Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador recorded a population of 6,540 in the 2021 Census, down 83 people (-1.3%) from 6,623 in 2016. The town covers 35.27 km², for a population density of 185.4 people per km². Stephenville counted 3,412 total private dwellings, 3,188 of which were occupied by usual residents (approx. 93.4% occupancy).
Population Growth Trends
Stephenville’s slight population decline between 2016 and 2021 reflects modest out-migration and an older age profile. While the headcount edged down 1.3%, the community remains a regional hub with stable household counts and short commute times.
Quick trend stats
- 2016: 6,623
- 2021: 6,540
- Change: -83 (-1.3%)
Age Distribution
Stephenville’s population skews older, with a median age of 50.8 and over one-quarter of residents aged 65+.
Broad age groups
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 845 | 12.9% |
| 15–64 years | 3,980 | 60.9% |
| 65+ years | 1,715 | 26.2% |
Average age: 47.0. Totals may not sum due to rounding.
Households & Dwellings
Stephenville has a high share of one- and two-person households and a small average household size.
Households at a glance
- Private households: 3,185
- Average household size: 2.0 persons
- Total private dwellings: 3,412
- Occupied by usual residents: 3,188
- Population density: 185.4/km²
Household size
| Household Size | Households | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 1,285 | 40.3% |
| 2 persons | 1,140 | 35.8% |
| 3 persons | 415 | 13.0% |
| 4 persons | 235 | 7.4% |
| 5+ persons | 105 | 3.3% |
Note: Household-size subtotals may differ by up to ±5 from the total due to rounding/suppression.
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Important: In Canadian reporting, Indigenous identity is collected separately from the visible minority concept. Visible minority percentages below are for the population in private households (sample-based counts); Indigenous identity figures are also sample-based. These groups can overlap with ethnic origins and are not additive to 100% when combined.
Indigenous identity (population in private households; 25% sample)
| Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Indigenous identity (any) | 2,435 | 38.4% |
| – First Nations | 2,190 | 34.5% |
| – Métis | 100 | 1.6% |
| – Inuit | 25 | 0.4% |
| – Multiple/other Indigenous responses | 120 | 1.9% |
| Non-Indigenous identity | 3,900 | 61.6% |
Denominator: 6,340 persons in private households; totals may not sum due to sample rounding.
Visible minority (non-Indigenous; population in private households; 25% sample)
| Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Not a visible minority | 6,145 | 96.9% |
| South Asian | 60 | 0.9% |
| Black | 50 | 0.8% |
| Filipino | 35 | 0.6% |
| Arab | 25 | 0.4% |
| Other visible minority groups | 20 | 0.3% |
Total visible minority: ~190 (3.0%). Denominator: 6,340 persons in private households.
Summary: Stephenville features a large Indigenous community (notably Mi’kmaq/First Nations) and a small but present visible minority population, led by South Asian, Black, Filipino and Arab groups.
Income & Poverty
Household incomes (2020) show a split between one-person and multi-person households, with a notable share of residents experiencing low income by LIM-AT.
| Measure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Median total income of household (all) | $50,000 |
| Median after-tax income of household (all) | $46,000 |
| Median total income – one-person households | $25,600 |
| Median total income – two-or-more-person households | $73,500 |
| Median total income – economic families | $73,000 |
| Median total income – couple-with-children families | $113,000 |
| Median total income – one-parent families | $49,200 |
| Median total income – persons 15+ not in economic families | $26,400 |
Poverty / Low income (2020)
| Indicator | Rate |
|---|---|
| LIM-AT prevalence (all ages) | 26.2% |
| LIM-AT – children (0–17) | 31.4% |
| LIM-AT – working age (18–64) | 23.5% |
| LIM-AT – seniors (65+) | 29.1% |
| LICO-AT prevalence (all ages) | 7.4% |
| Gini index (after-tax, adjusted income) | 0.298 |
Education
Over half of residents aged 15+ hold a postsecondary credential, with college and trades pathways especially common.
| Highest Level (15+ population) | Count | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 1,215 | 22.1% |
| High school (or equivalent) | 1,465 | 26.7% |
| Postsecondary (any) | 2,815 | 51.3% |
| – Apprenticeship/trades | 505 | 9.2% |
| – College/CEGEP/other non-university | 1,545 | 28.1% |
| – University below bachelor | 80 | 1.5% |
| – Bachelor’s degree or higher | 680 | 12.4% |
| • Bachelor’s degree | 430 | 7.8% |
| • Master’s degree | 190 | 3.5% |
| • MD/DDS/DVM/OD | 15 | 0.3% |
| • Doctorate | 0 | 0.0% |
Employment
Stephenville’s labour market mixes public-sector anchors (health care, education, public administration) with retail, trades and construction.
Key rates (15+): Participation 46.7%, Employment 38.8%, Unemployment 17.0%.
Leading industries (employed labour force; sector counts)
| Industry | Workers | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Health care & social assistance | 555 | 22.8% |
| Retail trade | 425 | 17.4% |
| Educational services | 285 | 11.7% |
| Accommodation & food services | 195 | 8.0% |
| Construction | 160 | 6.6% |
| Public administration | 150 | 6.1% |
| Transportation & warehousing | 115 | 4.7% |
| Professional, scientific & technical services | 90 | 3.7% |
Occupations (broad categories)
| Occupation group | Workers | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Sales & service | 735 | 30.1% |
| Education, law, social, community & government services | 555 | 22.8% |
| Trades, transport & equipment operators | 385 | 15.8% |
| Health occupations | 285 | 11.7% |
| Business, finance & administration | 245 | 10.0% |
| Natural & applied sciences | 110 | 4.5% |
Commuting & Transportation
Car travel dominates, and commute times are very short for most workers.
Main mode of commuting (usual place of work or no fixed workplace)
| Mode | Commuters | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Car, truck or van (driver) | 1,635 | 83.2% |
| Car, truck or van (passenger) | 130 | 6.6% |
| Walked | 160 | 8.1% |
| Public transit | 10 | 0.5% |
| Bicycle | 0 | 0.0% |
| Other method | 20 | 1.0% |
Commute duration
| Duration | Commuters | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 1,465 | 74.6% |
| 15–29 minutes | 275 | 14.0% |
| 30–44 minutes | 65 | 3.3% |
| 45–59 minutes | 60 | 3.1% |
| 60 minutes and over | 100 | 5.1% |
Denominator for commuting tables: 1,965 employed residents; totals may not sum due to rounding/suppression.
Conclusion
In 2021, Stephenville posted a population of 6,540, a -1.3% change from 2016. The town’s median age of 50.8 and large 65+ share (26.2%) reflect an older demographic profile. Economically, health care, education, and retail anchor local jobs; incomes vary widely, with median household income at $50,000 and LIM-AT low-income prevalence at 26.2%. A defining feature of Stephenville is its strong Indigenous presence (about 38% identifying as Indigenous in the private-household population, largely First Nations), paired with very short commutes—three-quarters of workers travel under 15 minutes.
FAQ
Stephenville’s population was 6,540 in the 2021 Census.
It decreased by 83 people (-1.3%) between 2016 and 2021.
The median age is 50.8, indicating an older population.
There are 3,185 private households; the average household size is 2.0.
Top sectors include health care & social assistance (22.8%), retail trade (17.4%), and educational services (11.7%).
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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