Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Placentia has a population of around 3,289 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Placentia has decreased by ▼ -5.92%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3,496 | 3,289 | --5.92% |
2026 Population Projection
Placentia's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 3,289 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Placentia Population Trend & Context
Placentia had a 2021 census population of 3,289 — a decline of 207 (▼ 5.92%) people from the 3,496 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has declined noticeably over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing Newfoundland and Labrador towns. The town's median age of 56.4 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 Placentia is around 1,645 while the female population is around 1,640.
Of the 3,289 total population in Placentia, the largest gender is male with around 1,645 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,645 | 1,640 | -0.30% |
Is Placentia a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Placentia 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.
Placentia Population Compared to Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador's population in 2021 was 510,550, spread across the area. Here's how Placentia compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Placentia | Newfoundland and Labrador |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $59,600 | $71,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 16.4% | 15.2% |
| Median age | 56.4 | 48.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.0% | 18.7% |
| Immigrants (%) | 2.0% | 2.8% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Placentia has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 10.80% of the total population. The town median age is 56.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 175 10.60% | 185 11.30% | 5.41% | 355 10.80% |
| 65 to 69 years | 180 10.90% | 160 9.80% | 11.11% | 340 10.30% |
| 70 to 74 years | 155 9.40% | 160 9.80% | 3.13% | 325 9.90% |
| 55 to 59 years | 125 7.60% | 145 8.80% | 13.79% | 270 8.20% |
| 50 to 54 years | 105 6.40% | 120 7.30% | 12.50% | 225 6.80% |
| 75 to 79 years | 90 5.50% | 95 5.80% | 5.26% | 185 5.60% |
| 45 to 49 years | 85 5.20% | 95 5.80% | 10.53% | 180 5.50% |
| 35 to 39 years | 75 4.60% | 85 5.20% | 11.76% | 165 5.00% |
| 10 to 14 years | 105 6.40% | 55 3.40% | 47.62% | 160 4.90% |
| 40 to 44 years | 80 4.90% | 70 4.30% | 12.50% | 155 4.70% |
| 15 to 19 years | 75 4.60% | 65 4.00% | 13.33% | 140 4.30% |
| 80 to 84 years | 60 3.60% | 75 4.60% | 20.00% | 135 4.10% |
| 30 to 34 years | 60 3.60% | 70 4.30% | 14.29% | 130 4.00% |
| 25 to 29 years | 70 4.30% | 50 3.00% | 28.57% | 120 3.60% |
| 5 to 9 years | 55 3.30% | 60 3.70% | 8.33% | 115 3.50% |
| 20 to 24 years | 60 3.60% | 50 3.00% | 16.67% | 110 3.30% |
| 85 years and over | 40 2.40% | 60 3.70% | 33.33% | 105 3.20% |
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 56.20% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 32.80% and 10.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Placentia are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 55.60% | 57.00% | 56.20% |
| 65 years and over | 32.20% | 33.50% | 32.80% |
| 0 to 14 years | 12.20% | 9.80% | 10.90% |
Explore Placentia Through Videos
Population of Placentia by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Placentia is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Placentia 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 Placentia are Irish, which accounts for 51.34% of the total population, followed by English (30.08%), Canadian (21.73%), Newfoundlander (8.35%), and Scottish (3.78%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Placentia include Caucasian (White), French, German, British Isles, and North American Indigenous.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish | 53.77% | 48.74% | 51.34% |
| English | 27.36% | 33.02% | 30.08% |
| Canadian | 22.96% | 20.44% | 21.73% |
| Newfoundlander | 8.81% | 8.18% | 8.35% |
| Scottish | 4.40% | 3.14% | 3.78% |
| Caucasian (White) | 3.14% | 3.77% | 3.62% |
| French | 2.52% | 0.94% | 1.57% |
| German | 1.57% | 1.26% | 1.57% |
| British Isles | 0.94% | 2.20% | 1.42% |
| North American Indigenous | 0.63% | 1.57% | 1.10% |
Indigenous Identity in Placentia
About 2.20% of Placentia's population (70 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 97.80% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 25 people (0.80% 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 Placentia's population profile.
About 2.0% of Placentia's population are immigrants (65 people).
The top countries of origin for Placentia's immigrant population are United Kingdom (25), United States of America (15), Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 25 |
| United States of America | 15 |
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
99.1% of Placentia's residents (3,145 people) are Canadian citizens, and 1.1% are not.
By generation status, 2.7% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 2.8% are second generation, and 94.5% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 1,380 of Placentia's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 20.15% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 17.35% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.65%, 4.40%, and 1.45%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 620 | 20.15% |
| 1 person | 535 | 17.35% |
| 3 persons | 205 | 6.65% |
| 4 persons | 135 | 4.40% |
| 5 or more persons | 45 | 1.45% |
Family and Household Structure in Placentia
Of census families in Placentia, 84.2% are couple families and 15.8% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.6 people.
34.6% of households in Placentia are one-person households, 50.5% are couple-family households, 8.1% are one-parent-family households, and 1.3% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 535 | 34.6% |
| Couple-family households | 780 | 50.5% |
| One-parent-family households | 125 | 8.1% |
| Multigenerational households | 20 | 1.3% |
Income in Placentia
Analyzing income distribution in Placentia can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Placentia is $34,400.
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 Placentia population or around 435 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $30,000 to $49,999, and $50,000 to $79,999 with around 300 and 275 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Placentia's median household income is $59,600, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Placentia's median household income is 24,400 dollars below 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 Placentia
This data sheds light on the distribution of Placentia 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.
65.30% or most of the Placentia population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 23.50% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 11.20% 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 | 435 | 520 | 960 | 65.30% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 155 | 195 | 345 | 23.50% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 95 | 75 | 165 | 11.20% |
Below national average 15.0% of Placentia's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Placentia
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Placentia. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Placentia is at 16.42% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 40.82% |
| Unemployment rate | 16.42% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Placentia, 22.3% worked full year full time in the reference year, 27.1% worked part year and/or part time, and 50.6% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 625 | 22.3% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 760 | 27.1% |
| Did not work | 1,420 | 50.6% |
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 Placentia's population (around 60.90%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 65 men and 20 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 90.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 65 | 20 | 90 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Placentia industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Placentia is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Placentia has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (21%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Construction sector comes second at 11%, followed by Retail trade at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 55 | 235 | 21% |
| Construction | 130 | 20 | 11% |
| Retail trade | 45 | 100 | 11% |
| Public administration | 45 | 65 | 8% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 90 | 10 | 7% |
| Educational services | 35 | 65 | 7% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 50 | 35 | 7% |
| Accommodation and food services | 25 | 40 | 5% |
| Manufacturing | 50 | 10 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 25 | 20 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 20 | 20 | 3% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 30 | 0 | 2% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 25 | 10 | 2% |
| Utilities | 15 | 0 | 1% |
| Wholesale trade | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 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 Placentia residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Placentia: Health care and social assistance (21%), Construction (11%), Retail trade (11%)
Top occupation categories in Placentia: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (27%), Sales and service occupations (20%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (14%)
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 | 380 | 465 | 840 | 73.40% |
| No fixed workplace address | 160 | 60 | 220 | 19.20% |
| Worked at home | 35 | 50 | 80 | 7.00% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Placentia 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 Placentia residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Placentia 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 | 59.40% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 18.90% |
| 60 minutes and over | 12.30% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 7.10% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.40% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Placentia 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 Placentia'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 Placentia. About 3,175 people living in the town speak English, 5 people speak French, 0 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 3,175 |
| French | 5 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 1.3% of Placentia's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 98.6% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.2% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 3,140 | 98.6% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 40 | 1.3% |
| Neither English nor French | 5 | 0.2% |
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 | 98.9% | 99.5% |
| Non-official languages | 0.5% | 0.3% |
| French | 0.2% | 0.2% |
Religion
Placentia is predominantly Christian. About 3,035 of its population is Christian (1,510 males and 1,525 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Buddhist with 0.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Jewish, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 95.4% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Placentia
Parks
- Fort Frederick Park
- Selena Corrigan Memorial Park
- Orcan River Park
- Placentia Area Theatre d'Heritage Park
- Mount Pleasant Park
- Canadian Armed Forces Memorial PArk
- Bruley Drive Recreation Park
- Unity PARC
- Blockhouse Historica Park
- Fort Saint Louis Historic Park
- Coal Yard Park
- Marquis Picnic Area
- Ferndale Veterans’ Park
- Placentia Regatta Grounds
Libraries
Places to Visit in Placentia
Museums
Attractions
Historic Sites
Green Spaces in Placentia
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Frederick Park | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Selena Corrigan Memorial Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Orcan River Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Placentia Area Theatre d'Heritage Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Mount Pleasant Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Canadian Armed Forces Memorial PArk | Parks | 0.0 ha |
| Bruley Drive Recreation Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Unity PARC | Parks | 1.8 ha |
| Blockhouse Historica Park | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Fort Saint Louis Historic Park | Parks | 1.2 ha |
| Coal Yard Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Marquis Picnic Area | Parks | 1.9 ha |
| Ferndale Veterans’ Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Placentia Regatta Grounds | Parks | 2.7 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Placentia
- Fox Harbour 9.5 km · 226 people
- Long Harbour-Mount Arlington Heights 23.9 km · 185 people
- Colinet 31.5 km · 103 people
- Admirals Beach 35.9 km · 97 people
- Chapel Arm 37.7 km · 446 people
- Whitbourne 38.1 km · 955 people
- Mount Carmel-Mitchells Brook-St. Catherine's 38.4 km · 382 people
- St. Bride's 39.1 km · 318 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Placentia
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Placentia has a population of 3,289 people, making it the 20th town in Newfoundland and Labrador. The population declined significantly from 3,496 in 2016, a decrease of 207 people or 5.92%. The town has a population density of 56.9 people per km² across a land area of 57.80 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Placentia's population declined by 5.92% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 3,496 to 3,289 people, a loss of 207 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Newfoundland and Labrador towns during this period. The median age of 56.40 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (34.7%) may indicate young adults leaving for larger centres. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Placentia has a population density of approximately 56.90 people per square kilometre.
Placentia covers a land area of approximately 57.80 km².
The median age of the population in Placentia is 56.40 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Placentia is Irish.
The median household income in Placentia is $59,600, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Placentia.
Christian is the predominant religion in Placentia.
According to the 2021 Census, 2.2% of Placentia's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
99.1% of Placentia's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 15.8% of census families in Placentia, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 1.3% of all households in Placentia, per the 2021 Census.
1.3% of Placentia'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 Placentia, 22.3% 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.