Dorchester, NB demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
906
5.1 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,200/yr
Private dwellings
221

Dorchester population

How many people live in Dorchester

Dorchester is home to 906 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 75.8% identify as male and 24.2% as female.

Total population
906
5.1% year-over-year change
Population density
158.7/km2
Gender ratio
Male
75.8%
690
Female
24.2%
220
Value Percent
Male 690 75.8%
Female 220 24.2%
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 Dorchester is 44.8. Children under 15 make up 8.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 6%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 17% are 25 to 34, 20.3% are 35 to 44, and 15.9% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 17% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 15.4%.

Average age
44.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.2%
15 to 24
6%
25 to 34
17%
35 to 44
20.3%
45 to 54
15.9%
55 to 64
17%
Over 65
15.4%
Value Percent
Under 15 75 8.2%
15 to 24 55 6%
25 to 34 155 17%
35 to 44 185 20.3%
45 to 54 145 15.9%
55 to 64 155 17%
Over 65 140 15.4%
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 Dorchester, 96.4% of residents were born in Canada, while 4.8% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
96.4%
Immigrants
4.8%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 405 96.4%
Immigrants 20 4.8%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
0%
Non-minorities
100%
Value Percent
Non-minorities 420 100%
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 Dorchester
English
90.2%
French
8.7%
English and French
1.1%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 415 90.2%
French 40 8.7%
English and French 5 1.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 90.2% of people in Dorchester speak English as their primary language, 8.7% 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 Dorchester

A peek inside Dorchester households

Dorchester has 205 households, with an average of 2.1 people living in each. One-person households make up 34.2% of all homes, while 39% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 14.7% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
205
Average people per household
2.1
1 person
34.2%
2 persons
39%
3 persons
12.2%
4 persons
9.8%
5 or more persons
4.9%
Value Percent
1 person 70 34.2%
2 persons 80 39%
3 persons 25 12.2%
4 persons 20 9.8%
5 or more persons 10 4.9%
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 Dorchester

The housing landscape of Dorchester

Dorchester has a total of 221 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Dorchester offers a variety of home sizes: 7% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 68% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 24.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
221
Housing types
Single-detached homes
87.5%
Attached homes
12.5%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 175 87.5%
Attached homes 25 12.5%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
7%
2 or 3 bedrooms
68%
4 or more bedrooms
24.4%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 15 7%
2 or 3 bedrooms 140 68%
4 or more bedrooms 50 24.4%
Homes built since 2011
0

The age of buildings in Dorchester

About 43.9% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 26.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 9.8% went up in the 1960s, 4.9% in the 1970s, and 14.6% during the 1980s.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 90 43.9%
Between 1946 and 1960 55 26.8%
Between 1961 and 1970 20 9.8%
Between 1971 and 1980 10 4.9%
Between 1981 and 1990 30 14.6%
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.

Dorchester occupancy rates

In Dorchester, there are 207 occupied private dwellings, of which 82.9% are owner-occupied and 17.1% are rented. Meanwhile, 14 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
207
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
17.1%
Owned households
82.9%
Value Percent
Rented households 35 17.1%
Owned households 170 82.9%
Unoccupied dwellings
14
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

About 92.5% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 7.5% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$532
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$0
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
92.5%
≥30% on shelter
7.5%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 185 92.5%
≥30% on shelter 15 7.5%
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 Dorchester

Dorchester education at a glance

In Dorchester, educational attainment varies across the community. About 19.2% of residents have no formal diploma, while 38.4% have completed high school and 4.1% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 30.1% have graduated from college.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 70 19.2%
High school diploma 140 38.4%
Apprenticeship diploma 15 4.1%
College diploma 110 30.1%
University degree 30 8.2%
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 Dorchester

How much people earn in Dorchester

In Dorchester, the median household income sits at $57,200, while the median after-tax household income is $52,000.

Median household income
$57,200/year
Median after-tax household income
$52,000/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.

Dorchester income by age

For those aged 25 to 34, when many are advancing in their jobs, the figure rises to $36,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $42,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $42,800, followed by $34,000 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $34,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 0
25 - 34 36,800
35 - 44 42,800
45 - 54 42,800
55 - 64 34,000
Over 65 34,800

Employment in Dorchester

Workforce and job sectors in Dorchester

In Dorchester, 215 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
215
Unemployment rate
7%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 30 14%
Natural and applied sciences 15 7%
Health 15 7%
Education, law, community and government services 25 11.6%
Sales and service 55 25.6%
Trades and transport 40 18.6%
Natural resources and agriculture 10 4.6%
Manufacturing and utilities 25 11.6%
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 Dorchester

How people get around in Dorchester

In Dorchester, the average commute is 25 minutes.

Average commute time
25 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
25%
15 to 29 minutes
28.1%
30 to 44 minutes
25%
45 to 59 minutes
21.9%
More than 60 minutes
0%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 40 25%
15 to 29 minutes 45 28.1%
30 to 44 minutes 40 25%
45 to 59 minutes 35 21.9%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 160 100%
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 Dorchester demographics 

What is the current total population in Dorchester?

Dorchester has a population of 906, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +5.1% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Dorchester?  

Dorchester has a population density of 158.7 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Dorchester?

Dorchester has the following gender distribution:
  • 75.8% males (690 residents)  
  • 24.2% females (220 residents)

What is the age distribution of Dorchester residents?  

The age distribution of Dorchester residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 8.2% (75 residents)   
  • 15-24: 6% (55 residents)   
  • 25-34: 17% (155 residents)   
  • 35-44: 20.3% (185 residents)   
  • 45-54: 15.9% (145 residents)   
  • 55-64: 17% (155 residents)   
  • Over 64: 15.4% (140 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Dorchester? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Dorchester: 
  • 96.4% non-immigrants (405 residents)  
  • 4.8% immigrants (20 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Dorchester?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Dorchester: 
  • English: 90.2% 
  • French: 8.7% 
  • English and French: 1.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Dorchester?  

The typical household size in Dorchester is 2.1 people. 

What is the median household income in Dorchester?  

The median household income in Dorchester is $57,200 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Dorchester residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Dorchester is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 19.2% (70 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 38.4% (140 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 4.1% (15 residents) 
  • College diploma: 30.1% (110 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 0% (0 residents) 
  • University degree: 8.2% (30 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Dorchester?  

The most common occupations in Dorchester fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 0% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11.6% 
  • Health: 7% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 11.6% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 7% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 4.6% 
  • Sales and service: 25.6% 
  • Trades and transport: 18.6% 

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