About New Brunswick
Situated in the eastern part of Canada, New Brunswick is a province that beautifully encapsulates the essence of the Atlantic provinces. It might not make the headlines as frequently as some of its larger counterparts, but it is nonetheless a captivating and pivotal part of the nation’s tapestry.
Home to a varied and dynamic population, New Brunswick offers an insight into the perfect melding of both English and French cultures. It is the only officially bilingual province in Canada, an aspect that has deeply influenced its culture, traditions, and daily life. Walk through its bustling streets or engage in a conversation with a local, and one gets an immediate sense of this rich linguistic and cultural blend.
Now, let’s discuss the sheer size and significance of this province. New Brunswick, though not as vast as provinces like Quebec or Ontario, spans a respectable area of approximately 71,248.50 square kilometers. This land is dotted with picturesque landscapes, ranging from the stunning Bay of Fundy, known for having the highest tides in the world, to dense, sprawling forests that seem to stretch on indefinitely. The terrain is a testament to nature’s undisturbed beauty, serving as a playground for adventurers and a haven for those seeking solace.
The province’s economy has traditionally been anchored in natural resources. Forestry, mining, and fisheries have been the primary sectors driving New Brunswick’s industrial engine. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable pivot towards technology, healthcare, and services. The educational landscape, too, is not to be underestimated. Institutions like the University of New Brunswick play a significant role in shaping the minds of the next generation, ensuring the province remains at the forefront of innovation and research.
If one had to capture the essence of New Brunswick, it would be a province where traditions and modernity coexist. Its population is rooted deeply in history, yet there’s a palpable eagerness to embrace the future. It’s a place where every town has a story to tell, every corner reveals a new mystery, and every individual represents a unique blend of the old and the new.
In conclusion, New Brunswick is more than just a geographical entity or a mere statistical number when it comes to Canadian provinces. It is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, traditions, landscapes, and possibilities, waiting to be explored by the curious and the adventurous. So, the next time you think of Canada, go beyond the usual suspects and remember the understated charm of this Atlantic province.
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, New Brunswick has a population of around 775,610 people. The province's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of New Brunswick has increased by 3.82%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 747,101 | 775,610 | +3.82% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.75% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, New Brunswick's population is projected to reach approximately 805,207 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 11.30 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 775,610 | 805,207 | 11.30 |
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.
Population By Genders
The male population of New Brunswick is around 381,455 while the female population is around 394,155.
Of the 775,610 total population in New Brunswick, the largest gender is female with around 394,155 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 381,455 | 394,155 | +3.22% |
Is New Brunswick a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how New Brunswick compares across key quality-of-life indicators. Draw your own conclusions from the actual numbers.
Employment & Economy
Income & Affordability
Commute
Housing Character
Household Composition
Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population. Provincial comparison isn't shown on province/territory pages themselves.
Population by Age Characteristics
New Brunswick has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 8.00% of the total population. The province median age is 46.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 30,525 8.00% | 31,870 8.10% | 4.22% | 62,395 8.00% |
| 55 to 59 years | 30,525 8.00% | 31,795 8.10% | 3.99% | 62,315 8.00% |
| 65 to 69 years | 27,580 7.20% | 29,605 7.50% | 6.84% | 57,190 7.40% |
| 50 to 54 years | 25,695 6.70% | 26,450 6.70% | 2.85% | 52,140 6.70% |
| 45 to 49 years | 24,470 6.40% | 25,670 6.50% | 4.67% | 50,140 6.50% |
| 70 to 74 years | 23,725 6.20% | 25,135 6.40% | 5.61% | 48,855 6.30% |
| 40 to 44 years | 23,095 6.10% | 24,225 6.10% | 4.66% | 47,320 6.10% |
| 35 to 39 years | 22,470 5.90% | 23,455 6.00% | 4.20% | 45,925 5.90% |
| 30 to 34 years | 21,670 5.70% | 21,820 5.50% | 0.69% | 43,485 5.60% |
| 25 to 29 years | 21,670 5.70% | 20,715 5.30% | 4.41% | 42,380 5.50% |
| 20 to 24 years | 21,995 5.80% | 20,130 5.10% | 8.48% | 42,125 5.40% |
| 10 to 14 years | 20,755 5.40% | 19,845 5.00% | 4.38% | 40,605 5.20% |
| 15 to 19 years | 20,105 5.30% | 18,985 4.80% | 5.57% | 39,090 5.00% |
| 5 to 9 years | 19,505 5.10% | 18,740 4.80% | 3.92% | 38,240 4.90% |
| 0 to 4 years | 16,625 4.40% | 15,655 4.00% | 5.83% | 32,280 4.20% |
| 75 to 79 years | 15,090 4.00% | 16,580 4.20% | 8.99% | 31,675 4.10% |
| 80 to 84 years | 9,085 2.40% | 11,310 2.90% | 19.67% | 20,400 2.60% |
| 85 years and over | 6,870 1.80% | 12,170 3.10% | 43.55% | 19,040 2.50% |
| 85 to 89 years | 4,700 1.20% | 7,120 1.80% | 33.99% | 11,815 1.50% |
| 90 to 94 years | 1,720 0.50% | 3,645 0.90% | 52.81% | 5,370 0.70% |
| 95 to 99 years | 405 0.10% | 1,200 0.30% | 66.25% | 1,600 0.20% |
| 100 years and over | 40 0.00% | 205 0.10% | 80.49% | 250 0.00% |
Broader Age Groups
If the province'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 62.80% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 22.80% and 14.30%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in New Brunswick are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 63.50% | 62.20% | 62.80% |
| Median age of the population | 45.60% | 47.60% | 46.80% |
| Average age of the population | 43.80% | 45.60% | 44.70% |
| 65 years and over | 21.60% | 24.10% | 22.80% |
| 0 to 14 years | 14.90% | 13.80% | 14.30% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in New Brunswick
Explore New Brunswick Through Videos
Population of New Brunswick by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of New Brunswick is quite diverse, which contributes to the province's vibrant cultural landscape. New Brunswick is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the province appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in the province are Canadian, which accounts for 23.04% of the total population, followed by Irish (20.54%), English (18.06%), Scottish (17.70%), and French (15.57%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include Acadian, Caucasian (White), German, New Brunswicker, and French Canadian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 22.97% | 23.10% | 23.04% |
| Irish | 19.72% | 21.33% | 20.54% |
| English | 17.73% | 18.39% | 18.06% |
| Scottish | 17.48% | 17.90% | 17.70% |
| French | 15.31% | 15.82% | 15.57% |
| Acadian | 14.09% | 14.45% | 14.27% |
| Caucasian (White) | 5.34% | 5.42% | 5.38% |
| German | 4.30% | 4.44% | 4.37% |
| New Brunswicker | 2.93% | 2.96% | 2.95% |
| French Canadian | 2.43% | 2.48% | 2.46% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of New Brunswick's population profile.
About 5.8% of New Brunswick's population are immigrants (44,120 people).
The top countries of origin for New Brunswick's immigrant population are United States of America (6,475), United Kingdom (4,910), Philippines (3,780), India (2,265), China (2,125).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United States of America | 6,475 |
| United Kingdom | 4,910 |
| Philippines | 3,780 |
| India | 2,265 |
| China | 2,125 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 228,950 of New Brunswick's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 19.70% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 14.90% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.30%, 5.50%, and 2.60%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 133,125 | 19.70% |
| 1 person | 100,545 | 14.90% |
| 3 persons | 49,350 | 7.30% |
| 4 persons | 37,185 | 5.50% |
| 5 or more persons | 17,445 | 2.60% |
Income in New Brunswick
Analyzing income distribution in New Brunswick can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within New Brunswick is $37,600.
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 province's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of New Brunswick population or around 108,580 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 95,380 and 82,425 people, respectively.
Household Income
The New Brunswick's median household income is $70,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average New Brunswick's median household income is 14,000 dollars below the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the province'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 province's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in New Brunswick
This data sheds light on the distribution of New Brunswick 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.
55.80% or most of the New Brunswick population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 29.25% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 21.25% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 14.95% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 266,060 | 308,460 | 574,525 | 55.80% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 155,680 | 152,550 | 308,225 | 29.25% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 90,930 | 126,080 | 217,005 | 21.25% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 91,735 | 74,765 | 166,495 | 14.95% |
Below national average 21.3% of New Brunswick's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in New Brunswick
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in New Brunswick. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Newfoundland and Labrador is at 6.21% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 53.87% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.21% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the province who work as an employee. The majority of New Brunswick's population (around 69.10%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the province, there are 22,990 men and 14,890 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 37,875.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 22,990 | 14,890 | 37,875 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The New Brunswick industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in New Brunswick is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
New Brunswick has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (15%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 12%, followed by Public administration at 9%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 9,735 | 46,780 | 15% |
| Retail trade | 21,635 | 24,290 | 12% |
| Public administration | 18,755 | 16,500 | 9% |
| Manufacturing | 22,370 | 8,160 | 8% |
| Educational services | 8,590 | 20,065 | 7% |
| Construction | 24,930 | 2,875 | 7% |
| Accommodation and food services | 8,665 | 14,680 | 6% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 10,925 | 8,295 | 5% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 13,765 | 4,750 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 8,720 | 8,460 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 9,765 | 7,115 | 4% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 11,445 | 3,375 | 4% |
| Finance and insurance | 4,650 | 8,510 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 6,750 | 2,515 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 3,845 | 2,680 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 3,280 | 2,740 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 2,405 | 1,685 | 1% |
| Utilities | 3,155 | 780 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 2,795 | 500 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 265 | 310 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where New Brunswick residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in New Brunswick: Health care and social assistance (15%), -45 Retail trade (12%), Public administration (9%)
Top occupation categories in New Brunswick: Sales and service occupations (26%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (17%), Business, finance and administration occupations (15%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the province. 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 | 116,240 | 130,035 | 246,275 | 70.50% |
| Worked at home | 25,955 | 29,660 | 55,620 | 15.90% |
| No fixed workplace address | 34,280 | 12,165 | 46,450 | 13.30% |
| Worked outside Canada | 605 | 265 | 870 | 0.20% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of New Brunswick spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the province's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the province.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 44.90% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 35.80% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 11.90% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 3.80% |
| 60 minutes and over | 3.60% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in New Brunswickshed 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 province's social fabric. We can gain insights into New Brunswick's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights province'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 New Brunswick. About 528,550 people living in the province speak English, 229,330 people speak French, 5,040 people speak English and French language, and 1,710 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 528,550 |
| French | 229,330 |
| English and French | 5,040 |
| Neither English nor French | 1,710 |
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 | 63.7% | 69.1% |
| French | 29.5% | 26.4% |
| Non-official languages | 4.3% | 2.5% |
Religion
New Brunswick is predominantly Christian. About 512,645 of its population is Christian (241,975 males and 241,975 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Muslim with 1.2% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Sikh, both represent 0.4% and 0.2% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.1% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 67.5% |
| Islam | 1.2% |
| Hindu | 0.4% |
| Sikh | 0.2% |
| Buddhist | 0.1% |
| Jewish | 0.1% |
Cities in New Brunswick
Towns in New Brunswick
- Bouctouche
- Caraquet
- Dalhousie
- Florenceville-Bristol
- Grand Bay-Westfield
- Grand Falls / Grand-Sault
- Hartland
- Lameque
- Nackawic
- Oromocto
- Quispamsis
- Richibucto
- Riverview
- Rothesay
- Shediac
- Shippagan
- St. George
- St. Stephen
- Woodstock
Villages in New Brunswick
Frequently Asked Questions about New Brunswick
According to the 2021 census, New Brunswick has a population of approximately 775,610 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of New Brunswick increased by 3.82%.
New Brunswick has a population density of approximately 10.90 people per square kilometre.
New Brunswick covers a land area of approximately 71,248.50 km².
The median age of the population in New Brunswick is 46.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in New Brunswick is Canadian.
The median household income in New Brunswick is $70,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in New Brunswick.
Christian is the predominant religion in New Brunswick.
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.