The town of Upper Island Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador, recorded a population of 1,401 in the 2021 Census, a decline of 10.2% compared with 2016 when the population stood at 1,561. With a land area of 7.82 km², the town has a population density of 179.2 people per square kilometre. Known for its strong sense of community and coastal setting, the town’s demographics reveal important insights into aging, housing, income, and employment trends.
Population Growth Trends
Between 2016 and 2021, Upper Island Cove experienced a population decrease of 160 residents, representing a 10.2% decline. This trend reflects broader demographic shifts in many rural communities across Newfoundland and Labrador, where aging populations and migration patterns play a significant role.
Age Distribution
Upper Island Cove has a noticeably aging population. The median age is 53.2 years, significantly higher than the national median. About 28.9% of residents are 65 years or older, while only 12.1% are under 15 years old.
Table: Age Distribution in Upper Island Cove, 2021
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 170 | 12.1% |
| 15–64 years | 825 | 58.9% |
| 65+ years | 405 | 28.9% |
Households & Dwellings
In 2021, Upper Island Cove had 669 private dwellings, of which 582 were occupied by usual residents. Most homes are single-detached houses (550 units).
Households are typically small, with an average household size of 2.4 persons. Among the 580 households, 125 are one-person households, while 255 are two-person households.
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity & Language)
Upper Island Cove is overwhelmingly English-speaking. 100% of residents report English as their mother tongue, and 99% speak English only at home.
The town has very limited visible minority presence (just 15 residents), and 10 residents identify as Indigenous. Ethnic and cultural origins reported include English (550), Irish (285), and Canadian (445), reflecting the community’s strong ties to British and Irish heritage.
Table: Visible Minority & Indigenous Identity, 2021
| Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Indigenous Identity | 10 | 0.7% |
| Visible Minority | 15 | 1.1% |
| Non-Indigenous / White | 1,385 | 98.2% |
Income & Poverty
In 2020, the median total individual income was $31,200, while the median household income was $64,500. Two-or-more-person households reported a higher median income of $75,500 compared with one-person households at $24,600.
Poverty levels are a concern, particularly among seniors. 15.9% of residents lived in low-income households (LIM-AT measure), with the rate highest among those aged 65 and older (33%).
Table: Household Income in Upper Island Cove, 2020
| Household Type | Median Income |
|---|---|
| All Households | $64,500 |
| One-Person Households | $24,600 |
| Two-or-More-Person Households | $75,500 |
Education
Education levels in Upper Island Cove show a relatively high share of residents without postsecondary credentials. Among those aged 15 and over:
- 24% (295 people) have no certificate, diploma, or degree.
- 27% (340 people) hold a high school diploma.
- 48% (600 people) have postsecondary education, with 140 people (11%) holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Employment
Labour force participation in Upper Island Cove is modest. Of 1,240 residents aged 15 and older, 580 were in the labour force, yielding a participation rate of 46.8%.
- Employment rate: 35.5%
- Unemployment rate: 24.1%
Occupations are spread across trades, services, and education/health:
- Trades, transport, and equipment operators: 165 workers
- Sales and service occupations: 110 workers
- Education, law, social, and community services: 90 workers
- Health occupations: 50 workers
Industries employing residents include construction (95), health care and social assistance (85), retail trade (55), and education (45).
Commuting & Transportation
Upper Island Cove residents rely heavily on cars for commuting. Of 390 workers with a usual place of work or no fixed workplace:
- 97% (380 people) commuted by car, truck, or van.
- 0% used public transit, biking, or walking.
- 10 people reported using another method (such as ATVs, boats, or rideshare).
Commute times vary:
- 80 residents have a commute under 15 minutes.
- 190 residents commute 15–29 minutes.
- 70 residents travel an hour or more.
Conclusion
Upper Island Cove’s population in 2021 stood at 1,401, marking a 10.2% decline since 2016. With a median age of 53.2 years, the town faces significant aging demographics, impacting employment and services. Income levels are moderate, but poverty rates among seniors remain high. Despite these challenges, the community maintains strong cultural roots, stable household structures, and a reliance on trades, health care, and education for employment.
One unique characteristic of Upper Island Cove is its near-total English linguistic uniformity, setting it apart in a province with some French and Indigenous language presence elsewhere.
FAQ
The population was 1,401 in 2021, down 10.2% from 1,561 in 2016.
It is shrinking, with a decline of 160 residents between 2016 and 2021.
The median age is 53.2 years, showing an older population compared to the national average.
There were 582 occupied private dwellings in 2021, with an average household size of 2.4 people.
Construction, health care, education, retail, and trades are leading industries for local employment.
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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