Bathurst, NB demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,157
3.1 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,800/yr
Private dwellings
6,445

Bathurst population

How many people live in Bathurst

Bathurst is home to 12,157 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.5% identify as male and 51.5% as female.

Total population
12,157
3.1% year-over-year change
Population density
132.7/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.5%
5,895
Female
51.5%
6,265
Value Percent
Male 5,895 48.5%
Female 6,265 51.5%
A larger population often brings more rental variety and a busier pace of life. The gender breakdown, namely the ratio of men to women in the area, offers clues about the community’s vibe and social landscape.

Age demographics

The average age in Bathurst is 49.4. Children under 15 make up 10.8% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.6%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 9.9% are 25 to 34, 9.7% are 35 to 44, and 12.5% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 31.2%.

Average age
49.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.8%
15 to 24
9.6%
25 to 34
9.9%
35 to 44
9.7%
45 to 54
12.5%
55 to 64
16.2%
Over 65
31.2%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,320 10.8%
15 to 24 1,170 9.6%
25 to 34 1,205 9.9%
35 to 44 1,185 9.7%
45 to 54 1,520 12.5%
55 to 64 1,975 16.2%
Over 65 3,790 31.2%
Age distribution gives you a glimpse into who makes up the area. Younger communities might feel more energetic or student-friendly, while older ones tend to be calmer and more settled. A mix of age groups usually means a balance of parks, schools, healthcare, and other services for all walks of life.

Residence status

In Bathurst, 93.3% of residents were born in Canada, while 4.4% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.3% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
93.3%
Immigrants
4.4%
Non-permanent residents
2.3%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 10,840 93.3%
Immigrants 510 4.4%
Non-permanent residents 270 2.3%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
6.1%
Non-minorities
93.9%
Value Percent
Minorities 705 6.1%
Non-minorities 10,915 93.9%
Knowing how many people in the area are newcomers, temporary residents, or Canadian-born can give you a feel for how established or internationally connected a community is. It may also hint at the kind of services, food, and cultural touchpoints you’ll find nearby.
Languages used in Bathurst
English
50.8%
French
48.2%
English and French
1.1%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 5,955 50.8%
French 5,650 48.2%
English and French 125 1.1%
Neither English nor French 5 0%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 50.8% of people in Bathurst speak English as their primary language, 48.2% communicate mainly in French, 1.1% are bilingual, and use other languages.

Language use shapes everything from signage to services. Whether you're looking for bilingual support or just curious about the local vibe, these stats give a quick peek at how people connect day-to-day.

Households in Bathurst

A peek inside Bathurst households

Bathurst has 5,820 households, with an average of 2.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 38.7% of all homes, while 38.1% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.5%, and homes with four or more people account for 10.7% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
5,820
Average people per household
2
1 person
38.7%
2 persons
38.1%
3 persons
12.5%
4 persons
7.5%
5 or more persons
3.2%
Value Percent
1 person 2,255 38.7%
2 persons 2,220 38.1%
3 persons 730 12.5%
4 persons 435 7.5%
5 or more persons 185 3.2%
Household size can reveal a lot about how people live in the area. More one- and two-person homes might hint at a mix of young professionals or empty nesters, while larger households often reflect families or multi-generational setups. It’s a good indicator of the kinds of rentals and living spaces you'll find nearby.

Housing in Bathurst

The housing landscape of Bathurst

Bathurst has a total of 6,445 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Bathurst offers a variety of home sizes: 15% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 65% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 20.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
6,445
Housing types
Single-detached homes
57%
Attached homes
42%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
1%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 3,315 57%
Attached homes 2,445 42%
Movable homes 60 1%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
15%
2 or 3 bedrooms
65%
4 or more bedrooms
20.8%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 855 15%
2 or 3 bedrooms 3,765 65%
4 or more bedrooms 1,210 20.8%
Homes built since 2011
310

The age of buildings in Bathurst

About 9.5% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 15% between 1946 and 1960. Another 19.7% went up in the 1960s, 21.9% in the 1970s, and 11.7% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 10.1% of homes were added, and 6.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 550 9.5%
Between 1946 and 1960 875 15%
Between 1961 and 1970 1,145 19.7%
Between 1971 and 1980 1,275 21.9%
Between 1981 and 1990 680 11.7%
Between 1991 and 2000 585 10.1%
Between 2001 and 2010 395 6.8%
After 2011 310 5.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Bathurst occupancy rates

In Bathurst, there are 5,824 occupied private dwellings, of which 60.3% are owner-occupied and 39.7% are rented. Meanwhile, 621 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
5,824
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
39.7%
Owned households
60.3%
Value Percent
Rented households 2,310 39.7%
Owned households 3,515 60.3%
Unoccupied dwellings
621
Understanding whether homes are owned or rented gives insight into the housing market’s stability and flexibility. High ownership rates may point to longer-term residents and more stable neighbourhoods, while a greater share of rentals can indicate mobility, availability, or housing diversity. Vacancy levels can also hint at supply-and-demand dynamics for renters.

Shelter costs

In Bathurst, homeowners pay a median of $690 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $655. About 82.8% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 17.2% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$690
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$655
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
82.8%
≥30% on shelter
17.2%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 4,805 82.8%
≥30% on shelter 1,000 17.2%
Shelter cost includes all monthly expenses tied to housing—like rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and additional fees. Owners usually cover a wider range of costs, while renters typically just pay rent plus basic services. Comparing these numbers gives a clearer view of what living in the area actually costs, and whether households are stretched beyond the 30% affordability benchmark.

Education in Bathurst

Bathurst education at a glance

In Bathurst, educational attainment varies across the community. About 22.3% of residents have no formal diploma, while 30.3% have completed high school and 7.6% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 22.1% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.9% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 15.9% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 2,295 22.3%
High school diploma 3,125 30.3%
Apprenticeship diploma 780 7.6%
College diploma 2,275 22.1%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 195 1.9%
University degree 1,635 15.9%
Education levels give a snapshot of the local talent pool and job readiness. A strong share of college and university graduates can mean better access to skilled jobs, while trades and apprenticeship diplomas often support hands-on industries. For renters, these stats help paint a picture of the economic opportunities and workforce makeup in the area.

Income in Bathurst

How much people earn in Bathurst

In Bathurst, the median household income sits at $54,800, while the median after-tax household income is $49,600.

Median household income
$54,800/year
Median after-tax household income
$49,600/year
Household income—especially after tax—offers one of the clearest indicators of how affordable a place might feel. It also helps renters understand earning power in the area, whether they're budgeting for rent or comparing communities with similar price tags. Local income trends can reveal whether the economy is growing, steady, or facing challenges.

Bathurst income by age

Young adults in Bathurst between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,200, often reflecting part-time or early career work. For those aged 25 to 34, when many are advancing in their jobs, the figure rises to $34,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $43,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $44,400, followed by $38,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $26,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 19,200
25 - 34 34,800
35 - 44 43,200
45 - 54 44,400
55 - 64 38,400
Over 65 26,800

Employment in Bathurst

Workforce and job sectors in Bathurst

In Bathurst, 5,185 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 12.1%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, and trades and transport employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
5,185
Unemployment rate
12.1%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 60 1.2%
Business, finance and administration 740 14.6%
Natural and applied sciences 255 5%
Health 590 11.6%
Education, law, community and government services 620 12.2%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 80 1.6%
Sales and service 1,810 35.7%
Trades and transport 680 13.4%
Natural resources and agriculture 130 2.6%
Manufacturing and utilities 110 2.2%
Knowing what kinds of jobs dominate the area can help you understand local culture, income levels, and day-to-day rhythms. When looking for a community that suits your lifestyle, these labour stats offer helpful clues.

Transportation in Bathurst

How people get around in Bathurst

In Bathurst, the average commute is 14 minutes. About 89% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.4% rely on public transit and 7.1% walk or bike. The remaining 3.5% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
14 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
69%
15 to 29 minutes
20.8%
30 to 44 minutes
4.1%
45 to 59 minutes
1.7%
More than 60 minutes
4.4%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 2,775 69%
15 to 29 minutes 835 20.8%
30 to 44 minutes 165 4.1%
45 to 59 minutes 70 1.7%
More than 60 minutes 175 4.4%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 3,580 89%
By public transit 15 0.4%
By bicycle/by walking 285 7.1%
By other methods 140 3.5%
Commute trends hint at both the layout and vibe of a place. If most people drive or take transit, the area may be more spread out. Shorter commutes suggest convenient access to jobs, while longer ones may confirm the area’s low-density layout.

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FAQs about Bathurst demographics 

What is the current total population in Bathurst?

Bathurst has a population of 12,157, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.1% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Bathurst?  

Bathurst has a population density of 132.7 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Bathurst?

Bathurst has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.5% males (5,895 residents)  
  • 51.5% females (6,265 residents)

What is the age distribution of Bathurst residents?  

The age distribution of Bathurst residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 10.8% (1,320 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9.6% (1,170 residents)   
  • 25-34: 9.9% (1,205 residents)   
  • 35-44: 9.7% (1,185 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.5% (1,520 residents)   
  • 55-64: 16.2% (1,975 residents)   
  • Over 64: 31.2% (3,790 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Bathurst? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Bathurst: 
  • 93.3% non-immigrants (10,840 residents)  
  • 4.4% immigrants (510 residents)  
  • 2.3% non-permanent residents (270 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Bathurst?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Bathurst: 
  • English: 50.8% 
  • French: 48.2% 
  • English and French: 1.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Bathurst?  

The typical household size in Bathurst is 2 people. 

What is the median household income in Bathurst?  

The median household income in Bathurst is $54,800 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Bathurst residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Bathurst is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 22.3% (2,295 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 30.3% (3,125 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 7.6% (780 residents) 
  • College diploma: 22.1% (2,275 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.9% (195 residents) 
  • University degree: 15.9% (1,635 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Bathurst?  

The most common occupations in Bathurst fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.6% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14.6% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 12.2% 
  • Health: 11.6% 
  • Management: 1.2% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 2.2% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.6% 
  • Sales and service: 35.7% 
  • Trades and transport: 13.4% 

Data source & methodology

Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest census data from Statistics Canada (2021), with the total population figure reflecting the official 2024 population estimate.
Census aggregated data represented here is extracted from Data Tables, by topic, at the census subdivision area level.
Differences may be found between the totals of the various categories due to multiple variables.
The information is updated as soon as new data is made available. No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information.

Page last updated: September 2025