Census 2021: A snapshot of Atlantic Canada’s population and dwelling data

The 2021 census data for the Maritimes shows the three provinces have largely succeeded in reversing a decades-long decline in population over the past five years, thanks to a steady influx of Canadians from other provinces and immigrants from other countries. 

The numbers illustrate a remarkable shift for a region once famous for routinely losing too many of its young people to other provinces. 

Newfoundland and Labrador, however, was the only province in Canada to record a decline in population, which can be blamed on out-migration linked to falling world oil prices and the completion of two energy mega projects: the Hebron offshore oil platform and the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project in Labrador.

Here’s a look at the data: 

Nova Scotia: 

2021 population: 969,383 

2016 population: 923,598 

Population percentage change: 5.0 per cent

Total private dwellings: 476,007 

Private dwellings occupied by usual residents: 223,253 

Population density per square kilometre: 1.4

Land area in square kilometres: 358,170 

Some communities with the most growth: 

Wolfville, 20.5 per cent

Some communities with the least growth:

Colchester County, -4.7 per cent

Clare, -4.2 per cent

New Brunswick:

2021 population: 775,610 

2016 population: 747,101 

Population percentage change: 3.8 per cent.

Total private dwellings: 366,146 

Private dwellings occupied by usual residents: 337,651 

Population density per square kilometre: 10.9

Land area in square kilometre: 71,248 

Newfoundland and Labrador:

2021 population: 510,550 

2016 population: 519,716 

Population percentage change: -1.8 per cent.

Total private dwellings: 269,184 

Private dwellings occupied by usual residents: 223,253 

Population density per square kilometre: 1.4

Land area in square kilometre: 358,170 

Prince Edward Island:

2021 population: 154,331 

2016 population: 142,907 

Population percentage change: 8.0 per cent

Total private dwellings: 74,934 

Private dwellings occupied by usual residents: 64,570 

Population density per square kilometre: 27.2 

Land area in square kilometre: 5,681.18 

Some communities with the most growth:

Cornwall, 22.9 per cent

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 9, 2022 

The Canadian Press