Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Happy Valley-Goose Bay has a population of around 8,040 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Happy Valley-Goose Bay has decreased by ▼ -0.85%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 8,109 | 8,040 | --0.85% |
2026 Population Projection
Happy Valley-Goose Bay's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 8,040 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Happy Valley-Goose Bay Population Trend & Context
Happy Valley-Goose Bay had a 2021 census population of 8,040 — a decline of 69 (▼ 0.85%) people from the 8,109 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has remained relatively stable over this period, reflecting broader trends in mid-sized Newfoundland and Labrador towns. The town's median age of 39.2 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
Population By Genders
The male population of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is around 4,085 while the female population is around 3,955.
Of the 8,040 total population in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the largest gender is male with around 4,085 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 4,085 | 3,955 | -3.18% |
Is Happy Valley-Goose Bay a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Happy Valley-Goose Bay compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against Newfoundland and Labrador, its own province. Draw your own conclusions from the actual numbers.
Employment & Economy
Income & Affordability
Commute
Housing Character
Household Composition
Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.
Happy Valley-Goose Bay Population Compared to Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador's population in 2021 was 510,550, spread across the area. Here's how Happy Valley-Goose Bay compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Happy Valley-Goose Bay | Newfoundland and Labrador |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $107,000 | $71,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.7% | 15.2% |
| Median age | 39.2 | 48.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.9% | 18.7% |
| Immigrants (%) | 6.7% | 2.8% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Happy Valley-Goose Bay has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 30 to 34 years old, accounting for 7.80% of the total population. The town median age is 39.20.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 to 34 years | 330 8.10% | 305 7.70% | 7.58% | 630 7.80% |
| 55 to 59 years | 325 8.00% | 305 7.70% | 6.15% | 630 7.80% |
| 50 to 54 years | 325 8.00% | 290 7.30% | 10.77% | 620 7.70% |
| 45 to 49 years | 285 7.00% | 315 8.00% | 9.52% | 595 7.40% |
| 35 to 39 years | 270 6.60% | 295 7.50% | 8.47% | 565 7.00% |
| 40 to 44 years | 275 6.70% | 280 7.10% | 1.79% | 560 7.00% |
| 25 to 29 years | 280 6.90% | 250 6.30% | 10.71% | 525 6.50% |
| 5 to 9 years | 255 6.20% | 260 6.60% | 1.92% | 515 6.40% |
| 60 to 64 years | 255 6.20% | 245 6.20% | 3.92% | 500 6.20% |
| 10 to 14 years | 255 6.20% | 235 5.90% | 7.84% | 490 6.10% |
| 15 to 19 years | 260 6.40% | 220 5.60% | 15.38% | 480 6.00% |
| 20 to 24 years | 265 6.50% | 210 5.30% | 20.75% | 480 6.00% |
| 0 to 4 years | 205 5.00% | 190 4.80% | 7.32% | 395 4.90% |
| 65 to 69 years | 185 4.50% | 175 4.40% | 5.41% | 360 4.50% |
| 70 to 74 years | 125 3.10% | 145 3.70% | 13.79% | 275 3.40% |
| 75 to 79 years | 105 2.60% | 105 2.70% | 0.00% | 215 2.70% |
| 80 to 84 years | 50 1.20% | 60 1.50% | 16.67% | 110 1.40% |
Broader Age Groups
If the town's population is divided into broader age groups, most of the population falls into the 15 to 64 years age group. The group accounts for 69.60% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 17.50% and 12.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Happy Valley-Goose Bay are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 70.40% | 68.80% | 69.60% |
| 0 to 14 years | 17.40% | 17.40% | 17.50% |
| 65 years and over | 12.10% | 13.70% | 12.90% |
Explore Happy Valley-Goose Bay Through Videos
Population of Happy Valley-Goose Bay by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Happy Valley-Goose Bay is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the town appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Happy Valley-Goose Bay are Inuit, which accounts for 31.81% of the total population, followed by English (17.50%), Irish (13.19%), Canadian (13.00%), and Scottish (8.03%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Happy Valley-Goose Bay include Newfoundlander, French, Caucasian (White), Filipino, and Innu/Montagnais.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inuit | 30.70% | 32.90% | 31.81% |
| English | 17.52% | 17.36% | 17.50% |
| Irish | 13.18% | 13.21% | 13.19% |
| Canadian | 14.23% | 11.66% | 13.00% |
| Scottish | 8.70% | 7.25% | 8.03% |
| Newfoundlander | 5.40% | 5.57% | 5.49% |
| French | 4.74% | 4.66% | 4.70% |
| Caucasian (White) | 3.69% | 5.31% | 4.51% |
| Filipino | 3.56% | 5.05% | 4.38% |
| Innu/Montagnais | 4.87% | 3.63% | 4.25% |
Indigenous Identity in Happy Valley-Goose Bay
About 49.31% of Happy Valley-Goose Bay's population (3,775 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 50.69% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 390 people (5.10% of the total population) hold Registered or Treaty Indian status.
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Happy Valley-Goose Bay's population profile.
About 6.7% of Happy Valley-Goose Bay's population are immigrants (510 people).
The top countries of origin for Happy Valley-Goose Bay's immigrant population are Philippines (245), United Kingdom (40), India (30), United States of America (25), Germany (20).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Philippines | 245 |
| United Kingdom | 40 |
| India | 30 |
| United States of America | 25 |
| Germany | 20 |
95.0% of Happy Valley-Goose Bay's residents (7,275 people) are Canadian citizens, and 5.0% are not.
By generation status, 8.6% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 4.8% are second generation, and 86.7% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 1,970 of Happy Valley-Goose Bay's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 18.60% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 11.40% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 9.10%, 7.30%, and 3.50%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 1,145 | 18.60% |
| 1 person | 700 | 11.40% |
| 3 persons | 560 | 9.10% |
| 4 persons | 450 | 7.30% |
| 5 or more persons | 215 | 3.50% |
Family and Household Structure in Happy Valley-Goose Bay
Of census families in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, 82.0% are couple families and 18.0% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.8 people.
22.8% of households in Happy Valley-Goose Bay are one-person households, 55.6% are couple-family households, 10.2% are one-parent-family households, and 3.3% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 700 | 22.8% |
| Couple-family households | 1,710 | 55.6% |
| One-parent-family households | 315 | 10.2% |
| Multigenerational households | 100 | 3.3% |
Income in Happy Valley-Goose Bay
Analyzing income distribution in Happy Valley-Goose Bay can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Happy Valley-Goose Bay is $52,000.
A region's per capita data sheds light on the average income earned per person living in it. Since per capita income is calculated by dividing the region's total income by its population, it quantifies the population's economic situation on an individual basis.
Such data offers insights into the town's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Happy Valley-Goose Bay population or around 1,180 people falls in the $50,000 to $79,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 835 and 815 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Happy Valley-Goose Bay's median household income is $107,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Happy Valley-Goose Bay's median household income is 23,000 dollars above the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the town's economic landscape as well as the living standards of its population.
Analyzing such data enables researchers, policymakers, and businesses to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the town's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Happy Valley-Goose Bay
This data sheds light on the distribution of Happy Valley-Goose Bay residents across educational milestones.
Such information is crucial in shaping the province’s policies on education, workforce development strategies, and initiatives that aim to improve access to quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities.
68.90% or most of the Happy Valley-Goose Bay population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 20.50% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 10.60% has a No certificate, diploma or degree. (Individual figures may not sum to exactly 100% due to Statistics Canada's random rounding of small-area 25% sample data.)
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 1,400 | 1,625 | 3,030 | 68.90% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 475 | 420 | 900 | 20.50% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 275 | 195 | 465 | 10.60% |
Below national average 20.8% of Happy Valley-Goose Bay's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Happy Valley-Goose Bay
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is at 9.72% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 64.59% |
| Unemployment rate | 9.72% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, 44.1% worked full year full time in the reference year, 28.4% worked part year and/or part time, and 27.5% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 2,760 | 44.1% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 1,775 | 28.4% |
| Did not work | 1,720 | 27.5% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the town who work as an employee. The majority of Happy Valley-Goose Bay's population (around 73.50%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 75 men and 90 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 160.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 75 | 90 | 160 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Happy Valley-Goose Bay industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Happy Valley-Goose Bay has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (17%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Public administration sector comes second at 16%, followed by Retail trade at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 135 | 610 | 17% |
| Public administration | 395 | 315 | 16% |
| Retail trade | 230 | 280 | 11% |
| Construction | 315 | 50 | 8% |
| Accommodation and food services | 140 | 195 | 7% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 185 | 125 | 7% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 235 | 60 | 7% |
| Educational services | 50 | 185 | 5% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 155 | 50 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 70 | 75 | 3% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 50 | 55 | 3% |
| Utilities | 70 | 25 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 65 | 35 | 2% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 30 | 15 | 1% |
| Manufacturing | 25 | 25 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 20 | 15 | 1% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 30 | 1% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 15 | 15 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 15 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Happy Valley-Goose Bay residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Happy Valley-Goose Bay: Health care and social assistance (17%), Public administration (16%), Retail trade (11%)
Top occupation categories in Happy Valley-Goose Bay: Sales and service occupations (26%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (22%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (19%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the town. It provides a snapshot of workplaces, showing their geographic distribution and the flow of workers across different areas.
| Work Location | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 1,615 | 1,745 | 3,360 | 83.20% |
| No fixed workplace address | 295 | 95 | 390 | 9.70% |
| Worked at home | 70 | 215 | 285 | 7.10% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Happy Valley-Goose Bay residents travel to school or work. It highlights the frequency of different modes of transportation like walking, cycling, carpooling, and public transit.
The data is pivotal in the making of transportation policies as well as the development of transit systems. Ultimately commuting data contributes to improving the quality of life of Happy Valley-Goose Bay residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Happy Valley-Goose Bay spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the town's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the town.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 71.20% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 17.20% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 5.50% |
| 60 minutes and over | 3.30% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.80% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Happy Valley-Goose Bay shed light on its societal dynamics. It captures the diverse types of marital statuses of the population.
Long-term commitments, such as common-law partnerships, civil unions, and marriages, reflect the town's social fabric. We can gain insights into Happy Valley-Goose Bay's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights town's linguistic diversity, showing elegances of solo language as well as bilingual harmonies. Other than language, it also shows the cultural landscape in Canada.
English is the most spoken official language in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. About 7,720 people living in the town speak English, 70 people speak French, 10 people speak English and French language, and 10 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 7,720 |
| French | 70 |
| English and French | 10 |
| Neither English nor French | 10 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 6.5% of Happy Valley-Goose Bay's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 93.3% know English only, 0.1% know French only, and 0.1% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 7,285 | 93.3% |
| French only | 5 | 0.1% |
| English and French | 510 | 6.5% |
| Neither English nor French | 10 | 0.1% |
Mother Tongue & Home Language
Useful for newcomers researching an area: this shows the language residents first learned at home in childhood (mother tongue) and the language they speak most often at home now, which can differ as families settle in.
| Language | Mother Tongue | Spoken Most Often at Home |
|---|---|---|
| English | 91.3% | 94.4% |
| Non-official languages | 6.3% | 3.9% |
| French | 1.0% | 0.4% |
Religion
Happy Valley-Goose Bay is predominantly Christian. About 6,155 of its population is Christian (2,970 males and 3,185 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Sikh with 0.7% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Muslim, both represent 0.5% and 0.5% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 80.4% |
| Sikh | 0.7% |
| Hindu | 0.5% |
| Islam | 0.5% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Happy Valley-Goose Bay
Hospitals
Schools
Parks
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Happy Valley-Goose Bay
Attractions
Green Spaces in Happy Valley-Goose Bay
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Birch Island Boardwalk | Parks | — |
| Husky Park | Parks | 1.6 ha |
| Kinsmen Park | Parks | 3.3 ha |
| Steve's Playground | Parks | 0.4 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Happy Valley-Goose Bay
- North West River 29.0 km · 560 people
- Rigolet 157.8 km · 327 people
- Postville 183.0 km · 188 people
- Makkovik 212.0 km · 365 people
- Cartwright, Labrador 222.4 km · 439 people
- Hopedale 240.7 km · 596 people
- Port Hope Simpson 281.5 km · 403 people
- L'Anse-au-Clair 302.7 km · 219 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Happy Valley-Goose Bay
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Happy Valley-Goose Bay has a population of 8,040 people, making it the 9th town in Newfoundland and Labrador. The population declined slightly from 8,109 in 2016, a decrease of 69 people or 0.85%. The town has a population density of 26.4 people per km² across a land area of 304.52 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Happy Valley-Goose Bay's population declined by 0.85% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 8,109 to 8,040 people, a loss of 69 residents. This stability is characteristic of many mid-sized other Newfoundland and Labrador towns during this period. The median age of 39.20 years suggests a relatively balanced demographic profile. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Happy Valley-Goose Bay has a population density of approximately 26.40 people per square kilometre.
Happy Valley-Goose Bay covers a land area of approximately 304.52 km².
The median age of the population in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is 39.20 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is Inuit.
The median household income in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is $107,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Christian is the predominant religion in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
According to the 2021 Census, 49.3% of Happy Valley-Goose Bay's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
95.0% of Happy Valley-Goose Bay's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 18.0% of census families in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 3.3% of all households in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, per the 2021 Census.
6.5% of Happy Valley-Goose Bay's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
Of the population aged 15 and over in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, 44.1% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Statistics Canada (statcan.gc.ca) conducted the 2026 Census of Population in May 2026. However, census data goes through an extensive processing, validation, and quality-assurance period before public release. Based on the release plan, the 2026 Census results begin rolling out on February 10, 2027, with complete community-level profiles available by December 1, 2027. Until then, this page uses 2021 Census data as its primary source, supplemented by a population projection estimate for 2026 calculated using the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from the 2016–2021 Census period.