According to the 2021 Census of Population, the town of South River, Newfoundland and Labrador had a population of 674 residents. This represents a 4.2% increase compared to the 2016 Census when the population was 647. Covering a land area of 5.97 km², South River has a population density of 113.0 people per km², reflecting its character as a small but steadily growing community.
Population Growth Trends
Between 2016 and 2021, South River added 27 new residents, showing modest but positive growth. While small in absolute numbers, this increase highlights the town’s stability compared to other rural communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, many of which are experiencing population decline.
Age Distribution
The median age in South River is 49.6 years, higher than the provincial average, reflecting an older population base. Seniors (65+) make up more than one-quarter of the population, while children under 15 account for just over 14%.
Table: Age Distribution, South River (2021)
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 95 | 14.1% |
| 15–64 years | 410 | 60.7% |
| 65+ years | 175 | 25.9% |
Households & Dwellings
South River had 351 private dwellings, of which 297 were occupied in 2021. The average household size is 2.3 people. Most households are one- or two-person households, reflecting aging demographics and fewer families with children.
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
South River is an overwhelmingly non-visible minority community, with 0% of residents identifying as a visible minority in 2021. Nearly all residents report European ancestry, including English, Irish, and Canadian heritage.
Table: Visible Minority Population (2021)
| Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Visible minority | 0 | 0.0% |
| Not a visible minority | 640 | 100% |
Immigration
South River’s population is predominantly Canadian-born, with a very small immigrant population. Only 15 residents (about 2%) reported immigrant status, all of whom arrived before 2011. No recent immigrants (2011–2021) were recorded.
Table: Immigration Status (2021)
| Immigration Status | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Non-immigrants | 625 | 97.7% |
| Immigrants | 15 | 2.3% |
| Non-permanent residents | 0 | 0.0% |
Income & Poverty
The median household income in 2020 was $73,000, slightly above the provincial average. Two-person or larger households earned higher incomes, with a median of $87,000, compared to $29,600 for one-person households.
About 13% of residents lived in low income based on the after-tax Low-Income Measure (LIM-AT). Seniors were more likely to be affected, with 22% of those aged 65+ living in low income.
Education
Educational attainment shows that most adults have completed some form of postsecondary education. Among residents aged 15 and over:
- 18.8% had no certificate, diploma, or degree
- 22.3% held a high school diploma
- 59.8% had postsecondary credentials
Table: Highest Certificate, Diploma or Degree (2021)
| Education Level | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 105 | 18.8% |
| High school diploma | 125 | 22.3% |
| Postsecondary (college, trades, university) | 335 | 59.8% |
Employment
In 2021, 56.3% of South River’s working-age population participated in the labour force, with an employment rate of 48.2% and an unemployment rate of 14.3%.
Leading industries included:
- Sales and service (90 workers)
- Trades, transport, and equipment operators (80 workers)
- Education (45 workers)
- Health care and social assistance (35 workers)
Commuting & Transportation
Most residents commute by car. Of the employed labour force:
Table: Commuting Modes (2021)
| Mode of Transportation | Workers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, van | 220 | 89.8% |
| Walk | 10 | 4.1% |
| Other method | 15 | 6.1% |
| Public transit | 0 | 0.0% |
Most commutes are relatively short: 45% of workers travel under 15 minutes, while 33% face commutes of 45 minutes or longer.
Conclusion
South River’s population in 2021 stood at 674, with a steady growth of 4.2% since 2016. The town has a higher median age (49.6 years), a small immigrant presence, and modest income levels. Key features include its strong reliance on car commuting and an economy tied to trades, services, and public sector employment. The town’s unique characteristic is its stability as a small, aging rural community that has managed to avoid the population decline seen in many similar towns in Newfoundland and Labrador.
FAQ
The population of South River was 674 in 2021, up 4.2% from 2016.
South River is growing slightly, with 27 more residents than in 2016.
The median age in South River is 49.6 years, indicating an older population.
There were 297 occupied private dwellings in South River in 2021.
The leading industries are sales and service, trades and transport, education, and health care.
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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