Population

As of July 1, 2000, New Brunswick’s population was estimated at 756,598, an increase of 0.3% from July 1, 1999. Canada’s population rose 0.8%, virtually the same rate as in the past two years.
Between July 1, 1999 and June 30, 2000, New Brunswick’s growth was estimated at 2,250, more than double the 927 during the previous 12-month period. Population growth has not been this high since 1991-92.
The number of births dropped to 7,659, while the number of deaths rose to 6,788. As a result, the natural increase of the population fell to its lowest level on record.
A considerable increase in the number of in-migrants from other provinces caused net interprovincial migration to record a positive result (+524) for the first time since 1990-91. International migration remained strong (+855), posting a fifth consecutive year of net gains.
New Brunswick’s population is projected to increase 0.1% in 2001.

The median age of New Brunswick’s population reached 37.4 years in 2000, slightly above the national average of 36.8 years.
Population distribution continued to fall in the younger age groups, to 18.0% for children 0-14 years and 13.7% for youth aged 15-24 years. Young adults 25-34 years also exhibited a declining share, falling to 14.3%.
Persons aged 35-49 years, containing the youngest baby boomers, represented an increasing share of the total population at 24.7%.
The oldest baby boomers, who are in their early fifties, are starting to impact the growth of the pre-seniors group (50-64 years). This is the most rapidly growing age group; it increased its share to 16.4% in 2000.
The proportion of seniors continued to grow, with young seniors (65-79 years) comprising 9.6% of the total population and older seniors (80 years and over) making up 3.3%.