According to the 2021 Census of Population, the town of Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador had a total population of 947 residents. This represents a slight decline of 1.4% compared to 2016, when the population stood at 960. With a land area of 4.40 square kilometres, the town recorded a population density of 215.3 people per square kilometre in 2021.
Population Growth Trends
Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove has experienced a minor decline in its population between 2016 and 2021, losing 13 residents. This trend suggests population stability with a slight downward shift, consistent with many rural coastal communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Age Distribution
The town has a relatively older population, with a median age of 47.2 years and an average age of 44.0 years. Children (0–14) make up 13.2%, working-age residents (15–64) represent 68.3%, while seniors (65+) account for 18.5% of the total population.
Age Distribution Table
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 125 | 13.2% |
| 15–64 years | 645 | 68.3% |
| 65+ years | 175 | 18.5% |
| Total | 945 | 100% |
Households & Dwellings
In 2021, Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove had 408 private dwellings, of which 381 were occupied by usual residents. The average household size was 2.5 people. Most homes are single-detached houses, and ownership dominates housing tenure (about 88%).
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
The population is overwhelmingly non-visible minority (935 people), with only 10 residents identifying as visible minorities. English is the dominant mother tongue, spoken by 930 residents, and nearly all residents reported English as the primary language at home.
Ethnic & Cultural Origins Table
| Origin | Population |
|---|---|
| Canadian | 235 |
| English | 370 |
| Irish | 435 |
| Scottish | 65 |
| French | 35 |
| German | 55 |
| Newfoundlander | 70 |
Income & Poverty
In 2020, the median total income for individuals aged 15 and over was $38,000, while the median after-tax income was $34,000. Households reported a median household income of $87,000, and two-or-more-person households had a higher median of $96,000.
About 8.8% of residents were considered low-income based on the Low-Income Measure, After-Tax (LIM-AT), with seniors (65+) showing a higher poverty prevalence of 20%.
Education
Among residents aged 15 and over, 265 people held a high school diploma, while 450 had a postsecondary certificate, diploma, or degree. Around 130 residents held a bachelor’s degree or higher, showing a moderate level of higher education in the community.
Education Table (15+ years)
| Education Level | Population |
|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma/degree | 135 |
| High school diploma | 265 |
| Postsecondary (college/trades) | 315 |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher | 130 |
Employment
The town’s labour force participation rate was 66.7%, with an employment rate of 58.5%. The unemployment rate was relatively high at 12.3%, reflecting broader regional challenges in the labour market.
Leading employment sectors included:
- Sales & Service (170 workers)
- Trades, Transport & Equipment Operators (130 workers)
- Health Care & Social Assistance (70 workers)
- Public Administration (65 workers)
- Business & Finance (90 workers)
Commuting & Transportation
Most employed residents commute to nearby areas for work. Of the 445 commuters, the majority (430 people) used a car, truck, or van—mostly as drivers. Only 15 residents walked to work, while no respondents reported using public transit.
Commuting Duration Table
| Commute Time | Population |
|---|---|
| < 15 minutes | 95 |
| 15–29 minutes | 275 |
| 30–44 minutes | 70 |
| 45+ minutes | 10 |
Conclusion
The 2021 Census shows Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove as a small, close-knit community with 947 residents, marked by an aging population and limited visible minority presence. While the town faces economic challenges, its strong cultural heritage—especially Irish and English ancestry—and proximity to St. John’s make it a distinctive Newfoundland outport community.
FAQ
The population of Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove in 2021 was 947.
The population declined slightly by 1.4% between 2016 and 2021.
The median age is 47.2 years, indicating an older-than-average population.
There were 381 occupied private households in 2021, with an average size of 2.5 persons.
The leading industries include sales and service, trades and transport, health care, 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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