Saint John’s population has reached its highest level in around 40 years, according to the city.

New population estimates from Statistics Canada showed 78,165 people living in Saint John as of July 1, 2024.

That is a year-over-year increase of 2,902 residents or 3.9 per cent — nearly double council’s annual growth target of two per cent.

“Our population growth reflects the vibrancy of our city and the success of our collective efforts to make Saint John a chosen destination for people,” Mayor Donna Noade Reardon said in a news release.

“Strong population growth that is also coinciding with strong new housing growth in the city is an achievement the entire community can be proud of, and it speaks to the bright future for Saint John.”

Meanwhile, the Saint John Census Metropolitan Area also grew by 2.4 per cent to 142,422 residents, according to StatCan.

City officials said 87 per cent of the region’s population growth occurred within the Saint John city limits.

Around 2,172 permanent residents chose Saint John in 2024, accounting for nearly 90 per cent of new immigrants to the region.