Saint Lucia's Population Climbs to 152,000

Contact: Rose Marie Harris

Wednesday, October 17, 2001 –  Saint Lucia’s population grew by 14.4 per cent in the last 10 years to reach 152,519 in 2001 from 133,308 in 1991, according to preliminary figures from the 2001 Census released by the Department of Statistics. There are currently 47,446 households on the island, up from 33,079 households in 1991.

The Quarter of Gros Islet recorded the largest population growth, with the number of residents moving from 13,505 to 19,051, an increase of 41.1 per cent.  The  Department of Statistics said the huge population increase could be attributed to the rapid pace of development in the northern quarter, especially in the construction and tourism sectors.

After Gros Islet, Anse La Raye had the second largest population increase -- 22.7 per cent.  In 1991, 5,035 persons lived in this west coast  community compared with 6,177 today.  The  number of households increased over the same period from 1,314 to 1,905. The population increase in Anse la Raye was attributed to a spill-over from Castries, facilitated by improved accessibility through the Anse La Raye to Castries main road.

The Castries district, which includes the capital, registered a 17.9 per cent rise in its population from 51,994 in 1991 to 61,292 in 2001. Castries recorded the largest increase in the number of households in the entire island -- from 13, 179 to 19,487. 

The population of Vieux Fort, the island’s other major centre, recorded an 11.3 per cent growth from 13,140 in 1991 to  14,624 in 2001.  The number of households in the southern community moved from 3,097 to 4,171.

According to the census findings, the total number of buildings on the island stands at 57,378, including 52,565 dwelling units. There are 7,354 businesses on the island.

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