Demographics for Kugaaruk

The 2016 Census reported the total population of Kugaaruk to be 933, of which approximately 50.3% were female and 49.7% male.

Population grew 21.2% between 1996 and 2001, and 15% between 2001 and 2006, and between 2006 and 2011 the population grew by 10.7%. This rate of growth was slightly higher than the territorial average of 9.8% in the same time period. Based on these rates of growth the estimated population of Kugaaruk in 2020 is 979.

The average age of residents is 18 years, 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.

Kugaaruk’s population is 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 Kugaaruk 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 and trades, transport and equipment operators, and related occupations. The wildlife economy continues to play an important role in
Kugaaruk and contributes to the foundation of Inuit culture and economy.

Kugaaruk experiences lower participation rates and higher unemployment rates than for the Territory as a whole. In the 2011 Census it was reported Kugaaruk had a participation rate of 47.8% and an unemployment rate of 21.9%. This compares to the territorial participation rate of 63.4% and an unemployment rate of 17.9% in 2011.

With respect to educational achievement the 2011 Census reported that, among the population age 15 and over, 69.1% had no certificate, diploma or degree (including high school), while 5.5% reported the highest level of educational achievement to be high school certificate or equivalent.

18.2% of the population reported a trades or apprenticeship-related certification or diploma as their highest level of educational achievement. With respect to other post-secondary education outcomes, 5.5% of residents reported a non-university diploma or certificate and 3.6% reported a university certificate, diploma or degree at a bachelors level or higher.

In view of demographic and socio-economic conditions in Kugaaruk, it can be anticipated that aging in the 55% of the population, made up of persons between 0-19 years of age (as of 2006), will continue to influence the demand for community infrastructure in key sectors for the next twenty years.

In the short and medium term education and recreation infrastructure, and essential infrastructure systems such as housing, water and waste will have increased demands placed upon them. The need for robust infrastructure systems that support the economy and provide opportunities for economic diversification and stability will gain prominence in the short and medium term, for example transportation infrastructure systems such as air, marine and roads. During the next twenty years housing will continue to be a primary need, along with other infrastructure systems, including health services and facilities, economic and job creating infrastructure, and infrastructure that supports heritage, culture and arts will remain critically important to Kugaaruk as a sustainable community.

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