Red Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador Population & Demographics: Is It a Good Place to Live?

Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Red Bay census dataset on Statistics Canada

This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Red Bay. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 2.31 km2. The town has a population density of 61.30 people per km2.

We highlight the Red Bay town's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.

Red Bay on the Map

Red Bay location on the map. View in Google Map

Population Characteristics

According to the latest census, Red Bay has a population of around 142 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Red Bay has decreased by ▼ -15.98%.

Population in 2016Population in 2021Difference
169142 --15.98%

2026 Population Projection

Red 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 142 people recorded in the 2021 census.

Red Bay Population Trend & Context

Red Bay had a 2021 census population of 142 — a decline of 27 (▼ 15.98%) people from the 169 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 58.4 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 Red Bay is around 70 while the female population is around 75.

Of the 142 total population in Red Bay, the largest gender is female with around 75 female within the population.

MaleFemaleDifference
7075 -6.67%

Is Red Bay a Good Place to Live?

Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Red 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

57.1%
Unemployment rate
41.9 pts above the province
26.9%
Employment rate
20.6 pts below the province
53.8%
Participation rate
2.3 pts below the province

Income & Affordability

$0
Median household income
$71,500 below the province
0.0%
Below low-income threshold (LIM-AT)
15.2 pts below the province

Commute

0.0%
Commute under 30 minutes
82.5 pts below the province
85.7%
Commute by car
3.2 pts below the province
0.0%
Commute by public transit
2.0 pts below the province

Housing Character

100.0%
Single-detached houses
27.7 pts above the province
0.0%
Apartments (any building size)
18.2 pts below the province

Household Composition

2.20 people
Average household size
0.10people below the province
23.1%
One-person households
4.8 pts below the province

Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.

Red Bay Population Compared to Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador's population in 2021 was 510,550, spread across the area. Here's how Red Bay compares to the town's key indicators:

IndicatorRed BayNewfoundland and Labrador
Median household income$0$71,500
Unemployment rate57.1%15.2%
Median age58.448.4
Bachelor's degree or higher0.0%18.7%
Immigrants (%)0.0%2.8%

Population by Age Characteristics

Red Bay has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 13.80% of the total population. The town median age is 58.40.

DataMaleFemaleDifferenceTotal

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 55.20% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 34.50% and 10.30%, respectively.

If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Red Bay are within the 15 to 64 years age group.

DataMaleFemaleTotal
15 to 64 years40.00%40.00%80.00%
15 to 64 years57.10%53.30%55.20%
65 years and over20.00%25.00%50.00%
65 years and over28.60%33.30%34.50%
0 to 14 years5.00%15.00%15.00%
0 to 14 years7.10%20.00%10.30%

Explore Red Bay Through Videos

Population of Red Bay by Ethnicity and Origin

The population of Red Bay is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Red 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 Red Bay are Canadian, which accounts for 36.67% of the total population, followed by English (20.00%), Irish (6.67%), Caucasian (White) (6.67%), and Western European (0.00%).

Other ethnicities and origins in Red Bay include New Brunswicker, Gujarati, Eritrean, African Canadian, and Israeli.

Ethnicity and OriginMaleFemalePercentage in Population
Canadian35.71%37.50%36.67%
English21.43%18.75%20.00%
Irish0.00%0.00%6.67%
Caucasian (White)0.00%12.50%6.67%
Western European0.00%0.00%0.00%
New Brunswicker0.00%0.00%0.00%
Gujarati0.00%0.00%0.00%
Eritrean0.00%0.00%0.00%
African Canadian0.00%0.00%0.00%
Israeli0.00%0.00%0.00%

Indigenous Identity in Red Bay

About 34.48% of Red Bay's population (50 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 65.52% who report a non-Indigenous identity.

Of the Indigenous population, 0 people (0.00% of the total population) hold Registered or Treaty Indian status.

Indigenous identity
34.48%
Non-Indigenous identity
65.52%

Immigration Profile

Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Red Bay's population profile.

About 0.0% of Red Bay's population are immigrants (0 people).

The top countries of origin for Red Bay's immigrant population are Trinidad and Tobago (0), United States of America (0), Bosnia and Herzegovina (0), Croatia (0), France (0).

Only using 25% sample data.
Country of BirthPopulation
Trinidad and Tobago0
United States of America0
Bosnia and Herzegovina0
Croatia0
France0

100.0% of Red Bay's residents (150 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.0% are not.

By generation status, 0.0% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 0.0% are second generation, and 100.0% are third generation or more.

Household and Dwelling Characteristics

About 65 of Red Bay's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.

Household Size

About 23.10% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 11.55% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.70%, 7.70%, and 0.00%, respectively.

Number of Person(s) in HouseholdTotalPercentage
2 persons3023.10%
1 person1511.55%
3 persons107.70%
4 persons107.70%
5 or more persons00.00%

Family and Household Structure in Red Bay

Of census families in Red Bay, 100.0% are couple families and 0.0% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.6 people.

Couple families
100.00%
One-parent families
0.00%

23.1% of households in Red Bay are one-person households, 76.9% are couple-family households, 7.7% are one-parent-family households, and 0.0% are multigenerational households.

Household TypeHouseholdsPercentage
One-person households1523.1%
Couple-family households5076.9%
One-parent-family households57.7%
Multigenerational households00.0%

Income in Red Bay

Analyzing income distribution in Red Bay can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.

Per Capita Income

According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Red Bay is $0.

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 Red Bay population or around 0 people falls in the Under $10,000 group. The next largest groups are the Under $10,000, and Under $10,000 with around 0 and 0 people, respectively.

Household Income

The Red Bay's median household income is $0, according to 2020 data.

Below national average Red Bay's median household income is 84,000 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 Red Bay

This data sheds light on the distribution of Red 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.

50.00% or most of the Red Bay population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 33.30% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 0.00% 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.)

Population aged 25 to 64 years, using 25% sample data. Individual values may not sum exactly to totals due to Statistics Canada's random rounding.
DegreeMenWomenTotalPercentage
Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree20153050.00%
High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate0202033.30%
No certificate, diploma or degree0000.00%

Below national average 0.0% of Red Bay's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).

Employment in Red Bay

This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Red Bay. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.

The data shows that the unemployment rate in Red Bay is at 53.33% which is very high.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusPercentage
Employment rate26.92%
Unemployment rate53.33%

Work Activity During the Reference Year

Of the population aged 15 and over in Red Bay, 15.4% worked full year full time in the reference year, 42.3% worked part year and/or part time, and 42.3% did not work.

Only using 25% sample data.
Work ActivityPopulationPercentage
Worked full year full time2015.4%
Worked part year and/or part time5542.3%
Did not work5542.3%

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 Red Bay's population (around 53.30%) are working temporary position as an employee.

Self-employed

In the town, there are 0 men and 0 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 0.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusMenWomenTotal
Self-employed000

Employment Industry Sectors

The Red Bay industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Red Bay is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.

Red Bay has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (20%) works in the construction sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 20%, followed by Health care and social assistance at 13%.

Only using 25% sample data.
IndustryMenWomenPercentage
Construction15020%
Retail trade15020%
Health care and social assistance01013%
Accommodation and food services01013%
Public administration0013%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting000%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction000%
Utilities000%
Manufacturing000%
Wholesale trade000%
Transportation and warehousing000%
Information and cultural industries000%
Finance and insurance000%
Real estate and rental and leasing000%
Professional, scientific and technical services000%
Management of companies and enterprises000%
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services000%
Educational services000%
Arts, entertainment and recreation000%
Other services (except public administration)000%

Labour Market Snapshot

A quick snapshot of where Red Bay residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.

Top employer sectors in Red Bay: Construction (20%), Retail trade (20%), Health care and social assistance (13%)

Top occupation categories in Red Bay: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (40%), Sales and service occupations (20%), Health occupations (13%)

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.

Only using 25% sample data.
Work LocationMenWomenTotalPercentage
No fixed workplace address1502066.70%
Usual place of work0101550.00%
Worked at home0000.00%
Worked outside Canada0000.00%

Commuting

The data sheds light on how Red 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 Red Bay residents and sustainable urban planning.

Commuting Duration

This data reveals the average time that the residents of Red 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.

Only using 25% sample data.
DurationPercentage
45 to 59 minutes28.60%
60 minutes and over28.60%
Less than 15 minutes0.00%
15 to 29 minutes0.00%
30 to 44 minutes0.00%

Marital Status

The statistics on marital status in Red 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 Red Bay's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.

Married or living common-law
73.08%
Married or living common-law
26.92%

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 Red Bay. About 145 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.

LanguagePopulation
English145
French0
English and French0
Neither English nor French0

Knowledge of Official Languages

About 0.0% of Red Bay's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 100.0% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.

Knowledge of Official LanguagesPopulationPercentage
English only140100.0%
French only00.0%
English and French00.0%
Neither English nor French00.0%

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.

LanguageMother TongueSpoken Most Often at Home
English100.0%100.0%
French0.0%0.0%
Non-official languages0.0%0.0%

Religion

Red Bay is predominantly Christian. About 140 of its population is Christian (65 males and 75 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.

ReligionPopulation
Christian93.3%
Buddhist0.0%
Hindu0.0%
Jewish0.0%
Islam0.0%
Sikh0.0%

Places to Visit in Red Bay

Museums

Historic Sites

Nearest Towns to Red Bay

Frequently Asked Questions about Red Bay

According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Red Bay has a population of 142 people, making it the 238th town in Newfoundland and Labrador. The population declined significantly from 169 in 2016, a decrease of 27 people or 15.98%. The town has a population density of 61.3 people per km² across a land area of 2.31 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.

Red Bay's population declined by 15.98% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 169 to 142 people, a loss of 27 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Newfoundland and Labrador towns during this period. The median age of 58.40 years suggests an aging population. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.

Red Bay has a population density of approximately 61.30 people per square kilometre.

Red Bay covers a land area of approximately 2.31 km².

The median age of the population in Red Bay is 58.40 years.

The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Red Bay is Canadian.

The median household income in Red Bay is $0, based on 2020 data.

English is the most common first official language spoken in Red Bay.

Christian is the predominant religion in Red Bay.

According to the 2021 Census, 33.3% of Red Bay's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.

100.0% of Red Bay's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.

One-parent families make up 0.0% of census families in Red Bay, according to the 2021 Census.

Multigenerational households make up 0.0% of all households in Red Bay, per the 2021 Census.

0.0% of Red 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 Red Bay, 15.4% 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.