Bearskin Lake, Ontario — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Bearskin Lake census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 447
- +25.9% since 2016
- Density
- 3.1
- people per km²
- Land area
- 145
- km²
- Median age
- 27.0
- years
- Median household income
- $42,800
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 5.6%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Bearskin Lake. It is an Indian reserve in Canada that encompasses a land area of 144.93 km2. The Indian reserve has a population density of 3.10 people per km2.
We highlight the Bearskin Lake Indian reserve's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Bearskin Lake on the Map
Bearskin Lake location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Bearskin Lake has a population of around 447 people. The Indian reserve's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Bearskin Lake has increased by ▲ 25.92%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 355 | 447 | +25.92% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.72% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Bearskin Lake's population is projected to reach approximately 563 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 3.88 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 447 | 563 | 3.88 |
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.
Bearskin Lake Population Trend & Context
Bearskin Lake is the 357th-largest Indian reserve in Ontario, with a 2021 census population of 447 — an increase of 92 (▲ 25.92%) people from the 355 recorded in 2016.
The Indian reserve's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Ontario Indian reserves. The Indian reserve's median age of 27 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
How does Bearskin Lake compare to other Ontario Indian reserves?
- 355th Wapekeka 2 456
- 356th Tehkummah 450
- 357th Bearskin Lake This Indian reserve 447
- 358th Shoal Lake 39A 445
- 359th Gillies 441
Population By Genders
The male population of Bearskin Lake is around 235 while the female population is around 215.
Of the 447 total population in Bearskin Lake, the largest gender is male with around 235 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 235 | 215 | +8.51% |
Is Bearskin Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Bearskin Lake compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against Ontario, 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.
Bearskin Lake Population Compared to Ontario
Ontario's population in 2021 was 14,223,942, spread across the area. Here's how Bearskin Lake compares to the Indian reserve's key indicators:
| Indicator | Bearskin Lake | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $42,800 | $91,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 12.2% |
| Median age | 27 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 0.0% | 33.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 0.0% | 30.0% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Bearskin Lake has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 0 to 4 years old, accounting for 12.40% of the total population. The Indian reserve median age is 27.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|
Broader Age Groups
If the Indian reserve'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 62.90% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 30.30% and 7.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Bearskin Lake are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 66.00% | 55.80% | 62.90% |
| 65 years and over | 15.00% | 20.00% | 35.00% |
| 0 to 14 years | 23.40% | 34.90% | 30.30% |
| 65 years and over | 6.40% | 9.30% | 7.90% |
Population of Bearskin Lake by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Bearskin Lake is quite diverse, which contributes to the Indian reserve's vibrant cultural landscape. Bearskin Lake is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the Indian reserve appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Bearskin Lake are Oji-Cree, which accounts for 95.51% of the total population, followed by Ojibway (6.74%), Cree (4.49%), Scottish (2.25%), and Caucasian (White) (2.25%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Bearskin Lake include Guyanese, Cherokee, Qalipu Mi'kmaq, Indo-Caribbean, and Flemish.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oji-Cree | 95.65% | 95.35% | 95.51% |
| Ojibway | 4.35% | 9.30% | 6.74% |
| Cree | 4.35% | 6.98% | 4.49% |
| Scottish | 0.00% | 4.65% | 2.25% |
| Caucasian (White) | 4.35% | 0.00% | 2.25% |
| Guyanese | 4.35% | 0.00% | 2.25% |
| Cherokee | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Qalipu Mi'kmaq | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Indo-Caribbean | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Flemish | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Indigenous Identity in Bearskin Lake
About 100.00% of Bearskin Lake's population (445 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 0.00% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 435 people (96.70% 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 Bearskin Lake's population profile.
About 0.0% of Bearskin Lake's population are immigrants (0 people).
The top countries of origin for Bearskin Lake'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 |
0.0% of Bearskin Lake's residents (0 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 98.9% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 110 of Bearskin Lake's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 5 or more persons household.
Household Size
About 18.00% of the population lives in 5 or more persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 10.00% of the population. 2 persons, 4 persons, and 3 persons households account for 8.00%, 8.00%, and 4.00%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 5 or more persons | 45 | 18.00% |
| 1 person | 25 | 10.00% |
| 2 persons | 20 | 8.00% |
| 4 persons | 20 | 8.00% |
| 3 persons | 10 | 4.00% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 125 occupied private dwellings in Bearskin Lake, 8.0% are owner-occupied (10) and 0.0% are rented (0).
Period of Construction
0.0% of Bearskin Lake's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 12.0% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Bearskin Lake
Of census families in Bearskin Lake, 54.5% are couple families and 45.5% are one-parent families. The average census family has 3.5 people.
20.0% of households in Bearskin Lake are one-person households, 32.0% are couple-family households, 16.0% are one-parent-family households, and 20.0% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 25 | 20.0% |
| Couple-family households | 40 | 32.0% |
| One-parent-family households | 20 | 16.0% |
| Multigenerational households | 25 | 20.0% |
Income in Bearskin Lake
Analyzing income distribution in Bearskin Lake can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Bearskin Lake is $17,600.
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 Indian reserve's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Bearskin Lake population or around 95 people falls in the Under $10,000 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 30 and 20 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Bearskin Lake's median household income is $42,800, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Bearskin Lake's median household income is 41,200 dollars below the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the Indian reserve'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 Indian reserve's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Bearskin Lake
This data sheds light on the distribution of Bearskin Lake 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.
53.70% or most of the Bearskin Lake population has a No certificate, diploma or degree. 22.00% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 22.00% has a Postsecondary 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 70 | 40 | 110 | 53.70% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 25 | 25 | 45 | 22.00% |
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 20 | 25 | 45 | 22.00% |
Below national average 0.0% of Bearskin Lake's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Bearskin Lake
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Bearskin Lake. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Bearskin Lake is at 5.41% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 56.45% |
| Unemployment rate | 5.41% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Bearskin Lake, 45.2% worked full year full time in the reference year, 14.5% worked part year and/or part time, and 40.3% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 140 | 45.2% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 45 | 14.5% |
| Did not work | 125 | 40.3% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the Indian reserve who work as an employee. The majority of Bearskin Lake's population (around 77.80%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the Indian reserve, 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 Bearskin Lake industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Bearskin Lake is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Bearskin Lake has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (36%) works in the public administration sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 22%, followed by Educational services at 17%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public administration | 40 | 30 | 36% |
| Health care and social assistance | 15 | 20 | 22% |
| Educational services | 10 | 20 | 17% |
| Construction | 10 | 0 | 8% |
| Retail trade | 10 | 0 | 8% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 6% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Manufacturing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 0 | 10 | 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 | 10 | 0 | 0% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Accommodation and food services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Bearskin Lake residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Bearskin Lake: Public administration (36%), Health care and social assistance (22%), Educational services (17%)
Top occupation categories in Bearskin Lake: Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (25%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (25%), Sales and service occupations (22%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the Indian reserve. 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 | 70 | 70 | 145 | 85.30% |
| No fixed workplace address | 15 | 0 | 20 | 11.80% |
| Worked at home | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0.00% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Bearskin Lake 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 Bearskin Lake residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Bearskin Lake spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the Indian reserve's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the Indian reserve.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 87.50% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 12.50% |
| 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 Bearskin Lake 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 Indian reserve's social fabric. We can gain insights into Bearskin Lake's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights Indian reserve'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 Bearskin Lake. About 440 people living in the Indian reserve speak English, 10 people speak Neither English nor French, 0 people speak French language, and 0 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 440 |
| Neither English nor French | 10 |
| French | 0 |
| English and French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 0.0% of Bearskin Lake's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 97.8% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 2.2% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 440 | 97.8% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 0 | 0.0% |
| Neither English nor French | 10 | 2.2% |
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 | 61.1% | 77.8% |
| Non-official languages | 35.6% | 16.7% |
| French | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Religion
Bearskin Lake is predominantly Christian. About 295 of its population is Christian (145 males and 150 females).
The second largest religion in the Indian reserve 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 | 65.6% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Nearest Indian Reserves to Bearskin Lake
- Muskrat Dam Lake 75.6 km away
- Kitchenuhmaykoosib Aaki 84 76.7 km away · 1,029 people
- Sachigo Lake 1 79.9 km away · 608 people
- Wapekeka 2 90.7 km away · 456 people
- Weagamow Lake 87 110.0 km away · 921 people
- Kingfisher Lake 1 124.6 km away · 511 people
- Wawakapewin 131.3 km away · 16 people
- Kasabonika Lake 161.3 km away · 1,060 people
Methodology
- Data vintage: Reference date was Census Day, May 11, 2021. Statistics Canada released this profile in stages starting February 9, 2022, with later characteristics added through the remainder of 2022.
- Rounding & suppression: To protect respondent confidentiality, Statistics Canada randomly rounds every count shown here, and withholds some characteristics entirely for areas with very small populations. This is why a small number of figures on this page may show as unavailable for smaller places — it reflects a StatCan privacy rule, not missing data on our end.
- Next update: These are the most recent figures available. Canada's next census is scheduled for May 2026, with results expected to begin release in 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bearskin Lake
What is the population of Bearskin Lake?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Bearskin Lake has a population of 447 people, making it the 357th Indian reserve in Ontario. The population increased significantly from 355 in 2016, an increase of 92 people or 25.92%. The Indian reserve has a population density of 3.1 people per km² across a land area of 144.93 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Bearskin Lake growing?
Bearskin Lake's population grew by 25.92% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 355 to 447 people, a gain of 92 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Ontario Indian reserves during this period. The median age of 27.00 years suggests a comparatively young population. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
What is the population density of Bearskin Lake?
Bearskin Lake has a population density of approximately 3.10 people per square kilometre.
How large is Bearskin Lake?
Bearskin Lake covers a land area of approximately 144.93 km².
What is the median age in Bearskin Lake?
The median age of the population in Bearskin Lake is 27.00 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Bearskin Lake?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Bearskin Lake is Oji-Cree.
What is the median household income in Bearskin Lake?
The median household income in Bearskin Lake is $42,800, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Bearskin Lake?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Bearskin Lake.
What is the main religion in Bearskin Lake?
Christian is the predominant religion in Bearskin Lake.
What percentage of Bearskin Lake's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 98.9% of Bearskin Lake's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Bearskin Lake residents are Canadian citizens?
0.0% of Bearskin Lake's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Bearskin Lake are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 45.5% of census families in Bearskin Lake, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Bearskin Lake?
Multigenerational households make up 20.0% of all households in Bearskin Lake, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Bearskin Lake's population is bilingual in English and French?
0.0% of Bearskin Lake's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Bearskin Lake's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Bearskin Lake, 45.2% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Bearskin Lake available yet?
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.