Demographics for Pangnirtung

The 2016 Census reported the total population of Pangnirtung to be 1,481, of which approximately 51.4% were female and 48.6% male.

Population grew by 2.4% between 1996 and 2001, by 4% between 2001 and 2006, and by 14.3% between 2006 and 2011. Based on these rates of growth the estimated population of Pangnirtung in 2020 is 2,280 residents.

Residents participate in a variety of occupations, but are predominantly employed in Sales and service occupations, occupations in Social science, education, government service and religion, Business; finance and administration occupations, and Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations. However a high proportion of residents are still active in the traditional economy, as 73% of residents surveyed in the 2006 census reported having hunted over the past 12 months. In addition to this, 77% stated they had gone fishing and 94% stated they had gone berry picking over the same 12 months.

In the 2006 Census it was reported Pangnirtung had a participation rate of 65.3% and an unemployment rate of 17.1%. This compares to the territorial participation rate of 65.3% and an unemployment rate of 15.6% in 2006.

With respect to educational achievement the 2006 Census reported that, among the population age 15 and over, 60% had no certificate, diploma or degree (including high school), while 10.6% reported the highest level of educational achievement to be high school certificate or equivalent.

During the infrastructure planning workshop, participants noted that almost 70% of the population of Pangnirtung currently is under the age of 25. The Government of Nunavut projects that by 2020, the population will be 2,280, an increase of 72% over the population in 2006.

A key challenge facing the community is to create jobs for the very large number of young people who will be entering the labour force future years. Mining exploration and development, and increased traffic through the Northwest Passage will create opportunities for Pangnirtung in the future. However, responding to these opportunities will require the development of major new infrastructure, particularly infrastructure supporting business development.

At the present time, there is no space in the community available for construction of facilities for new businesses, despite a large number of potential viable businesses that could be established in the near future. Addressing this need, through relocation of the airport facilities and through other infrastructure initiatives outlined through the planning workshop will be key in responding to the challenges of future population growth within the community.