[1] The small community is mainly based on the fishery, mink farm, and construction industries.

A fishing and logging community on the south side of Middle Arm in the Bay of Islands, Cox's Cove was originally settled 1840 by Thomas O'Grady and George, John and William Cox, herring and lobster fishermen.

Cox's Cove was incorporated in 1969, and the community had a full range of municipal services by 1980.

In 1979, Cox's Cove received a new water and sewerage system serving seventy per cent of the community.

In 1981, the herring fishery and plant employed the majority of Cox's Cove's labour force.