Demographics for Pond Inlet

The 2016 Census reported the total population of Pond Inlet to be 1,617, of which approximately 49.4% were female and 50.6% male, as well approximately 1,503 were Inuit, and 170 were Non-Inuit.

The population of Pond Inlet grew by 5.6% between 1996 and 2001, and grew by 7.8% between 2001 and 2006, and between 2006 and 2011 the population grew by 10.6%. This rate of growth was slightly lower than the territorial average of 9.8% in the same time period. Based on these rates of growth the estimated population of Pond Inlet in 2020 is 2,233. The average age of residents is 20.8 years, slightly lower than the average age of all Nunavut residents at 23 years, and significantly lower than the general Canadian population which averages 39 years of age.

Pond Inlet’s population is relatively young, with nearly 35% of the population under the age of 15. In Nunavut 31% of the population is under the age of 15 compared with the 18% of the Canadian population in this age cohort.

The economy in Pond Inlet can be characterized as mixed, with traditional subsistence activities, including hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering, coinciding with wage based economic activities. Residents participate in a variety of occupations, but are predominantly employed in: sales and service occupations; social science, education, government service and religion occupations; business finance and administration occupations; and trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations. The wildlife economy continues to play an important role in Pond Inlet and contributes to the foundation of Inuit culture and economy.

Pond Inlet experiences lower participation rates and higher unemployment rates than for the Territory as a whole. In the 2011 Census it was reported Pond Inlet had a participation rate of 53.5% and an unemployment rate of 22.2%. This compares to the territorial participation rate of 63.4% and an unemployment rate of 17.3% in 2011.

With respect to educational achievement the 2011 Census reported that, among the population age 15 and over, 59.7% had no certificate, diploma or degree (including high school), while 11.2% reported the highest level of educational achievement to be high school certificate or equivalent.

9% of the population reported a trades or apprenticeship-related certification, and 11.2% diploma as their highest level of educational achievement. With respect to other post-secondary education outcomes,13.4% of residents reported a non-university diploma or certificate and 6% reported a university certificate, diploma or degree above a bachelor's levels.

In view of the demographic and socio-economic conditions reported above, it can be anticipated that population growth will have one of the most significant impacts on the infrastructure requirements of the community. As a consequence of significant overall growth in the demographic under the age of twenty, there will be an increasing need to provide housing, education, and recreation infrastructure. In addition, infrastructure that supports economic development will be required to ensure that residents have employment opportunities in the community.

Population growth associated with an influx of new residents drawn to jobs and opportunities in the mining sector and government will also continue to influence the demand for community infrastructure in key sectors.

Baffinland and other potential resource (mining) sector developments will have large socio-economic impacts on the community and infrastructure.

In the short and medium term essential infrastructure systems such as housing, water and waste as well as education, health and recreation infrastructure will have increased demands placed upon them. The need for robust infrastructure systems, including in transportation and communication, that support economic development and the mining sector in particular has gained prominence and urgency.

Economic growth will bring economic diversity to the community and region. With a changing economy, the population will both attract, and demand, new services in the community. Infrastructure to support a growing private sector economy will require serviced development lots, support infrastructure such as hotels and restaurants, and additional recreation activities.

During the next five years other infrastructure systems, including health services and facilities, public safety and security systems, and infrastructure that supports heritage, culture and arts will remain important to Pond Inlet as a sustainable community.


Statistic information obtained from:
http://www.stats.gov.nu.ca/en/Census%202011NHS.aspx