Amherst, NS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,404
1.8 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$55,600/yr
Private dwellings
4,799

Amherst population

How many people live in Amherst

Amherst is home to 9,404 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47% identify as male and 53% as female.

Total population
9,404
1.8% year-over-year change
Population density
779.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
47%
4,420
Female
53%
4,985
Value Percent
Male 4,420 47%
Female 4,985 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 Amherst is 46.2. Children under 15 make up 14.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 9.6% are 25 to 34, 10.4% are 35 to 44, and 12.9% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 26.2%.

Average age
46.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.2%
15 to 24
10.8%
25 to 34
9.6%
35 to 44
10.4%
45 to 54
12.9%
55 to 64
15.9%
Over 65
26.2%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,340 14.2%
15 to 24 1,015 10.8%
25 to 34 900 9.6%
35 to 44 980 10.4%
45 to 54 1,215 12.9%
55 to 64 1,495 15.9%
Over 65 2,460 26.2%
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 Amherst, 96.1% of residents were born in Canada, while 3.1% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.8% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
96.1%
Immigrants
3.1%
Non-permanent residents
0.8%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 8,885 96.1%
Immigrants 285 3.1%
Non-permanent residents 75 0.8%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
5%
Non-minorities
95%
Value Percent
Minorities 465 5%
Non-minorities 8,780 95%
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 Amherst
English
98.6%
French
1.1%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.1%
Value Percent
English 9,145 98.6%
French 105 1.1%
English and French 10 0.1%
Neither English nor French 10 0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.6% of people in Amherst speak English as their primary language, 1.1% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.1% 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 Amherst

A peek inside Amherst households

Amherst has 4,480 households, with an average of 2.1 people living in each. One-person households make up 36.9% of all homes, while 38% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 12.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
4,480
Average people per household
2.1
1 person
36.9%
2 persons
38%
3 persons
12.6%
4 persons
8.6%
5 or more persons
3.9%
Value Percent
1 person 1,655 36.9%
2 persons 1,700 38%
3 persons 565 12.6%
4 persons 385 8.6%
5 or more persons 175 3.9%
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 Amherst

The housing landscape of Amherst

Amherst has a total of 4,799 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Amherst offers a variety of home sizes: 17% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 67% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 16% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
4,799
Housing types
Single-detached homes
48.9%
Attached homes
39.9%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
11.2%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 2,190 48.9%
Attached homes 1,785 39.9%
Movable homes 500 11.2%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
17%
2 or 3 bedrooms
67%
4 or more bedrooms
16%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 765 17%
2 or 3 bedrooms 2,995 67%
4 or more bedrooms 715 16%
Homes built since 2011
255

The age of buildings in Amherst

About 28.2% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 16.3% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.4% went up in the 1960s, 12.7% in the 1970s, and 10.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 5.2% of homes were added, and 9.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 1,265 28.2%
Between 1946 and 1960 730 16.3%
Between 1961 and 1970 510 11.4%
Between 1971 and 1980 570 12.7%
Between 1981 and 1990 475 10.6%
Between 1991 and 2000 235 5.2%
Between 2001 and 2010 440 9.8%
After 2011 255 5.7%
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.

Amherst occupancy rates

In Amherst, there are 4,480 occupied private dwellings, of which 57.2% are owner-occupied and 42.8% are rented. Meanwhile, 319 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
4,480
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
42.8%
Owned households
57.2%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,915 42.8%
Owned households 2,565 57.2%
Unoccupied dwellings
319
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 Amherst, homeowners pay a median of $765 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $770. About 79.8% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 20.2% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$765
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$770
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
79.8%
≥30% on shelter
20.2%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 3,575 79.8%
≥30% on shelter 905 20.2%
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 Amherst

Amherst education at a glance

In Amherst, educational attainment varies across the community. About 23.5% of residents have no formal diploma, while 32.3% have completed high school and 8.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 21.4% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 12.8% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,855 23.5%
High school diploma 2,555 32.3%
Apprenticeship diploma 650 8.2%
College diploma 1,690 21.4%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 140 1.8%
University degree 1,015 12.8%
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 Amherst

How much people earn in Amherst

In Amherst, the median household income sits at $55,600, while the median after-tax household income is $50,400.

Median household income
$55,600/year
Median after-tax household income
$50,400/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.

Amherst income by age

Young adults in Amherst between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,800, 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 $38,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $44,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $43,600, followed by $36,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $26,200.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 17,800
25 - 34 38,000
35 - 44 44,400
45 - 54 43,600
55 - 64 36,400
Over 65 26,200

Employment in Amherst

Workforce and job sectors in Amherst

In Amherst, 4,120 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 11.9%. 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
4,120
Unemployment rate
11.9%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 30 0.8%
Business, finance and administration 575 14.3%
Natural and applied sciences 150 3.7%
Health 395 9.8%
Education, law, community and government services 525 13.1%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 65 1.6%
Sales and service 1,295 32.2%
Trades and transport 555 13.8%
Natural resources and agriculture 75 1.9%
Manufacturing and utilities 355 8.8%
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 Amherst

How people get around in Amherst

In Amherst, the average commute is 14 minutes. The remaining 2.4% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
14 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
68%
15 to 29 minutes
16.4%
30 to 44 minutes
9.4%
45 to 59 minutes
2.8%
More than 60 minutes
3.3%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 2,160 68%
15 to 29 minutes 520 16.4%
30 to 44 minutes 300 9.4%
45 to 59 minutes 90 2.8%
More than 60 minutes 105 3.3%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 2,820 88.8%
By bicycle/by walking 280 8.8%
By other methods 75 2.4%
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 Amherst demographics 

What is the current total population in Amherst?

Amherst has a population of 9,404, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.8% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Amherst?  

Amherst has a population density of 779.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Amherst?

Amherst has the following gender distribution:
  • 47% males (4,420 residents)  
  • 53% females (4,985 residents)

What is the age distribution of Amherst residents?  

The age distribution of Amherst residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 14.2% (1,340 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10.8% (1,015 residents)   
  • 25-34: 9.6% (900 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10.4% (980 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.9% (1,215 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.9% (1,495 residents)   
  • Over 64: 26.2% (2,460 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Amherst? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Amherst: 
  • 96.1% non-immigrants (8,885 residents)  
  • 3.1% immigrants (285 residents)  
  • 0.8% non-permanent residents (75 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Amherst?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Amherst: 
  • English: 98.6% 
  • French: 1.1% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.1% 

What is the typical household size in Amherst?  

The typical household size in Amherst is 2.1 people. 

What is the median household income in Amherst?  

The median household income in Amherst is $55,600 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Amherst residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Amherst is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 23.5% (1,855 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 32.3% (2,555 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 8.2% (650 residents) 
  • College diploma: 21.4% (1,690 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.8% (140 residents) 
  • University degree: 12.8% (1,015 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Amherst?  

The most common occupations in Amherst fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.6% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14.3% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 13.1% 
  • Health: 9.8% 
  • Management: 0.8% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 8.8% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 3.7% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 1.9% 
  • Sales and service: 32.2% 
  • Trades and transport: 13.8% 

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