Cape Breton Island, NS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
93,694
3.0 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,400/yr
Private dwellings
46,471

Cape Breton Island population

How many people live in Cape Breton Island

Cape Breton Island is home to 93,694 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47.9% identify as male and 52.1% as female.

Total population
93,694
3.0% year-over-year change
Population density
38.7/km2
Gender ratio
Male
47.9%
44,885
Female
52.1%
48,810
Value Percent
Male 44,885 47.9%
Female 48,810 52.1%
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 Cape Breton Island is 46.9. Children under 15 make up 12.5% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.2%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 10.8% are 25 to 34, 10.1% are 35 to 44, and 12.2% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 17.5% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 26.7%.

Average age
46.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.5%
15 to 24
10.2%
25 to 34
10.8%
35 to 44
10.1%
45 to 54
12.2%
55 to 64
17.5%
Over 65
26.7%
Value Percent
Under 15 11,750 12.5%
15 to 24 9,580 10.2%
25 to 34 10,100 10.8%
35 to 44 9,445 10.1%
45 to 54 11,420 12.2%
55 to 64 16,380 17.5%
Over 65 25,030 26.7%
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 Cape Breton Island, 95.2% of residents were born in Canada, while 2.3% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
95.2%
Immigrants
2.3%
Non-permanent residents
2.5%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 87,565 95.2%
Immigrants 2,120 2.3%
Non-permanent residents 2,330 2.5%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
5.4%
Non-minorities
94.6%
Value Percent
Minorities 4,930 5.4%
Non-minorities 87,085 94.6%
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 Cape Breton Island
English
99.1%
French
0.7%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.1%
Value Percent
English 91,480 99.1%
French 640 0.7%
English and French 65 0.1%
Neither English nor French 90 0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99.1% of people in Cape Breton Island speak English as their primary language, 0.7% 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 Cape Breton Island

A peek inside Cape Breton Island households

Cape Breton Island has 42,315 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 33.2% of all homes, while 37.3% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 14.3% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
42,315
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
33.2%
2 persons
37.3%
3 persons
15.2%
4 persons
9.5%
5 or more persons
4.8%
Value Percent
1 person 14,055 33.2%
2 persons 15,795 37.3%
3 persons 6,430 15.2%
4 persons 4,025 9.5%
5 or more persons 2,015 4.8%
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 Cape Breton Island

The housing landscape of Cape Breton Island

Cape Breton Island has a total of 46,471 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 73.5% are single-detached houses, 23.2% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.5% are apartments. When it comes to space, Cape Breton Island offers a variety of home sizes: 10% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 70% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 19.9% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
46,471
Housing types
Single-detached homes
73.5%
Attached homes
23.2%
Apartments
0.5%
Movable homes
2.7%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 31,105 73.5%
Attached homes 9,840 23.2%
Apartments 215 0.5%
Movable homes 1,155 2.7%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
10%
2 or 3 bedrooms
70%
4 or more bedrooms
19.9%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 4,445 10%
2 or 3 bedrooms 29,435 70%
4 or more bedrooms 8,435 19.9%
Homes built since 2011
2,310

The age of buildings in Cape Breton Island

About 20.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 16.7% between 1946 and 1960. Another 12.3% went up in the 1960s, 18.1% in the 1970s, and 12% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 9.1% of homes were added, and 5.7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 8,705 20.6%
Between 1946 and 1960 7,065 16.7%
Between 1961 and 1970 5,200 12.3%
Between 1971 and 1980 7,675 18.1%
Between 1981 and 1990 5,095 12%
Between 1991 and 2000 3,835 9.1%
Between 2001 and 2010 2,430 5.7%
After 2011 2,310 5.5%
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.

Cape Breton Island occupancy rates

In Cape Breton Island, there are 42,316 occupied private dwellings, of which 71.1% are owner-occupied and 28.9% are rented. Meanwhile, 4,155 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
42,316
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
28.9%
Owned households
71.1%
Value Percent
Rented households 12,215 28.9%
Owned households 30,100 71.1%
Unoccupied dwellings
4,155
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 Cape Breton Island, homeowners pay a median of $710 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $800. About 83.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 16.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$710
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$800
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
83.9%
≥30% on shelter
16.1%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 35,415 83.9%
≥30% on shelter 6,815 16.1%
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 Cape Breton Island

Cape Breton Island education at a glance

In Cape Breton Island, educational attainment varies across the community. About 19% of residents have no formal diploma, while 28.5% have completed high school and 10.9% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 21.4% have graduated from college. Finally, 3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 17.2% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 15,235 19%
High school diploma 22,900 28.5%
Apprenticeship diploma 8,720 10.9%
College diploma 17,150 21.4%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 2,425 3%
University degree 13,830 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 Cape Breton Island

How much people earn in Cape Breton Island

In Cape Breton Island, the median household income sits at $62,400, while the median after-tax household income is $55,600.

Median household income
$62,400/year
Median after-tax household income
$55,600/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.

Cape Breton Island income by age

Young adults in Cape Breton Island 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 $36,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $46,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $44,800, followed by $39,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $28,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 18,600
25 - 34 36,400
35 - 44 46,000
45 - 54 44,800
55 - 64 39,200
Over 65 28,600

Employment in Cape Breton Island

Workforce and job sectors in Cape Breton Island

In Cape Breton Island, 41,585 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 19.5%. 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
41,585
Unemployment rate
19.5%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 185 0.5%
Business, finance and administration 5,595 14%
Natural and applied sciences 1,465 3.7%
Health 5,225 13.1%
Education, law, community and government services 5,285 13.2%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 675 1.7%
Sales and service 12,180 30.5%
Trades and transport 6,785 17%
Natural resources and agriculture 1,355 3.4%
Manufacturing and utilities 1,205 3%
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 Cape Breton Island

How people get around in Cape Breton Island

In Cape Breton Island, the average commute is 18 minutes. About 91.9% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 1.9% rely on public transit and 3.6% walk or bike. The remaining 2.6% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
18 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
46.4%
15 to 29 minutes
35.6%
30 to 44 minutes
12.8%
45 to 59 minutes
2.6%
More than 60 minutes
2.6%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 13,575 46.4%
15 to 29 minutes 10,425 35.6%
30 to 44 minutes 3,755 12.8%
45 to 59 minutes 770 2.6%
More than 60 minutes 760 2.6%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 26,915 91.9%
By public transit 560 1.9%
By bicycle/by walking 1,050 3.6%
By other methods 765 2.6%
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.

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Cape Breton Island demographics 

What is the current total population in Cape Breton Island?

Cape Breton Island has a population of 93,694, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.0% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Cape Breton Island?  

Cape Breton Island has a population density of 38.7 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Cape Breton Island?

Cape Breton Island has the following gender distribution:
  • 47.9% males (44,885 residents)  
  • 52.1% females (48,810 residents)

What is the age distribution of Cape Breton Island residents?  

The age distribution of Cape Breton Island residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 12.5% (11,750 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10.2% (9,580 residents)   
  • 25-34: 10.8% (10,100 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10.1% (9,445 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.2% (11,420 residents)   
  • 55-64: 17.5% (16,380 residents)   
  • Over 64: 26.7% (25,030 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Cape Breton Island? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Cape Breton Island: 
  • 95.2% non-immigrants (87,565 residents)  
  • 2.3% immigrants (2,120 residents)  
  • 2.5% non-permanent residents (2,330 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Cape Breton Island?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Cape Breton Island: 
  • English: 99.1% 
  • French: 0.7% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.1% 

What is the typical household size in Cape Breton Island?  

The typical household size in Cape Breton Island is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Cape Breton Island?  

The median household income in Cape Breton Island is $62,400 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Cape Breton Island residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Cape Breton Island is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 19% (15,235 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 28.5% (22,900 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 10.9% (8,720 residents) 
  • College diploma: 21.4% (17,150 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3% (2,425 residents) 
  • University degree: 17.2% (13,830 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Cape Breton Island?  

The most common occupations in Cape Breton Island fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.7% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 14% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 13.2% 
  • Health: 13.1% 
  • Management: 0.5% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 3% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 3.7% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3.4% 
  • Sales and service: 30.5% 
  • 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