In 2021, the town of Embree, Newfoundland and Labrador recorded a population of 679 residents. This marked a decline of 3.1% from the 2016 population of 701. With a land area of 18.35 km², Embree had a population density of 37.0 persons per km², reflecting its small-town character and rural environment.
Population Growth Trends
Between 2016 and 2021, Embree’s population decreased by 22 residents, continuing a trend of gradual decline common in some rural Newfoundland towns.
Age Distribution
Embree has an older population, with a median age of 53.2 years and an average age of 48.6. Nearly one-third (30.1%) of residents are aged 65 or older, well above the national average.
Age Distribution Table
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 85 | 12.5% |
| 15–64 years | 385 | 56.6% |
| 65+ years | 205 | 30.1% |
Households & Dwellings
In 2021, Embree had 327 private dwellings, of which 288 were occupied. The average household size was 2.3 persons. Most homes are single-detached houses (93%), highlighting the rural housing landscape.
Household size distribution shows that 2-person households are the most common.
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Embree is a predominantly non-visible minority community, with 100% identifying as not a visible minority. The most commonly reported ethnic origins include Canadian (300), English (250), and Irish (35), alongside local Newfoundland heritage (70).
Visible Minority Population Table
| Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Visible minority population | 0 | 0.0% |
| Not a visible minority | 720 | 100.0% |
Immigration
Embree is a non-immigrant community. In 2021, all 720 residents reported being non-immigrants, with no recent immigration or foreign-born population recorded. The town is largely multi-generational, with residents predominantly third generation or more.
Immigration Status Table
| Category | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Non-immigrants | 720 | 100% |
| Immigrants | 0 | 0% |
| Non-permanent residents | 0 | 0% |
Income & Poverty
In 2020, the median household income in Embree was $57,200, while the median after-tax household income was $52,000.
- Couple-with-children families had the highest median income at $95,000.
- One-person households had a much lower median income of $25,000.
Poverty levels remain a challenge: 22.8% of residents lived below the Low-Income Measure (LIM-AT). Seniors (65+) were disproportionately affected, with 39% living in low income.
Education
Embree’s education profile shows that many residents do not pursue higher education. Among adults (15+):
- 190 had no certificate or diploma.
- 210 completed high school.
- 215 obtained postsecondary education.
- Only 20 held a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Education Table
| Level | Population (15+) |
|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma | 190 |
| High school diploma | 210 |
| Postsecondary (below bachelor) | 195 |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher | 20 |
Employment
In 2021, Embree’s labour force participation rate was 53.2%, with an employment rate of 44.4%. The unemployment rate stood at 18.2%, significantly higher than the national rate.
Employment sectors included:
- Construction (60 workers)
- Retail trade (65 workers)
- Trades, transport, and equipment operation (130 workers)
- Health care and social assistance (50 workers)
Commuting & Transportation
Embree is a car-dependent community. Of employed residents:
- 245 commute by car, truck, or van (including 215 as drivers).
- 10 use public transit.
- 10 use other methods.
Commuting Duration Table
| Duration | Workers |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 min | 100 |
| 15–29 min | 90 |
| 30–44 min | 30 |
| 45–59 min | 30 |
| 60+ min | 20 |
Conclusion
The population of Embree in 2021 stood at 679, reflecting a small decline since 2016. The town has an aging population, modest household incomes, and a strong reliance on construction, retail, and trades industries. A unique feature of Embree is its overwhelmingly Canadian-born and English-speaking population, with virtually no immigration or visible minority presence—making it distinct in Canada’s increasingly diverse demographic landscape.
FAQ
The population of Embree in 2021 was 679.
Embree’s population declined by 3.1% between 2016 and 2021.
The median age in Embree is 53.2 years, indicating an older population.
In 2021, there were 288 occupied private dwellings in Embree.
Construction, retail, trades, and health care are the leading industries in Embree.
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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