Burnt Islands, Newfoundland and Labrador — Population & Demographics (2026)
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Burnt Islands census dataset on Statistics Canada
- Population (2021)
- 540
- −13.2% since 2016
- Density
- 57.0
- people per km²
- Land area
- 9.48
- km²
- Median age
- 56.4
- years
- Median household income
- $80,000
- 2020, before tax
- Unemployment rate
- 17.1%
- 2021 Census
This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Burnt Islands. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 9.48 km2. The town has a population density of 57.00 people per km2.
We highlight the Burnt Islands town's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.
Burnt Islands on the Map
- Places to visit (1)
Burnt Islands location on the map. View in Google Maps
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Burnt Islands has a population of around 540 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Burnt Islands has decreased by ▼ -13.18%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 622 | 540 | --13.18% |
2026 Population Projection
Burnt Islands's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 540 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Burnt Islands Population Trend & Context
Burnt Islands is the 118th-largest town in Newfoundland and Labrador, with a 2021 census population of 540 — a decline of 82 (▼ 13.18%) people from the 622 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 56.4 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
How does Burnt Islands compare to other Newfoundland and Labrador towns?
- 116th St. Jacques-Coomb's Cove 546
- 117th Garnish 542
- 118th Burnt Islands This town 540
- 119th Lumsden 535
- 120th Eastport 527
Population By Genders
The male population of Burnt Islands is around 265 while the female population is around 280.
Of the 540 total population in Burnt Islands, the largest gender is female with around 280 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 265 | 280 | -5.36% |
Is Burnt Islands a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Burnt Islands 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.
Burnt Islands Population Compared to Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador's population in 2021 was 510,550, spread across the area. Here's how Burnt Islands compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Burnt Islands | Newfoundland and Labrador |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $80,000 | $71,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 17.1% | 15.2% |
| Median age | 56.4 | 48.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 1.8% | 18.7% |
| Immigrants (%) | 0.0% | 2.8% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Burnt Islands has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 65 to 69 years old, accounting for 13.00% of the total population. The town median age is 56.40.
| 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 63.00% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 31.50% and 6.50%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Burnt Islands are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 60.40% | 64.30% | 63.00% |
| 0 to 14 years | 20.00% | 15.00% | 35.00% |
| 65 years and over | 32.10% | 28.60% | 31.50% |
| 0 to 14 years | 7.50% | 5.40% | 6.50% |
Explore Burnt Islands Through Videos
Population of Burnt Islands by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Burnt Islands is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Burnt Islands 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 Burnt Islands are Canadian, which accounts for 25.71% of the total population, followed by English (21.90%), Caucasian (White) (21.90%), Newfoundlander (20.00%), and British Isles (8.57%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Burnt Islands include Scottish, Mi'kmaq, First Nations (North American Indian), North American Indigenous, and Irish.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 27.45% | 24.07% | 25.71% |
| English | 23.53% | 20.37% | 21.90% |
| Caucasian (White) | 17.65% | 25.93% | 21.90% |
| Newfoundlander | 21.57% | 18.52% | 20.00% |
| British Isles | 9.80% | 7.41% | 8.57% |
| Scottish | 5.88% | 5.56% | 4.76% |
| Mi'kmaq | 3.92% | 3.70% | 4.76% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 3.92% | 3.70% | 3.81% |
| North American Indigenous | 3.92% | 3.70% | 3.81% |
| Irish | 3.92% | 0.00% | 2.86% |
Indigenous Identity in Burnt Islands
About 1.92% of Burnt Islands's population (10 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 98.08% 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 Burnt Islands's population profile.
About 0.0% of Burnt Islands's population are immigrants (0 people).
The top countries of origin for Burnt Islands'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 Burnt Islands's residents (525 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 98.1% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 235 of Burnt Islands's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 26.60% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 3 persons households ranked second, accounting for 9.55% of the population. 1 person, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.45%, 6.40%, and 1.05%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 125 | 26.60% |
| 3 persons | 45 | 9.55% |
| 1 person | 35 | 7.45% |
| 4 persons | 30 | 6.40% |
| 5 or more persons | 5 | 1.05% |
Dwelling & Housing Detail
Of the 220 occupied private dwellings in Burnt Islands, 100.0% are owner-occupied (220) and 0.0% are rented (0). The median value of owned dwellings is $80,000 (average $98,000).
Period of Construction
27.3% of Burnt Islands's occupied private dwellings were built in 1960 or before, while 0.0% were built between 2016 and 2021.
Family and Household Structure in Burnt Islands
Of census families in Burnt Islands, 92.3% are couple families and 7.7% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.5 people.
17.0% of households in Burnt Islands are one-person households, 72.3% are couple-family households, 4.3% are one-parent-family households, and 4.3% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 40 | 17.0% |
| Couple-family households | 170 | 72.3% |
| One-parent-family households | 10 | 4.3% |
| Multigenerational households | 10 | 4.3% |
Income in Burnt Islands
Analyzing income distribution in Burnt Islands can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Burnt Islands is $30,200.
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 town's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Burnt Islands population or around 85 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the Under $10,000, and Under $10,000 with around 55 and 55 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Burnt Islands's median household income is $80,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Burnt Islands's median household income is 4,000 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 Burnt Islands
This data sheds light on the distribution of Burnt Islands 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.
40.40% or most of the Burnt Islands population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate. 35.10% of the population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree, and 26.30% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 40 | 70 | 115 | 40.40% |
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 55 | 45 | 100 | 35.10% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 35 | 40 | 75 | 26.30% |
Below national average 3.5% of Burnt Islands's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Burnt Islands
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Burnt Islands. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Burnt Islands is at 17.07% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 35.05% |
| Unemployment rate | 17.07% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Burnt Islands, 11.2% worked full year full time in the reference year, 49.0% worked part year and/or part time, and 40.8% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 55 | 11.2% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 240 | 49.0% |
| Did not work | 200 | 40.8% |
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 Burnt Islands's population (around 50.00%) are working temporary position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 0 men and 10 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 10.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 0 | 10 | 10 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Burnt Islands industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Burnt Islands is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Burnt Islands has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (33%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Transportation and warehousing sector comes second at 26%, followed by Manufacturing at 14%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 0 | 70 | 33% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 50 | 0 | 26% |
| Manufacturing | 25 | 0 | 14% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 10 | 0 | 5% |
| Educational services | 0 | 0 | 5% |
| Accommodation and food services | 0 | 10 | 5% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Construction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Retail 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% |
| 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% |
| 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 Burnt Islands residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Burnt Islands: Health care and social assistance (33%), Transportation and warehousing (26%), Manufacturing (14%)
Top occupation categories in Burnt Islands: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (36%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (21%), Sales and service occupations (17%)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No fixed workplace address | 70 | 10 | 75 | 44.10% |
| Usual place of work | 20 | 60 | 75 | 44.10% |
| Worked at home | 0 | 10 | 15 | 8.80% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Burnt Islands 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 Burnt Islands residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Burnt Islands 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 | 48.40% |
| 60 minutes and over | 22.60% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 19.40% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 6.50% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 0.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Burnt Islands 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 Burnt Islands'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 Burnt Islands. About 540 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 | 540 |
| French | 0 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 0.9% of Burnt Islands's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 99.1% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 535 | 99.1% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 5 | 0.9% |
| 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
Burnt Islands is predominantly Christian. About 505 of its population is Christian (250 males and 255 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 | 95.3% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Places to Visit in Burnt Islands
Museums
Nearest Towns to Burnt Islands
- Isle aux Morts 7.5 km away · 559 people
- Rose Blanche-Harbour le Cou 13.6 km away · 344 people
- Channel-Port aux Basques 20.2 km away · 3,547 people
- Burgeo 94.9 km away · 1,176 people
- Cape St. George 101.9 km away · 809 people
- Port au Port West-Aguathuna-Felix Cove 104.9 km away · 384 people
- Stephenville Crossing 106.7 km away · 1,634 people
- Kippens 106.9 km away · 1,842 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 Burnt Islands
What is the population of Burnt Islands?
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Burnt Islands has a population of 540 people, making it the 118th town in Newfoundland and Labrador. The population declined significantly from 622 in 2016, a decrease of 82 people or 13.18%. The town has a population density of 57.0 people per km² across a land area of 9.48 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Is the population of Burnt Islands growing?
Burnt Islands's population declined by 13.18% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 622 to 540 people, a loss of 82 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Newfoundland and Labrador towns during this period. The median age of 56.40 years suggests an aging population. The relatively low proportion of one-person households (14.9%) points to a family-oriented community. 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 Burnt Islands?
Burnt Islands has a population density of approximately 57.00 people per square kilometre.
How large is Burnt Islands?
Burnt Islands covers a land area of approximately 9.48 km².
What is the median age in Burnt Islands?
The median age of the population in Burnt Islands is 56.40 years.
What is the largest ethnic group in Burnt Islands?
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Burnt Islands is Canadian.
What is the median household income in Burnt Islands?
The median household income in Burnt Islands is $80,000, based on 2020 data.
What is the most spoken language in Burnt Islands?
English is the most common first official language spoken in Burnt Islands.
What is the main religion in Burnt Islands?
Christian is the predominant religion in Burnt Islands.
What percentage of Burnt Islands's population is Indigenous?
According to the 2021 Census, 1.9% of Burnt Islands's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
What percentage of Burnt Islands residents are Canadian citizens?
100.0% of Burnt Islands's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
What percentage of families in Burnt Islands are one-parent families?
One-parent families make up 7.5% of census families in Burnt Islands, according to the 2021 Census.
Are there many multigenerational households in Burnt Islands?
Multigenerational households make up 4.3% of all households in Burnt Islands, per the 2021 Census.
What percentage of Burnt Islands's population is bilingual in English and French?
0.9% of Burnt Islands's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
What percentage of Burnt Islands's workforce works full-time year-round?
Of the population aged 15 and over in Burnt Islands, 11.2% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Why isn't 2026 census data for Burnt Islands 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.