Salmon Cove, a small town in Newfoundland and Labrador, recorded a population of 764 in the 2021 Census. This represents a 12.4% increase from its 2016 population of 680, adding 84 residents in five years. With a land area of 4.21 km², Salmon Cove has a population density of 181.6 people per km², reflecting its compact coastal community structure.
Population Growth Trends
Between 2016 and 2021, Salmon Cove experienced strong growth compared to many rural towns in Newfoundland and Labrador. The population expanded by 12.4%, showing that the community has maintained appeal for residents despite broader regional outmigration trends.
Age Distribution
The town has a median age of 55.2 years and an average age of 50.0, highlighting an older demographic profile. Nearly 29.4% of residents are 65 or older, which is well above the provincial average.
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 80 | 10.5% |
| 15–64 years | 450 | 58.8% |
| 65+ years | 225 | 29.4% |
This age structure points to an aging population, though the presence of 80 children under 15 indicates some younger families remain in the community.
Households & Dwellings
In 2021, Salmon Cove had 393 private dwellings, with 340 occupied by usual residents. The majority of housing stock is single-detached houses (315 units), reflecting traditional rural housing patterns.
| Household Size | Number of Households |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 80 |
| 2 persons | 155 |
| 3 persons | 55 |
| 4 persons | 35 |
| 5+ persons | 15 |
The average household size is 2.3, and most homes are owner-occupied, with very limited rental housing stock.
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Salmon Cove’s population is overwhelmingly of European descent. All residents identified as non-visible minority in the 2021 Census. The most commonly reported ethnic origins include:
| Ethnic Origin | Population |
|---|---|
| Canadian | 435 |
| English | 165 |
| Irish | 90 |
| Newfoundlander | 55 |
| Scottish | 10 |
This shows strong cultural ties to the island’s English and Irish settlement history.
Income & Poverty
Income levels in Salmon Cove are modest, reflecting its small-town economy.
- Median total individual income (2020): $30,200
- Median household income (2020): $61,200
- Median family income (2020): $69,500
Low-income prevalence is higher among seniors, with 40% of those aged 65+ living below the LIM-AT threshold, compared to just 10.8% for working-age adults.
Education
Educational attainment in Salmon Cove reflects the older demographic profile, with a large portion having completed trades or college-level studies.
| Highest Education Level | Population (15+ yrs) |
|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma/degree | 180 |
| High school diploma | 175 |
| Postsecondary certificate/diploma | 270 |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher | 45 |
Employment
Labour force participation is relatively low, with 49.6% of residents aged 15+ active in the labour force. The unemployment rate in 2021 was 22.4%, significantly above the national average.
Employment by Industry (Top Sectors):
- Construction: 50 workers
- Health care & social assistance: 50 workers
- Sales & service: 45 workers
- Trades, transport & equipment operators: 110 workers
Commuting & Transportation
Most residents commute by car, truck, or van (225 workers), with no use of public transit reported.
| Commute Duration | Workers |
|---|---|
| <15 minutes | 40 |
| 15–29 minutes | 95 |
| 30–44 minutes | 40 |
| 45–59 minutes | 10 |
| 60+ minutes | 50 |
This shows that a portion of residents travel longer distances, likely to employment hubs outside Salmon Cove.
Conclusion
In 2021, Salmon Cove stood out for its population growth of 12.4%, a rare trend among small towns in Newfoundland and Labrador. However, the town has an older median age of 55.2 years, modest incomes, and higher unemployment compared to provincial and national averages. Despite these challenges, Salmon Cove remains a tight-knit community with strong cultural roots, affordable housing, and a coastal lifestyle.
FAQ
The population of Salmon Cove was 764 in 2021, up from 680 in 2016.
The town’s population grew by 12.4% between 2016 and 2021.
The median age in Salmon Cove is 55.2 years, reflecting an older population.
There are 340 occupied private households in Salmon Cove.
Key industries include construction, health care, trades, and sales/service sectors.
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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