Fredericton Population: How Many?

Fredericton, the capital city of the Canadian province of New Brunswick, had a population of 63,116 according to the 2021 Canadian census. The metropolitan population of Fredericton was 108,610 in the same year. The population of Fredericton has been steadily growing since the 1850s. The city has a higher population density than the rest of New Brunswick and a relatively younger population, with a median age that is 15% lower.

Population density

The population density of Fredericton, New Brunswick, was calculated in the 2021 Canadian census. With a population of 63,116 and a land area of 133.93 square kilometres (or 51.71 square miles), Fredericton's population density was 471.3 people per square kilometre (or 1,220.6 people per square mile). This is considered a relatively high population density, especially when compared to other parts of Canada. For example, the overall population density of Canada is approximately 4 people per square kilometre, while the density of the United States is about 90 people per square mile.

It is worth noting that population density data is often more informative for smaller areas, such as neighbourhoods, rather than larger regions or countries. This is because population distribution tends to be uneven, with dense clusters in urban areas and sparsely populated rural areas. Therefore, while Fredericton's population density is relatively high compared to other parts of Canada, it is important to consider the specific geographic context when interpreting this data.

Population growth

Fredericton, the capital city of the Canadian province of New Brunswick, has experienced notable population growth over the years, with a 7.5% increase in its population between 2016 and 2021. According to the 2021 Canadian census, the city of Fredericton had a population of 63,116, while its metropolitan area had a population of 108,610. This growth is significant, especially considering that Fredericton is just one of many population centres in the province of New Brunswick.

The population growth in Fredericton can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Fredericton is a centre for education and government services, which has likely attracted people to the city. The city is home to two universities and various cultural institutions, contributing to its intellectual and artistic appeal. Additionally, as the provincial capital, Fredericton has a strong public sector presence, providing employment opportunities for residents. The centralisation of provincial government functions in the 1960s led to an expansion of the population as government services were consolidated in the city.

Another factor contributing to Fredericton's population growth is its thriving economy. The city has the highest per capita income in New Brunswick and the highest percentage of residents with post-secondary education. This is likely due to the presence of the universities and the public sector, as well as a growing IT and commercial sector. The diverse economy, including prosperous industries such as IT, agriculture, and tourism, has made Fredericton an attractive place to live and work.

Furthermore, Fredericton's cultural offerings and historical significance may also play a role in its population growth. The city hosts several annual festivals, including the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival, attracting artists and visitors from around the world. Fredericton also has a rich literary tradition and is known for its artistic and cultural institutions, such as the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and the Fredericton Region Museum. The city's vibrant cultural scene enhances its appeal, drawing people who value arts and culture.

Additionally, Fredericton's natural environment and geographic location may be factors in its population growth. The city is situated along the Saint John River, which is the dominant natural feature of the area, providing a picturesque setting for residents. The region is also ideal for agriculture, with abundant water resources and arable land, which may have contributed to the growth of the city and the surrounding area.

In summary, the population growth in Fredericton, New Brunswick, can be attributed to a combination of factors, including educational and employment opportunities, a strong and diverse economy, a thriving cultural scene, and a desirable natural environment. With its prosperous industries, historical significance, and high quality of life, Fredericton's population is expected to continue growing in the future.

Population demographics

Fredericton is the capital city of the Canadian province of New Brunswick. It is one of the three major urban centres in the province, along with Greater Saint John and Greater Moncton. As of the 2021 Canadian census, Fredericton had a population of 63,116, with a metropolitan population of 108,610. The city's population has been steadily increasing, with a 7.5% growth between 2016 and 2021.

In terms of population demographics, Fredericton is a diverse city. According to the 2021 census, 82.5% of the population identified as white/European, 3.5% as Indigenous, and 14% as visible minorities. The largest visible minority groups were Black (2.9%), South Asian (2.9%), Arab (2.5%), Chinese (1.8%), and Filipino (1.0%). The city is also home to a significant immigrant population, with 12.6% of residents being born outside of Canada. The top countries of origin for immigrants include the United Kingdom, China, the United States, Syria, and the Philippines.

The median age in Fredericton is lower than the provincial average, and the city has the highest percentage of residents with post-secondary education in the province. English is the most common mother tongue, spoken by 80.2% of residents, followed by French (6.1%), Arabic (2.1%), Chinese languages (1.4%), and Spanish (0.7%). Fredericton also has a diverse religious population, with the 2021 census reporting that 52.2% of residents identified as Christian, 40.7% as irreligious, 3.7% as Muslim, 1.3% as Hindu, 0.4% as Buddhist, 0.3% as Sikh, and 0.3% as Jewish.

Overall, Fredericton's population reflects the diversity of New Brunswick, with a mix of different ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. The city's population is expected to continue growing, driven by its prosperous industries, cultural attractions, and high-quality education system.

Population by ethnicity

Fredericton, the capital city of the Canadian province of New Brunswick, had a population of 63,116 in the 2021 Canadian census. The city's population is predominantly white/European (82.5% in 2021), with visible minorities accounting for 14.0% and Indigenous people making up 3.5% of the population.

The largest visible minority groups in Fredericton are Black (2.9%), South Asian (2.9%), Arab (2.5%), Chinese (1.8%), and Filipino (1.0%). These groups contribute to the cultural diversity of the city, which is also reflected in the various languages spoken within the community. English is the most common mother tongue, with 80.2% of residents speaking it as their first language. French is the second most common mother tongue (6.1%), followed by Arabic (2.1%), Chinese languages (1.4%), Spanish (0.7%), Russian (0.6%), and Persian languages (0.5%). Notably, 1.4% of the population reported both English and French as their mother tongues.

In terms of immigration, 12.6% of Fredericton's population in 2021 were born outside of Canada, with the top countries of origin being the United Kingdom (9.8%), China (8.3%), the United States of America (7.3%), Syria (6.5%), and the Philippines (6.4%). Fredericton has also welcomed the highest number of refugees from the Syrian Civil War per capita among Canadian cities, demonstrating its role in providing refuge to those displaced by conflict.

Population by religion

Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, had a population of 63,116 as per the 2021 Canadian census. The city's population is religiously diverse, with a variety of faiths and beliefs represented.

According to the 2021 census, the religious groups in Fredericton included:

• Christianity: This was the most prevalent religion in the city, with 32,295 people or 52.2% of the population identifying as Christians. The Christian population is predominantly Protestant, with various denominations present.
• Irreligion: Around 25,150 people, or 40.7% of the population, identified as having no religious affiliation. This includes agnostics, atheists, or those who specified "nothing in particular".
• Islam: There were 2,305 Muslims in Fredericton, making up 3.7% of the city's population.
• Hinduism: Hinduism was the faith of 820 people, or 1.3% of the population.
• Buddhism: Buddhism was practised by 225 individuals, accounting for 0.4% of the city's residents.
• Sikhism: Around 190 people, or 0.3% of the population, followed the Sikh faith.
• Judaism: Judaism was the religion of 160 people in Fredericton, or 0.3% of the total population.
• Indigenous Spirituality: A small number of individuals, 15 people, or less than 0.1% of the population, followed Indigenous Spiritual practices.
• Other: Approximately 670 people, or 1.1% of the population, were affiliated with other religions or spiritual traditions not specified in the census.

The presence of various religious groups contributes to the cultural diversity and inclusivity of Fredericton, with places of worship and religious institutions representing different faiths.

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