Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, West River has a population of around 3,473 people. The township's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of West River has increased by 11.67%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3,110 | 3,473 | +11.67% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.23% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, West River's population is projected to reach approximately 3,878 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 31.89 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 3,473 | 3,878 | 31.89 |
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 West River is around 1,680 while the female population is around 1,795.
Of the 3,473 total population in West River, the largest gender is female with around 1,795 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,680 | 1,795 | +6.41% |
Is West River a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how West River compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against Prince Edward Island, 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 Townships Near West River
- Clyde River (4.6 km)
- Kingston (6.5 km)
- Hampshire (8.9 km)
- North Wiltshire (10.2 km)
- Warren Grove (10.6 km)
- Darlington (11.7 km)
- Miltonvale Park (11.7 km)
- Victoria (13.8 km)
- Crapaud (14.7 km)
- Hunter River (16.3 km)
- Brackley (16.7 km)
- Union Road (18.9 km)
- York (20.4 km)
- Breadalbane (21.8 km)
- Alexandra (22.7 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
West River has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 8.30% of the total population. The township median age is 44.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 150 8.90% | 145 8.10% | 3.33% | 290 8.30% |
| 55 to 59 years | 140 8.30% | 145 8.10% | 3.45% | 280 8.10% |
| 65 to 69 years | 120 7.10% | 140 7.80% | 14.29% | 260 7.50% |
| 50 to 54 years | 115 6.80% | 125 7.00% | 8.00% | 240 6.90% |
| 45 to 49 years | 110 6.50% | 125 7.00% | 12.00% | 235 6.80% |
| 10 to 14 years | 110 6.50% | 120 6.70% | 8.33% | 230 6.60% |
| 15 to 19 years | 115 6.80% | 100 5.60% | 13.04% | 220 6.30% |
| 70 to 74 years | 110 6.50% | 115 6.40% | 4.35% | 220 6.30% |
| 40 to 44 years | 105 6.30% | 110 6.10% | 4.55% | 215 6.20% |
| 5 to 9 years | 90 5.40% | 105 5.80% | 14.29% | 195 5.60% |
| 30 to 34 years | 90 5.40% | 105 5.80% | 14.29% | 195 5.60% |
| 35 to 39 years | 100 6.00% | 100 5.60% | 0.00% | 195 5.60% |
| 20 to 24 years | 85 5.10% | 100 5.60% | 15.00% | 180 5.20% |
| 0 to 4 years | 75 4.50% | 90 5.00% | 16.67% | 165 4.70% |
| 25 to 29 years | 70 4.20% | 75 4.20% | 6.67% | 145 4.20% |
| 75 to 79 years | 45 2.70% | 40 2.20% | 11.11% | 85 2.40% |
| 80 to 84 years | 35 2.10% | 40 2.20% | 12.50% | 75 2.20% |
| Median age of the population | 45 44.80% | 45 44.80% | 0.00% | 45 44.80% |
| Average age of the population | 42 42.40% | 42 42.40% | 0.00% | 42 42.40% |
| 85 years and over | 20 1.20% | 25 1.40% | 20.00% | 40 1.20% |
| 85 to 89 years | 15 0.90% | 20 1.10% | 25.00% | 35 1.00% |
Broader Age Groups
If the township'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 63.30% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 19.60% and 17.30%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in West River are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 years and over | 19.30% | 20.10% | 19.60% |
| 0 to 14 years | 16.40% | 17.80% | 17.30% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in West River
Population of West River by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of West River is quite diverse, which contributes to the township's vibrant cultural landscape. West River 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 Scottish, which accounts for 39.14% of the total population, followed by English (30.50%), Irish (28.06%), Canadian (15.54%), and French (13.67%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include German, Acadian, British Isles, Welsh, and Caucasian (White).
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scottish | 38.64% | 39.61% | 39.14% |
| English | 28.61% | 32.02% | 30.50% |
| Irish | 26.84% | 29.49% | 28.06% |
| Canadian | 15.63% | 15.17% | 15.54% |
| French | 13.57% | 13.76% | 13.67% |
| German | 8.55% | 8.15% | 8.35% |
| Acadian | 5.90% | 3.09% | 4.46% |
| British Isles | 3.83% | 3.65% | 3.74% |
| Welsh | 3.83% | 3.65% | 3.74% |
| Caucasian (White) | 2.36% | 4.78% | 3.60% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of West River's population profile.
About 7.3% of West River's population are immigrants (255 people).
The top countries of origin for West River's immigrant population are United Kingdom (85), United States of America (35), Poland (25), Netherlands (20), Germany (15).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 85 |
| United States of America | 35 |
| Poland | 25 |
| Netherlands | 20 |
| Germany | 15 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 1,275 of West River's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 20.20% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 10.00% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.95%, 7.60%, and 4.25%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 545 | 20.20% |
| 1 person | 270 | 10.00% |
| 3 persons | 215 | 7.95% |
| 4 persons | 205 | 7.60% |
| 5 or more persons | 115 | 4.25% |
Income in West River
Analyzing income distribution in West River can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within West River is $42,800.
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 township's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of West River population or around 475 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 450 and 435 people, respectively.
Household Income
The West River's median household income is $94,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average West River's median household income is 10,000 dollars above the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the township'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 township's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in West River
This data sheds light on the distribution of West River 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.
69.45% or most of the West River population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 25.80% of the population has a Bachelor's degree or higher, 22.45% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 8.15% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 1,510 | 1,660 | 3,175 | 69.45% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 560 | 615 | 1,175 | 25.80% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 540 | 530 | 1,065 | 22.45% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 235 | 165 | 410 | 8.15% |
Below national average 25.8% of West River's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in West River
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in West River. 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 4.90% which is pretty low.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 62.76% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.90% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the township who work as an employee. The majority of West River's population (around 64.80%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the township, there are 200 men and 120 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 320.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 200 | 120 | 320 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The West River industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in West River is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
West River has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (12%) works in the retail trade sector. The Public administration sector comes second at 12%, followed by Health care and social assistance at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail trade | 130 | 105 | 12% |
| Public administration | 105 | 125 | 12% |
| Health care and social assistance | 35 | 180 | 11% |
| Construction | 150 | 25 | 9% |
| Educational services | 55 | 115 | 9% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 100 | 45 | 7% |
| Accommodation and food services | 40 | 85 | 7% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 65 | 50 | 6% |
| Manufacturing | 80 | 20 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 35 | 45 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 45 | 30 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 60 | 10 | 4% |
| Finance and insurance | 30 | 20 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 40 | 0 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 10 | 20 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 20 | 0 | 1% |
| Utilities | 15 | 0 | 1% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 0 | 10 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where West River residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in West River: -45 Retail trade (12%), Public administration (12%), Health care and social assistance (11%)
Top occupation categories in West River: Sales and service occupations (24%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (18%), Business, finance and administration occupations (16%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the township. 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 | 550 | 665 | 1,215 | 67.70% |
| Worked at home | 200 | 130 | 330 | 18.40% |
| No fixed workplace address | 195 | 55 | 250 | 13.90% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how West River 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 West River residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of West River spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the township's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the township.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 15 to 29 minutes | 50.90% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 23.90% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 18.40% |
| 60 minutes and over | 3.80% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 3.40% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in West Rivershed 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 township's social fabric. We can gain insights into West River's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights township'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 West River. About 3,405 people living in the province speak English, 60 people speak French, 10 people speak English and French language, and 5 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 3,405 |
| French | 60 |
| 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 | 94.0% | 97.8% |
| Non-official languages | 3.3% | 1.2% |
| French | 1.7% | 0.4% |
Religion
West River is predominantly Christian. About 2,450 of its population is Christian (1,120 males and 1,120 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Buddhist with 0.3% 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 | 70.5% |
| Buddhist | 0.3% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in West River
Schools
- West Royalty Elementary School
- East Wiltshire Intermediate School
- Westwood Primary School
- Bluefield High School
- Grace Christian School
- Eliot River Elementary School
Parks
- Miltonvale Community Park
- Strathgartney Provincial Park
- Strathgartney Equestrian Park
- Highland View Park
- Lowther Park
- Evergreen Park
- Sandlewood Park
- Community Gardens
- Primrose Park
- Penzie Lynn Park
- Town & Country Park
- Poolside Park
- Hillside Meadows Park
- Crystal Park
- Ferry Road Park
- Hyde Park
- Lowther Drive Park
- MacPhail Park
- MacKinley Park
- Terry Fox Sports Complex
- Upton Farm Conservation Area
- Upton Farm Conservation Area
Community Centres
- Bonshaw Community Centre
- Bonshaw Hall
- West Royalty Community Centre
- Riverview Community Centre
- Cornwall Civic Centre
Places to Visit in West River
Museums
Attractions
Stadiums
Green Spaces in West River
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Miltonvale Community Park | Parks | — |
| Strathgartney Provincial Park | Parks | 9.8 ha |
| Strathgartney Equestrian Park | Parks | 4.9 ha |
| Highland View Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Lowther Park | Parks | 2.0 ha |
| Evergreen Park | Parks | 1.4 ha |
| Sandlewood Park | Parks | 0.9 ha |
| Community Gardens | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Primrose Park | Parks | 0.9 ha |
| Penzie Lynn Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Town & Country Park | Parks | 1.1 ha |
| Poolside Park | Parks | 0.8 ha |
| Hillside Meadows Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Crystal Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Ferry Road Park | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Hyde Park | Parks | 6.3 ha |
| Lowther Drive Park | Parks | 7.5 ha |
| MacPhail Park | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| MacKinley Park | Parks | 1.3 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Frequently Asked Questions about West River
According to the 2021 census, West River has a population of approximately 3,473 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of West River increased by 11.67%.
West River has a population density of approximately 28.60 people per square kilometre.
West River covers a land area of approximately 121.62 km².
The median age of the population in West River is 44.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in West River is Scottish.
The median household income in West River is $94,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in West River.
Christian is the predominant religion in West River.
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.