According to the 2021 Census, the town of Musgrave Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador, recorded a population of 946 people. This reflects a decline of 4.4% from the 2016 Census count of 990 residents.
With a land area of 67.30 km² and a population density of 14.1 people per km², Musgrave Harbour remains a small but historically significant community along Newfoundland’s northeast coast.
Population Growth Trends
Between 2016 and 2021, Musgrave Harbour’s population decreased by 44 residents, continuing a broader trend of rural population decline in many parts of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Age Distribution
The town has a median age of 54.0 years, which is higher than the provincial median, highlighting its older demographic profile. Nearly 29% of the population is 65 or older, compared to just 10.6% aged 0–14.
Table: Age Distribution in Musgrave Harbour (2021)
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 100 | 10.6% |
| 15–64 years | 580 | 61.4% |
| 65+ years | 270 | 28.6% |
Households & Dwellings
Musgrave Harbour reported 486 private dwellings, of which 413 were occupied by usual residents.
- Single-detached houses dominate (410 of 415 occupied dwellings).
- Average household size is 2.2 people per household.
- Most households (51%) are two-person households, reflecting aging couples and empty-nesters.
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity & Language)
The town is predominantly English-speaking, with 98.9% reporting English as their mother tongue. French and non-official languages are nearly absent.
In terms of ethnic origins, the largest reported identities include:
- English (385 people)
- Canadian (280 people)
- Irish (70 people)
- Newfoundlander (160 people)
Visible minority populations are negligible, and only about 30 people identify as Indigenous (Métis).
Table: Language & Identity (2021)
| Category | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 920 | 99% |
| French only | 0 | 0% |
| English & French | 5 | <1% |
| Indigenous Identity (Métis) | 30 | 3.2% |
| Visible Minority | 0 | 0% |
Income & Poverty
Income levels in Musgrave Harbour reflect modest earnings typical of rural Newfoundland.
- Median individual income (2020): $30,400
- Median household income (2020): $58,400
- Median family income (2020): $70,000
- Poverty rate (LIM-AT): 22.4% of residents lived in low income, with a much higher prevalence among seniors (44%).
Table: Household Income Distribution (2020)
| Income Bracket | Number of Households |
|---|---|
| Under $20,000 | 15 |
| $20,000–$39,999 | 125 |
| $40,000–$59,999 | 55 |
| $60,000–$99,999 | 100 |
| $100,000+ | 85 |
Education
Among residents aged 15 and older:
- 305 people (37.7%) have no certificate, diploma, or degree.
- 245 hold a high school diploma.
- 260 (32.1%) have postsecondary credentials, mainly at the college or trades level.
- Only 50 residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Employment
The 2021 Census shows that 39.5% of residents aged 15+ participated in the labour force, with an employment rate of 27.2%.
- Unemployment rate: 29.7% (high relative to national averages).
- Leading industries:
- Construction (60 workers)
- Health care & social assistance (55 workers)
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting (40 workers)
- Trades, transport & equipment operation (90 workers)
Commuting & Transportation
Most residents rely on private vehicles to get to work:
- 93% commute by car, truck, or van (205 workers).
- Public transit use is 0%, and walking or biking is negligible.
- Commute times are generally short, with 120 workers reporting commutes under 15 minutes.
Conclusion
The 2021 Census highlights Musgrave Harbour as a small rural town facing population decline and an aging demographic profile, with nearly one-third of residents over the age of 65. Despite modest incomes and high unemployment, the town is characterized by strong community ties, affordable housing, and a population that is overwhelmingly English-speaking and rooted in traditional Newfoundland heritage.
A unique characteristic of Musgrave Harbour is its deep cultural identity as a “Newfoundlander” community, with 160 residents explicitly reporting this as their ethnic origin.
FAQ
The population of Musgrave Harbour in 2021 was 946 residents.
The population declined by 4.4% between 2016 and 2021.
The median age is 54.0 years, making it one of the older communities in Newfoundland.
There are 413 occupied private dwellings and 486 total dwellings.
Key industries include construction, health care, agriculture, and trades-related occupations.
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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