the highest poverty rates (34%).
| Income Group | Median Income ($) |
|---|---|
| Individuals (15+) | 32,400 |
| Households | 61,200 |
| One-person households | 32,400 |
| Two-or-more person households | 79,000 |
Education
Cupids has a diverse educational profile. About 145 residents (23%) have no certificate or diploma, while 345 (55%) attained a postsecondary qualification. Roughly 75 people (12%) hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
| Highest Education Level | Population |
|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma | 145 |
| High school diploma | 145 |
| Postsecondary (college, trades, university) | 345 |
Employment
The 2021 Census shows Cupids had a labour force participation rate of 42.1% and an employment rate of 33.3%. The unemployment rate was 20.8%, higher than the provincial average.
Leading occupations included:
- Trades, transport & equipment (95 workers)
- Education, law, social & community services (45)
- Sales & service (30)
- Health care & social assistance industry (55)
| Employment Indicator | Percent |
|---|---|
| Participation rate | 42.1% |
| Employment rate | 33.3% |
| Unemployment rate | 20.8% |
Commuting & Transportation
Most employed residents commute by car. Of the 190 commuters recorded:
- 170 (89%) used a car, truck, or van
- 15 used other methods (e.g., ATVs, boats, etc.)
- No workers reported walking, cycling, or transit as their main mode.
Commute Duration:
- Less than 30 minutes: 95 workers
- 30–59 minutes: 55 workers
- 60+ minutes: 40 workers
Conclusion
The 2021 Census shows Cupids as a small but aging town with just under 700 residents. While it has experienced modest population decline, the community remains rooted in strong family households, a high proportion of seniors, and a close-knit cultural identity. Its unique characteristic is its historical significance—Cupids is recognized as the site of the first English colony in Canada, a fact that continues to shape its identity today.
FAQ
The population of Cupids in 2021 was 699.
Cupids’ population decreased by 5.9% between 2016 and 2021.
The median age in Cupids is 54.4 years, making it an older community.
There were 325 occupied private dwellings in Cupids in 2021.
Key industries include health care & social assistance, education, trades, and retail.
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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