Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador Population & Demographics: How Many People Live Here?

Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Happy Valley-Goose Bay census dataset on Statistics Canada

This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 304.52 km2. The town has a population density of 26.40 people per km2.

We highlight the Happy Valley-Goose Bay town's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.

Happy Valley-Goose Bay on the Map

The map and listings below are sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors, not Statistics Canada, and may be incomplete depending on how thoroughly the area has been mapped.

Happy Valley-Goose Bay location on the map. View in Google Map

Population Characteristics

According to the latest census, Happy Valley-Goose Bay has a population of around 8,040 people. The town's population is in decreased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Happy Valley-Goose Bay has decreased by -0.85%.

Population in 2016Population in 2021Difference
8,1098,040 --0.85%

2026 Population Projection

Happy Valley-Goose Bay's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 8,040 people recorded in the 2021 census.

Population By Genders

The male population of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is around 4,085 while the female population is around 3,955.

Of the 8,040 total population in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the largest gender is male with around 4,085 women within the population.

MaleFemaleDifference
4,0853,955 -3.18%

Is Happy Valley-Goose Bay a Good Place to Live?

Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Happy Valley-Goose Bay 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

9.7%
Unemployment rate
5.5 pts below the province
64.6%
Employment rate
17.1 pts above the province
71.5%
Participation rate
15.4 pts above the province

Income & Affordability

$107,000
Median household income
$35,500 above the province
8.0%
Below low-income threshold (LIM-AT)
7.2 pts below the province

Commute

88.4%
Commute under 30 minutes
5.9 pts above the province
87.0%
Commute by car
1.9 pts below the province
1.2%
Commute by public transit
0.8 pts below the province

Housing Character

64.2%
Single-detached houses
8.1 pts below the province
6.2%
Apartments (any building size)
12.0 pts below the province

Household Composition

2.50 people
Average household size
0.20people above the province
22.8%
One-person households
5.1 pts below the province

Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.

Other Towns Near Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Population by Age Characteristics

Happy Valley-Goose Bay has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 30 to 34 years old, accounting for 7.80% of the total population. The town median age is 39.20.

DataMaleFemaleDifferenceTotal
30 to 34 years330 8.10%305 7.70% 7.58%630 7.80%
55 to 59 years325 8.00%305 7.70% 6.15%630 7.80%
50 to 54 years325 8.00%290 7.30% 10.77%620 7.70%
45 to 49 years285 7.00%315 8.00% 9.52%595 7.40%
35 to 39 years270 6.60%295 7.50% 8.47%565 7.00%
40 to 44 years275 6.70%280 7.10% 1.79%560 7.00%
25 to 29 years280 6.90%250 6.30% 10.71%525 6.50%
5 to 9 years255 6.20%260 6.60% 1.92%515 6.40%
60 to 64 years255 6.20%245 6.20% 3.92%500 6.20%
10 to 14 years255 6.20%235 5.90% 7.84%490 6.10%
15 to 19 years260 6.40%220 5.60% 15.38%480 6.00%
20 to 24 years265 6.50%210 5.30% 20.75%480 6.00%
0 to 4 years205 5.00%190 4.80% 7.32%395 4.90%
65 to 69 years185 4.50%175 4.40% 5.41%360 4.50%
70 to 74 years125 3.10%145 3.70% 13.79%275 3.40%
75 to 79 years105 2.60%105 2.70% 0.00%215 2.70%
80 to 84 years50 1.20%60 1.50% 16.67%110 1.40%
85 years and over35 0.90%45 1.10% 22.22%80 1.00%
85 to 89 years30 0.70%30 0.80% 0.00%55 0.70%
Average age of the population39 38.70%40 39.70% 2.52%39 39.20%
Median age of the population38 38.40%40 40.00% 5.00%39 39.20%

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 69.60% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 17.50% and 12.90%, respectively.

If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Happy Valley-Goose Bay are within the 15 to 64 years age group.

DataMaleFemaleTotal
0 to 14 years17.40%17.40%17.50%
65 years and over12.10%13.70%12.90%

Photos of Places & Sceneries in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Explore Happy Valley-Goose Bay Through Videos

Population of Happy Valley-Goose Bay by Ethnicity and Origin

The population of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Happy Valley-Goose Bay 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 Inuit, which accounts for 31.81% of the total population, followed by English (17.50%), Irish (13.19%), Canadian (13.00%), and Scottish (8.03%).

Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include Newfoundlander, French, Caucasian (White), Filipino, and Innu/Montagnais.

Ethnicity and OriginMaleFemalePercentage in Population
Inuit30.70%32.90%31.81%
English17.52%17.36%17.50%
Irish13.18%13.21%13.19%
Canadian14.23%11.66%13.00%
Scottish8.70%7.25%8.03%
Newfoundlander5.40%5.57%5.49%
French4.74%4.66%4.70%
Caucasian (White)3.69%5.31%4.51%
Filipino3.56%5.05%4.38%
Innu/Montagnais4.87%3.63%4.25%

Immigration Profile

Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Happy Valley-Goose Bay's population profile.

About 6.7% of Happy Valley-Goose Bay's population are immigrants (510 people).

The top countries of origin for Happy Valley-Goose Bay's immigrant population are Philippines (245), United Kingdom (40), India (30), United States of America (25), Germany (20).

Only using 25% sample data.
Country of BirthPopulation
Philippines245
United Kingdom40
India30
United States of America25
Germany20

Household and Dwelling Characteristics

About 1,970 of Happy Valley-Goose Bay's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.

Household Size

About 18.60% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 11.40% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 9.10%, 7.30%, and 3.50%, respectively.

Number of Person(s) in HouseholdTotalPercentage
2 persons1,14518.60%
1 person70011.40%
3 persons5609.10%
4 persons4507.30%
5 or more persons2153.50%

Income in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Analyzing income distribution in Happy Valley-Goose Bay can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.

Per Capita Income

According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Happy Valley-Goose Bay is $52,000.

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 Happy Valley-Goose Bay population or around 1,180 people falls in the $50,000 to $79,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 835 and 815 people, respectively.

Household Income

The Happy Valley-Goose Bay's median household income is $107,000, according to 2020 data.

Above national average Happy Valley-Goose Bay's median household income is 23,000 dollars above 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 Happy Valley-Goose Bay

This data sheds light on the distribution of Happy Valley-Goose Bay 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.

63.85% or most of the Happy Valley-Goose Bay population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 22.00% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 18.90% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 14.15% has No certificate, diploma or degree.

Only using 25% sample data.
DegreeMenWomenTotalPercentage
Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree3,1253,5756,70563.85%
High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate1,2351,1352,37022.00%
Bachelor's degree or higher6151,3701,98018.90%
No certificate, diploma or degree8707101,57514.15%

Below national average 18.9% of Happy Valley-Goose Bay's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).

Employment in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. 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 6.95% which is quite high.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusPercentage
Employment rate64.59%
Unemployment rate6.95%

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 Happy Valley-Goose Bay's population (around 73.50%) are working permanent position as an employee.

Self-employed

In the town, there are 75 men and 90 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 160.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusMenWomenTotal
Self-employed7590160

Employment Industry Sectors

The Happy Valley-Goose Bay industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.

Happy Valley-Goose Bay has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (17%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Public administration sector comes second at 16%, followed by Retail trade at 11%.

Only using 25% sample data.
IndustryMenWomenPercentage
Health care and social assistance13561017%
Public administration39531516%
Retail trade23028011%
Construction315508%
Accommodation and food services1401957%
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services1851257%
Transportation and warehousing235607%
Educational services501855%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction155505%
Other services (except public administration)70753%
Professional, scientific and technical services50553%
Utilities70252%
Wholesale trade65352%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting30151%
Manufacturing25251%
Real estate and rental and leasing20151%
Finance and insurance0301%
Arts, entertainment and recreation15151%
Information and cultural industries0150%
Management of companies and enterprises000%

Labour Market Snapshot

A quick snapshot of where Happy Valley-Goose Bay residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.

Top employer sectors in Happy Valley-Goose Bay: Health care and social assistance (17%), Public administration (16%), -45 Retail trade (11%)

Top occupation categories in Happy Valley-Goose Bay: Sales and service occupations (26%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (22%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (19%)

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.

Only using 25% sample data.
Work LocationMenWomenTotalPercentage
Usual place of work1,6151,7453,36083.20%
No fixed workplace address295953909.70%
Worked at home702152857.10%
Worked outside Canada0000.00%

Commuting

The data sheds light on how Happy Valley-Goose Bay 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 Happy Valley-Goose Bay residents and sustainable urban planning.

Commuting Duration

This data reveals the average time that the residents of Happy Valley-Goose Bay 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.

Only using 25% sample data.
DurationPercentage
Less than 15 minutes71.20%
15 to 29 minutes17.20%
30 to 44 minutes5.50%
60 minutes and over3.30%
45 to 59 minutes2.80%

Marital Status

The statistics on marital status in Happy Valley-Goose Bayshed 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 Happy Valley-Goose Bay's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.

Married or living common-law
59.19%
Married or living common-law
40.81%

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 Happy Valley-Goose Bay. About 7,720 people living in the province speak English, 70 people speak French, 10 people speak English and French language, and 10 people speak Neither English nor French language.

LanguagePopulation
English7,720
French70
English and French10
Neither English nor French10

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.

LanguageMother TongueSpoken Most Often at Home
English91.3%94.4%
Non-official languages6.3%3.9%
French1.0%0.4%

Religion

Happy Valley-Goose Bay is predominantly Christian. About 6,155 of its population is Christian (2,970 males and 2,970 females).

The second largest religion in the province is Sikh with 0.7% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Muslim, both represent 0.5% and 0.5% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.0% of the population.

ReligionPopulation
Christian80.4%
Sikh0.7%
Hindu0.5%
Islam0.5%
Buddhist0.0%
Jewish0.0%

Points of Interest in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Hospitals

Schools

Parks

Libraries

Community Centres

Places to Visit in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Attractions

Green Spaces in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

NameTypeApprox. Area
Birch Island BoardwalkParks
Husky ParkParks1.6 ha
Kinsmen ParkParks3.3 ha
Steve's PlaygroundParks0.4 ha

Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.

Frequently Asked Questions about Happy Valley-Goose Bay

According to the 2021 census, Happy Valley-Goose Bay has a population of approximately 8,040 people.

Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Happy Valley-Goose Bay decreased by 0.85%.

Happy Valley-Goose Bay has a population density of approximately 26.40 people per square kilometre.

Happy Valley-Goose Bay covers a land area of approximately 304.52 km².

The median age of the population in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is 39.20 years.

The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is Inuit.

The median household income in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is $107,000, based on 2020 data.

English is the most common first official language spoken in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Christian is the predominant religion in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

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.