Port au Choix, a small town in Newfoundland and Labrador, recorded a population of 742 in 2021, according to the Census of Population. This marked a 6.0% decrease from the 2016 population of 789, reflecting the demographic challenges faced by many rural communities in the province. With a land area of 35.56 km², the town’s population density stood at 20.9 people per km².
Population Growth Trends
Port au Choix has experienced a population decline over the past census period. From 2016 to 2021, the town lost 47 residents. This trend aligns with broader patterns of rural depopulation across Newfoundland and Labrador, as younger residents often migrate to larger urban centres.
Age Distribution
The community of Port au Choix has a median age of 54.8 years, well above the national average, highlighting its aging population. Seniors (65+) make up nearly one-third of residents, while children (0–14) account for just over 10%.
Age Distribution in Port au Choix (2021)
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 80 | 10.8% |
| 15–64 years | 440 | 59.5% |
| 65+ years | 225 | 30.4% |
| Total | 740 | 100% |
Households & Dwellings
In 2021, Port au Choix had 395 total private dwellings, of which 360 were occupied by usual residents. The average household size was 2.1 people. The housing stock is dominated by single-detached homes (83%), with some row houses and movable dwellings present.
Household sizes are skewed toward smaller households: 115 are single-person households, while 150 consist of two people.
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
The population is overwhelmingly English-speaking and Canadian-born, with deep cultural roots in Newfoundland and Labrador. According to census data, about 115 residents identify as Indigenous, mainly First Nations, and 40 identify as visible minorities, including a small South Asian population. The remainder of the population is predominantly White.
Ethnic and Visible Minority Breakdown (2021)
| Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Indigenous identity | 115 | ~15% |
| Visible minority | 40 | ~5% |
| Not a visible minority | 740 | ~95% |
Income & Poverty
In 2020, the median household income in Port au Choix was $61,200, while the median after-tax household income was $54,000. Two-person or larger households had significantly higher incomes than one-person households.
Despite this, poverty remains a challenge. About 20.4% of residents lived in low income (LIM-AT measure), with seniors (65+) most affected at 34%.
Household Income in Port au Choix (2020)
| Household Type | Median Total Income |
|---|---|
| All households | $61,200 |
| One-person households | $28,800 |
| Two-or-more person households | $79,000 |
Education
Educational attainment in Port au Choix reflects a strong presence of trades and college training. Among residents aged 15 and over:
- 39.6% have no certificate, diploma, or degree.
- 25% completed high school.
- 35% obtained a postsecondary qualification, including trades and college diplomas.
- Only 9.7% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Employment
The town faces high unemployment, with a labour force participation rate of 58.3% and an unemployment rate of 40.5%. Only about one-third of residents aged 15+ were employed in 2021.
Key employment sectors include:
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting – 115 workers
- Health care and social assistance – 60 workers
- Education services – 30 workers
- Accommodation and food services – 45 workers
- Trades, transport and equipment operators – 80 workers
Seasonal employment is common, especially in fisheries.
Commuting & Transportation
Most employed residents rely on private vehicles to get to work.
Commuting in Port au Choix (2021)
| Mode of Transport | Workers |
|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 185 |
| Walked | 25 |
| Public transit | 0 |
Commutes are generally short: 175 workers had commutes under 15 minutes, while only 15 residents faced commutes longer than an hour.
Conclusion
The population of Port au Choix in 2021 was 742, reflecting a 6% decline since 2016. The town is characterized by an older median age (54.8 years), a high proportion of seniors, and significant reliance on natural resource industries. While household incomes are relatively stable, poverty and unemployment rates remain high, especially among seniors. A unique feature of Port au Choix is its strong Indigenous presence, with over 15% of the population identifying as First Nations or Inuit.
FAQ
The population of Port au Choix in 2021 was 742, down 6% from 789 in 2016.
The population is shrinking, with a loss of 47 residents between 2016 and 2021.
The median age in Port au Choix is 54.8 years, well above the Canadian average.
There were 360 occupied private dwellings in 2021, with an average household size of 2.1 people.
Fishing, agriculture, health care, education, and accommodation services are leading industries.
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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