Total population

969,383

1.9 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$71,500/yr

Private dwellings

476,007

Nova Scotia population

How many people live in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is home to 969,383 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.7% identify as male and 51.3% as female.

Total population

969,383

1.9% year-over-year change

Population density

18.4/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48.7%

471,730

Female

51.3%

497,650

	Value	Percent
Male	471,730	48.7%
Female	497,650	51.3%

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 Nova Scotia is 44.2. Children under 15 make up 14.1% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.4% are 25 to 34, 11.8% are 35 to 44, and 12.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 22.2%.

Average age

44.2

Age breakdown

Under 15: 14.1%
15 to 24: 11%
25 to 34: 12.4%
35 to 44: 11.8%
45 to 54: 12.7%
55 to 64: 15.9%
Over 65: 22.2%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	136,710	14.1%
15 to 24	106,185	11%
25 to 34	120,005	12.4%
35 to 44	114,175	11.8%
45 to 54	122,975	12.7%
55 to 64	154,015	15.9%
Over 65	215,325	22.2%

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 Nova Scotia, 90.2% of residents were born in Canada, while 7.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.3% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 90.2%
Immigrants: 7.5%
Non-permanent residents: 2.3%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	861,945	90.2%
Immigrants	71,565	7.5%
Non-permanent residents	22,345	2.3%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 9.8%
Non-minorities: 90.2%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	93,430	9.8%
Non-minorities	862,425	90.2%

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 Nova Scotia

English: 96.6%
French: 2.8%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.3%

	Value	Percent
English	926,860	96.6%
French	26,775	2.8%
English and French	2,320	0.2%
Neither English nor French	3,030	0.3%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 96.6% of people in Nova Scotia speak English as their primary language, 2.8% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% are bilingual, and 0.3% 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 Nova Scotia

A peek inside Nova Scotia households

Nova Scotia has 428,230 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 30.8% of all homes, while 38.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 15.9% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

428,230

Average people per household

2.2

1 person: 30.8%
2 persons: 38.9%
3 persons: 14.4%
4 persons: 10.7%
5 or more persons: 5.2%

	Value	Percent
1 person	131,850	30.8%
2 persons	166,475	38.9%
3 persons	61,700	14.4%
4 persons	45,700	10.7%
5 or more persons	22,500	5.2%

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 Nova Scotia

The housing landscape of Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has a total of 476,007 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 63.7% are single-detached houses, 26% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 6.7% are apartments. When it comes to space, Nova Scotia offers a variety of home sizes: 13% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 65% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 22.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

476,007

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 63.7%
Attached homes: 26%
Apartments: 6.7%
Movable homes: 3.6%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	272,980	63.7%
Attached homes	111,265	26%
Apartments	28,650	6.7%
Movable homes	15,345	3.6%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 13%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 65%
4 or more bedrooms: 22.1%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	54,230	13%
2 or 3 bedrooms	279,370	65%
4 or more bedrooms	94,630	22.1%

Homes built since 2011

41,940

The age of buildings in Nova Scotia

About 15.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 10.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 10.8% went up in the 1960s, 16.5% in the 1970s, and 14% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 12.3% of homes were added, and 10.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	64,775	15.1%
Between 1946 and 1960	46,070	10.8%
Between 1961 and 1970	46,215	10.8%
Between 1971 and 1980	70,540	16.5%
Between 1981 and 1990	59,840	14%
Between 1991 and 2000	52,820	12.3%
Between 2001 and 2010	46,025	10.8%
After 2011	41,940	9.8%

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.

Nova Scotia occupancy rates

In Nova Scotia, there are 428,228 occupied private dwellings, of which 66.8% are owner-occupied and 32.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 47,779 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

428,228

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 32.6%
Owned households: 66.8%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	139,415	32.6%
Owned households	285,995	66.8%

Unoccupied dwellings

47,779

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 Nova Scotia, homeowners pay a median of $870 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,000. About 82.1% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 17.9% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$870

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,000

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 82.1%
≥30% on shelter: 17.9%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	346,445	82.1%
≥30% on shelter	75,475	17.9%

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 Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia education at a glance

In Nova Scotia, educational attainment varies across the community. About 16.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 26.9% have completed high school and 8.6% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 21.2% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 24.3% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	137,525	16.8%
High school diploma	220,205	26.9%
Apprenticeship diploma	70,140	8.6%
College diploma	173,685	21.2%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	19,035	2.3%
University degree	198,725	24.3%

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 Nova Scotia

How much people earn in Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, the median household income sits at $71,500, while the median after-tax household income is $62,400.

Median household income

$71,500/year

Median after-tax household income

$62,400/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.

Nova Scotia income by age

Young adults in Nova Scotia between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,400, 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 $40,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $50,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $50,800, followed by $42,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $31,000.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	18,400
25 - 34	40,400
35 - 44	50,800
45 - 54	50,800
55 - 64	42,400
Over 65	31,000

Employment in Nova Scotia

Workforce and job sectors in Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, 487,260 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 12.7%. 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

487,260

Unemployment rate

12.7%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	5,065	1.1%
Business, finance and administration	73,305	15.4%
Natural and applied sciences	32,455	6.8%
Health	45,420	9.5%
Education, law, community and government services	66,135	13.9%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	13,070	2.7%
Sales and service	123,130	25.8%
Trades and transport	80,775	17%
Natural resources and agriculture	17,745	3.7%
Manufacturing and utilities	19,200	4%

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 Nova Scotia

How people get around in Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, the average commute is 21 minutes. About 87.4% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 4.1% rely on public transit and 6.1% walk or bike. The remaining 2.3% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

21 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 38.4%
15 to 29 minutes: 36.7%
30 to 44 minutes: 15.4%
45 to 59 minutes: 4.7%
More than 60 minutes: 4.8%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	128,935	38.4%
15 to 29 minutes	123,315	36.7%
30 to 44 minutes	51,690	15.4%
45 to 59 minutes	15,840	4.7%
More than 60 minutes	16,230	4.8%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	293,665	87.4%
By public transit	13,895	4.1%
By bicycle/by walking	20,580	6.1%
By other methods	7,870	2.3%

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 Nova Scotia demographics

What is the current total population in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia has a population of 969,383, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.9% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia has a population density of 18.4 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia has the following gender distribution:

48.7% males (471,730 residents)
51.3% females (497,650 residents)

What is the age distribution of Nova Scotia residents?

The age distribution of Nova Scotia residents is as follows:

Under 15: 14.1% (136,710 residents)
15-24: 11% (106,185 residents)
25-34: 12.4% (120,005 residents)
35-44: 11.8% (114,175 residents)
45-54: 12.7% (122,975 residents)
55-64: 15.9% (154,015 residents)
Over 64: 22.2% (215,325 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Nova Scotia?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Nova Scotia:

90.2% non-immigrants (861,945 residents)
7.5% immigrants (71,565 residents)
2.3% non-permanent residents (22,345 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Nova Scotia?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Nova Scotia:

English: 96.6%
French: 2.8%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0.3%

What is the typical household size in Nova Scotia?

The typical household size in Nova Scotia is 2.2 people.

What is the median household income in Nova Scotia?

The median household income in Nova Scotia is $71,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Nova Scotia residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Nova Scotia is as follows:

No diploma: 16.8% (137,525 residents)
High school diploma: 26.9% (220,205 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 8.6% (70,140 residents)
College diploma: 21.2% (173,685 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 2.3% (19,035 residents)
University degree: 24.3% (198,725 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Nova Scotia?

The most common occupations in Nova Scotia fall within the sectors listed below:

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.7%
Business, finance and administration: 15.4%
Education, law, community and government services: 13.9%
Health: 9.5%
Management: 1.1%
Manufacturing and utilities: 4%
Natural and applied sciences: 6.8%
Natural resources and agriculture: 3.7%
Sales and service: 25.8%
Trades and transport: 17%

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

Nova Scotia demographics:population, income, and more