Population Commentary, January 1, 2013
Next due: July 2013
Population stood at 513,636 as of January 1, 2013
The province’s population was 513,636 as of January 1, 2013, according to the latest information released by Statistics Canada. This represents an increase of 81 persons from October 1, 2012 (the previous quarter) and an increase of 133 persons from January 1, 2012 (the previous year).
The change in population from October 2012 to January 2013 was the result of positive net migration. Net in-migration totaled 94 persons during the fourth quarter of 2012 as the province experienced net inter-provincial in-migration of 114 persons but net international out-migration of 20.
| Population, October 1, 2012 | 513,555 |
|---|---|
| Total Net Migration | +94 |
| Inter-provincial net-migration | +114 |
| Inter-provincial in-migration | 1,478 |
| Inter-provincial out-migration | 1,364 |
| Net International Migration | -20 |
| Natural Population Change | -13 |
| Births | 1,216 |
| Deaths | 1,229 |
| Population, January 1, 2013 | 513,636 |
Natural population (deaths minus births) decreased by 13 persons in the October to December 2012 period. The number of births has been trending downward for four decades because of lower fertility rates and, more recently, a decline in the number of women of child-bearing age.
While some improvement in fertility rates has been recorded in recent years, natural population change is not likely to contribute significantly to population growth in the near future. As such, migration will be the main determining factor for population growth in the short-term. Although fluctuations in migration levels are to be expected from quarter to quarter, Newfoundland and Labrador has recorded strong economic growth in the last several years which, coupled with a tightening labour market, should continue to support migration to the province.
Statistical Reference:Statistics used in this analysis were the latest available at the time of writing. For the latest in population statistics visit the Newfoundland & Labrador Statistics Agency site.
Provincial population projections are also available by age, gender and various levels of geography. For analysis of regional demographic trends, see Regional Demographic Profiles, Newfoundland and Labrador, November 2007