Bridgewater, NS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,790
3.5 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,200/yr
Private dwellings
4,493

Bridgewater population

How many people live in Bridgewater

Bridgewater is home to 8,790 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 46.3% identify as male and 53.7% as female.

Total population
8,790
3.5% year-over-year change
Population density
644.9/km2
Gender ratio
Male
46.3%
4,070
Female
53.7%
4,715
Value Percent
Male 4,070 46.3%
Female 4,715 53.7%
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 Bridgewater is 48.5. Children under 15 make up 11.8% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 10.5% are 25 to 34, 10.6% are 35 to 44, and 11.6% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.9% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 29.9%.

Average age
48.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.8%
15 to 24
9.7%
25 to 34
10.5%
35 to 44
10.6%
45 to 54
11.6%
55 to 64
15.9%
Over 65
29.9%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,040 11.8%
15 to 24 850 9.7%
25 to 34 920 10.5%
35 to 44 930 10.6%
45 to 54 1,020 11.6%
55 to 64 1,395 15.9%
Over 65 2,625 29.9%
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 Bridgewater, 91.9% of residents were born in Canada, while 6.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.4% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
91.9%
Immigrants
6.7%
Non-permanent residents
1.4%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 7,805 91.9%
Immigrants 570 6.7%
Non-permanent residents 115 1.4%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
5.2%
Non-minorities
94.8%
Value Percent
Minorities 445 5.2%
Non-minorities 8,045 94.8%
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 Bridgewater
English
98.4%
French
1.2%
English and French
0.2%
Neither English nor French
0.1%
Value Percent
English 8,470 98.4%
French 105 1.2%
English and French 20 0.2%
Neither English nor French 10 0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.4% of people in Bridgewater speak English as their primary language, 1.2% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% 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 Bridgewater

A peek inside Bridgewater households

Bridgewater has 4,260 households, with an average of 2.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 38.8% of all homes, while 38.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 11.7%, and homes with four or more people account for 10.8% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
4,260
Average people per household
2
1 person
38.8%
2 persons
38.6%
3 persons
11.7%
4 persons
7.5%
5 or more persons
3.3%
Value Percent
1 person 1,655 38.8%
2 persons 1,645 38.6%
3 persons 500 11.7%
4 persons 320 7.5%
5 or more persons 140 3.3%
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 Bridgewater

The housing landscape of Bridgewater

Bridgewater has a total of 4,493 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 48.2% are single-detached houses, 39.5% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.8% are apartments. When it comes to space, Bridgewater offers a variety of home sizes: 15% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 70% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 14.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
4,493
Housing types
Single-detached homes
48.2%
Attached homes
39.5%
Apartments
0.8%
Movable homes
11.5%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 2,050 48.2%
Attached homes 1,680 39.5%
Apartments 35 0.8%
Movable homes 490 11.5%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
15%
2 or 3 bedrooms
70%
4 or more bedrooms
14.8%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 635 15%
2 or 3 bedrooms 2,995 70%
4 or more bedrooms 630 14.8%
Homes built since 2011
440

The age of buildings in Bridgewater

About 17.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 10.3% between 1946 and 1960. Another 10% went up in the 1960s, 17.6% in the 1970s, and 13.2% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 10.3% of homes were added, and 11.2% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 730 17.1%
Between 1946 and 1960 440 10.3%
Between 1961 and 1970 425 10%
Between 1971 and 1980 750 17.6%
Between 1981 and 1990 565 13.2%
Between 1991 and 2000 440 10.3%
Between 2001 and 2010 480 11.2%
After 2011 440 10.3%
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.

Bridgewater occupancy rates

In Bridgewater, there are 4,260 occupied private dwellings, of which 58% are owner-occupied and 42% are rented. Meanwhile, 233 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
4,260
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
42%
Owned households
58%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,790 42%
Owned households 2,470 58%
Unoccupied dwellings
233
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 Bridgewater, homeowners pay a median of $800 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $920. About 76.7% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 23.3% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$800
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$920
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
76.7%
≥30% on shelter
23.3%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 3,265 76.7%
≥30% on shelter 990 23.3%
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 Bridgewater

Bridgewater education at a glance

In Bridgewater, educational attainment varies across the community. About 18.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 30% have completed high school and 7.6% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 24.3% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.2% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 17.2% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 1,400 18.8%
High school diploma 2,235 30%
Apprenticeship diploma 570 7.6%
College diploma 1,810 24.3%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 160 2.2%
University degree 1,280 17.2%
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 Bridgewater

How much people earn in Bridgewater

In Bridgewater, the median household income sits at $57,200, while the median after-tax household income is $51,600.

Median household income
$57,200/year
Median after-tax household income
$51,600/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.

Bridgewater income by age

Young adults in Bridgewater between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,000, 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 $36,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $45,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $43,200, followed by $38,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $27,200.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 19,000
25 - 34 36,400
35 - 44 45,600
45 - 54 43,200
55 - 64 38,800
Over 65 27,200

Employment in Bridgewater

Workforce and job sectors in Bridgewater

In Bridgewater, 3,945 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 12.3%. 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
3,945
Unemployment rate
12.3%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 20 0.5%
Business, finance and administration 505 13%
Natural and applied sciences 170 4.4%
Health 490 12.6%
Education, law, community and government services 475 12.2%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 100 2.6%
Sales and service 1,225 31.6%
Trades and transport 530 13.7%
Natural resources and agriculture 90 2.3%
Manufacturing and utilities 275 7.1%
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 Bridgewater

How people get around in Bridgewater

In Bridgewater, the average commute is 15 minutes. The remaining 1.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
15 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
64.4%
15 to 29 minutes
20.9%
30 to 44 minutes
8.8%
45 to 59 minutes
1.5%
More than 60 minutes
4.5%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 1,945 64.4%
15 to 29 minutes 630 20.9%
30 to 44 minutes 265 8.8%
45 to 59 minutes 45 1.5%
More than 60 minutes 135 4.5%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 2,675 88.7%
By bicycle/by walking 285 9.4%
By other methods 55 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 Bridgewater demographics 

What is the current total population in Bridgewater?

Bridgewater has a population of 8,790, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.5% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Bridgewater?  

Bridgewater has a population density of 644.9 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Bridgewater?

Bridgewater has the following gender distribution:
  • 46.3% males (4,070 residents)  
  • 53.7% females (4,715 residents)

What is the age distribution of Bridgewater residents?  

The age distribution of Bridgewater residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 11.8% (1,040 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9.7% (850 residents)   
  • 25-34: 10.5% (920 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10.6% (930 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.6% (1,020 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.9% (1,395 residents)   
  • Over 64: 29.9% (2,625 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Bridgewater? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Bridgewater: 
  • 91.9% non-immigrants (7,805 residents)  
  • 6.7% immigrants (570 residents)  
  • 1.4% non-permanent residents (115 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Bridgewater?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Bridgewater: 
  • English: 98.4% 
  • French: 1.2% 
  • English and French: 0.2% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.1% 

What is the typical household size in Bridgewater?  

The typical household size in Bridgewater is 2 people. 

What is the median household income in Bridgewater?  

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

What is the educational attainment level of Bridgewater residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Bridgewater is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 18.8% (1,400 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 30% (2,235 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 7.6% (570 residents) 
  • College diploma: 24.3% (1,810 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.2% (160 residents) 
  • University degree: 17.2% (1,280 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Bridgewater?  

The most common occupations in Bridgewater fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.6% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 13% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 12.2% 
  • Health: 12.6% 
  • Management: 0.5% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 7.1% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 4.4% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.3% 
  • Sales and service: 31.6% 
  • Trades and transport: 13.7% 

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