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Witless Bay, NL

Newfoundland and Labrador

Witless Bay is a small town in Newfoundland and Labrador with a population of 1,640. Residents earn $103,000 per year, which is 37% above the national average.

Data updated June 2026

3.3 /5.0
B Good
1,640 Population 241/sq mi density
$103,000 Median Income $62,800 per capita
$324,000 Home Value
$752 Median Rent 6.6% income on rent
41°F Avg Temperature 229 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.3 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.7 / 5.0
$103,000 median income, 14.5% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.9 / 5.0
$324,000 home value, $752/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
C
Education
2.0 / 5.0
12.8% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Witless Bay, 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 $103,000
37% higher than US avg
Home Value $324,000
15% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 12.8%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent $752
35% lower than US avg
Unemployment 14.5%
303% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 6.4%
48% lower than US avg

How Witless Bay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population1,640
Median Age41.6 yrs
Density241/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 100%

Economy

B+
Median Income$103,000
Per Capita$62,800
Unemployment14.5%
Poverty6.4%
Commute33 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$324,000
Rent$752
Ownership96.7%
Housing Units610
Rent Burden6.6%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
Rain58.8 in/yr
Sunny Days229/yr
Elevation154 ft (47 m)

Education

C
Bachelor's+12.8%
High School+22.9%
Graduate+3.9%

Community

Commute33 min

Is Witless Bay a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Witless Bay receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Witless Bay offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Witless Bay is $103,000, which is significantly higher than the national average / 37% above $75,149. This places Witless Bay among higher-income communities. At 14.5%, unemployment is notably high. Only 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Witless Bay is $324,000, 15% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $752 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

12.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 22.9% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Witless Bay 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 229 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 58.8 inches, including 21.6 inches of snow.

Witless Bay has a population of 1,640 with a density of 241 people per square mile, spread across 6.8 square miles. The median age is 41.6 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.9% female and 49.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents.

Population

1,640
Total Population
2021 Census
241
People / sq mi
41.6yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
6.8mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.1%
Female 50.9%

Race & Ethnicity

Witless Bay vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish 0.0%
100% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Witless Bay vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Witless Bay is $103,000, which is 37% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $62,800 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,208, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 14.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 51 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 22.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Witless Bay vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$103,000
37% above US avg
Per Capita Income$62,800
Avg Weekly Wage$1,208

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment14.5%
303% above US avg
Poverty Rate6.4%
48% below US avg
Establishments (County)51

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time32.6 min
Drive Alone84.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home22.7%

Walkability

The median home value in Witless Bay is $324,000, 15% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $752 (35% below the national average of $1,163). 96.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 610 total housing units in the city. 6.6% 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$324,000
15% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$752
35% below US avg
Rent Burden6.6%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership96.7%
Owner-Occupied96.7%
Renter-Occupied4.1%
Housing Units610

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, Witless Bay receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Witless Bay 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 →
Witless Bay 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 229 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 58.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 21.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 154 feet.

Temperature

25°F Jan (-4°C) 59°F Jul (15°C)
Annual Average41.3°F
24% below US avg
January Average25°F (-4°C)
July Average59°F (15°C)
Sunny Days229 days/yr

Geography

Elevation154 ft (47 m)
Area6.8 sq mi (17.6 km²)
Population Density241/sq mi
Coordinates47.2832°N, 52.8314°W
TimezoneAmerica/St_Johns

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 58.8"
55% above US avg
Snowfall 21.6"
Wettest Month (Jan) 5.75"
Driest Month (Aug) 3.86"

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 52 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 1 133 km
2021 Larry Category 1 133 km
2014 Gonzalo Category 1 122 km
2010 Igor Category 1 81 km
1982 Debby Category 2 133 km
1980 Georges Category 1 229 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 - - 109 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 25°F (-4°C) 5.8 in Wettest
February 24°F (-5°C) 5.1 in Coldest
March 29°F (-2°C) 5.2 in
April 36°F (2°C) 4.8 in
May 44°F (6°C) 4.3 in
June 51°F (11°C) 4.4 in
July 59°F (15°C) 3.9 in
August 60°F (16°C) 3.9 in Warmest, Driest
September 54°F (12°C) 5.0 in
October 46°F (8°C) 5.5 in
November 38°F (4°C) 5.5 in
December 30°F (-1°C) 5.6 in

Witless Bay has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 24°F in February to 60°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 58.8 inches, with January being the wettest month (5.8") and August the driest (3.9").

View full weather details →
12.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 62% below the national average of 33.7%. 22.9% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 84% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+12.8%
62% below US avg
High School+22.9%
Graduate Degree+3.9%
C Education Grade (2.0/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density241/sq mi
Total Area6.8 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute32.6 min
Drive Alone84.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home22.7%

Schools in Witless Bay

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
St. Bernard's Elementary School - - - -
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Witless Bay

8 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
CBC Radio One - St. John's, NL (MP3 stream) features, news MP3 128 kbps
CJYQ "New Country 930" St. John's, NL country AAC 130 kbps
VOAR 96.7 "Lighthouse FM" St. John's, NL christian MP3 128 kbps
CKIX-FM "Hot 99.1" St. John's, NL contemporary hit radio, new format rebranding AAC 130 kbps
CHOZ-FM 94.7 "OZ FM" St. John's, NL hot adult contemporary MP3 96 kbps
Newfoundland and Labrador's Pioneer Radio Station oldies, religion MP3 128 kbps

Museums in Witless Bay

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Blackhead One Room Church and School Museum
Cape Spear Lighthouse Museum
Manuel's River Interpretation Center
Petty Harbour Museum

Libraries in Witless Bay

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Michael Donovan Public Library0.0
Mount Pearl Public Library0.0

Farmers Markets in Witless Bay

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Lester's Farm Market

Cafes in Witless Bay

1 cafes within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Tim Hortons

Gas Stations in Witless Bay

1 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

North Atlantic

Breweries in Witless Bay

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Banished Brewing

Stadiums & Teams in Witless Bay

TeamLeagueDivision

Airports Near Witless Bay

3 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
St. John's International AirportYYTLarge Airport
Bell Island Airport-Small Airport
Harbour Grace Airport-Small Airport

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Witless Bay.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Witless Bay

What is the population of Witless Bay?

Witless Bay has a population of 1,640 residents and is located in Newfoundland and Labrador. The population density is 241 people per square mile, spread across 6.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.9% female and 49.1% male.

Is Witless Bay expensive to live in?

The median household income is $103,000, 37% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $324,000 (15% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $752 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 Witless Bay safe?

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

What is the weather like in Witless Bay?

Witless Bay 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 229 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 58.8 inches, with 21.6 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Witless Bay?

The job market in Witless Bay faces challenges, with unemployment at 14.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,208. There are 51 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 22.7% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Witless Bay?

The median home value in Witless Bay is $324,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $752. The homeownership rate is 96.7%.

How are the schools in Witless Bay?

12.8% of adults in Witless Bay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 22.9% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Witless Bay?

The average commute in Witless Bay is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 84% of workers drive alone to work, and 22.7% work from home.

What are the demographics of Witless Bay?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Witless Bay is 100% White. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home.

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