According to the 2021 Census of Population, Irishtown-Summerside, a town in Newfoundland and Labrador, recorded a population of 1,260 residents. This marked a significant decline of 11.1% from 2016, when the town had 1,418 residents. With a land area of 11.88 km² and a population density of 106.0 persons per km², Irishtown-Summerside is a small but established community that has faced population contraction in recent years.
Population Growth Trends
The decline from 2016 to 2021 represents a loss of 158 residents. This downward trend aligns with broader patterns in some rural Newfoundland communities, where younger populations migrate to larger urban centres for education and employment.
Age Distribution
The median age in Irishtown-Summerside was 51.6 years in 2021, well above the Canadian average, highlighting an aging population. Nearly 28.2% of residents were aged 65 and over, while children under 15 made up just 12.3%.
Age Breakdown (2021):
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 155 | 12.3% |
| 15–64 years | 750 | 59.5% |
| 65+ years | 355 | 28.2% |
Households & Dwellings
The town had 583 private dwellings, of which 532 were occupied by usual residents. The vast majority of homes (525) were single-detached houses.
Household Size:
- 1-person households: 130
- 2-person households: 235
- 3-person households: 95
- 4-person households: 55
- 5+ person households: 20
The average household size was 2.3 persons, and most families were small, with 2–3 members.
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
The town is overwhelmingly English-speaking and non-visible minority. In fact, 100% of residents identified as not belonging to a visible minority group.
The 25% sample Indigenous identity data shows that 375 people identified as Indigenous, with 320 identifying as First Nations and 115 specifically linked to Qalipu Mi’kmaq identity.
Ethnic Origins (25% sample):
- English: 360
- Irish: 190
- Canadian: 265
- Mi’kmaq (n.o.s.): 215
- First Nations (North American Indian): 110
- Newfoundlander: 85
This reflects the town’s strong ties to English, Irish, and Indigenous heritage.
Income & Poverty
Income levels in Irishtown-Summerside are moderate compared to national averages.
- Median household income (2020): $69,500
- Median after-tax household income: $62,400
- Median total income (individuals 15+): $33,200
- Median employment income (individuals 15+): $29,800
Low-Income Measure (After-Tax):
- 16.2% of residents were considered low income.
- Seniors (65+) had the highest low-income rate at 35%.
Education
Educational attainment reflects a mix of high school and postsecondary completion:
Highest Certificate, Diploma or Degree (15+):
| Education Level | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma/degree | 180 | 18.1% |
| High school diploma | 265 | 26.6% |
| Postsecondary (below bachelor) | 480 | 48.2% |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher | 65 | 6.5% |
Trades, apprenticeship, and college-level qualifications are more common than university degrees, which is typical of smaller rural communities.
Employment
The labour force participation rate stood at 54.3%, with an employment rate of 45.2% and an unemployment rate of 16.7%, significantly higher than national averages.
Employment by Occupation (NOC 2021):
- Sales & service: 110
- Trades, transport & equipment operators: 145
- Health occupations: 50
- Education, law, social, community services: 75
Employment by Industry (NAICS 2017):
- Health care & social assistance: 130
- Construction: 60
- Retail trade: 75
- Public administration: 40
- Accommodation & food services: 40
This mix highlights the importance of health care, trades, and retail in the local economy.
Commuting & Transportation
Workforce mobility shows a car-dependent community:
- Car, truck, or van: 415 commuters (97.6%)
- Walked: 10
- Public transit: 0
Most residents commuted 15–29 minutes (285 people) to work, often to nearby centres within the same census division.
Conclusion
In 2021, Irishtown-Summerside had a population of 1,260, reflecting an 11.1% decline since 2016. The community is characterized by an aging population (median age 51.6), modest incomes, and a strong reliance on health care, trades, and retail industries. Despite demographic challenges, the town maintains a deep sense of cultural heritage rooted in English, Irish, and Indigenous Mi’kmaq ancestry.
FAQ
The population was 1,260 in 2021, down 11.1% from 2016.
The population is shrinking, with a loss of 158 residents between 2016 and 2021.
The median age is 51.6 years, reflecting an older demographic.
There were 532 occupied private dwellings in 2021, with an average household size of 2.3.
Health care, trades, construction, and retail are the leading industries in the town.
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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