Plaster Rock, New Brunswick — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Plaster Rock census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 1,002
- −2.1% since 2016
- Density
- 332.9
- people per km²
- Land area
- 3.01
- km²
- Median age
- 56.0
- years
- Median household income
- $50,400
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 13.7%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Plaster Rock. It is a village in Canada that encompasses a land area of 3.01 km2. The village has a population density of 332.90 people per km2.
We highlight the Plaster Rock village's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Plaster Rock on the Map
- Points of interest (3)
Plaster Rock location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Plaster Rock has a population of around 1,002 people. The village's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Plaster Rock has decreased by ▼ -2.05%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,023 | 1,002 | --2.05% |
2026 Population Projection
Plaster Rock's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 1,002 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Plaster Rock Population Trend & Context
Plaster Rock is the 49th-largest village in New Brunswick, with a 2021 census population of 1,002 — a decline of 21 (▼ 2.05%) people from the 1,023 recorded in 2016.
The village's population has seen a slight decline over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing New Brunswick villages. The village's median age of 56 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
How does Plaster Rock compare to other New Brunswick villages?
- 47th Tobique 20 1,080
- 48th Devon 30 1,070
- 49th Plaster Rock This village 1,002
- 50th Nigadoo 997
- 51st Saint-Louis de Kent 981
Population By Genders
The male population of Plaster Rock is around 465 while the female population is around 535.
Of the 1,002 total population in Plaster Rock, the largest gender is female with around 535 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 465 | 535 | -13.08% |
Is Plaster Rock a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Plaster Rock 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.
Plaster Rock Population Compared to New Brunswick
New Brunswick's population in 2021 was 775,610, spread across the area. Here's how Plaster Rock compares to the village's key indicators:
| Indicator | Plaster Rock | New Brunswick |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $50,400 | $70,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 13.7% | 10.3% |
| Median age | 56 | 46.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.3% | 21.3% |
| Immigrants (%) | 1.1% | 5.8% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Plaster Rock has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 10.90% of the total population. The village median age is 56.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 50 10.80% | 60 11.20% | 16.67% | 110 10.90% |
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 55.20% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 32.30% and 11.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Plaster Rock are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 57.00% | 54.20% | 55.20% |
| 65 years and over | 30.10% | 34.60% | 32.30% |
| 0 to 14 years | 12.90% | 12.10% | 11.90% |
Population of Plaster Rock by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Plaster Rock is quite diverse, which contributes to the village's vibrant cultural landscape. Plaster Rock 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 Plaster Rock are English, which accounts for 28.72% of the total population, followed by Canadian (23.94%), Irish (19.68%), Scottish (17.02%), and French (12.23%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Plaster Rock include Caucasian (White), Welsh, British Isles, European, and German.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 30.23% | 27.18% | 28.72% |
| Canadian | 25.58% | 23.30% | 23.94% |
| Irish | 13.95% | 23.30% | 19.68% |
| Scottish | 19.77% | 16.50% | 17.02% |
| French | 12.79% | 10.68% | 12.23% |
| Caucasian (White) | 10.47% | 2.91% | 6.38% |
| Welsh | 3.49% | 3.88% | 3.72% |
| British Isles | 3.49% | 3.88% | 3.72% |
| European | 2.33% | 1.94% | 2.66% |
| German | 2.33% | 2.91% | 2.66% |
Indigenous Identity in Plaster Rock
About 2.66% of Plaster Rock's population (25 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 97.34% 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 Plaster Rock's population profile.
About 1.1% of Plaster Rock's population are immigrants (10 people).
The top countries of origin for Plaster Rock'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 Plaster Rock's residents (940 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.0% are not.
By generation status, 2.1% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 5.9% are second generation, and 92.6% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 365 of Plaster Rock's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 21.60% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 17.35% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.25%, 3.70%, and 2.10%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 205 | 21.60% |
| 1 person | 165 | 17.35% |
| 3 persons | 50 | 5.25% |
| 4 persons | 35 | 3.70% |
| 5 or more persons | 20 | 2.10% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 475 occupied private dwellings in Plaster Rock, 69.5% are owner-occupied (330) and 30.5% are rented (145). The median value of owned dwellings is $90,000 (average $101,600).
Period of Construction
44.2% of Plaster Rock's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 2.1% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Plaster Rock
Of census families in Plaster Rock, 80.0% are couple families and 20.0% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.6 people.
34.7% of households in Plaster Rock are one-person households, 48.4% are couple-family households, 11.6% are one-parent-family households, and 1.1% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 165 | 34.7% |
| Couple-family households | 230 | 48.4% |
| One-parent-family households | 55 | 11.6% |
| Multigenerational households | 5 | 1.1% |
Income in Plaster Rock
Analyzing income distribution in Plaster Rock can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Plaster Rock is $29,200.
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 Plaster Rock population or around 130 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 125 and 75 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Plaster Rock's median household income is $50,400, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Plaster Rock's median household income is 33,600 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 Plaster Rock
This data sheds light on the distribution of Plaster Rock 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.
47.60% or most of the Plaster Rock population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate. 46.40% of the population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree, and 6.00% 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.)
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 100 | 105 | 200 | 47.60% |
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 75 | 115 | 195 | 46.40% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 15 | 10 | 25 | 6.00% |
Below national average 11.9% of Plaster Rock's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Plaster Rock
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Plaster Rock. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Plaster Rock is at 13.70% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 37.95% |
| Unemployment rate | 13.70% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Plaster Rock, 22.8% worked full year full time in the reference year, 24.0% worked part year and/or part time, and 52.7% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 190 | 22.8% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 200 | 24.0% |
| Did not work | 440 | 52.7% |
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 Plaster Rock's population (around 58.90%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the village, there are 20 men and 15 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 40.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 20 | 15 | 40 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Plaster Rock industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Plaster Rock is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Plaster Rock has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (18%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Manufacturing sector comes second at 11%, followed by Transportation and warehousing at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 15 | 45 | 18% |
| Manufacturing | 40 | 0 | 11% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 25 | 15 | 11% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 20 | 15 | 10% |
| Construction | 25 | 10 | 10% |
| Retail trade | 20 | 15 | 8% |
| Public administration | 25 | 0 | 7% |
| Educational services | 0 | 20 | 6% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 10 | 0 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 0 | 15 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 0 | 10 | 4% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 10 | 0 | 3% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Wholesale trade | 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% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Accommodation and food services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Plaster Rock residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Plaster Rock: Health care and social assistance (18%), Manufacturing (11%), Transportation and warehousing (11%)
Top occupation categories in Plaster Rock: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (23%), Sales and service occupations (16%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (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 | 105 | 90 | 195 | 61.90% |
| No fixed workplace address | 60 | 25 | 90 | 28.60% |
| Worked at home | 15 | 15 | 35 | 11.10% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Plaster Rock 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 Plaster Rock residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Plaster Rock 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 | 64.90% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 17.50% |
| 60 minutes and over | 8.80% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 5.30% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 0.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Plaster Rock 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 Plaster Rock'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 Plaster Rock. About 930 people living in the village speak English, 40 people speak French, 0 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 930 |
| French | 40 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 9.2% of Plaster Rock's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 90.8% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 885 | 90.8% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 90 | 9.2% |
| 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 | 93.3% | 98.5% |
| French | 4.1% | 0.5% |
| Non-official languages | 1.0% | 0.0% |
Religion
Plaster Rock is predominantly Christian. About 635 of its population is Christian (275 males and 365 females).
The second largest religion in the village is Sikh with 0.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Hindu, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Jewish represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 67.2% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Plaster Rock
Hospitals
Libraries
Community Centres
Nearest Villages to Plaster Rock
- Aroostook 27.4 km away · 313 people
- Perth-Andover 30.3 km away · 1,574 people
- Bath 46.7 km away · 440 people
- Centreville 58.4 km away · 508 people
- Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska 60.6 km away · 891 people
- Riviere-Verte 72.8 km away · 744 people
- Millville 87.8 km away · 274 people
- Meductic 101.8 km away · 180 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 Plaster Rock
What is the population of Plaster Rock?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Plaster Rock has a population of 1,002 people, making it the 49th village in New Brunswick. The population declined moderately from 1,023 in 2016, a decrease of 21 people or 2.05%. The village has a population density of 332.9 people per km² across a land area of 3.01 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Plaster Rock growing?
Plaster Rock's population declined by 2.05% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 1,023 to 1,002 people, a loss of 21 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other New Brunswick villages during this period. The median age of 56.00 years suggests an aging population. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (34.7%) 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 Plaster Rock?
Plaster Rock has a population density of approximately 332.90 people per square kilometre.
How large is Plaster Rock?
Plaster Rock covers a land area of approximately 3.01 km².
What is the median age in Plaster Rock?
The median age of the population in Plaster Rock is 56.00 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Plaster Rock?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Plaster Rock is English.
What is the median household income in Plaster Rock?
The median household income in Plaster Rock is $50,400, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Plaster Rock?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Plaster Rock.
What is the main religion in Plaster Rock?
Christian is the predominant religion in Plaster Rock.
What percentage of Plaster Rock's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 2.6% of Plaster Rock's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Plaster Rock residents are Canadian citizens?
100.0% of Plaster Rock's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Plaster Rock are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 19.7% of census families in Plaster Rock, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Plaster Rock?
Multigenerational households make up 1.1% of all households in Plaster Rock, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Plaster Rock's population is bilingual in English and French?
9.2% of Plaster Rock's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Plaster Rock's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Plaster Rock, 22.8% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Plaster Rock 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.