Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, River of Ponds has a population of around 173 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of River of Ponds has decreased by ▼ -19.53%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 215 | 173 | --19.53% |
2026 Population Projection
River of Ponds's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 173 people recorded in the 2021 census.
River of Ponds Population Trend & Context
River of Ponds had a 2021 census population of 173 — a decline of 42 (▼ 19.53%) people from the 215 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 58.8 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 River of Ponds is around 85 while the female population is around 90.
Of the 173 total population in River of Ponds, the largest gender is female with around 90 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 85 | 90 | -5.56% |
Is River of Ponds a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how River of Ponds 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.
River of Ponds Population Compared to Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador's population in 2021 was 510,550, spread across the area. Here's how River of Ponds compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | River of Ponds | Newfoundland and Labrador |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $0 | $71,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 30.0% | 15.2% |
| Median age | 58.8 | 48.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 0.0% | 18.7% |
| Immigrants (%) | 0.0% | 2.8% |
Population by Age Characteristics
River of Ponds has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 55 to 59 years old, accounting for 14.70% of the total population. The town median age is 58.80.
| 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 58.80% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 32.40% and 8.80%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in River of Ponds are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 52.90% | 61.10% | 58.80% |
| 65 years and over | 35.00% | 25.00% | 55.00% |
| 65 years and over | 41.20% | 27.80% | 32.40% |
| 0 to 14 years | 5.00% | 10.00% | 15.00% |
| 0 to 14 years | 5.90% | 11.10% | 8.80% |
Explore River of Ponds Through Videos
Population of River of Ponds by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of River of Ponds is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. River of Ponds 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 River of Ponds are English, which accounts for 39.39% of the total population, followed by Canadian (24.24%), Newfoundlander (12.12%), Irish (9.09%), and Mi'kmaq (9.09%).
Other ethnicities and origins in River of Ponds include Goan, Bantu, Tibetan, Zimbabwean, and Burmese.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 35.00% | 42.86% | 39.39% |
| Canadian | 20.00% | 28.57% | 24.24% |
| Newfoundlander | 10.00% | 0.00% | 12.12% |
| Irish | 0.00% | 21.43% | 9.09% |
| Mi'kmaq | 10.00% | 0.00% | 9.09% |
| Goan | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Bantu | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Tibetan | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Zimbabwean | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Burmese | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Indigenous Identity in River of Ponds
About 14.71% of River of Ponds's population (25 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 85.29% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 0 people (0.00% 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 River of Ponds's population profile.
About 0.0% of River of Ponds's population are immigrants (0 people).
The top countries of origin for River of Ponds's immigrant population are Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0), Guyana (0), Haiti (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
| Guyana | 0 |
| Haiti | 0 |
100.0% of River of Ponds's residents (165 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 85 of River of Ponds's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 26.45% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 11.75% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.90%, 5.90%, and 0.00%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 45 | 26.45% |
| 1 person | 20 | 11.75% |
| 3 persons | 10 | 5.90% |
| 4 persons | 10 | 5.90% |
| 5 or more persons | 0 | 0.00% |
Family and Household Structure in River of Ponds
Of census families in River of Ponds, 91.7% are couple families and 8.3% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.4 people.
23.5% of households in River of Ponds are one-person households, 64.7% are couple-family households, 11.8% are one-parent-family households, and 0.0% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 20 | 23.5% |
| Couple-family households | 55 | 64.7% |
| One-parent-family households | 10 | 11.8% |
| Multigenerational households | 0 | 0.0% |
Income in River of Ponds
Analyzing income distribution in River of Ponds can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within River of Ponds 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 River of Ponds 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 River of Ponds's median household income is $0, according to 2020 data.
Below national average River of Ponds'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 River of Ponds
This data sheds light on the distribution of River of Ponds 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.
52.40% or most of the River of Ponds population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 23.80% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 14.30% 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 | 25 | 25 | 55 | 52.40% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 10 | 20 | 25 | 23.80% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 15 | 10 | 15 | 14.30% |
Below national average 0.0% of River of Ponds's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in River of Ponds
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in River of Ponds. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in River of Ponds is at 30.00% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 50.00% |
| Unemployment rate | 30.00% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in River of Ponds, 14.8% worked full year full time in the reference year, 66.7% worked part year and/or part time, and 25.9% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 20 | 14.8% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 90 | 66.7% |
| Did not work | 35 | 25.9% |
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 River of Ponds's population (around 60.00%) 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.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The River of Ponds industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in River of Ponds is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
River of Ponds has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (20%) works in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sector. The Construction sector comes second at 20%, followed by Retail trade at 20%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 20 | 0 | 20% |
| Construction | 15 | 0 | 20% |
| Retail trade | 0 | 15 | 20% |
| Health care and social assistance | 0 | 15 | 15% |
| Accommodation and food services | 0 | 10 | 10% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Manufacturing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 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 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Educational services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Public administration | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where River of Ponds residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in River of Ponds: Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (20%), Construction (20%), Retail trade (20%)
Top occupation categories in River of Ponds: Sales and service occupations (40%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (20%), Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations (20%)
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 | 15 | 25 | 40 | 57.10% |
| No fixed workplace address | 15 | 0 | 20 | 28.60% |
| Worked at home | 15 | 0 | 15 | 21.40% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how River of Ponds 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 River of Ponds residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of River of Ponds 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 | 50.00% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 33.30% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 0.00% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 0.00% |
| 60 minutes and over | 0.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in River of Ponds 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 River of Ponds'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 River of Ponds. About 175 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 | 175 |
| French | 0 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 0.0% of River of Ponds's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 97.1% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 170 | 97.1% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 0 | 0.0% |
| 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 | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| French | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Non-official languages | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Religion
River of Ponds is predominantly Christian. About 165 of its population is Christian (95 males and 70 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 | 97.1% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Green Spaces in River of Ponds
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| River of Ponds Provincial Park | Nature Reserves | — |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to River of Ponds
- Port Saunders 13.9 km · 678 people
- Port au Choix 19.3 km · 742 people
- Bellburns 25.1 km · 52 people
- Daniel's Harbour 35.4 km · 220 people
- Parson's Pond 59.3 km · 368 people
- Bird Cove 65.9 km · 175 people
- Cow Head 74.7 km · 398 people
- St. Pauls 80.3 km · 202 people
Frequently Asked Questions about River of Ponds
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, River of Ponds has a population of 173 people, making it the 225th town in Newfoundland and Labrador. The population declined significantly from 215 in 2016, a decrease of 42 people or 19.53%. The town has a population density of 38.8 people per km² across a land area of 4.46 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
River of Ponds's population declined by 19.53% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 215 to 173 people, a loss of 42 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Newfoundland and Labrador towns during this period. The median age of 58.80 years suggests an aging population. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
River of Ponds has a population density of approximately 38.80 people per square kilometre.
River of Ponds covers a land area of approximately 4.46 km².
The median age of the population in River of Ponds is 58.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in River of Ponds is English.
The median household income in River of Ponds is $0, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in River of Ponds.
Christian is the predominant religion in River of Ponds.
According to the 2021 Census, 15.2% of River of Ponds's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
100.0% of River of Ponds's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 8.3% of census families in River of Ponds, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.0% of all households in River of Ponds, per the 2021 Census.
0.0% of River of Ponds'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 River of Ponds, 14.8% 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.