Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, North West River has a population of around 560 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of North West River has increased by ▲ 2.38%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 547 | 560 | +2.38% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.47% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, North West River's population is projected to reach approximately 573 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 161.41 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 560 | 573 | 161.41 |
This projection is an estimate calculated by CAPopulation from the compound annual growth rate between the 2016 and 2021 censuses. Official 2026 complete census data expected to be released in late 2027.
North West River Population Trend & Context
North West River had a 2021 census population of 560 — an increase of 13 (▲ 2.38%) people from the 547 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has grown slightly over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Newfoundland and Labrador towns. The town's median age of 48 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
Population By Genders
The male population of North West River is around 265 while the female population is around 295.
Of the 560 total population in North West River, the largest gender is female with around 295 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 265 | 295 | +10.17% |
Is North West River a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how North West River 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.
North West River Population Compared to Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador's population in 2021 was 510,550, spread across the area. Here's how North West River compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | North West River | Newfoundland and Labrador |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $94,000 | $71,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 12.1% | 15.2% |
| Median age | 48 | 48.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.2% | 18.7% |
| Immigrants (%) | 3.6% | 2.8% |
Population by Age Characteristics
North West River has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 8.90% of the total population. The town median age is 48.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|
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 60.70% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 24.10% and 15.20%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in North West River are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 14 years | 40.00% | 45.00% | 85.00% |
| 15 to 64 years | 64.20% | 57.60% | 60.70% |
| 65 years and over | 22.60% | 25.40% | 24.10% |
| 0 to 14 years | 15.10% | 15.30% | 15.20% |
Explore North West River Through Videos
Population of North West River by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of North West River is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. North West River 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 North West River are Inuit, which accounts for 54.46% of the total population, followed by English (15.18%), Scottish (13.39%), Irish (8.93%), and Canadian (8.04%).
Other ethnicities and origins in North West River include Innu/Montagnais, Mi'kmaq, Newfoundlander, Caucasian (White), and European.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inuit | 58.49% | 52.54% | 54.46% |
| English | 15.09% | 15.25% | 15.18% |
| Scottish | 11.32% | 13.56% | 13.39% |
| Irish | 7.55% | 10.17% | 8.93% |
| Canadian | 7.55% | 6.78% | 8.04% |
| Innu/Montagnais | 5.66% | 8.47% | 7.14% |
| Mi'kmaq | 3.77% | 5.08% | 4.46% |
| Newfoundlander | 3.77% | 3.39% | 4.46% |
| Caucasian (White) | 3.77% | 5.08% | 3.57% |
| European | 5.66% | 3.39% | 3.57% |
Indigenous Identity in North West River
About 67.86% of North West River's population (380 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 32.14% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 35 people (6.30% 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 North West River's population profile.
About 3.6% of North West River's population are immigrants (20 people).
The top countries of origin for North West River's immigrant population are United Kingdom (10), India (10), Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 10 |
| India | 10 |
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
97.3% of North West River's residents (545 people) are Canadian citizens, and 2.7% are not.
By generation status, 6.3% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 6.3% are second generation, and 87.5% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 220 of North West River's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 18.35% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 15.30% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 10.20%, 4.10%, and 3.05%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 90 | 18.35% |
| 1 person | 75 | 15.30% |
| 3 persons | 50 | 10.20% |
| 4 persons | 20 | 4.10% |
| 5 or more persons | 15 | 3.05% |
Family and Household Structure in North West River
Of census families in North West River, 80.6% are couple families and 19.4% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.7 people.
28.6% of households in North West River are one-person households, 55.1% are couple-family households, 10.2% are one-parent-family households, and 4.1% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 70 | 28.6% |
| Couple-family households | 135 | 55.1% |
| One-parent-family households | 25 | 10.2% |
| Multigenerational households | 10 | 4.1% |
Income in North West River
Analyzing income distribution in North West River can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within North West River is $46,800.
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 North West River population or around 95 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 70 and 40 people, respectively.
Household Income
The North West River's median household income is $94,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average North West River's median household income is 10,000 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 North West River
This data sheds light on the distribution of North West River 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.
62.10% or most of the North West River population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 29.30% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 6.90% 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 | 90 | 90 | 180 | 62.10% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 40 | 45 | 85 | 29.30% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 15 | 10 | 20 | 6.90% |
Below national average 15.5% of North West River's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in North West River
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in North West River. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in North West River is at 12.28% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 53.19% |
| Unemployment rate | 12.28% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in North West River, 31.9% worked full year full time in the reference year, 29.8% worked part year and/or part time, and 38.3% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 150 | 31.9% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 140 | 29.8% |
| Did not work | 180 | 38.3% |
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 North West River's population (around 70.20%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 0 men and 10 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 10.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 0 | 10 | 10 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The North West River industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in North West River is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
North West River has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (28%) works in the public administration sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 14%, followed by Educational services at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public administration | 35 | 45 | 28% |
| Health care and social assistance | 10 | 40 | 14% |
| Educational services | 10 | 15 | 11% |
| Retail trade | 10 | 10 | 9% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 20 | 0 | 7% |
| Construction | 15 | 10 | 5% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 15 | 0 | 5% |
| Accommodation and food services | 10 | 10 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 0 | 10 | 5% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 0 | 0 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 10 | 10 | 4% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Manufacturing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 10 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where North West River residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in North West River: Public administration (28%), Health care and social assistance (14%), Educational services (11%)
Top occupation categories in North West River: Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (26%), Business, finance and administration occupations (18%), Sales and service occupations (18%)
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 | 75 | 120 | 200 | 81.60% |
| No fixed workplace address | 30 | 0 | 30 | 12.20% |
| Worked at home | 10 | 20 | 25 | 10.20% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how North West River 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 North West River residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of North West River 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 | 53.30% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 17.80% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 13.30% |
| 60 minutes and over | 8.90% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 0.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in North West River 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 North West River'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 North West River. About 560 people living in the town speak English, 0 people speak French, 0 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 560 |
| French | 0 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 1.8% of North West River's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 98.2% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 550 | 98.2% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 10 | 1.8% |
| Neither English nor French | 0 | 0.0% |
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 | 96.4% | 99.1% |
| Non-official languages | 2.7% | 0.0% |
| French | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Religion
North West River is predominantly Christian. About 460 of its population is Christian (210 males and 255 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Hindu with 0.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Jewish and Muslim, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Sikh represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 82.1% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
Nearest Towns to North West River
- Happy Valley-Goose Bay 29.0 km · 8,040 people
- Rigolet 133.1 km · 327 people
- Postville 154.7 km · 188 people
- Makkovik 183.1 km · 365 people
- Cartwright, Labrador 207.1 km · 439 people
- Hopedale 213.8 km · 596 people
- Port Hope Simpson 279.8 km · 403 people
- L'Anse-au-Clair 313.8 km · 219 people
Frequently Asked Questions about North West River
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, North West River has a population of 560 people, making it the 112th town in Newfoundland and Labrador. The population increased moderately from 547 in 2016, an increase of 13 people or 2.38%. The town has a population density of 157.9 people per km² across a land area of 3.55 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
North West River's population grew by 2.38% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 547 to 560 people, a gain of 13 residents. This modest growth reflects patterns seen in many other Newfoundland and Labrador towns during this period. The median age of 48.00 years suggests an aging population. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
North West River has a population density of approximately 157.90 people per square kilometre.
North West River covers a land area of approximately 3.55 km².
The median age of the population in North West River is 48.00 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in North West River is Inuit.
The median household income in North West River is $94,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in North West River.
Christian is the predominant religion in North West River.
According to the 2021 Census, 67.9% of North West River's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
97.3% of North West River's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 20.0% of census families in North West River, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 4.1% of all households in North West River, per the 2021 Census.
1.8% of North West River'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 North West River, 31.9% 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.