New-Wes-Valley, a town in Newfoundland and Labrador, recorded a 2021 population of 2,044, down from 2,172 in 2016—a decline of 128 residents (-5.9%). The town spans 132.70 km² with a population density of 15.4 people per km². Households average 2.2 persons and the median age is 56.8—well above the national median, reflecting an older population profile.
Population Growth Trends
New-Wes-Valley experienced a modest population decline between census periods, reflecting aging and out-migration common to many rural Atlantic communities.
Change 2016 → 2021
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Population 2016 | 2,172 |
| Population 2021 | 2,044 |
| Numeric change | -128 |
| Percent change | -5.9% |
Age Distribution
The town skews older: 33.7% of residents are 65+, 56.5% are 15–64, and 9.5% are 0–14. The average age is 51.6; median 56.8.
Age Groups (2021)
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 195 | 9.5% |
| 15–64 years | 1,155 | 56.5% |
| 65+ years | 690 | 33.7% |
Households & Dwellings
New-Wes-Valley is predominantly single-detached and owner-occupied, with comparatively low shelter costs.
Key Housing Indicators
| Indicator | Count / Value |
|---|---|
| Total private dwellings | 1,089 |
| Occupied by usual residents | 903 |
| Average household size | 2.2 |
| Single-detached houses (occupied) | 840 |
| Owner households | 765 |
| Renter households | 140 |
| Households spending ≥30% on shelter | 70 |
| Households in core housing need | 70 |
| Median monthly shelter cost (owners) | $500 |
| Median monthly shelter cost (renters) | $680 |
| Median dwelling value | $110,000 |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
The community is largely non-visible-minority, with a small visible-minority population. English is overwhelmingly the language spoken at home and at work.
Visible Minority (2021)
| Group | Population | Percent of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Total visible minority | 40 | 2.0% |
| — Black | 35 | 1.8% |
| — Other visible minorities | 5 | 0.2% |
| Not a visible minority | 1,940 | 98.0% |
Income & Poverty
Household incomes are moderate, with family households earning more than non-family individuals. Senior poverty is higher than average due to the older age structure.
Income Snapshot (2020 dollars unless noted)
| Measure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Median household income | $69,000 |
| Median after-tax household income | $60,800 |
| Median income – economic families | $81,000 |
| Median after-tax income – economic families | $70,500 |
| Median income – persons not in economic families | $35,200 |
| LIM-AT poverty rate (overall) | 15.3% |
| LIM-AT poverty rate – 0–17 | 14.8% |
| LIM-AT poverty rate – 18–64 | 9.4% |
| LIM-AT poverty rate – 65+ | 25.8% |
| After-tax Gini index | 0.247 |
Education
Nearly four in ten adults hold a postsecondary credential; trades and college programs dominate among credential holders.
Highest Certificate, Diploma or Degree (Age 15+, n=1,800)
| Level | Count | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 495 | 27.5% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 595 | 33.1% |
| Postsecondary (any) | 710 | 39.4% |
| — Apprenticeship/trades | 185 | 10.3% |
| — College/CEGEP/other non-university | 355 | 19.7% |
| — University below bachelor | 30 | 1.7% |
| — Bachelor’s degree or higher | 145 | 8.1% |
Employment
Labour force participation is modest, with an employment rate of 47.5% and unemployment of 13.6% (2021). Work is concentrated in manufacturing, health, retail, natural resources, and public administration.
Labour Force Status (Age 15+)
| Status | Count | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| In the labour force | 990 | Participation 55.0% |
| Employed | 855 | Employment 47.5% |
| Unemployed | 135 | Unemployment 13.6% |
| Not in the labour force | 810 | — |
Leading Industries (share of employed by industry; n≈970)
| Industry | Count | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 255 | 26.3% |
| Retail trade | 120 | 12.4% |
| Health care & social assistance | 110 | 11.3% |
| Agriculture/Forestry/Fishing/Hunting | 110 | 11.3% |
| Educational services | 80 | 8.2% |
| Public administration | 70 | 7.2% |
| Transportation & warehousing | 55 | 5.7% |
| Construction | 35 | 3.6% |
| Accommodation & food services | 35 | 3.6% |
| Mining, quarrying, oil & gas | 35 | 3.6% |
| Other services | 25 | 2.6% |
| Wholesale trade | 10 | 1.0% |
Commuting & Transportation
Most workers commute by car with very short travel times—another hallmark of small-town living.
Mode of Commuting (n=830)
| Mode | Count | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Car, truck or van (driver) | 580 | 69.9% |
| Car, truck or van (passenger) | 105 | 12.7% |
| Car, truck or van (total) | 690 | 83.1% |
| Walked | 80 | 9.6% |
| Public transit | 0 | 0.0% |
| Bicycle | 0 | 0.0% |
| Other method | 60 | 7.2% |
Commute Duration (n=830)
| Duration | Count | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| < 15 minutes | 555 | 66.9% |
| 15–29 minutes | 155 | 18.7% |
| 30–44 minutes | 15 | 1.8% |
| 45–59 minutes | 20 | 2.4% |
| 60+ minutes | 85 | 10.2% |
Conclusion
In 2021, New-Wes-Valley’s population stood at 2,044, reflecting a 5.9% decline since 2016. The town has an older median age (56.8), high homeownership, low owner shelter costs, and a labour market led by manufacturing, health care, retail, and resource industries. A defining characteristic is the very short, car-oriented commute, underscoring the community’s compact footprint and rural coastal economy.
FAQ
The population is 2,044.
It declined by 5.9% from 2016 to 2021 (-128 people).
The median age is 56.8, indicating an older population.
There are 903 occupied private dwellings (1,089 total dwellings).
Manufacturing is largest, followed by retail, health care & social assistance, natural resources, 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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