In 2021, the population of Peterview, Newfoundland and Labrador was 723, marking a decline of 12.7% from 828 residents in 2016. With a land area of 6.34 km², the town had a population density of 114.1 people per km². Peterview is a small, tight-knit community that has seen demographic shifts over the past decade, with an aging population and limited immigration.
Population Growth Trends
Between 2016 and 2021, Peterview lost 105 residents, a significant decline for such a small town. This population decrease reflects broader rural trends in Newfoundland and Labrador, where younger residents often leave for work or education opportunities in larger urban centers.
Age Distribution
Peterview has a median age of 49.6 years and an average age of 45.8, highlighting an older population compared to the national average. Children under 15 make up only 13.1%, while seniors (65+) account for nearly a quarter of the population.
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 95 | 13.1% |
| 15–64 years | 450 | 62.1% |
| 65+ years | 180 | 24.8% |
Households & Dwellings
There were 288 private dwellings in 2021, of which 279 were occupied. Most homes are single-detached houses (250), with very few row houses or semi-detached units.
Household size is modest, with an average of 2.6 persons per household. One-person households account for 45 homes, while two-person households make up the largest share at 120 homes.
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Peterview is a predominantly English-speaking, non-immigrant community. The town has very little visible minority population and limited ethnic diversity. However, there is a small Indigenous population of 20 people (2.8%), primarily First Nations.
| Visible Minority | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Visible minority groups | 0 | 0% |
| Not a visible minority | 720 | 100% |
Immigration
Peterview has no recorded immigrant population as of the 2021 Census. Nearly all residents are third-generation Canadians or more (705 people, 97.9%), with only a handful identified as second generation.
| Immigrant Status | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Non-immigrants | 715 | 99.3% |
| Immigrants | 0 | 0% |
| Non-permanent residents | 0 | 0% |
Income & Poverty
The economic profile of Peterview reflects modest earnings:
- Median total income (2020): $25,800
- Median household income: $51,200
- Median after-tax household income: $48,000
Poverty is a significant challenge, with 34.4% of residents living in low income (LIM-AT), including 57% of seniors.
Education
Educational attainment is relatively low. Over 50% of adults (aged 15+) have no certificate, diploma, or degree. Postsecondary education is rare, with only 100 individuals (16.5%) holding a college-level credential or trades diploma, and no residents reporting a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Employment
Peterview faces employment challenges with a participation rate of 44.2%, an employment rate of 31.7%, and a high unemployment rate of 28.3%.
Leading occupations include:
- Health (25 workers)
- Education, law, social/community services (60 workers)
- Sales and service (50 workers)
- Trades and transport (55 workers)
Industries with the most workers are health care and social assistance (70 workers), retail trade (55), and manufacturing (35).
Commuting & Transportation
Most residents rely on cars for commuting. Out of 180 employed workers:
- 165 drove a car, truck, or van
- 15 rode as passengers
- 0 used public transit, biking, or walking
Commuting times vary, with nearly 40% spending 30 minutes or more traveling to work, reflecting Peterview’s connection to nearby communities for employment.
| Commute Duration | Workers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| <15 minutes | 70 | 39% |
| 15–29 minutes | 45 | 25% |
| 30–44 minutes | 50 | 28% |
| 45+ minutes | 20 | 11% |
Conclusion
The 2021 Census highlights Peterview as a small, aging community facing population decline, limited immigration, and economic challenges. With high poverty rates and low educational attainment, the town relies heavily on health care, trades, and retail industries. Despite these hurdles, Peterview maintains a strong sense of community and rural character.
FAQ
The population of Peterview in 2021 was 723 residents.
Peterview’s population is shrinking, having declined by 12.7% between 2016 and 2021.
The median age in Peterview is 49.6 years, reflecting an older population.
There are 279 occupied private dwellings in Peterview, with an average household size of 2.6 people.
The leading industries are health care and social assistance, retail trade, manufacturing, and trades/transport services.
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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