Wabush, Newfoundland and Labrador counted 1,964 residents in 2021, an increase of 58 people from 2016 (+3.0%). The town covers 42.42 km² for a population density of 46.3 residents per km². Quick snapshot: median age 36.8, average household size 2.5, and 798 occupied private dwellings out of 864 total.
Population Growth Trends
Wabush added residents between 2016 and 2021, growing from 1,906 to 1,964—a modest but positive +3.0% trend that reflects stable employment and amenities in Labrador West.
Age Distribution
Wabush is relatively young by provincial standards, with a median age of 36.8.
Age breakdown
| Age Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 years | 385 | 19.6% |
| 15–64 years | 1,370 | 69.7% |
| 65+ years | 215 | 10.9% |
Households & Dwellings
- Total private dwellings: 864
- Occupied by usual residents: 798 (about 92% occupancy)
- Total private households: 795
- Average household size: 2.5
- Structure mix (occupied): 420 single-detached, 70 semi-detached, 215 row houses, 45 low-rise apartments, 50 movable dwellings.
Household size
| Household Size | Households |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 190 |
| 2 persons | 285 |
| 3 persons | 165 |
| 4 persons | 120 |
| 5+ persons | 40 |
Demographics (Race / Ethnicity)
Wabush’s population identifies largely as non-visible minority, with a notable Indigenous community (approx. 12.5%) alongside a small visible-minority population. (Some measures are based on the Census 25% sample and should be interpreted as estimates.)
Indigenous identity (25% sample)
| Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Indigenous identity | 245 | 12.5% |
| Non-Indigenous | 1,720 | 87.8% |
Visible minority (25% sample)
| Group | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Visible minority — total | 45 | 2.3% |
| … Black | 25 | 1.3% |
| All other visible minority | 20 | 1.0% |
| Not a visible minority | 1,915 | 97.7% |
Income & Poverty
Wabush households report high median incomes relative to provincial norms, reflecting year-round resource-sector employment.
- Median household income (2020): $151,000
- Median after-tax household income (2020): $117,000
- Prevalence of low income (LIM-AT, 2020): 3.4% (about 65 people)
- Median individual total income (2020): $68,000
- Median employment income (individuals, 2020): $75,000
Household income (2020)
| Measure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Median household income | $151,000 |
| Median after-tax household income | $117,000 |
| Households $100k+ (count) | 550 |
Education
Most adults hold a postsecondary credential, led by college and trades pathways that align with regional industries.
| Highest Level (age 15+) | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| No certificate/diploma/degree | 165 | 10.4% |
| High school diploma (or equivalent) | 415 | 26.1% |
| Postsecondary (any) | 1,005 | 63.2% |
| … College/CEGEP/other non-university | 425 | 26.7% |
| … Apprenticeship/trades | 335 | 21.1% |
| … Bachelor’s degree or higher | 215 | 13.5% |
Employment
Wabush has high participation and employment rates with low unemployment.
- Participation rate (15+): 76.7%
- Employment rate (15+): 73.3%
- Unemployment rate: 4.5%
- Labour force: 1,220 (Employed 1,165; Unemployed 55)
Leading industries (share of employed, 25% sample)
| Industry | Workers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, quarrying, and oil & gas | 440 | 36.2% |
| Trades/transport/equipment operators (occup.)* | 420 | 34.6% |
| Natural resources, agriculture & related | 135 | 11.1% |
| Retail trade | 85 | 7.0% |
| Construction | 90 | 7.4% |
| Health care & social assistance | 90 | 7.4% |
| Educational services | 80 | 6.6% |
| Public administration | 55 | 4.5% |
*Occupation category shown to illustrate workforce profile; totals differ slightly from industry counts.
Commuting & Transportation
Driving dominates commuting in Wabush and the Labrador West corridor.
| Indicator | Count | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Main mode: Car, truck or van (any) | 1,090 | 97.8% |
| … as driver | 1,040 | — |
| … as passenger | 50 | — |
| Public transit | 0 | — |
| Walk/bicycle | 0 | — |
| Other method | 20 | 1.8% |
Commute time (usual place/no fixed address): 72.2% under 15 minutes; 26.0% 15–29 minutes; 1.8% 30–44 minutes.
Time leaving for work: Departures cluster between 6:00–8:59 a.m. (approx. 855 commuters).
Conclusion
Between 2016 and 2021, Wabush’s population rose 3.0% to 1,964, maintaining a young median age of 36.8 and high labour-force attachment. Income levels are strong, poverty is low by national standards, and the economy is mining-centric, which shapes education pathways (trades/college) and commuting patterns (nearly all by car with short drives). A defining characteristic of Wabush is its tight linkage to resource operations, offering big-city paycheques in a compact northern town.
FAQ
Wabush had 1,964 residents in 2021.
It’s growing—up 3.0% from 1,906 in 2016 to 1,964 in 2021.
The median age is 36.8, reflecting a relatively young workforce.
There are 795 private households and 798 occupied private dwellings (out of 864 total).
Mining is the dominant sector (about 36% of employed workers), followed by trades/transport, construction, retail, health, education, and public administration.
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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