Saint John, New Brunswick Population

Saint John, New Brunswick, is a seaport city on the Bay of Fundy in Canada. It is the second-largest city in the province, with a population of 69,895 over an area of 315.59 km2 (121.85 sq mi). The city was the most populous in New Brunswick until the 2016 census when it was overtaken by Moncton. Saint John has a diverse population, with a strong Irish-Catholic heritage and a significant Black community. The city has experienced significant population growth in recent years, with an increase of 3.4% between 2016 and 2021, and it is known for its beautiful streets, vibrant business areas, abundance of parks, and friendly people.

Population growth and decline

Saint John, New Brunswick, is a seaport city located on the Bay of Fundy in Canada. It is the country's oldest incorporated city, established in 1785. The city has a rich history, dating back to the arrival of European colonists in the 17th century, and has played a significant role in trade and defence over the centuries.

Saint John has experienced both population growth and decline over the years. As of the 2021 census, the city had a population of 69,895, with a population density of 221.5 people per square kilometre. This marked a 3.4% increase in population since the previous census in 2016, when the city's population was recorded as 67,000. The growth can be attributed to the city's efforts to attract and retain residents, with a focus on immigration and improving quality of life. The population growth has been distributed across the city, with the Uptown area seeing a notable increase of almost 9%.

However, prior to this recent growth, Saint John faced a several-decade-long trend of population decline. Between 1971 and 2016, the city's population decreased by 25%, dropping from 89,000 to 67,000. This decline can be partly attributed to suburban migration and a lack of attraction for immigrants, with Saint John being one of Canada's least diverse census metropolitan areas.

To address the population decline, the city introduced a Population Growth Framework in 2018, with the goal of making Saint John a more welcoming community. The framework included objectives such as attracting new residents, improving the experience for newcomers, and retaining the existing population. The city has also released neighbourhood development plans, such as the Central Neighbourhood Peninsula Plan, which aims to increase the number of residents in the Uptown area.

Historically, Saint John's population has fluctuated due to various factors. The city became a centre for immigration, particularly during the Great Famine of Ireland in the mid-19th century, which led to a significant increase in residents. However, events such as the Great Fire of Saint John in 1877, which left thousands homeless, contributed to periods of population decline as people were compelled to leave the city.

Overall, Saint John, New Brunswick, has experienced both growth and decline in its population over time. The recent efforts to attract and retain residents have shown positive results, with the city's population increasing in the latest census. However, addressing the previous population decline remains a focus for the city, with strategies in place to make Saint John a more desirable place to live and work.

Population density

In the context of the city of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, we can examine its population density to gain insights into the distribution and concentration of its residents. As of the 2021 census, Saint John had a population of 69,895 people, with a land area of 315.59 square kilometres (or 121.85 square miles). This results in a population density of approximately 221.5 people per square kilometre (or 573.7 people per square mile).

The population density of Saint John also compares differently to other cities. For instance, New York City has a much higher population density than Los Angeles.

Understanding the population density of Saint John provides insights into the city's demographics and urban development. It helps quantify the concentration of residents within the city and can inform decisions related to infrastructure, urban planning, and resource allocation.

Population demographics

Saint John, New Brunswick, is a seaport city located on the Bay of Fundy in Canada. It has a population of 69,895 as of the 2021 census, a 3.4% increase from the previous census in 2016. The city's population density is 221.5 inhabitants per square kilometre, with the majority of the population living in Uptown Saint John.

The median age in Saint John is 44 years, and the median total household income is $62,800. In terms of education, 24% of the population aged 25 to 64 hold a bachelor's degree or higher, while 58% have a post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree. The city has a diverse religious makeup, with 58.5% of residents identifying as Christian, 36% as non-religious, and 5.5% following other religions, including Islam and Hinduism.

Historically, Saint John has been a centre for immigration, with significant waves of Black Loyalists, Irish migrants, and other immigrants from Europe and the former Thirteen Colonies. As of the 2021 census, the racial makeup of the city is predominantly White (86.4%), with visible minorities accounting for 10.9% and Indigenous people making up 2.8% of the population. The largest visible minority groups include Black (2.7%), South Asian (2.4%), Arab (1.5%), Chinese (1.4%), and Filipino (0.9%) communities.

The city's population growth can be attributed to its status as a major Canadian port and its role in immigration history, as well as recent strategies to attract and retain residents, such as the Population Growth Framework implemented in 2018. However, Saint John has also faced challenges with an aging population, poverty, and lack of affordable housing, which contributed to a population decline before the implementation of growth strategies.

Population projections

In 2019, the New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data, and Training (NB-IRDT) published population projections for the province, including the City of Saint John. The forecasts suggested that under low growth conditions, the Fredericton region (York County) would grow modestly, while the Moncton area (Westmoreland County) could see more significant growth. In a high growth scenario, these regions could experience even higher population increases.

However, the projections for Saint John were less optimistic, with the 2018 report forecasting population decline under every growth scenario. This is in contrast to previous forecasts, which predicted some population growth for the city. The downgrade in population growth predictions for Saint John may be due to various factors, including changing migration patterns, economic conditions, or policy decisions.

Despite the projections, Saint John has implemented strategies to attract and retain residents, with a particular focus on immigration. The city's population growth framework, released in 2018, has contributed to a recent increase in population, with an additional 2,320 residents calling Saint John home as of July 2021. The city's efforts to grow its population have been supported by all levels of government, immigrant-serving agencies, school boards, businesses, and community groups.

Looking ahead, Saint John's population is expected to continue to be influenced by immigration trends and policy decisions. The city's ability to attract and retain residents, especially in the Uptown area, will be crucial for its future growth. While the projections provide valuable insights, the actual population changes may differ due to the dynamic nature of demographic trends and the potential impact of unforeseen events.

Population history

Saint John, New Brunswick, is Canada's oldest incorporated city, established by royal charter in 1785. The city's population history is a story of growth, decline, and renewal.

Incorporation and Early Population Growth

Saint John was incorporated in 1785, uniting the two communities of Parr-town and Carleton, which were established by American Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution. The city's population grew with immigration from the former Thirteen Colonies and Europe, including a significant number of Black Loyalists. By 1851, Saint John had become the third-largest city in British North America, after Montreal and Quebec, with a population of 31,000. This growth was driven by an influx of Irish migrants, who constituted the city's largest ethnic group by 1850.

Challenges and Decline

The second half of the 19th century brought challenges to Saint John. In 1854, a cholera outbreak claimed the lives of 1,500 people. In 1877, a great fire destroyed 40% of the city, leaving 13,000 people homeless and prompting many residents to leave. Despite these setbacks, the city rebuilt, transitioning from wooden to brick and stone construction.

20th Century and Contemporary Era

The early 20th century saw Saint John at the centre of the Maritime Rights Movement, a broad-based protest movement demanding better treatment from the federal government. During the Second World War, the port's importance declined due to the U-boat threat, but manufacturing, particularly in support of the war effort, expanded significantly. In the post-war era, Saint John experienced major urban development, with new infrastructure projects and a shift towards preserving the city's historic districts and buildings.

In recent decades, Saint John faced a long-term population decline, struggling to attract and retain immigrants. However, this trend began to reverse around 2018, with the city implementing a population growth strategy focused on immigration. The COVID-19 pandemic further contributed to population growth, with many residents relocating from western provinces due to better housing affordability. By 2021, the city's population had increased to 69,895, with the wider metropolitan area reaching 130,613.

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