Twillingate, Newfoundland and Labrador recorded a 2021 population of 2,121. That’s a decline of 75 people (-3.4%) from 2,196 in 2016. The town spans 25.60 km² with a population density of 82.8 residents per km². Quick demographic signals: a median age of 58.4 (average 53.3) and a large senior share shape local needs—from health services to housing and transportation.
Population Growth Trends
Twillingate’s modest population contraction reflects ongoing out-migration and aging.
- 2016: 2,196
- 2021: 2,121
- Change: -75 people (-3.4%)
Key takeaways
- Net decline concentrated among working-age cohorts.
- Seniors (65+) now make up over one-third of residents.
Age Distribution
Median age: 58.4 years (average age 53.3).
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 200 | 9.4% |
| 15–64 years | 1,150 | 54.2% |
| 65+ years | 775 | 36.6% |
Note: Totals reflect published census counts and distributions.
Households & Dwellings
- Total private dwellings: 1,302
- Occupied by usual residents: 1,007 (~77.3% occupancy)
- Average household size: 2.1 persons
- Structure: Predominantly single-detached (≈900 of ~1,010 occupied dwellings)
| Household Size | Households |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 300 |
| 2 persons | 490 |
| 3 persons | 120 |
| 4 persons | 75 |
| 5+ persons | 25 |
| Total | 1,005 |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Twillingate is overwhelmingly English-speaking and non-immigrant. Indigenous identity is present at a small share (primarily Métis), and the visible minority population is very small.
| Group | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Indigenous identity (25% sample) | 30 | ~1.5% |
| Non-Indigenous | 2,030 | ~98.5% |
| Visible minority (25% sample) | 15 | ~0.7% |
| Not a visible minority | 2,045 | ~99.3% |
| Canadian citizens | 2,050 | — |
| Immigrants | 15 | — |
Income & Poverty
Household income (2020):
- Median household income: $55,200 (after-tax: $50,000)
- One-person households (median): $25,000 (after-tax: $24,600)
- Two-or-more-person households (median): $72,500 (after-tax: $64,500)
Economic families (2020):
- Median family income: $72,500 (after-tax: $64,500)
- Couple-with-children families: $105,000 median
- One-parent families: $51,200 median
- Persons not in families: $25,200 median
Poverty (LIM-AT, 2020):
- Overall prevalence: 21.0%
- Seniors (65+): 36.8%
Education
Highest certificate, diploma or degree (population 15+; 25% sample):
| Credential | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 570 | ~30.5% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 660 | ~35.3% |
| Postsecondary (any) | 640 | ~34.2% |
| — Trades/apprenticeship | 130 | ~7.0% |
| — College/CEGEP/other non-university | 305 | ~16.3% |
| — Bachelor’s degree or higher | 175 | ~9.4% |
Employment
Labour force indicators (15+; 25% sample):
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Participation rate | 39.6% |
| Employment rate | 30.2% |
| Unemployment rate | 23.0% |
| In labour force | 740 |
| Employed | 565 |
| Unemployed | 170 |
Leading occupations (NOC broad categories; counts)
- Sales & service: 150
- Trades, transport & equipment: 145
- Education, law, social & government: 120
- Natural resources, agriculture & related: 110
- Health: 65
Leading industries (NAICS sectors; counts)
- Health care & social assistance: 135
- Agriculture/forestry/fishing/hunting: 95
- Retail trade: 75
- Construction: 70
- Public administration: 60
- Accommodation & food services: 60
Commuting & Transportation
Place of work (employed, 25% sample):
- Worked at home: 40 (~7.1%)
- Usual place of work: 340 (~60.2%)
- No fixed workplace: 180 (~31.9%)
Main mode of commuting (usual place or no fixed workplace; n=520):
| Mode | Commuters | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Car/truck/van (all) | 475 | 91.3% |
| — as driver | 435 | 83.7% |
| — as passenger | 40 | 7.7% |
| Walked | 10 | 1.9% |
| Bicycle | 0 | 0.0% |
| Public transit | 0 | 0.0% |
| Other method | 35 | 6.7% |
Commute duration (n=520): 75% spend <15 minutes; another 9.6% spend 15–29 minutes.
Departure time: Most leave 8:00–8:59 a.m. (33.7%) or 7:00–7:59 a.m. (21.2%).
Housing Snapshot
| Indicator | Owners | Renters |
|---|---|---|
| Households (25% sample) | 855 | 155 |
| Spend ≥30% of income on shelter | 7.6% | 50.0% |
| Median monthly shelter costs | $536 | $770 |
| Median dwelling value | $150,000 | — |
Dwelling condition is generally sound: most require only regular maintenance; a minority need major repairs.
Conclusion
Twillingate’s population of 2,121 (2021) reflects a 3.4% decline since 2016, alongside an older age profile (median 58.4) and a high senior share (36.6%). Income levels are moderate, yet LIM-AT poverty affects 21%, particularly seniors. The labour market skews toward health care, fisheries/natural resources, retail, trades, and public services, with short, car-oriented commutes.
Unique characteristic: Twillingate’s economy and identity remain closely tied to the North Atlantic fishery and coastal tourism, shaping seasonal work patterns and services.
FAQ
Twillingate’s population is 2,121 in the 2021 Census.
It declined by 3.4% from 2016 to 2021 (a decrease of 75 residents).
The median age is 58.4 years, indicating an older population.
There are about 1,007 occupied private dwellings and 1,302 total dwellings.
Top sectors include health care & social assistance, fishing/natural resources, retail, construction, 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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