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Upper Island Cove, NL

Newfoundland and Labrador

Upper Island Cove is a small town in Newfoundland and Labrador with a population of 1,401. Residents earn $64,500 per year, which is 14% below the national average.

Data updated June 2026

2.9 /5.0
C+ Fair
1,401 Population 464/sq mi density
$64,500 Median Income $39,600 per capita
$200,000 Home Value
$810 Median Rent 10.3% income on rent
41°F Avg Temperature 238 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.9 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.6 / 5.0
$64,500 median income, 24.1% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.9 / 5.0
$200,000 home value, $810/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
D
Education
1.7 / 5.0
8.9% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Upper Island Cove, NL

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $64,500
14% lower than US avg
Home Value $200,000
29% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 8.9%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent $810
30% lower than US avg
Unemployment 24.1%
569% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 15.9%
28% higher than US avg

How Upper Island Cove Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population1,401
Median Age53.2 yrs
Density464/mi²
Male / Female47% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 99%

Economy

C+
Median Income$64,500
Per Capita$39,600
Unemployment24.1%
Poverty15.9%
Commute31 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$200,000
Rent$810
Ownership91.4%
Housing Units580
Rent Burden10.3%

Crime

C+
Property3,500/100K
Burglary484/100K

Climate

Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
Rain54.2 in/yr
Sunny Days238/yr
Elevation358 ft (109 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+8.9%
High School+27.4%
Graduate+2.0%

Community

Commute31 min

Is Upper Island Cove a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Upper Island Cove receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Upper Island Cove has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Upper Island Cove is $64,500, 14% below the national average of $75,149. At 24.1%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 15.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Upper Island Cove is $200,000, 29% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $810 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.

Education

8.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 27.4% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Upper Island Cove has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July. The area gets 238 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 54.2 inches, including 19.3 inches of snow.

Upper Island Cove has a population of 1,401 with a density of 464 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age is 53.2 years, 37% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly White (98.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents.

Population

1,401
Total Population
2021 Census
464
People / sq mi
53.2yrs
Median Age
37% above US avg
3.0mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 47.3%
Female 52.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Upper Island Cove vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish 0.4%
97% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Upper Island Cove vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Upper Island Cove is $64,500, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,600. The average weekly wage is $762, 47% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 24.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 15.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 43 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 10.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Upper Island Cove vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$64,500
14% below US avg
Per Capita Income$39,600
Avg Weekly Wage$762

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment24.1%
569% above US avg
Poverty Rate15.9%
28% above US avg
Establishments (County)43

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time31.1 min
Drive Alone87.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home10.3%

Walkability

The median home value in Upper Island Cove is $200,000, 29% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $810 (30% below the national average of $1,163). 91.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 580 total housing units in the city. 10.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$200,000
29% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$810
30% below US avg
Rent Burden10.3%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership91.4%
Owner-Occupied91.4%
Renter-Occupied9.5%
Housing Units580

Property Tax

Property crime stands at 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,503, burglary at 484, vehicle theft at 505 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Upper Island Cove receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Upper Island Cove vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Total Property3,500.0/100K
79% above US avg
Burglary483.9/100K
Theft2,503.4/100K
Vehicle Theft504.8/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Upper Island Cove has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July. The area gets 238 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 54.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 19.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 358 feet.

Temperature

25°F Jan (-4°C) 59°F Jul (15°C)
Annual Average41.2°F
24% below US avg
January Average25°F (-4°C)
July Average59°F (15°C)
Sunny Days238 days/yr

Geography

Elevation358 ft (109 m)
Area3.0 sq mi (7.8 km²)
Population Density464/sq mi
Coordinates47.6499°N, 53.2148°W
TimezoneAmerica/St_Johns

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 54.2"
43% above US avg
Snowfall 19.3"
Wettest Month (Oct) 5.55"
Driest Month (Aug) 3.58"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M3.3 on Apr 29, 2009.

Apr 29, 2009 28 km SW of Bay Roberts, Canada M3.3 35 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Hurricane History

6 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980. Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Ernesto (2024).

Year Name Category Closest
2024 Ernesto Category 1 180 km
2021 Larry Category 1 111 km
2014 Gonzalo Category 1 168 km
2010 Igor Category 1 117 km
1982 Debby Category 2 182 km
1980 Georges Category 1 279 km
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)

Tsunami History

1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1864 SW AVALON PENINSULA, NEWFOUNDLAND Earthquake 133 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 25°F (-4°C) 5.1 in
February 23°F (-5°C) 4.5 in Coldest
March 28°F (-2°C) 4.5 in
April 36°F (2°C) 4.3 in
May 44°F (6°C) 3.7 in
June 51°F (11°C) 3.9 in
July 59°F (15°C) 3.8 in
August 60°F (16°C) 3.6 in Warmest, Driest
September 54°F (12°C) 5.2 in
October 46°F (8°C) 5.6 in Wettest
November 38°F (4°C) 4.9 in
December 30°F (-1°C) 5.2 in

Upper Island Cove has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 23°F in February to 60°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 54.2 inches, with October being the wettest month (5.6") and August the driest (3.6").

View full weather details →
8.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 74% below the national average of 33.7%. 27.4% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 87.2% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+8.9%
74% below US avg
High School+27.4%
Graduate Degree+2.0%
D Education Grade (1.7/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density464/sq mi
Total Area3.0 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute31.1 min
Drive Alone87.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home10.3%

Schools in Upper Island Cove

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
St Peter's
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Upper Island Cove

5 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
VOCM-AM 590 St. John's, NL AAC+ 57 kbps
CHVO "New Country 103.9" Carbonear, NL country AAC 130 kbps
VOAR 96.7 "Lighthouse FM" St. John's, NL christian MP3 128 kbps
Tits.FM MP3 56 kbps
Newfoundland and Labrador's Pioneer Radio Station oldies, religion MP3 128 kbps

Museums in Upper Island Cove

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Cupids Legacy Centre
Gordon G. Pike Railway Heritage Museum
Hawthorne Cottage
Heart's Content Cable Station
Railway Station Museum

Libraries in Upper Island Cove

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Bay Roberts Public Library0.0
Brigus Public Library0.0

Stadiums & Teams in Upper Island Cove

TeamLeagueDivision

Airports Near Upper Island Cove

4 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
St. John's International AirportYYTLarge Airport
Bell Island AirportSmall Airport
Clarenville AirportSmall Airport
Harbour Grace AirportSmall Airport

Post Offices in Upper Island Cove

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Upper Island Cove Post Office

Churches & Religious Organizations in Upper Island Cove

1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
St. Peter's Anglican Church

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Frequently Asked Questions About Upper Island Cove

What is the population of Upper Island Cove?

Upper Island Cove has a population of 1,401 residents and is located in Newfoundland and Labrador. The population density is 464 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.3% male.

Is Upper Island Cove expensive to live in?

The median household income is $64,500, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $200,000 (29% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $810 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Upper Island Cove safe?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Upper Island Cove receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Upper Island Cove?

Upper Island Cove has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 59°F in July. The area receives 238 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 54.2 inches, with 19.3 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Upper Island Cove?

The job market in Upper Island Cove faces challenges, with unemployment at 24.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $762. There are 43 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 10.3% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Upper Island Cove?

The median home value in Upper Island Cove is $200,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $810. The homeownership rate is 91.4%.

How are the schools in Upper Island Cove?

8.9% of adults in Upper Island Cove hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 27.4% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Upper Island Cove?

The average commute in Upper Island Cove is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.3% work from home.

What are the demographics of Upper Island Cove?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Upper Island Cove is 98.9% White. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home.

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