Spaniard’s Bay, NL recorded a 2021 population of 2,630, a decline of 23 people (-0.9%) from 2,653 in 2016. The town covers 66.09 km² with a population density of 39.8 people per km². Quick housing stats point to 1,247 total private dwellings, 1,112 occupied by usual residents, and an average household size of 2.4.
Population Growth Trends
Spaniard’s Bay edged down slightly between censuses, reflecting modest out-migration and aging demographics common in many rural Atlantic communities.
- 2016: 2,653
- 2021: 2,630
- Change: -23 (-0.9%)
Age Distribution
The community skews older: the median age is 48.0 (average age 45.1). Children (0–14) account for 14.4% of residents, working-age (15–64) for 62.0%, and seniors (65+) for 23.4%.
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 380 | 14.4% |
| 15–64 years | 1,630 | 62.0% |
| 65+ years | 615 | 23.4% |
What this means
An older median age and a sizeable 65+ share imply higher demand for health, home maintenance, and accessible transportation services, with a comparatively smaller school-age cohort.
Households & Dwellings
Housing in Spaniard’s Bay is predominantly ground-oriented and owner-occupied.
- Total private dwellings: 1,247
- Occupied private dwellings (households): 1,112
- Occupancy rate: ~89.2%
- Average household size: 2.4
- Owner households: 960 (86.5%)
- Renter households: 155 (14.0%)
- Single-detached houses: 1,020 (91.9% of occupied dwellings)
| Household Size | Households | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 280 | 25.2% |
| 2 persons | 420 | 37.8% |
| 3 persons | 190 | 17.1% |
| 4 persons | 165 | 14.9% |
| 5+ persons | 50 | 4.5% |
| Shelter Costs (all households with income) | Count/Rate |
|---|---|
| Households spending ≥30% on shelter | 180 (16.3%) |
| Owners spending ≥30% | 11.0% |
| Renters spending ≥30% | 53.3% |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Spaniard’s Bay is overwhelmingly not a visible minority by Statistics Canada’s definition, with a small Indigenous population (about 85 people; ~3%). English is dominant: 2,570 report English only, and 60 report both English and French.
| Category | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Not a visible minority | 2,650 | ~99.8% |
| Total visible minority | 0 | ~0.0% |
Note: Indigenous identity is measured separately from visible minority status.
Income & Poverty
Household incomes reflect a mixed employment base with notable differences between family and non-family households.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Median household income (2020) | $63,600 |
| Median after-tax household income (2020) | $57,200 |
| Median economic family income (2020) | $77,000 |
| Median one-person household income (2020) | $26,000 |
| Median income for persons not in economic families | $26,600 |
| Poverty (LIM-AT) prevalence | 18.8% |
| Low-income cut-off (LICO-AT) prevalence | 3.3% |
Education
Among residents aged 15+, nearly half hold postsecondary credentials, with strong representation in college and trades programs.
| Highest Level (15+ population) | Count | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 500 | 22.5% |
| High school diploma | 685 | 30.9% |
| Postsecondary (any) | 1,035 | 46.6% |
| — Trades/apprenticeship | 275 | 12.4% |
| — College diploma | 560 | 25.2% |
| — Bachelor’s degree or higher | 185 | 8.3% |
Employment
Pandemic-year labour indicators show modest participation and elevated unemployment relative to national norms, alongside a labour market anchored in construction and services.
| Labour Status (15+ population) | Count | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| In the labour force | 1,080 | 48.6% participation |
| Employed | 865 | 39.0% employment rate |
| Unemployed | 215 | 19.9% unemployment rate |
| Not in the labour force | 1,140 | — |
Leading industries (employed labour force)
| Industry | Workers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | 160 | 15.6% |
| Health care & social assistance | 150 | 14.6% |
| Retail trade | 135 | 13.2% |
| Educational services | 80 | 7.8% |
| Accommodation & food services | 65 | 6.3% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 65 | 6.3% |
| Manufacturing | 55 | 5.4% |
| Public administration | 50 | 4.9% |
Commuting & Transportation
Most workers commute by car, and many travel to jobs outside the town but within the same census division.
Mode of Transport (workers with usual place/no fixed address = 780)
| Mode | Commuters | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Car, truck or van | 710 | 91.0% |
| — as driver | 640 | 82.1% |
| — as passenger | 70 | 9.0% |
| Public transit | 20 | 2.6% |
| Walked | 25 | 3.2% |
| Bicycle | 0 | 0.0% |
| Other method | 30 | 3.8% |
Commute times: 34.6% get to work in <15 minutes, 36.5% in 15–29 minutes, and 15.4% spend 60+ minutes.
Destinations (of those with a usual workplace): ~21% stay within town, ~74% commute elsewhere within the same census division, with small shares going to other divisions or provinces.
Conclusion
In 2021, Spaniard’s Bay counted 2,630 residents, a slight -0.9% decline from 2016. The town’s median age of 48.0 underscores an older population profile, while homeownership is high (≈86%) and dwellings are predominantly single-detached. Income levels are led by family households, and nearly half of adults hold postsecondary credentials—especially college and trades. A defining characteristic is the construction- and service-oriented local economy paired with car-centric commuting across the surrounding census division.
FAQ
The population is 2,630.
It declined by 23 people (-0.9%) between 2016 and 2021.
The median age is 48.0 years.
There are 1,112 occupied private dwellings (households) out of 1,247 total.
Top sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade, with additional employment in education, public administration, and hospitality.
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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