According to the 2021 Census of Population, St. Anthony, Newfoundland and Labrador had a population of 2,180 residents. This reflects a decline of 3.5% from the 2016 Census count of 2,258 people, a decrease of 78 individuals.
The town covers a land area of 37.46 km², giving it a population density of 58.2 persons per km². Known as the gateway to the Great Northern Peninsula, St. Anthony serves as a regional hub for healthcare, fishing, and tourism.
Population Growth Trends
St. Anthony’s population has been gradually declining, consistent with broader demographic trends in many rural Newfoundland communities. The 2021 figure of 2,180 represents a loss of nearly 4% compared to 2016.
Age Distribution
The town has a median age of 51.6 years, significantly older than the national median (41.6). Seniors (65+) make up nearly 29% of the population, while children (0–14) account for just 12.6%.
Age Breakdown (2021):
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 275 | 12.6% |
| 15–64 years | 1,275 | 58.5% |
| 65+ years | 630 | 28.9% |
This aging population signals long-term challenges for workforce renewal and community sustainability.
Households & Dwellings
In 2021, St. Anthony reported 1,036 total private dwellings, with 924 occupied by usual residents.
- Average household size: 2.3 persons
- Most common dwelling type: Single-detached houses (80%)
Household size distribution:
- 1-person households: 230
- 2-person households: 410
- 3-person households: 150
- 4-person households: 110
- 5+ person households: 25
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity & Languages)
St. Anthony is predominantly English-speaking, with over 98% reporting English as their mother tongue. Only a small number of residents speak non-official languages such as Hindi, Punjabi, and Telugu.
Indigenous identity accounts for about 135 residents (6.5%), including Métis and Inuit populations. Visible minorities represent about 130 people (6%), with South Asian groups being the largest.
Indigenous & Visible Minority Population (2021):
| Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Indigenous total | 135 | 6.5% |
| Visible minority | 130 | 6.2% |
| Non-Indigenous / not visible minority | 1,915 | 87.3% |
Income & Poverty
The median household income in 2020 was $77,000, with after-tax median household income at $68,000.
- One-person households: $34,000 median income
- Two-or-more-person households: $95,000 median income
Low-Income Measure (after tax, LIM-AT):
- Overall prevalence: 11.3%
- Seniors 65+: 20.4% (highest risk group)
- Children 0–17: 11%
This indicates that while household incomes are relatively stable, seniors face higher poverty rates.
Education
Of residents aged 15 and over, 47% hold a postsecondary qualification, while 20% have no certificate, diploma, or degree.
Highest Level of Education (15+):
| Education Level | Population |
|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma/degree | 355 |
| High school diploma | 490 |
| Postsecondary (non-university) | 695 |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher | 260 |
Employment
The 2021 Census recorded 970 residents in the labour force, with 790 employed and 180 unemployed, resulting in an unemployment rate of 18.6% — considerably higher than the national average.
Key industries include:
- Health care and social assistance: 315 workers (largest sector)
- Sales and service: 210
- Trades, transport, equipment operators: 160
- Education, law, and government services: 120
- Natural resources, fishing, and agriculture: 45
Commuting & Transportation
Most workers in St. Anthony commute within the town itself:
- Car, truck, or van: 660 (89%)
- Walking: 55 (7%)
- Public transit: 0%
- Other methods: 15 (2%)
Commuting times are short:
- 84% travel less than 15 minutes
- Only 10 workers report commutes of 60 minutes or longer
Conclusion
In 2021, St. Anthony had 2,180 residents, with a shrinking population and a rapidly aging demographic profile. The median age of 51.6 highlights the community’s older population structure, while healthcare remains the largest local employer.
One unique characteristic of St. Anthony is its role as a regional healthcare hub, home to Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital, which serves not only local residents but also communities across the Northern Peninsula.
FAQ
The population was 2,180 in 2021, a decline of 3.5% from 2016.
St. Anthony’s population is shrinking, with a decrease of 78 people between 2016 and 2021.
The median age is 51.6 years, reflecting an older population compared to the national average.
There were 924 occupied private dwellings in 2021, with an average household size of 2.3 people.
Healthcare, sales and service, and trades are the leading industries, with healthcare employing the largest share of workers.
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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