Belledune, New Brunswick — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Belledune census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 1,325
- −6.5% since 2016
- Density
- 7.0
- people per km²
- Land area
- 189
- km²
- Median age
- 59.2
- years
- Median household income
- $48,400
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 22.5%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Belledune. It is a village in Canada that encompasses a land area of 189.18 km2. The village has a population density of 7.00 people per km2.
We highlight the Belledune village's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Belledune on the Map
- Points of interest (2)
Belledune location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Belledune has a population of around 1,325 people. The village's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Belledune has decreased by ▼ -6.49%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,417 | 1,325 | --6.49% |
2026 Population Projection
Belledune's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 1,325 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Belledune Population Trend & Context
Belledune is the 40th-largest village in New Brunswick, with a 2021 census population of 1,325 — a decline of 92 (▼ 6.49%) people from the 1,417 recorded in 2016.
The village's population has declined noticeably over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing New Brunswick villages. The village's median age of 59.2 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
How does Belledune compare to other New Brunswick villages?
- 38th Richibucto 1,411
- 39th Hillsborough 1,348
- 40th Belledune This village 1,325
- 41st Charlo 1,323
- 42nd Bas-Caraquet 1,311
Population By Genders
The male population of Belledune is around 680 while the female population is around 645.
Of the 1,325 total population in Belledune, the largest gender is male with around 680 male within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 680 | 645 | -5.15% |
Is Belledune a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Belledune compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against New Brunswick, 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.
Belledune Population Compared to New Brunswick
New Brunswick's population in 2021 was 775,610, spread across the area. Here's how Belledune compares to the village's key indicators:
| Indicator | Belledune | New Brunswick |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $48,400 | $70,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 22.5% | 10.3% |
| Median age | 59.2 | 46.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 7.8% | 21.3% |
| Immigrants (%) | 1.9% | 5.8% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Belledune has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 70 to 74 years old, accounting for 13.60% of the total population. The village median age is 59.20.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 to 74 years | 85 12.50% | 95 14.70% | 10.53% | 180 13.60% |
| 55 to 59 years | 80 11.80% | 65 10.10% | 18.75% | 150 11.30% |
| 65 to 69 years | 80 11.80% | 65 10.10% | 18.75% | 145 10.90% |
| 60 to 64 years | 65 9.60% | 65 10.10% | 0.00% | 125 9.40% |
| 50 to 54 years | 65 9.60% | 50 7.80% | 23.08% | 115 8.70% |
Broader Age Groups
If the village'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 53.60% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 38.50% and 7.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Belledune are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 55.10% | 51.90% | 53.60% |
| 65 years and over | 37.50% | 39.50% | 38.50% |
| 0 to 14 years | 6.60% | 8.50% | 7.90% |
Population of Belledune by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Belledune is quite diverse, which contributes to the village's vibrant cultural landscape. Belledune is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the village appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Belledune are Irish, which accounts for 29.81% of the total population, followed by French (29.43%), Canadian (18.49%), English (12.08%), and Caucasian (White) (10.57%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Belledune include Scottish, Acadian, German, French Canadian, and First Nations (North American Indian).
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish | 28.89% | 31.01% | 29.81% |
| French | 28.89% | 30.23% | 29.43% |
| Canadian | 18.52% | 17.83% | 18.49% |
| English | 11.11% | 13.18% | 12.08% |
| Caucasian (White) | 11.85% | 10.08% | 10.57% |
| Scottish | 8.15% | 9.30% | 8.68% |
| Acadian | 4.44% | 6.98% | 5.66% |
| German | 2.96% | 3.88% | 3.40% |
| French Canadian | 2.96% | 2.33% | 2.64% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 2.22% | 2.33% | 1.89% |
Indigenous Identity in Belledune
About 7.95% of Belledune's population (105 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 92.05% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 25 people (1.90% 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 Belledune's population profile.
About 1.9% of Belledune's population are immigrants (25 people).
The top countries of origin for Belledune's immigrant population are United Kingdom (15), Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0), Guyana (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 15 |
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
| Guyana | 0 |
99.2% of Belledune's residents (1,315 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.8% are not.
By generation status, 1.9% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 3.0% are second generation, and 95.5% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 615 of Belledune's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 21.75% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 19.20% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.45%, 2.55%, and 1.45%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 300 | 21.75% |
| 1 person | 265 | 19.20% |
| 3 persons | 75 | 5.45% |
| 4 persons | 35 | 2.55% |
| 5 or more persons | 20 | 1.45% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 690 occupied private dwellings in Belledune, 81.2% are owner-occupied (560) and 18.8% are rented (130). The median value of owned dwellings is $80,000 (average $109,200).
Period of Construction
23.9% of Belledune's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 1.4% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Belledune
Of census families in Belledune, 80.2% are couple families and 19.8% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.4 people.
37.7% of households in Belledune are one-person households, 44.2% are couple-family households, 10.1% are one-parent-family households, and 1.4% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 260 | 37.7% |
| Couple-family households | 305 | 44.2% |
| One-parent-family households | 70 | 10.1% |
| Multigenerational households | 10 | 1.4% |
Income in Belledune
Analyzing income distribution in Belledune can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Belledune is $30,600.
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 village's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Belledune population or around 165 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the Under $10,000, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 135 and 105 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Belledune's median household income is $48,400, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Belledune's median household income is 35,600 dollars below the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the village'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 village's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Belledune
This data sheds light on the distribution of Belledune 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.
44.30% or most of the Belledune population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 31.10% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 23.80% 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 | 130 | 140 | 270 | 44.30% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 90 | 100 | 190 | 31.10% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 85 | 60 | 145 | 23.80% |
Below national average 9.0% of Belledune's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Belledune
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Belledune. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Belledune is at 22.55% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 32.51% |
| Unemployment rate | 22.55% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Belledune, 16.5% worked full year full time in the reference year, 23.5% worked part year and/or part time, and 60.5% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 200 | 16.5% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 285 | 23.5% |
| Did not work | 735 | 60.5% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the village who work as an employee. The majority of Belledune's population (around 55.90%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the village, there are 35 men and 20 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 50.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 35 | 20 | 50 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Belledune industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Belledune is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Belledune has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (17%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sector comes second at 15%, followed by Retail trade at 15%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 10 | 75 | 17% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 45 | 25 | 15% |
| Retail trade | 35 | 35 | 15% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 25 | 10 | 8% |
| Educational services | 10 | 15 | 6% |
| Construction | 30 | 0 | 6% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 10 | 10 | 5% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 20 | 0 | 5% |
| Utilities | 15 | 10 | 5% |
| Accommodation and food services | 0 | 15 | 3% |
| Public administration | 10 | 0 | 3% |
| Manufacturing | 15 | 0 | 3% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 10 | 0 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 2% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 10 | 0 | 2% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 10 | 0 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Belledune residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Belledune: Health care and social assistance (17%), Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (15%), Retail trade (15%)
Top occupation categories in Belledune: Sales and service occupations (25%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (18%), Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations (14%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the village. 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 | 130 | 145 | 280 | 70.90% |
| No fixed workplace address | 50 | 35 | 80 | 20.30% |
| Worked at home | 25 | 10 | 30 | 7.60% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Belledune 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 Belledune residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Belledune spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the village's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the village.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 37.50% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 31.90% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 22.20% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.20% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.80% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Belledune 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 village's social fabric. We can gain insights into Belledune's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights village'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 Belledune. About 1,165 people living in the village speak English, 160 people speak French, 0 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 1,165 |
| French | 160 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 21.1% of Belledune's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 77.7% know English only, 1.5% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 1,030 | 77.7% |
| French only | 20 | 1.5% |
| English and French | 280 | 21.1% |
| 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 | 85.7% | 93.2% |
| French | 12.8% | 6.0% |
| Non-official languages | 0.8% | 0.0% |
Religion
Belledune is predominantly Christian. About 1,135 of its population is Christian (560 males and 575 females).
The second largest religion in the village 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 | 85.7% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Belledune
Schools
Nearest Villages to Belledune
- Pointe-Verte 6.2 km away · 865 people
- Petit-Rocher 14.7 km away · 1,954 people
- Nigadoo 18.6 km away · 997 people
- Charlo 37.6 km away · 1,323 people
- Eel River Crossing 46.6 km away · 1,844 people
- Grande-Anse 49.0 km away · 731 people
- Saint-Leolin 51.4 km away · 615 people
- Bertrand 58.5 km away · 1,153 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 Belledune
What is the population of Belledune?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Belledune has a population of 1,325 people, making it the 40th village in New Brunswick. The population declined significantly from 1,417 in 2016, a decrease of 92 people or 6.49%. The village has a population density of 7.0 people per km² across a land area of 189.18 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Belledune growing?
Belledune's population declined by 6.49% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 1,417 to 1,325 people, a loss of 92 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other New Brunswick villages during this period. The median age of 59.20 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (38.4%) 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.
What is the population density of Belledune?
Belledune has a population density of approximately 7.00 people per square kilometre.
How large is Belledune?
Belledune covers a land area of approximately 189.18 km².
What is the median age in Belledune?
The median age of the population in Belledune is 59.20 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Belledune?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Belledune is Irish.
What is the median household income in Belledune?
The median household income in Belledune is $48,400, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Belledune?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Belledune.
What is the main religion in Belledune?
Christian is the predominant religion in Belledune.
What percentage of Belledune's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 7.9% of Belledune's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Belledune residents are Canadian citizens?
99.2% of Belledune's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Belledune are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 19.5% of census families in Belledune, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Belledune?
Multigenerational households make up 1.4% of all households in Belledune, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Belledune's population is bilingual in English and French?
21.1% of Belledune's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Belledune's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Belledune, 16.5% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Belledune 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.