Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, recorded a 2021 population of 2,117. That’s a decline of 127 residents (-5.7%) from 2,244 in 2016. The town spans 238.25 km² with a population density of 8.9 persons per km². There are 1,450 total private dwellings, of which 964 are occupied by usual residents, and the average household size is 2.2.
Population Growth Trends
Fogo Island’s population edged down between census years as out-migration and an aging demographic outweighed in-migration and births. From 2016 to 2021: -5.7% (-127 people). The trend aligns with many small Atlantic communities where youth mobility and seasonal work patterns influence resident counts.
Age Distribution
Fogo Island is older than average with a median age of 56.4 (average age 50.6). Nearly 31% of residents are 65+, while 11.6% are children 0–14.
Age Breakdown
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 245 | 11.6% |
| 15–64 years | 1,225 | 57.8% |
| 65+ years | 650 | 30.7% |
Quick take: A large senior population signals strong demand for health services, home supports, and age-friendly amenities, while the relatively small 0–14 cohort indicates continued pressure on school enrolments.
Households & Dwellings
- Total dwellings: 1,450
- Occupied by usual residents: 964
- Average household size: 2.2
- Density: 8.9 people/km² (approx. 4.0 occupied dwellings/km²)
- Tenure (sample): ~91% owner (880) and 8% renter (80)
- Housing condition: 910 dwellings require only regular maintenance; 60 need major repairs
- Affordability: 50 households (≈5%) spend 30%+ of income on shelter; core housing need is low among owners (5.7%) but higher among renters (17.6%)
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Fogo Island is overwhelmingly non-visible minority with a small but notable Indigenous community and strong ancestral ties to the British Isles.
- Visible minority: 0
- Not a visible minority: 2,085
- Indigenous identity: 100 (≈4.8% of population)
- First Nations: 50 (≈2.4%)
- Métis: 40 (≈1.9%)
- Inuit: 10 (≈0.5%)
Top self-reported ethnic/cultural origins (sample counts): English (785), Irish (485), Canadian (465), Newfoundlander (230), Mi’kmaq n.o.s. (50), Welsh (10), plus small counts across other groups.
Language: Almost universally English for mother tongue and at home.
Demographic Summary Table
| Group | Count | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Not a visible minority | 2,085 | 100.0% |
| Visible minority (total) | 0 | 0.0% |
| Indigenous (any identity) | 100 | ~4.8% |
| — First Nations | 50 | ~2.4% |
| — Métis | 40 | ~1.9% |
| — Inuit | 10 | ~0.5% |
(Percentages for Indigenous identity are relative to ~2,085 residents in private households.)
Income & Poverty
Individuals (15+) in 2020
- Median total income: $33,600
- Median employment income: $19,000 (reflects older age profile and seasonal work)
- Median after-tax income: $29,800
Households (2020)
- Median household income: $62,400
- Median after-tax household income: $56,400
- Two-or-more-person households: Median $79,000; one-person households: Median $28,600
Poverty (LIM-AT, 2020): 17.4% overall
- 0–17 years: 9.0%
- 18–64 years: 9.4%
- 65+ years: 36.4% (elevated seniors’ low-income prevalence)
Education
Among residents 15+:
- No certificate/diploma/degree: 605 (32.4%)
- High school diploma or equivalent: 595 (31.8%)
- Postsecondary (any):675 (36.1%)
- Trades/apprenticeship: 150 (8.0%)
- College/CEGEP/other non-university: 295 (15.8%)
- University below bachelor: 45 (2.4%)
- Bachelor’s or higher: 180 (9.6%) (incl. Master’s: 40)
Highest Education (15+) Table
| Level | Count | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma/degree | 605 | 32.4% |
| High school (or equivalent) | 595 | 31.8% |
| Postsecondary (total) | 675 | 36.1% |
| — Trades/apprenticeship | 150 | 8.0% |
| — College/CEGEP/other non-univ. | 295 | 15.8% |
| — University below bachelor | 45 | 2.4% |
| — Bachelor’s or higher | 180 | 9.6% |
Employment
- Participation rate: 54.8%
- Employment rate: 40.9%
- Unemployment rate: 25.4% (pandemic year + seasonal industries)
Leading occupations (share of labour force):
- Trades, transport & equipment operators: 260
- Sales & service: 230
- Manufacturing & utilities: 165
- Natural resources, agriculture & related: 145
- Education/law/social/community/government: 100
Top industry sectors (counts):
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting: 175
- Manufacturing: 170
- Accommodation & food services: 100
- Retail trade: 95
- Health care & social assistance: 90
- Transportation & warehousing: 90
- Public administration: 70
- Construction: 65
- Education: 55
Commuting & Transportation
Most workers use private vehicles and face short commutes.
Main Mode of Commuting (Employed with usual/no fixed workplace = 720)
| Mode | Commuters | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Car/truck/van | 670 | 93.1% |
| — as driver | 610 | 84.7% |
| — as passenger | 50 | 6.9% |
| Public transit | 10 | 1.4% |
| Walked | 30 | 4.2% |
| Bicycle | 0 | 0.0% |
| Other | 15 | 2.1% |
Commute Duration (n = 720)
| Duration | Commuters | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| < 15 minutes | 325 | 45.1% |
| 15–29 minutes | 250 | 34.7% |
| 30–44 minutes | 85 | 11.8% |
| 45–59 minutes | 0 | 0.0% |
| 60 minutes and over | 60 | 8.3% |
Conclusion
Fogo Island’s 2021 population of 2,117 reflects a 5.7% decline since 2016, driven by out-migration and an aging population. With a median age of 56.4 and 31% of residents aged 65+, services for seniors are especially important. Households are predominantly owners, incomes are modest but stable for multi-person households, and poverty is concentrated among seniors. The economy leans toward fishing/forestry, manufacturing, accommodation & food, health care, and transportation, while commuting is short and car-dependent.
Unique characteristic: Fogo Island combines a world-class arts/tourism profile with deep maritime and fishing heritage, shaping both its demographics and economic mix.
FAQ
Fogo Island’s population in 2021 is 2,117.
It declined by 5.7% between 2016 and 2021 (-127 residents).
The median age is 56.4, with about 31% of residents aged 65 or older.
There are 964 occupied private dwellings and 1,450 total private dwellings.
Key sectors include fishing/forestry, manufacturing, accommodation & food services, retail, health care, transportation, and public administration.
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
Recent Comments