Happy Valley–Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, recorded a 2021 population of 8,040, down 69 people (−0.9%) from 8,109 in 2016. The town spans 304.52 km², for a population density of 26.4 people per km². The median age is 39.2 years.
Quick stats
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 8,040 |
| Population (2016) | 8,109 |
| Change 2016–2021 | −69 (−0.9%) |
| Land area | 304.52 km² |
| Population density | 26.4 /km² |
| Median age | 39.2 |
Population Growth Trends
After modest growth earlier in the decade, the 2016–2021 period saw a slight population decline of 0.9% (−69 residents). This stable-to-slightly-declining trajectory aligns with patterns in resource and public-sector communities that ebb with project cycles and federal/provincial staffing.
Age Distribution
Happy Valley–Goose Bay skews middle-aged with a sizable working-age cohort and a smaller, though growing, seniors segment.
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 1,405 | 17.5% |
| 15–64 years | 5,595 | 69.6% |
| 65+ years | 1,040 | 12.9% |
Median age: 39.2
Households & Dwellings
Housing in the town is dominated by ground-oriented homes, with relatively few apartments and a typical household size of 2.5 people.
| Indicator | Count | Percent / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Total private dwellings | 3,390 | — |
| Occupied private dwellings | 3,072 | — |
| Private households | 3,075 | — |
| Average household size | — | 2.5 persons |
| Population density | — | 26.4 /km² |
Dwelling type (occupied):
| Structure | Count | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Single-detached house | 1,970 | 64.2% |
| Semi-detached house | 525 | 17.1% |
| Row house | 375 | 12.2% |
| Apartment in duplex | 65 | 2.1% |
| Apartment (<5 storeys) | 125 | 4.1% |
| Other single-attached | 10 | 0.3% |
Tenure (households, 25% sample):
| Tenure | Households | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | 1,960 | 63.9% |
| Renter | 1,110 | 36.2% |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Happy Valley–Goose Bay has one of the strongest Indigenous community presences in Atlantic Canada, led by a large Inuit and Métis population, alongside a smaller but notable visible minority community—primarily Filipino.
Indigenous identity (population in private households, 25% sample):
| Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Indigenous (total) | 3,775 | 49.3% |
| — Inuk (Inuit) | 1,915 | 25.0% |
| — Métis | 1,385 | 18.1% |
| — First Nations | 360 | 4.7% |
| — Multiple Indigenous | 110 | 1.4% |
| Non-Indigenous | 3,880 | 50.7% |
Visible minority (population in private households, 25% sample):
| Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Visible minority (total) | 565 | 7.4% |
| — Filipino | 330 | 4.3% |
| — South Asian | 120 | 1.6% |
| — Black | 55 | 0.7% |
| — Korean | 20 | 0.3% |
| — Chinese | 10 | 0.1% |
| — Southeast Asian | 10 | 0.1% |
| — Arab | 10 | 0.1% |
| — Multiple/Other | 10 | 0.1% |
| Not a visible minority | 7,090 | 92.5% |
Note: Indigenous and visible minority counts use the 25% sample universe of 7,660 residents in private households.
Income & Poverty
Household incomes are comparatively high for the region, reflecting public administration, health, and resource-related jobs.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Median household income (2020) | $107,000 |
| Median after-tax household income (2020) | $91,000 |
| Median total income (individuals 15+, 2020) | $52,000 |
| Median income — economic families (2020) | $125,000 |
| Median income — persons 15+ not in families (2020) | $50,400 |
| LIM-AT low-income rate (2020) | 8.0% |
| LICO-AT low-income rate (2020) | 2.6% |
Households by size (for context):
| Household Size | Count | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 700 | 22.8% |
| 2 persons | 1,145 | 37.2% |
| 3 persons | 560 | 18.2% |
| 4 persons | 450 | 14.6% |
| 5+ persons | 215 | 7.0% |
Education
Among residents aged 15+, most have postsecondary credentials, led by college and trades.
| Highest Level (15+; universe = 6,255) | Count | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 1,110 | 17.8% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1,470 | 23.5% |
| Postsecondary (any) | 3,675 | 58.8% |
| Postsecondary Detail (15+) | Count | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Trades (apprenticeship & other) | 1,085 | 17.4% |
| College/CEGEP/other non-university | 1,760 | 28.1% |
| University below bachelor | 120 | 1.9% |
| Bachelor’s or higher | 1,065 | 17.0% |
Employment
Happy Valley–Goose Bay’s labour market is anchored by public administration and health care, with substantial employment in sales/service, trades/transport, and construction.
Key labour force indicators (15+; 2021):
| Indicator | Rate |
|---|---|
| Participation rate | 71.5% |
| Employment rate | 64.6% |
| Unemployment rate | 9.7% |
Top occupations (share of employed labour force):
| Occupation | Workers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Sales & service | 1,155 | 26.4% |
| Trades, transport & equipment | 985 | 22.5% |
| Education, law, social & gov’t | 845 | 19.3% |
| Health | 335 | 7.6% |
| Business, finance & admin | 580 | 13.2% |
| Natural & applied sciences | 225 | 5.1% |
| All others | 260 | 6.0% |
Leading industries:
| Industry | Workers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Health care & social assistance | 745 | 17.0% |
| Public administration | 710 | 16.2% |
| Retail trade | 510 | 11.6% |
| Construction | 370 | 8.4% |
| Administrative & support, waste mgmt | 310 | 7.1% |
| Transportation & warehousing | 300 | 6.8% |
| Mining, quarrying, oil & gas | 205 | 4.7% |
| Education services | 240 | 5.5% |
| Accommodation & food services | 330 | 7.5% |
| Other/remaining sectors | 465 | 10.6% |
Percentages based on 4,385 workers in “all industries.”
Commuting & Transportation
Driving is the dominant way to get to work, with short commute times common.
Main mode of commuting (workers with a usual place/no fixed workplace):
| Mode | Commuters | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Car, truck or van (driver or passenger) | 3,265 | 87.0% |
| Public transit | 45 | 1.2% |
| Walked | 80 | 2.1% |
| Bicycle | 15 | 0.4% |
| Other method | 350 | 9.3% |
Commute duration:
| Duration | Commuters | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| <15 minutes | 2,675 | 71.2% |
| 15–29 minutes | 645 | 17.2% |
| 30–44 minutes | 205 | 5.5% |
| 45–59 minutes | 105 | 2.8% |
| 60+ minutes | 125 | 3.3% |
Place of work (employed, 15+):
| Status | Workers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 3,360 | 83.2% |
| No fixed workplace | 390 | 9.7% |
| Worked at home | 285 | 7.1% |
Conclusion
In 2021, Happy Valley–Goose Bay counted 8,040 residents, a slight decline (−0.9%) from 2016. The median age is 39.2, with nearly 70% in the working-age band. Households are primarily owner-occupied, ground-oriented homes, and household incomes are strong compared with many Atlantic communities. A defining feature is the town’s **large Indigenous population—especially Inuit and Métis—**which shapes local culture, services, and labour market needs, alongside sizable employment in public administration and health care.
FAQ
8,040 residents.
It declined by 0.9% from 2016 to 2021 (−69 people).
39.2 years.
There are 3,075 private households and 3,072 occupied private dwellings.
Health care & social assistance and public administration lead, with notable roles for retail, construction, and transportation/warehousing.
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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