Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Witless Bay has a population of around 1,640 people. The town's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Witless Bay has increased by 1.30%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,619 | 1,640 | +1.30% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.26% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Witless Bay's population is projected to reach approximately 1,661 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 94.32 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,640 | 1,661 | 94.32 |
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 Witless Bay is around 805 while the female population is around 835.
Of the 1,640 total population in Witless Bay, the largest gender is female with around 835 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 805 | 835 | +3.59% |
Is Witless Bay a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Witless 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
Income & Affordability
Commute
Housing Character
Household Composition
Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.
Other Towns Near Witless Bay
- Bay Bulls (5.1 km)
- Cape Broyle (21.0 km)
- Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove (24.4 km)
- Holyrood (26.0 km)
- Ferryland (27.9 km)
- Paradise (28.4 km)
- Conception Bay South (28.8 km)
- Harbour Main-Chapel’s Cove-Lakeview (30.8 km)
- Aquaforte (30.9 km)
- Avondale (31.9 km)
- St. George’s (33.4 km)
- Port Kirwan (34.0 km)
- Fermeuse (34.7 km)
- St. Joseph’s (34.8 km)
- Conception Harbour (35.3 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Witless Bay has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 30 to 34 years old, accounting for 8.20% of the total population. The town median age is 41.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 to 34 years | 60 7.50% | 70 8.40% | 14.29% | 135 8.20% |
| 35 to 39 years | 70 8.70% | 65 7.80% | 7.14% | 135 8.20% |
| 60 to 64 years | 65 8.10% | 65 7.80% | 0.00% | 130 7.90% |
| 55 to 59 years | 60 7.50% | 60 7.20% | 0.00% | 125 7.60% |
| 5 to 9 years | 60 7.50% | 60 7.20% | 0.00% | 120 7.30% |
| 10 to 14 years | 65 8.10% | 45 5.40% | 30.77% | 110 6.70% |
| 45 to 49 years | 60 7.50% | 50 6.00% | 16.67% | 110 6.70% |
| 40 to 44 years | 50 6.20% | 50 6.00% | 0.00% | 100 6.10% |
| 65 to 69 years | 50 6.20% | 45 5.40% | 10.00% | 100 6.10% |
| 0 to 4 years | 40 5.00% | 50 6.00% | 20.00% | 95 5.80% |
| 50 to 54 years | 55 6.80% | 40 4.80% | 27.27% | 90 5.50% |
| 70 to 74 years | 40 5.00% | 40 4.80% | 0.00% | 85 5.20% |
| 15 to 19 years | 30 3.70% | 40 4.80% | 25.00% | 70 4.30% |
| 25 to 29 years | 30 3.70% | 35 4.20% | 14.29% | 65 4.00% |
| 20 to 24 years | 30 3.70% | 30 3.60% | 0.00% | 60 3.70% |
| 85 years and over | 15 1.90% | 35 4.20% | 57.14% | 50 3.00% |
| Median age of the population | 42 41.60% | 41 41.20% | 0.00% | 42 41.60% |
| Average age of the population | 41 40.60% | 42 41.80% | 2.39% | 41 41.30% |
| 75 to 79 years | 25 3.10% | 20 2.40% | 20.00% | 40 2.40% |
| 85 to 89 years | 15 1.90% | 15 1.80% | 0.00% | 30 1.80% |
| 80 to 84 years | 5 0.60% | 20 2.40% | 75.00% | 25 1.50% |
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 62.20% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 20.10% and 17.70%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Witless Bay are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 14 years | 20.50% | 19.20% | 20.10% |
| 65 years and over | 16.10% | 19.20% | 17.70% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Witless Bay
Explore Witless Bay Through Videos
Population of Witless Bay by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Witless Bay is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Witless 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 Irish, which accounts for 53.46% of the total population, followed by English (27.36%), Canadian (26.73%), Newfoundlander (12.58%), and Scottish (5.35%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include French, Mi'kmaq, European, Caucasian (White), and Welsh.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish | 55.41% | 51.88% | 53.46% |
| English | 26.11% | 28.13% | 27.36% |
| Canadian | 24.20% | 30.00% | 26.73% |
| Newfoundlander | 12.74% | 12.50% | 12.58% |
| Scottish | 2.55% | 7.50% | 5.35% |
| French | 1.27% | 3.13% | 2.52% |
| Mi'kmaq | 2.55% | 1.88% | 1.89% |
| European | 2.55% | 1.25% | 1.89% |
| Caucasian (White) | 1.91% | 1.25% | 1.57% |
| Welsh | 2.55% | 1.25% | 1.57% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Witless Bay's population profile.
About 1.3% of Witless Bay's population are immigrants (20 people).
The top countries of origin for Witless Bay's immigrant population are United States of America (15), Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0), Guyana (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United States of America | 15 |
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
| Guyana | 0 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 595 of Witless Bay's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 17.05% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 4 persons households ranked second, accounting for 11.00% of the population. 3 persons, 1 person, and 5 or more persons households account for 10.55%, 8.95%, and 2.05%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 210 | 17.05% |
| 4 persons | 135 | 11.00% |
| 3 persons | 130 | 10.55% |
| 1 person | 110 | 8.95% |
| 5 or more persons | 25 | 2.05% |
Income in Witless Bay
Analyzing income distribution in Witless Bay can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Witless Bay is $47,200.
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 Witless Bay population or around 220 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 190 and 160 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Witless Bay's median household income is $103,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Witless Bay's median household income is 19,000 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 Witless Bay
This data sheds light on the distribution of Witless 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.
67.20% or most of the Witless Bay population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 21.90% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 18.50% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 11.20% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 685 | 775 | 1,460 | 67.20% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 235 | 245 | 485 | 21.90% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 90 | 315 | 405 | 18.50% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 170 | 90 | 260 | 11.20% |
Below national average 18.5% of Witless Bay's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Witless Bay
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Witless 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 10.08% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 57.36% |
| Unemployment rate | 10.08% |
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 Witless Bay's population (around 60.10%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 45 men and 40 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 80.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 45 | 40 | 80 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Witless Bay industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Witless Bay is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Witless Bay has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (17%) works in the construction sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 12%, followed by Public administration at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | 115 | 30 | 17% |
| Health care and social assistance | 0 | 95 | 12% |
| Public administration | 20 | 65 | 10% |
| Educational services | 25 | 50 | 8% |
| Retail trade | 30 | 20 | 6% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 25 | 25 | 6% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 40 | 0 | 6% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 40 | 15 | 6% |
| Manufacturing | 20 | 25 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 15 | 20 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 25 | 0 | 4% |
| Accommodation and food services | 0 | 25 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 20 | 15 | 4% |
| Utilities | 10 | 15 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 0 | 10 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 1% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Witless Bay residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Witless Bay: Construction (17%), Health care and social assistance (12%), Public administration (10%)
Top occupation categories in Witless Bay: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (23%), Sales and service occupations (16%), Business, finance and administration occupations (16%)
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 | 210 | 270 | 480 | 64.90% |
| Worked at home | 20 | 120 | 135 | 18.20% |
| No fixed workplace address | 95 | 20 | 115 | 15.50% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Witless 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 Witless Bay residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Witless 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.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 30 to 44 minutes | 49.60% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 22.70% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 12.60% |
| 60 minutes and over | 7.60% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 6.70% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Witless 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 Witless Bay'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 Witless Bay. About 1,635 people living in the province 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 | 1,635 |
| French | 0 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 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 | 98.8% | 99.7% |
| Non-official languages | 0.6% | 0.0% |
| French | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Religion
Witless Bay is predominantly Christian. About 1,485 of its population is Christian (730 males and 730 females).
The second largest religion in the province 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 | 93.4% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Witless Bay
Schools
Green Spaces in Witless Bay
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Witless Bay Ecological Reserve | Nature Reserves | 3,038.0 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Witless Bay
According to the 2021 census, Witless Bay has a population of approximately 1,640 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Witless Bay increased by 1.30%.
Witless Bay has a population density of approximately 93.10 people per square kilometre.
Witless Bay covers a land area of approximately 17.61 km².
The median age of the population in Witless Bay is 41.60 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Witless Bay is Irish.
The median household income in Witless Bay is $103,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Witless Bay.
Christian is the predominant religion in Witless 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.