Total population

4,656

2.5 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$54,800/yr

Private dwellings

2,675

Antigonish population

How many people live in Antigonish

Antigonish is home to 4,656 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 45.8% identify as male and 54.2% as female.

Total population

4,656

2.5% year-over-year change

Population density

934.5/km2

Gender ratio

Male

45.8%

2,130

Female

54.2%

2,525

	Value	Percent
Male	2,130	45.8%
Female	2,525	54.2%

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 Antigonish is 43.8. Children under 15 make up 12% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 18.6%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 12.8% are 25 to 34, 9.5% are 35 to 44, and 9.5% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.8% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 24.8%.

Average age

43.8

Age breakdown

Under 15: 12%
15 to 24: 18.6%
25 to 34: 12.8%
35 to 44: 9.5%
45 to 54: 9.5%
55 to 64: 12.8%
Over 65: 24.8%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	560	12%
15 to 24	865	18.6%
25 to 34	595	12.8%
35 to 44	440	9.5%
45 to 54	440	9.5%
55 to 64	595	12.8%
Over 65	1,155	24.8%

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 Antigonish, 87.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 6.8% have settled here from abroad. Another 5.4% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 87.8%
Immigrants: 6.8%
Non-permanent residents: 5.4%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	3,910	87.8%
Immigrants	305	6.8%
Non-permanent residents	240	5.4%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 12.9%
Non-minorities: 87.1%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	575	12.9%
Non-minorities	3,880	87.1%

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 Antigonish

English: 97.9%
French: 1.6%
English and French: 0.3%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

	Value	Percent
English	4,390	97.9%
French	70	1.6%
English and French	15	0.3%
Neither English nor French	10	0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.9% of people in Antigonish speak English as their primary language, 1.6% communicate mainly in French, 0.3% are bilingual, and 0.2% 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 Antigonish

A peek inside Antigonish households

Antigonish has 2,205 households, with an average of 2.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 43.8% of all homes, while 32% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 11.1%, and homes with four or more people account for 13.2% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

2,205

Average people per household

1 person: 43.8%
2 persons: 32%
3 persons: 11.1%
4 persons: 7.5%
5 or more persons: 5.7%

	Value	Percent
1 person	965	43.8%
2 persons	705	32%
3 persons	245	11.1%
4 persons	165	7.5%
5 or more persons	125	5.7%

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 Antigonish

The housing landscape of Antigonish

Antigonish has a total of 2,675 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 43.8% are single-detached houses, 48.1% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 1.1% are apartments. When it comes to space, Antigonish offers a variety of home sizes: 16% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 57% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 26.1% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

2,675

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 43.8%
Attached homes: 48.1%
Apartments: 1.1%
Movable homes: 7%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	965	43.8%
Attached homes	1,060	48.1%
Apartments	25	1.1%
Movable homes	155	7%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 16%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 57%
4 or more bedrooms: 26.1%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	365	16%
2 or 3 bedrooms	1,265	57%
4 or more bedrooms	575	26.1%

Homes built since 2011

The age of buildings in Antigonish

About 9.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 9.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 22.8% went up in the 1960s, 18.9% in the 1970s, and 16.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 13.4% of homes were added, and 5% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	210	9.6%
Between 1946 and 1960	215	9.8%
Between 1961 and 1970	500	22.8%
Between 1971 and 1980	415	18.9%
Between 1981 and 1990	365	16.6%
Between 1991 and 2000	295	13.4%
Between 2001 and 2010	110	5%
After 2011	85	3.9%

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.

Antigonish occupancy rates

In Antigonish, there are 2,205 occupied private dwellings, of which 43.3% are owner-occupied and 56.7% are rented. Meanwhile, 470 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

2,205

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 56.7%
Owned households: 43.3%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	1,250	56.7%
Owned households	955	43.3%

Unoccupied dwellings

470

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 Antigonish, homeowners pay a median of $650 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $830. About 75.3% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 24.7% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$650

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$830

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 75.3%
≥30% on shelter: 24.7%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	1,665	75.3%
≥30% on shelter	545	24.7%

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 Antigonish

Antigonish education at a glance

In Antigonish, educational attainment varies across the community. About 11.5% of residents have no formal diploma, while 29.3% have completed high school and 6.1% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 16.6% have graduated from college. Finally, 2% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 34.6% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	435	11.5%
High school diploma	1,110	29.3%
Apprenticeship diploma	230	6.1%
College diploma	630	16.6%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	75	2%
University degree	1,310	34.6%

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 Antigonish

How much people earn in Antigonish

In Antigonish, the median household income sits at $54,800, while the median after-tax household income is $49,200.

Median household income

$54,800/year

Median after-tax household income

$49,200/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.

Antigonish income by age

Young adults in Antigonish between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,600, 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 $33,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $42,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $42,400, followed by $44,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $33,200.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	18,600
25 - 34	33,600
35 - 44	42,000
45 - 54	42,400
55 - 64	44,800
Over 65	33,200

Employment in Antigonish

Workforce and job sectors in Antigonish

In Antigonish, 2,335 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 17.6%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, education, law, community and government services, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

2,335

Unemployment rate

17.6%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	10	0.4%
Business, finance and administration	300	13.1%
Natural and applied sciences	70	3.1%
Health	250	10.9%
Education, law, community and government services	470	20.6%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	65	2.8%
Sales and service	750	32.8%
Trades and transport	210	9.2%
Natural resources and agriculture	100	4.4%
Manufacturing and utilities	60	2.6%

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 Antigonish

How people get around in Antigonish

In Antigonish, the average commute is 14 minutes. The remaining 1.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

14 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 72.1%
15 to 29 minutes: 15.5%
30 to 44 minutes: 4.7%
45 to 59 minutes: 3.5%
More than 60 minutes: 4.1%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	1,230	72.1%
15 to 29 minutes	265	15.5%
30 to 44 minutes	80	4.7%
45 to 59 minutes	60	3.5%
More than 60 minutes	70	4.1%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	1,375	80.2%
By bicycle/by walking	310	18.1%
By other methods	30	1.8%

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 Antigonish demographics

What is the current total population in Antigonish?

Antigonish has a population of 4,656, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.5% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Antigonish?

Antigonish has a population density of 934.5 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Antigonish?

Antigonish has the following gender distribution:

45.8% males (2,130 residents)
54.2% females (2,525 residents)

What is the age distribution of Antigonish residents?

The age distribution of Antigonish residents is as follows:

Under 15: 12% (560 residents)
15-24: 18.6% (865 residents)
25-34: 12.8% (595 residents)
35-44: 9.5% (440 residents)
45-54: 9.5% (440 residents)
55-64: 12.8% (595 residents)
Over 64: 24.8% (1,155 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Antigonish?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Antigonish:

87.8% non-immigrants (3,910 residents)
6.8% immigrants (305 residents)
5.4% non-permanent residents (240 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Antigonish?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Antigonish:

English: 97.9%
French: 1.6%
English and French: 0.3%
Neither English nor French: 0.2%

What is the typical household size in Antigonish?

The typical household size in Antigonish is 2 people.

What is the median household income in Antigonish?

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

What is the educational attainment level of Antigonish residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Antigonish is as follows:

No diploma: 11.5% (435 residents)
High school diploma: 29.3% (1,110 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 6.1% (230 residents)
College diploma: 16.6% (630 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 2% (75 residents)
University degree: 34.6% (1,310 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Antigonish?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.8%
Business, finance and administration: 13.1%
Education, law, community and government services: 20.6%
Health: 10.9%
Management: 0.4%
Manufacturing and utilities: 2.6%
Natural and applied sciences: 3.1%
Natural resources and agriculture: 4.4%
Sales and service: 32.8%
Trades and transport: 9.2%

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

Antigonish, NS demographics:population, income, and more