Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Gander has a population of around 11,880 people. The town's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Gander has increased by 1.64%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 11,688 | 11,880 | +1.64% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.33% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Gander's population is projected to reach approximately 12,075 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 115.52 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 11,880 | 12,075 | 115.52 |
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 Gander is around 5,765 while the female population is around 6,110.
Of the 11,880 total population in Gander, the largest gender is female with around 6,110 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 5,765 | 6,110 | +5.65% |
Is Gander a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Gander 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.
Other Towns Near Gander
- Appleton (17.9 km)
- Glenwood (19.0 km)
- Gambo (35.8 km)
- Birchy Bay (43.0 km)
- Baytona (43.9 km)
- Lewisporte (45.3 km)
- Embree (48.3 km)
- Dover (48.4 km)
- Norris Arm (49.2 km)
- Comfort Cove-Newstead (52.1 km)
- Glovertown (53.3 km)
- Centreville-Wareham-Trinity (53.8 km)
- Little Burnt Bay (54.2 km)
- Carmanville (55.0 km)
- Peterview (55.4 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Gander has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 50 to 54 years old, accounting for 7.80% of the total population. The town median age is 45.20.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 to 54 years | 440 7.60% | 495 8.10% | 11.11% | 930 7.80% |
| 45 to 49 years | 410 7.10% | 455 7.40% | 9.89% | 860 7.20% |
| 55 to 59 years | 420 7.30% | 420 6.90% | 0.00% | 845 7.10% |
| 60 to 64 years | 395 6.90% | 415 6.80% | 4.82% | 810 6.80% |
| 35 to 39 years | 350 6.10% | 400 6.50% | 12.50% | 750 6.30% |
| 40 to 44 years | 340 5.90% | 385 6.30% | 11.69% | 725 6.10% |
| 15 to 19 years | 415 7.20% | 300 4.90% | 27.71% | 715 6.00% |
| 30 to 34 years | 355 6.20% | 355 5.80% | 0.00% | 710 6.00% |
| 10 to 14 years | 375 6.50% | 335 5.50% | 10.67% | 705 5.90% |
| 65 to 69 years | 315 5.50% | 355 5.80% | 11.27% | 670 5.60% |
| 70 to 74 years | 305 5.30% | 345 5.60% | 11.59% | 655 5.50% |
| 25 to 29 years | 305 5.30% | 305 5.00% | 0.00% | 610 5.10% |
| 5 to 9 years | 315 5.50% | 290 4.70% | 7.94% | 605 5.10% |
| 20 to 24 years | 305 5.30% | 300 4.90% | 1.64% | 605 5.10% |
| 0 to 4 years | 255 4.40% | 250 4.10% | 1.96% | 505 4.30% |
| 75 to 79 years | 185 3.20% | 255 4.20% | 27.45% | 445 3.70% |
| 80 to 84 years | 140 2.40% | 230 3.80% | 39.13% | 370 3.10% |
| 85 years and over | 145 2.50% | 220 3.60% | 34.09% | 360 3.00% |
| 85 to 89 years | 105 1.80% | 125 2.00% | 16.00% | 235 2.00% |
| 90 to 94 years | 35 0.60% | 70 1.10% | 50.00% | 105 0.90% |
| Median age of the population | 43 43.20% | 46 46.40% | 6.47% | 45 45.20% |
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 63.60% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 21.10% and 15.20%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Gander are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average age of the population | 42.10% | 45.20% | 43.70% |
| 65 years and over | 19.00% | 23.20% | 21.10% |
| 0 to 14 years | 16.40% | 14.20% | 15.20% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Gander
Explore Gander Through Videos
Population of Gander by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Gander is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Gander 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 English, which accounts for 37.81% of the total population, followed by Canadian (23.30%), Irish (20.05%), Newfoundlander (7.49%), and Caucasian (White) (6.76%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include Scottish, British Isles, Mi'kmaq, French, and European.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 37.33% | 38.33% | 37.81% |
| Canadian | 23.21% | 23.42% | 23.30% |
| Irish | 18.80% | 21.29% | 20.05% |
| Newfoundlander | 7.41% | 7.58% | 7.49% |
| Caucasian (White) | 6.71% | 6.90% | 6.76% |
| Scottish | 6.18% | 6.30% | 6.24% |
| British Isles | 5.65% | 4.60% | 5.15% |
| Mi'kmaq | 3.97% | 2.90% | 3.42% |
| French | 3.18% | 3.32% | 3.29% |
| European | 2.74% | 2.47% | 2.64% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Gander's population profile.
About 2.5% of Gander's population are immigrants (290 people).
The top countries of origin for Gander's immigrant population are United Kingdom (35), Philippines (30), Nigeria (25), Iraq (25), United States of America (20).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 35 |
| Philippines | 30 |
| Nigeria | 25 |
| Iraq | 25 |
| United States of America | 20 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 3,350 of Gander's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 20.15% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 13.45% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 8.20%, 6.05%, and 2.15%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 2,040 | 20.15% |
| 1 person | 1,365 | 13.45% |
| 3 persons | 830 | 8.20% |
| 4 persons | 615 | 6.05% |
| 5 or more persons | 220 | 2.15% |
Income in Gander
Analyzing income distribution in Gander can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Gander is $41,200.
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 Gander population or around 1,460 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $50,000 to $79,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 1,230 and 1,145 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Gander's median household income is $80,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Gander'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 Gander
This data sheds light on the distribution of Gander 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.
62.85% or most of the Gander population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 25.45% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 18.05% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 11.75% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 4,715 | 5,140 | 9,850 | 62.85% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 2,095 | 2,060 | 4,155 | 25.45% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 1,155 | 1,655 | 2,805 | 18.05% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 965 | 1,005 | 1,980 | 11.75% |
Below national average 18.1% of Gander's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Gander
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Gander. 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 8.74% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 52.34% |
| Unemployment rate | 8.74% |
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 Gander's population (around 72.40%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 240 men and 145 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 390.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 240 | 145 | 390 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Gander industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Gander is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Gander has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (20%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 17%, followed by Transportation and warehousing at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 275 | 910 | 20% |
| Retail trade | 475 | 555 | 17% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 500 | 165 | 11% |
| Public administration | 385 | 215 | 10% |
| Accommodation and food services | 175 | 325 | 8% |
| Educational services | 100 | 255 | 6% |
| Construction | 200 | 25 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 90 | 100 | 3% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 95 | 80 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 120 | 40 | 3% |
| Manufacturing | 100 | 30 | 2% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 95 | 20 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 45 | 60 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 20 | 65 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 50 | 20 | 1% |
| Wholesale trade | 40 | 20 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 35 | 20 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 35 | 0 | 1% |
| Utilities | 20 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Gander residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Gander: Health care and social assistance (20%), -45 Retail trade (17%), -49 Transportation and warehousing (11%)
Top occupation categories in Gander: Sales and service occupations (30%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (19%), 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 1,975 | 2,250 | 4,230 | 83.10% |
| No fixed workplace address | 365 | 145 | 510 | 10.00% |
| Worked at home | 120 | 215 | 340 | 6.70% |
| Worked outside Canada | 10 | 0 | 10 | 0.20% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Gander 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 Gander residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Gander 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 | 86.60% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 5.90% |
| 60 minutes and over | 3.70% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 2.40% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 1.50% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Gandershed 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 Gander'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 Gander. About 11,680 people living in the province speak English, 65 people speak French, 10 people speak English and French language, and 5 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 11,680 |
| French | 65 |
| English and French | 10 |
| Neither English nor French | 5 |
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 | 96.6% | 98.1% |
| Non-official languages | 2.2% | 1.1% |
| French | 0.5% | 0.2% |
Religion
Gander is predominantly Christian. About 8,865 of its population is Christian (4,240 males and 4,240 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Muslim with 1.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Hindu, both represent 0.2% and 0.1% of the population, while Sikh represent 0.1% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 76.8% |
| Islam | 1.0% |
| Buddhist | 0.2% |
| Hindu | 0.1% |
| Sikh | 0.1% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
Places to Visit in Gander
Museums
Historic Sites
Green Spaces in Gander
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Gander Winter Park | Parks | 12.3 ha |
| Silent Witnesses Memorial Park | Parks | 1.2 ha |
| Cobbs Pond | Parks | 70.9 ha |
| Byrd Ave Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest | Nature Reserves | 182.7 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gander
According to the 2021 census, Gander has a population of approximately 11,880 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Gander increased by 1.64%.
Gander has a population density of approximately 113.70 people per square kilometre.
Gander covers a land area of approximately 104.53 km².
The median age of the population in Gander is 45.20 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Gander is English.
The median household income in Gander is $80,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Gander.
Christian is the predominant religion in Gander.
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.