Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Port au Port East has a population of around 413 people. The town's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Port au Port East has decreased by ▼ -28.67%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 579 | 413 | --28.67% |
2026 Population Projection
Port au Port East's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 413 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Port au Port East Population Trend & Context
Port au Port East had a 2021 census population of 413 — a decline of 166 (▼ 28.67%) people from the 579 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 57.2 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
Population By Genders
The male population of Port au Port East is around 205 while the female population is around 205.
Of the 413 total population in Port au Port East, the largest gender is female with around 205 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 205 | 205 | -0.00% |
Is Port au Port East a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Port au Port East 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.
Port au Port East Population Compared to Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador's population in 2021 was 510,550, spread across the area. Here's how Port au Port East compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Port au Port East | Newfoundland and Labrador |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $55,600 | $71,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 20.7% | 15.2% |
| Median age | 57.2 | 48.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.6% | 18.7% |
| Immigrants (%) | 2.3% | 2.8% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Port au Port East has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 12.00% of the total population. The town median age is 57.20.
| 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 56.60% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 33.70% and 8.40%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Port au Port East are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 58.50% | 56.10% | 56.60% |
| 0 to 14 years | 20.00% | 20.00% | 35.00% |
| 65 years and over | 34.10% | 34.10% | 33.70% |
| 0 to 14 years | 9.80% | 9.80% | 8.40% |
Population of Port au Port East by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Port au Port East is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Port au Port East 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 Port au Port East are First Nations (North American Indian), which accounts for 25.58% of the total population, followed by English (24.42%), French (19.77%), Irish (17.44%), and Mi'kmaq (10.47%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Port au Port East include Qalipu Mi'kmaq, Canadian, Scottish, European, and North American Indigenous.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 22.50% | 28.26% | 25.58% |
| English | 22.50% | 26.09% | 24.42% |
| French | 17.50% | 21.74% | 19.77% |
| Irish | 17.50% | 19.57% | 17.44% |
| Mi'kmaq | 15.00% | 8.70% | 10.47% |
| Qalipu Mi'kmaq | 10.00% | 8.70% | 9.30% |
| Canadian | 7.50% | 8.70% | 8.14% |
| Scottish | 0.00% | 10.87% | 6.98% |
| European | 5.00% | 6.52% | 6.98% |
| North American Indigenous | 5.00% | 6.52% | 6.98% |
Indigenous Identity in Port au Port East
About 47.13% of Port au Port East's population (205 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 52.87% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 130 people (30.20% 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 Port au Port East's population profile.
About 2.3% of Port au Port East's population are immigrants (10 people).
The top countries of origin for Port au Port East'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 Port au Port East's residents (430 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.0% are not.
By generation status, 0.0% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 5.8% are second generation, and 94.2% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 195 of Port au Port East's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 24.35% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 15.40% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.15%, 5.15%, and 1.30%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 95 | 24.35% |
| 1 person | 60 | 15.40% |
| 3 persons | 20 | 5.15% |
| 4 persons | 20 | 5.15% |
| 5 or more persons | 5 | 1.30% |
Family and Household Structure in Port au Port East
Of census families in Port au Port East, 80.8% are couple families and 19.2% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.5 people.
28.2% of households in Port au Port East are one-person households, 51.3% are couple-family households, 10.3% are one-parent-family households, and 2.6% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 55 | 28.2% |
| Couple-family households | 100 | 51.3% |
| One-parent-family households | 20 | 10.3% |
| Multigenerational households | 5 | 2.6% |
Income in Port au Port East
Analyzing income distribution in Port au Port East can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Port au Port East is $30,800.
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 Port au Port East population or around 45 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $30,000 to $49,999, and Under $10,000 with around 40 and 35 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Port au Port East's median household income is $55,600, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Port au Port East's median household income is 28,400 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 Port au Port East
This data sheds light on the distribution of Port au Port East 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.
65.80% or most of the Port au Port East population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 21.10% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 10.50% 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 | 45 | 85 | 125 | 65.80% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 25 | 15 | 40 | 21.10% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 15 | 10 | 20 | 10.50% |
Below national average 13.2% of Port au Port East's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Port au Port East
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Port au Port East. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Port au Port East is at 20.69% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 30.26% |
| Unemployment rate | 20.69% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Port au Port East, 13.2% worked full year full time in the reference year, 23.7% worked part year and/or part time, and 60.5% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 50 | 13.2% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 90 | 23.7% |
| Did not work | 230 | 60.5% |
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 Port au Port East's population (around 55.20%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 10 men and 0 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 10.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 10 | 0 | 10 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Port au Port East industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Port au Port East is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Port au Port East has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (35%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Public administration sector comes second at 10%, followed by Construction at 7%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 10 | 40 | 35% |
| Public administration | 10 | 10 | 10% |
| Construction | 10 | 0 | 7% |
| Wholesale trade | 10 | 0 | 7% |
| Retail trade | 0 | 10 | 7% |
| Educational services | 0 | 10 | 7% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Manufacturing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 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% |
| Accommodation and food services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Port au Port East residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Port au Port East: Health care and social assistance (35%), Public administration (10%), Construction (7%)
Top occupation categories in Port au Port East: Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (24%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (24%), 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 45 | 45 | 85 | 77.30% |
| No fixed workplace address | 0 | 20 | 20 | 18.20% |
| Worked at home | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Port au Port East 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 Port au Port East residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Port au Port East 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 |
|---|---|
| 15 to 29 minutes | 72.70% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 18.20% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 0.00% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 0.00% |
| 60 minutes and over | 0.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Port au Port East 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 Port au Port East'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 Port au Port East. About 410 people living in the town speak English, 5 people speak French, 0 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 410 |
| French | 5 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 4.9% of Port au Port East's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 96.3% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 395 | 96.3% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 20 | 4.9% |
| 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 | 1.2% | 0.0% |
| Non-official languages | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Religion
Port au Port East is predominantly Christian. About 355 of its population is Christian (175 males and 175 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 | 81.6% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Nearest Towns to Port au Port East
- Kippens 4.4 km · 1,842 people
- Stephenville 7.1 km · 6,540 people
- Port au Port West-Aguathuna-Felix Cove 8.7 km · 384 people
- Stephenville Crossing 16.7 km · 1,634 people
- Lourdes 25.4 km · 502 people
- Gallants 34.4 km · 50 people
- Cape St. George 40.3 km · 809 people
- York Harbour 60.5 km · 372 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Port au Port East
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Port au Port East has a population of 413 people, making it the 141st town in Newfoundland and Labrador. The population declined significantly from 579 in 2016, a decrease of 166 people or 28.67%. The town has a population density of 16.5 people per km² across a land area of 25.06 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Port au Port East's population declined by 28.67% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 579 to 413 people, a loss of 166 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Newfoundland and Labrador towns during this period. The median age of 57.20 years suggests an aging population. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Port au Port East has a population density of approximately 16.50 people per square kilometre.
Port au Port East covers a land area of approximately 25.06 km².
The median age of the population in Port au Port East is 57.20 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Port au Port East is First Nations (North American Indian).
The median household income in Port au Port East is $55,600, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Port au Port East.
Christian is the predominant religion in Port au Port East.
According to the 2021 Census, 47.7% of Port au Port East's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
100.0% of Port au Port East's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 19.2% of census families in Port au Port East, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 2.6% of all households in Port au Port East, per the 2021 Census.
4.9% of Port au Port East's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
Of the population aged 15 and over in Port au Port East, 13.2% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
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.