According to the 2021 Census of Population, Division No. 7, Subd. L in Newfoundland and Labrador had 1,183 residents. This represents a decline of 4.0% compared with 2016, when the population was 1,232. The land area of this unorganized subdivision is 242.89 km², resulting in a low population density of just 4.9 people per km², highlighting its rural and dispersed character.
Population Growth Trends
Between 2016 and 2021, the population decreased by 49 residents. Outmigration, an aging population, and limited in-migration are contributing factors to the decline, a trend shared by many rural areas in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Age Distribution
The community has a median age of 53.6 years, much higher than the Canadian median, reflecting its older demographic structure. Nearly 29.1% of residents are 65 years or older, while just 10.5% are under 15 years.
Age Breakdown
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 125 | 10.5% |
| 15–64 years | 710 | 59.9% |
| 65+ years | 345 | 29.1% |
Households & Dwellings
Division No. 7, Subd. L recorded 736 private dwellings, of which 525 were occupied in 2021. Most homes are single-detached houses (510), and the average household size is 2.2 persons.
| Household Size | Number of Households |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 130 |
| 2 persons | 245 |
| 3 persons | 85 |
| 4 persons | 55 |
| 5+ persons | 20 |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
The area is overwhelmingly English-speaking and non-visible minority. According to the census, nearly all residents identify as non-Indigenous and not part of a visible minority group, with small proportions reporting mixed ancestry (e.g., Newfoundlander, Irish, English).
| Ethnic Origin (Top Reported) | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 515 |
| Canadian | 395 |
| Irish | 150 |
| Newfoundlander | 75 |
| Scottish | 35 |
| German | 10 |
Income & Poverty
Income levels reflect the realities of a rural economy. In 2020, the median total income for individuals aged 15+ was $31,400, while the median after-tax income was $28,800.
Households had a median income of $64,500. Two-or-more person households reported higher incomes ($77,500) compared with single-person households ($25,200).
However, 17.8% of residents lived in low income (after tax, LIM-AT), with seniors particularly affected — 35.5% of those aged 65+ were below the low-income threshold.
Education
Educational attainment is modest. Among residents aged 15 and over:
| Education Level | Population |
|---|---|
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 305 |
| High school diploma | 360 |
| Postsecondary (college, trades, university) | 385 |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher | 65 |
Employment
The employment rate in 2021 was 41.4%, while the unemployment rate stood at a high 17.8%, reflecting limited job opportunities in the area.
Occupational breakdown shows a reliance on traditional and service-oriented sectors:
| Occupation Category | Employed Population |
|---|---|
| Sales & service occupations | 120 |
| Trades, transport, equipment operators | 180 |
| Health occupations | 30 |
| Education, law, community services | 50 |
| Natural resources (fishing, forestry) | 20 |
Industries of note include construction (70 workers), health care & social assistance (70), and retail trade (70).
Commuting & Transportation
The majority of workers (385 out of 410) commute by car, truck, or van, overwhelmingly as drivers. A small number (10) use public transit, and 15 rely on other means.
Commuting Duration:
- 135 workers (33%) travel less than 15 minutes.
- 145 workers (35%) travel between 15–29 minutes.
- Only 30 workers (7%) spend more than an hour commuting.
Conclusion
Division No. 7, Subd. L is a sparsely populated, aging community with a shrinking population base. Its median age of 53.6 years and high proportion of seniors reflect ongoing demographic challenges. While household incomes are relatively stable, poverty among older adults is significant. Employment remains concentrated in trades, construction, health, and service industries.
A defining characteristic of the region is its strong rural identity, with almost all residents living in detached homes and relying on private vehicles for transportation.
FAQ
The population was 1,183, a decline of 4.0% from 2016.
The population is shrinking, with 49 fewer residents compared to 2016.
The median age is 53.6 years, much older than the Canadian average.
There are 525 occupied households, mostly single-detached homes.
Key industries include construction, retail trade, health care, and service 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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