According to the 2021 Census, Division No. 7, Subd. M, an unorganized subdivision in Newfoundland and Labrador, recorded a total population of 1,856. This represents a decline of 5.6% compared to 2016, when the population stood at 1,966—a loss of 110 residents.
Covering a large land area of 450.25 square kilometres, the region had a very low population density of 4.1 persons per square kilometre in 2021, reflecting its rural and dispersed character.
Population Growth Trends
Between 2016 and 2021, Division No. 7, Subd. M experienced population decline, consistent with trends in several rural Newfoundland communities where aging populations and youth outmigration are common.
Age Distribution
The median age in 2021 was 58.0 years, significantly higher than the national median of 41.6 years, underlining the region’s aging population.
Age Group Breakdown:
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 180 | 9.7% |
| 15–64 years | 1,020 | 55.0% |
| 65+ years | 650 | 35.0% |
Households & Dwellings
Division No. 7, Subd. M contained 1,094 private dwellings, of which 871 were occupied by usual residents. The average household size was 2.1 persons. Housing was overwhelmingly single-detached homes (855 dwellings).
| Household Size | Households |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 220 |
| 2 persons | 455 |
| 3 persons | 90 |
| 4 persons | 85 |
| 5+ persons | 20 |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
The population is predominantly of European descent, with strong cultural ties to English, Irish, and Canadian ancestry. According to the census, Newfoundlander (160), Canadian (760), English (640), and Irish (285) were the most common ethnic origins reported.
Visible minorities accounted for fewer than 1% of residents, and 15 individuals identified as First Nations.
Income & Poverty
In 2020, the median household income was $58,400 before tax and $54,000 after tax. For two-or-more-person households, the median income was significantly higher at $71,500.
However, the community had a relatively high prevalence of poverty:
- 19.8% of residents lived in low income based on the after-tax Low-Income Measure (LIM-AT).
- The senior population (65+) faced the highest rates, with 33.6% considered low income.
Education
Educational attainment in Division No. 7, Subd. M shows limited postsecondary completion:
| Education Level | Population (15+) |
|---|---|
| No certificate, diploma, or degree | 505 |
| High school diploma | 500 |
| Postsecondary (college, trades, or university) | 670 |
| – Apprenticeship / trades | 290 |
| – College / CEGEP | 305 |
| – Bachelor’s degree or higher | 65 |
Employment
Labour force participation is low, with many residents retired or outside the labour market.
- Labour force participation rate: 41.1%
- Employment rate: 32.1%
- Unemployment rate: 21.7%
Employment by Industry:
| Industry | Workers |
|---|---|
| Construction | 125 |
| Health care & social assistance | 105 |
| Sales & service | 85 |
| Trades, transport & equipment | 210 |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting | 65 |
Commuting & Transportation
Among 500 employed residents:
- 435 commuted by car, truck, or van (390 as drivers, 45 as passengers).
- Public transit was minimal (15 people).
- Active commuting (walking or cycling) was not reported.
Commute durations varied, with 160 people (32%) traveling less than 15 minutes, while 75 residents (15%) reported commuting for more than an hour.
Conclusion
Division No. 7, Subd. M’s population fell to 1,856 in 2021, continuing a downward trend linked to aging and outmigration. With a median age of 58.0 years and more than one-third of residents over 65, the community faces demographic challenges. Despite modest household incomes, poverty—especially among seniors—remains a concern.
The area’s defining characteristic is its dispersed, rural lifestyle: low density, reliance on single-detached housing, and a workforce rooted in trades, construction, and resource industries.
FAQ
The population was 1,856 in 2021, down 5.6% from 2016.
The population is shrinking, with a decline of 110 people between 2016 and 2021.
The median age is 58.0 years, well above the national median.
There were 871 occupied households in 2021, with an average size of 2.1 persons.
Construction, trades, health care, and resource industries (forestry and fishing) are the leading sectors.
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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