Dalhousie, NB demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,223
-0.8 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,400/yr
Private dwellings
1,678

Dalhousie population

How many people live in Dalhousie

Dalhousie is home to 3,223 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47% identify as male and 53% as female.

Total population
3,223
-0.8% year-over-year change
Population density
213.1/km2
Gender ratio
Male
47%
1,515
Female
53%
1,705
Value Percent
Male 1,515 47%
Female 1,705 53%
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 Dalhousie is 52.7. Children under 15 make up 11.3% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 6.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 7.9% are 25 to 34, 7.9% are 35 to 44, and 10.5% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 18.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 36.6%.

Average age
52.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.3%
15 to 24
6.8%
25 to 34
7.9%
35 to 44
7.9%
45 to 54
10.5%
55 to 64
18.9%
Over 65
36.6%
Value Percent
Under 15 365 11.3%
15 to 24 220 6.8%
25 to 34 255 7.9%
35 to 44 255 7.9%
45 to 54 340 10.5%
55 to 64 610 18.9%
Over 65 1,180 36.6%
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 Dalhousie, 97.3% of residents were born in Canada, while 2.3% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
97.3%
Immigrants
2.3%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 2,915 97.3%
Immigrants 70 2.3%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
2.3%
Non-minorities
97.7%
Value Percent
Minorities 70 2.3%
Non-minorities 2,925 97.7%
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 Dalhousie
English
54%
French
44.9%
English and French
1.1%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 1,660 54%
French 1,380 44.9%
English and French 35 1.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 54% of people in Dalhousie speak English as their primary language, 44.9% 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 Dalhousie

A peek inside Dalhousie households

Dalhousie has 1,525 households, with an average of 2.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 37.3% of all homes, while 41.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 11.9%, and homes with four or more people account for 9.2% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
1,525
Average people per household
2
1 person
37.3%
2 persons
41.6%
3 persons
11.9%
4 persons
6.9%
5 or more persons
2.3%
Value Percent
1 person 565 37.3%
2 persons 630 41.6%
3 persons 180 11.9%
4 persons 105 6.9%
5 or more persons 35 2.3%
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 Dalhousie

The housing landscape of Dalhousie

Dalhousie has a total of 1,678 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Dalhousie offers a variety of home sizes: 11% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 71% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 18% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
1,678
Housing types
Single-detached homes
73.1%
Attached homes
26.9%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,115 73.1%
Attached homes 410 26.9%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
11%
2 or 3 bedrooms
71%
4 or more bedrooms
18%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 165 11%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,085 71%
4 or more bedrooms 275 18%
Homes built since 2011
15

The age of buildings in Dalhousie

About 19.9% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 27.5% between 1946 and 1960. Another 20.9% went up in the 1960s, 15.9% in the 1970s, and 7.3% during the 1980s.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 300 19.9%
Between 1946 and 1960 415 27.5%
Between 1961 and 1970 315 20.9%
Between 1971 and 1980 240 15.9%
Between 1981 and 1990 110 7.3%
Between 1991 and 2000 115 7.6%
After 2011 15 1%
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.

Dalhousie occupancy rates

In Dalhousie, there are 1,523 occupied private dwellings, of which 72.4% are owner-occupied and 27.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 155 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
1,523
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
27.6%
Owned households
72.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 420 27.6%
Owned households 1,100 72.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
155
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 Dalhousie, homeowners pay a median of $536 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $572. About 87.5% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 12.5% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$536
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$572
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
87.5%
≥30% on shelter
12.5%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 1,325 87.5%
≥30% on shelter 190 12.5%
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 Dalhousie

Dalhousie education at a glance

In Dalhousie, educational attainment varies across the community. About 20% of residents have no formal diploma, while 26.6% have completed high school and 11.1% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 29.2% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.5% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 11.5% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 530 20%
High school diploma 705 26.6%
Apprenticeship diploma 295 11.1%
College diploma 775 29.2%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 40 1.5%
University degree 305 11.5%
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 Dalhousie

How much people earn in Dalhousie

In Dalhousie, the median household income sits at $54,400, while the median after-tax household income is $49,600.

Median household income
$54,400/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.

Dalhousie income by age

Young adults in Dalhousie between 15 and 24 have a median income of $23,600, 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 $39,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $42,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $43,200, followed by $36,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $28,400.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 23,600
25 - 34 39,200
35 - 44 42,800
45 - 54 43,200
55 - 64 36,400
Over 65 28,400

Employment in Dalhousie

Workforce and job sectors in Dalhousie

In Dalhousie, 1,045 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 12%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, education, law, community and government services, and trades and transport employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
1,045
Unemployment rate
12%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 15 1.5%
Business, finance and administration 125 12.2%
Natural and applied sciences 55 5.4%
Health 130 12.7%
Education, law, community and government services 215 21%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 10 1%
Sales and service 270 26.3%
Trades and transport 155 15.1%
Natural resources and agriculture 20 2%
Manufacturing and utilities 30 2.9%
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 Dalhousie

How people get around in Dalhousie

In Dalhousie, the average commute is 15 minutes. The remaining 1.2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
15 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
55.7%
15 to 29 minutes
33.5%
30 to 44 minutes
6.6%
45 to 59 minutes
2.4%
More than 60 minutes
1.8%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 465 55.7%
15 to 29 minutes 280 33.5%
30 to 44 minutes 55 6.6%
45 to 59 minutes 20 2.4%
More than 60 minutes 15 1.8%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 790 93.5%
By bicycle/by walking 45 5.3%
By other methods 10 1.2%
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 Dalhousie demographics 

What is the current total population in Dalhousie?

Dalhousie has a population of 3,223, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a -0.8% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Dalhousie?  

Dalhousie has a population density of 213.1 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Dalhousie?

Dalhousie has the following gender distribution:
  • 47% males (1,515 residents)  
  • 53% females (1,705 residents)

What is the age distribution of Dalhousie residents?  

The age distribution of Dalhousie residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 11.3% (365 residents)   
  • 15-24: 6.8% (220 residents)   
  • 25-34: 7.9% (255 residents)   
  • 35-44: 7.9% (255 residents)   
  • 45-54: 10.5% (340 residents)   
  • 55-64: 18.9% (610 residents)   
  • Over 64: 36.6% (1,180 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Dalhousie? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Dalhousie: 
  • 97.3% non-immigrants (2,915 residents)  
  • 2.3% immigrants (70 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Dalhousie?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Dalhousie: 
  • English: 54% 
  • French: 44.9% 
  • English and French: 1.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Dalhousie?  

The typical household size in Dalhousie is 2 people. 

What is the median household income in Dalhousie?  

The median household income in Dalhousie is $54,400 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

What is the educational attainment level of Dalhousie residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Dalhousie is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 20% (530 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 26.6% (705 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 11.1% (295 residents) 
  • College diploma: 29.2% (775 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.5% (40 residents) 
  • University degree: 11.5% (305 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Dalhousie?  

The most common occupations in Dalhousie fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 12.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 21% 
  • Health: 12.7% 
  • Management: 1.5% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 2.9% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.4% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2% 
  • Sales and service: 26.3% 
  • Trades and transport: 15.1% 

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