Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Port Saunders has a population of around 678 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Port Saunders has increased by ▲ 0.59%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 674 | 678 | +0.59% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.12% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Port Saunders's population is projected to reach approximately 682 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 17.71 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 678 | 682 | 17.71 |
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.
Port Saunders Population Trend & Context
Port Saunders had a 2021 census population of 678 — an increase of 4 (▲ 0.59%) people from the 674 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has remained relatively stable over this period, reflecting broader trends in mid-sized Newfoundland and Labrador towns. The town's median age of 54.4 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 Saunders is around 315 while the female population is around 365.
Of the 678 total population in Port Saunders, the largest gender is female with around 365 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 315 | 365 | +13.70% |
Is Port Saunders a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Port Saunders 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 Saunders Population Compared to Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador's population in 2021 was 510,550, spread across the area. Here's how Port Saunders compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Port Saunders | Newfoundland and Labrador |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $76,000 | $71,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 23.4% | 15.2% |
| Median age | 54.4 | 48.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.1% | 18.7% |
| Immigrants (%) | 0.0% | 2.8% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Port Saunders has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 11.90% of the total population. The town median age is 54.40.
| 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 58.50% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 28.90% and 13.30%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Port Saunders are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 14 years | 45.00% | 40.00% | 90.00% |
| 15 to 64 years | 58.70% | 57.50% | 58.50% |
| 65 years and over | 25.40% | 30.10% | 28.90% |
| 0 to 14 years | 14.30% | 11.00% | 13.30% |
Explore Port Saunders Through Videos
Population of Port Saunders by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Port Saunders is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Port Saunders 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 Saunders are Canadian, which accounts for 35.44% of the total population, followed by English (32.28%), Mi'kmaq (21.52%), Irish (11.39%), and French (6.33%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Port Saunders include Qalipu Mi'kmaq, Christian, n.i.e., First Nations (North American Indian), Newfoundlander, and Scottish.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 33.78% | 36.47% | 35.44% |
| English | 31.08% | 32.94% | 32.28% |
| Mi'kmaq | 22.97% | 21.18% | 21.52% |
| Irish | 13.51% | 10.59% | 11.39% |
| French | 8.11% | 5.88% | 6.33% |
| Qalipu Mi'kmaq | 5.41% | 4.71% | 5.06% |
| Christian, n.i.e. | 5.41% | 3.53% | 4.43% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 4.05% | 3.53% | 3.80% |
| Newfoundlander | 5.41% | 3.53% | 3.80% |
| Scottish | 2.70% | 2.35% | 2.53% |
Indigenous Identity in Port Saunders
About 22.78% of Port Saunders's population (180 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 77.22% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 25 people (3.10% 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 Saunders's population profile.
About 0.0% of Port Saunders's population are immigrants (0 people).
The top countries of origin for Port Saunders's immigrant population are Romania (0), Russian Federation (0), Serbia (0), Ukraine (0), United Kingdom (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Romania | 0 |
| Russian Federation | 0 |
| Serbia | 0 |
| Ukraine | 0 |
| United Kingdom | 0 |
100.0% of Port Saunders's residents (790 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 270 of Port Saunders's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 21.95% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 13.15% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.90%, 5.25%, and 1.75%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 125 | 21.95% |
| 1 person | 75 | 13.15% |
| 3 persons | 45 | 7.90% |
| 4 persons | 30 | 5.25% |
| 5 or more persons | 10 | 1.75% |
Family and Household Structure in Port Saunders
Of census families in Port Saunders, 82.9% are couple families and 17.1% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.6 people.
26.3% of households in Port Saunders are one-person households, 57.9% are couple-family households, 8.8% are one-parent-family households, and 1.8% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 75 | 26.3% |
| Couple-family households | 165 | 57.9% |
| One-parent-family households | 25 | 8.8% |
| Multigenerational households | 5 | 1.8% |
Income in Port Saunders
Analyzing income distribution in Port Saunders can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Port Saunders is $38,800.
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 Saunders population or around 120 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 75 and 50 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Port Saunders's median household income is $76,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Port Saunders's median household income is 8,000 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 Port Saunders
This data sheds light on the distribution of Port Saunders 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.
51.80% or most of the Port Saunders population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 25.30% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 21.70% 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 | 105 | 110 | 215 | 51.80% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 40 | 60 | 105 | 25.30% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 65 | 30 | 90 | 21.70% |
Below national average 10.8% of Port Saunders's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Port Saunders
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Port Saunders. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Port Saunders is at 23.38% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 46.09% |
| Unemployment rate | 23.38% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Port Saunders, 21.1% worked full year full time in the reference year, 45.3% worked part year and/or part time, and 34.4% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 135 | 21.1% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 290 | 45.3% |
| Did not work | 220 | 34.4% |
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 Saunders's population (around 45.50%) are working temporary position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 25 men and 15 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 40.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 25 | 15 | 40 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Port Saunders industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Port Saunders is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Port Saunders has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (21%) works in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 21%, followed by Retail trade at 18%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 60 | 20 | 21% |
| Health care and social assistance | 15 | 65 | 21% |
| Retail trade | 20 | 50 | 18% |
| Public administration | 25 | 0 | 8% |
| Educational services | 0 | 20 | 7% |
| Construction | 15 | 0 | 5% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 20 | 0 | 5% |
| Manufacturing | 15 | 0 | 4% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 10 | 0 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 0 | 3% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 0 | 10 | 3% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Information and cultural industries | 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% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Port Saunders residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Port Saunders: Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (21%), Health care and social assistance (21%), Retail trade (18%)
Top occupation categories in Port Saunders: Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (25%), Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations (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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 100 | 130 | 230 | 79.30% |
| No fixed workplace address | 35 | 10 | 45 | 15.50% |
| Worked at home | 0 | 15 | 15 | 5.20% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Port Saunders 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 Saunders residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Port Saunders 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 | 80.40% |
| 60 minutes and over | 8.90% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 5.40% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 3.60% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 0.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Port Saunders 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 Saunders'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 Saunders. About 625 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 | 625 |
| French | 0 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 0.0% of Port Saunders's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 99.2% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 625 | 99.2% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 0 | 0.0% |
| 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 | 98.4% | 99.2% |
| Non-official languages | 0.8% | 0.0% |
| French | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Religion
Port Saunders is predominantly Christian. About 770 of its population is Christian (350 males and 420 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 | 96.9% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Port Saunders
Hospitals
Nearest Towns to Port Saunders
- Port au Choix 8.1 km · 742 people
- River of Ponds 13.9 km · 173 people
- Bellburns 39.0 km · 52 people
- Daniel's Harbour 49.3 km · 220 people
- Bird Cove 52.0 km · 175 people
- Parson's Pond 73.2 km · 368 people
- Anchor Point 74.4 km · 305 people
- Flower's Cove 82.3 km · 272 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Port Saunders
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Port Saunders has a population of 678 people, making it the 90th town in Newfoundland and Labrador. The population increased slightly from 674 in 2016, an increase of 4 people or 0.59%. The town has a population density of 17.6 people per km² across a land area of 38.50 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Port Saunders's population grew by 0.59% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 674 to 678 people, a gain of 4 residents. This modest growth reflects patterns seen in many other Newfoundland and Labrador towns during this period. The median age of 54.40 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 Saunders has a population density of approximately 17.60 people per square kilometre.
Port Saunders covers a land area of approximately 38.50 km².
The median age of the population in Port Saunders is 54.40 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Port Saunders is Canadian.
The median household income in Port Saunders is $76,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Port Saunders.
Christian is the predominant religion in Port Saunders.
According to the 2021 Census, 22.6% of Port Saunders's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
100.0% of Port Saunders's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 17.1% of census families in Port Saunders, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 1.8% of all households in Port Saunders, per the 2021 Census.
0.0% of Port Saunders'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 Saunders, 21.1% 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.