Pasadena, Newfoundland and Labrador recorded a population of 3,524 in the 2021 Census. That’s a decline of 96 people ( -2.7% ) from 3,620 in 2016. The town spans 49.17 km² with a population density of 71.7 people per km². Housing stock totals 1,598 private dwellings, of which 1,494 were occupied by usual residents. The median age is 49.2 (average age 45.7), reflecting an older age profile relative to many Canadian communities.
Population Growth Trends
Pasadena’s modest population dip between 2016 and 2021 reflects aging demographics and limited net migration, even as parts of western Newfoundland grow through regional service and resource roles.
Population Change (2016–2021)
| Year | Population | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3,620 | — | — |
| 2021 | 3,524 | -96 | -2.7% |
Age Distribution
The community skews older: 25.7% are 65+, while children (0–14) comprise 15.1%. The working-age share (15–64) is 59.2%.
Age Groups (2021)
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 530 | 15.1% |
| 15–64 years | 2,085 | 59.2% |
| 65+ years | 905 | 25.7% |
Quick stats
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Median age | 49.2 |
| Average age | 45.7 |
Households & Dwellings
Pasadena is characterized by ground-oriented housing and smaller households.
Household Size
| Household Size | Households | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 310 | 20.7% |
| 2 persons | 675 | 45.1% |
| 3 persons | 260 | 17.4% |
| 4 persons | 185 | 12.4% |
| 5+ persons | 65 | 4.3% |
| Average household size: 2.4 |
Dwellings & Density
| Indicator | Count / Rate |
|---|---|
| Total private dwellings | 1,598 |
| Occupied by usual residents | 1,494 |
| Land area (km²) | 49.17 |
| Population density (per km²) | 71.7 |
| Approx. dwelling density (per km²) | ~32.5 |
Structural Type of Occupied Dwellings
| Type | Dwellings | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Single-detached house | 1,300 | 87.2% |
| Semi-detached house | 5 | 0.3% |
| Row house | 80 | 5.4% |
| Apartment/flat in a duplex | 90 | 6.0% |
| Apartment (<5 storeys) | 20 | 1.3% |
| Apartment (5+ storeys) | 0 | 0.0% |
Tenure & Housing Costs (households)
| Measure | Owners | Renters |
|---|---|---|
| Count | 1,225 | 265 |
| Share of households | 81.9% | 17.7% |
| Median monthly shelter costs | $1,180 | $900 |
| % spending 30%+ of income on shelter | 9.8% | 37.0% |
| Median value of owned dwellings | $276,000 | — |
Demographics (Indigenous Identity & Visible Minority)
Pasadena has a significant Indigenous population and a very small visible minority share (as defined by Statistics Canada).
Indigenous Identity (25% sample)
| Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Indigenous identity | 695 | 19.8% |
| Non-Indigenous identity | 2,825 | 80.2% |
Visible Minority Status (25% sample)
| Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Visible minority (total) | 30 | 0.9% |
| Not a visible minority | 3,490 | 99.1% |
Note: Visible minority excludes Indigenous peoples under StatCan definitions.
Income & Poverty
Household incomes in Pasadena are solid, with families earning more than one-person households. About 10.1% of residents are in low income (LIM-AT).
Household Income (2020)
| Group / Measure | Median Total | Median After-Tax |
|---|---|---|
| All private households | $83,000 | $71,500 |
| One-person households | $39,200 | $35,200 |
| Two-or-more-person households | $96,000 | $82,000 |
Family vs. Non-family Income (2020)
| Group / Measure | Median Total | Median After-Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Economic families | $96,000 | $81,000 |
| Persons 15+ not in economic families (individuals) | $39,200 | $35,200 |
Low Income (LIM-AT, 2020)
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population in low income | 355 |
| Low-income rate (all ages) | 10.1% |
Education
Most adults hold a postsecondary credential, led by college and trades pathways.
Highest Certificate, Diploma or Degree (Age 15+)
| Level | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 440 | 14.7% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 790 | 26.4% |
| Postsecondary (any) | 1,755 | 58.7% |
| — Trades/apprenticeship | 330 | 11.0% |
| — College/CEGEP | 745 | 24.9% |
| — University below bachelor | 75 | 2.5% |
| — Bachelor’s degree or higher | 600 | 20.1% |
Employment
Labour market participation is moderate with a higher-than-average unemployment rate reflecting regional economic cycles. Health care, retail, and construction are top sectors.
Key Labour Force Indicators (15+)
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Participation rate | 55.0% |
| Employment rate | 46.8% |
| Unemployment rate | 14.9% |
| In the labour force | 1,645 |
| Employed | 1,400 |
| Unemployed | 245 |
| Not in labour force | 1,345 |
Leading Industries (NAICS, employed labour force)
| Industry | Workers | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Health care & social assistance | 330 | 20.6% |
| Retail trade | 245 | 15.3% |
| Construction | 205 | 12.8% |
| Public administration | 170 | 10.6% |
| Educational services | 155 | 9.7% |
| Transportation & warehousing | 70 | 4.4% |
| Professional, scientific & technical | 50 | 3.1% |
| Other services (excl. public admin) | 50 | 3.1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting | 55 | 3.4% |
| Accommodation & food services | 45 | 2.8% |
| Wholesale trade | 45 | 2.8% |
| Administrative & support, waste/remed. | 40 | 2.5% |
| Manufacturing | 30 | 1.9% |
| Utilities | 20 | 1.3% |
| Finance & insurance | 20 | 1.3% |
| Information & cultural industries | 10 | 0.6% |
| Mining, quarrying, oil & gas | 15 | 0.9% |
| Arts, entertainment & recreation | 25 | 1.6% |
| Real estate & rental & leasing | 10 | 0.6% |
Occupations (NOC 2021, broad groups)
| Occupation Group | Workers | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Sales & service | 390 | 24.4% |
| Trades, transport & equipment operators | 305 | 19.1% |
| Education, law, social, community & government | 335 | 20.9% |
| Health | 175 | 10.9% |
| Business, finance & administration | 175 | 10.9% |
| Natural & applied sciences | 95 | 5.9% |
| Natural resources, agriculture & related | 45 | 2.8% |
| Manufacturing & utilities | 35 | 2.2% |
| Art, culture, recreation & sport | 25 | 1.6% |
| Legislative & senior management | 10 | 0.6% |
Commuting & Transportation
Most workers commute by car with relatively short travel times.
Main Mode of Commuting
| Mode | Commuters | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Car, truck or van (total) | 1,155 | 90.2% |
| — Driver | 1,070 | 83.6% |
| — Passenger | 80 | 6.3% |
| Public transit | 15 | 1.2% |
| Walked | 70 | 5.5% |
| Bicycle | 0 | 0.0% |
| Other method | 35 | 2.7% |
Commuting Duration
| Duration | Commuters | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| <15 minutes | 345 | 27.0% |
| 15–29 minutes | 650 | 50.8% |
| 30–44 minutes | 210 | 16.4% |
| 45–59 minutes | 10 | 0.8% |
| 60+ minutes | 65 | 5.1% |
Place of Work Status
| Status | Workers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Worked at home | 115 | 8.2% |
| No fixed workplace | 200 | 14.2% |
| Usual place of work | 1,075 | 76.6% |
Commuting Destination (usual place of work only)
| Destination | Workers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Within Pasadena (same CSD) | 265 | 24.7% |
| Different CSD within same Division (CD) | 700 | 65.1% |
| Different CSD & Division within NL | 90 | 8.4% |
| Different province/territory | 25 | 2.3% |
Conclusion
Pasadena’s population of 3,524 in 2021 reflects a 2.7% decline since 2016, shaped largely by an older age structure (median age 49.2; 25.7% seniors). Housing is predominantly single-detached (87%), with owners comprising ~82% of households and relatively affordable owner shelter costs. The labour market is anchored by health care, retail, and construction, while 90% of commuters drive and 78%+ work at a usual workplace.
Unique characteristic: a notable Indigenous presence (≈20%) alongside strong Anglo-Newfoundland cultural roots gives Pasadena a distinct community profile in western Newfoundland.
FAQ
Pasadena had 3,524 residents in 2021.
It declined by 2.7% between 2016 (3,620) and 2021 (3,524), a drop of 96 people.
The median age is 49.2, indicating an older population.
There were about 1,495 private households, with 1,494 occupied dwellings.
Health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction employ the largest shares of workers.
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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