According to the 2021 Census of Population, the town of Grand Bank, Newfoundland and Labrador recorded a population of 2,152. This represents a decline of -6.8% compared to the 2016 population of 2,310, a loss of 158 residents over five years.
Grand Bank covers a land area of 16.82 km², giving it a population density of 127.9 persons per square kilometre.
Population Growth Trends
Grand Bank has seen its population decline in recent census periods, consistent with broader demographic challenges faced by many rural Newfoundland communities. Between 2016 and 2021, the town’s population shrank by nearly 7%, reflecting outmigration and aging trends.
Age Distribution
The population of Grand Bank is older than the national and provincial averages. The median age is 58.4 years, while the average age is 53.3 years. More than one-third (37.8%) of residents are seniors aged 65 and older.
Table: Age Distribution of Grand Bank (2021)
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 210 | 9.7% |
| 15–64 years | 1,125 | 52.2% |
| 65+ years | 815 | 37.8% |
This aging demographic highlights the town’s need for senior services and health care resources.
Households & Dwellings
In 2021, Grand Bank had 1,162 private dwellings, of which 1,026 were occupied by usual residents. The vast majority of dwellings (950) are single-detached houses.
Households are typically small, with an average household size of 2.0 people. Nearly one-third of all households (310) consist of one person living alone.
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Grand Bank’s population is overwhelmingly of European descent, with English, Irish, and Scottish ancestry most frequently reported. The community is not ethnically diverse compared to Canadian urban centres, with minimal immigration and no significant visible minority population reported in the 2021 Census.
Table: Ethnic or Cultural Origins (Selected, 2021)
| Origin | Population |
|---|---|
| Canadian | 860 |
| English | 710 |
| Irish | 135 |
| Scottish | 90 |
| French (n.o.s.) | 95 |
| Newfoundlander | 205 |
Income & Poverty
Income levels in Grand Bank are modest compared to national averages.
- Median individual total income (2020): $31,400
- Median household income (2020): $55,200
- Median family income (2020): $72,000
Poverty is a concern, particularly among seniors:
- Overall poverty rate (LIM-AT): 22.2%
- Children (0–17): 21.0%
- Seniors (65+): 36.4%
Education
Educational attainment in Grand Bank skews toward trades and college-level certifications.
Table: Highest Certificate, Diploma or Degree (2021, ages 15+)
| Education Level | Population |
|---|---|
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 600 |
| High school diploma | 480 |
| Postsecondary (below bachelor) | 700 |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher | 85 |
Only 4.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to much higher national levels.
Employment
In 2021, Grand Bank had a participation rate of 43.9%, with an employment rate of 36.1% and an unemployment rate of 17.7%—well above the national average.
Leading Occupations (2021):
- Sales and service (110)
- Trades, transport & equipment operators (165)
- Manufacturing & utilities (120)
- Health occupations (75)
- Education, law, social/community services (155)
Leading Industries (2021):
- Health care & social assistance (200)
- Manufacturing (170)
- Public administration (60)
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting (70)
Fishing and fish processing continue to be important to the town’s economic base.
Commuting & Transportation
The vast majority of residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting.
Table: Commuting Modes (2021)
| Mode of Transport | Population |
|---|---|
| Car, truck or van | 520 |
| Public transit | 10 |
| Walked | 65 |
| Other | 40 |
Most residents (490 people) enjoy very short commutes of less than 15 minutes, reflecting the town’s compact geography and local employment opportunities.
Conclusion
Grand Bank in 2021 was a small but historically significant Newfoundland town with 2,152 residents. While it faces challenges such as population decline, an aging demographic, and higher poverty levels, the community remains rooted in fishing and manufacturing, with strong cultural ties to English, Irish, and Newfoundlander heritage.
One unique characteristic of Grand Bank is its strong senior population, with more than one-third of residents aged 65+, making it one of the older communities in Canada demographically.
FAQ
The population of Grand Bank was 2,152 in 2021, down from 2,310 in 2016.
Grand Bank’s population is shrinking, with a -6.8% decline between 2016 and 2021.
The median age is 58.4 years, reflecting an older-than-average population.
There were 1,026 occupied private dwellings in Grand Bank in 2021.
Key industries include fishing, manufacturing, health care, 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
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