Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador Population

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Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador, recorded a 2021 population of 4,864. That’s a decline of 385 residents (−7.3%) from 5,249 in 2016. The town spans 73.26 km² with a population density of 66.4 people per km². The median age is 51.6 (average age 47.5), reflecting an older-than-average community profile.

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Population Growth Trends

Deer Lake saw a modest population contraction during the last intercensal period.

Headline figures (2016–2021):

• Population change: −385 people (−7.3%)
• 2021 population: 4,864
• Land area: 73.26 km² | Density: 66.4/km²

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Age Distribution

Deer Lake’s age structure skews older, with more than a quarter of residents aged 65+.

Key stats: Median age 51.6; youth (0–14) 13.3%; working age (15–64) 58.5%; seniors (65+) 28.3%.

Age Group	Population	Percent
0–14 years	645	13.3%
15–64 years	2,845	58.5%
65+ years	1,375	28.3%

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Households & Dwellings

Deer Lake is dominated by ground-oriented homes and small households.

• Total private dwellings: 2,309
• Occupied by usual residents: 2,139 (≈92.6% occupancy)
• Households counted (occupied): 2,140 | Average household size: 2.2 persons
• Structure type: 76.8% single-detached; small shares of semis, low-rise apartments, and mobiles.

Household Size	Households	Percent
1 person	590	27.6%
2 persons	890	41.6%
3 persons	335	15.7%
4 persons	240	11.2%
5+ persons	85	4.0%

Dwelling Type	Households	Percent
Single-detached house	1,645	76.8%
Semi-detached house	140	6.5%
Row house	40	1.9%
Apartment, duplex	75	3.5%
Apartment (<5 storeys)	170	7.9%
Movable dwelling	55	2.6%

Tenure	Households	Percent
Owner	1,565	73.1%
Renter	580	27.1%

Shelter costs (median): Owners $960/month; Renters $820/month
Spending ≥30% on shelter: Owners 11.5%; Renters 37.4%

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Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)

Deer Lake’s population is predominantly not a visible minority, with a notable Indigenous presence (14.3%) and a small visible minority (1.5%). (In Canadian statistics, Indigenous identity is reported separately from “visible minority.”)

Group	Population	Percent
Indigenous identity (total)	680	14.3%
Visible minority (total)	70	1.5%
— South Asian	15	0.3%
— Black	30	0.6%
Not a visible minority & non-Indigenous	4,010	84.2%

Language note: 4,755 of 4,760 residents (25% sample) report English knowledge; bilingual English-French is limited (≈2%).

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Income & Poverty

Household and family incomes reflect a mixed local economy, with higher medians for couple families and lower medians for one-parent families and non-family persons. Poverty (LIM-AT) affects about 18% of residents.

Measure	Median Income ($)
Household (all)	62,400
Household (after-tax)	57,200
Economic family (all)	81,000
Economic family (after-tax)	72,000
Couple-only family	69,000
Couple with children	119,000
One-parent family	53,200
Persons 15+ not in economic families	29,000

Poverty (LIM-AT) prevalence: 18.0% (0–17 yrs: 19.6%; 18–64: 14.1%; 65+: 25.2%)

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Education

Among residents aged 15+, more than two in five hold postsecondary credentials, led by college and trades pathways.

Highest Certificate, Diploma or Degree (15+)	Population	Percent
No certificate, diploma or degree	880	21.3%
High school diploma or equivalent	1,380	33.4%
Apprenticeship or trades	505	12.2%
College/CEGEP/other non-university	905	21.9%
University below bachelor	80	1.9%
Bachelor’s degree or higher	380	9.2%

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Employment

Labour force indicators reflect pandemic-era conditions in 2020/2021 and a service- and trades-oriented job mix.

Indicator	Value
Participation rate	47.8%
Employment rate	39.8%
Unemployment rate	17.0%
In the labour force	1,970
Employed	1,640
Unemployed	335

Leading occupations (share of employed labour force):

Occupation (NOC Broad Category)	Employed	Percent
Sales & service	640	33.7%
Trades, transport & equipment ops	405	21.3%
Business, finance & administration	250	13.2%
Education, law, social & gov’t	225	11.8%
Health	125	6.6%

Top industries (NAICS):

Industry	Workers	Percent
Retail trade	355	18.7%
Health care & social assistance	250	13.2%
Accommodation & food services	220	11.6%
Construction	175	9.2%
Transportation & warehousing	160	8.4%
Educational services	150	7.9%
Public administration	115	6.1%

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Commuting & Transportation

Deer Lake is a car-first community with very short commutes.

Mode	Workers	Percent
Car, truck or van (total)	1,350	88.5%
… as driver	1,235	81.0%
… as passenger	115	7.5%
Walked	120	7.9%
Public transit	0	0.0%
Bicycle	0	0.0%
Other method	50	3.3%

Commute duration: <15 minutes for 72.8% of workers (15–29 min: 11.1%; 30–44 min: 7.9%; 45–59 min: 4.3%; 60+ min: 3.6%).
Place of work: Most employed residents work within the town or nearby, with limited long-distance commuting.

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Conclusion

Deer Lake’s 2021 population stands at 4,864, down 7.3% since 2016. The community is older (median age 51.6), largely single-detached and owner-occupied, and features short, car-based commutes. A notable 14.3% identify as Indigenous, highlighting a distinctive cultural presence in the town. Retail, health care, accommodation/food services, and construction anchor local employment.

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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