Digby, NS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,001
2.7 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$43,200/yr
Private dwellings
1,133

Digby population

How many people live in Digby

Digby is home to 2,001 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 45% identify as male and 55% as female.

Total population
2,001
2.7% year-over-year change
Population density
634/km2
Gender ratio
Male
45%
900
Female
55%
1,100
Value Percent
Male 900 45%
Female 1,100 55%
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 Digby is 50.2. Children under 15 make up 11% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 9% are 25 to 34, 8.5% are 35 to 44, and 11% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 17% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 33.6%.

Average age
50.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
11%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 34
9%
35 to 44
8.5%
45 to 54
11%
55 to 64
17%
Over 65
33.6%
Value Percent
Under 15 220 11%
15 to 24 195 9.8%
25 to 34 180 9%
35 to 44 170 8.5%
45 to 54 220 11%
55 to 64 340 17%
Over 65 670 33.6%
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 Digby, 91% of residents were born in Canada, while 6.9% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.8% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
91%
Immigrants
6.9%
Non-permanent residents
1.8%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 1,725 91%
Immigrants 130 6.9%
Non-permanent residents 35 1.8%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
8.2%
Non-minorities
91.8%
Value Percent
Minorities 155 8.2%
Non-minorities 1,740 91.8%
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 Digby
English
96.6%
French
2.9%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0.5%
Value Percent
English 1,830 96.6%
French 55 2.9%
Neither English nor French 10 0.5%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 96.6% of people in Digby speak English as their primary language, 2.9% communicate mainly in French, are bilingual, and 0.5% 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 Digby

A peek inside Digby households

Digby has 1,030 households, with an average of 1.8 people living in each. One-person households make up 47.1% of all homes, while 34.5% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 10.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 8.2% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
1,030
Average people per household
1.8
1 person
47.1%
2 persons
34.5%
3 persons
10.2%
4 persons
5.3%
5 or more persons
2.9%
Value Percent
1 person 485 47.1%
2 persons 355 34.5%
3 persons 105 10.2%
4 persons 55 5.3%
5 or more persons 30 2.9%
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 Digby

The housing landscape of Digby

Digby has a total of 1,133 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Digby offers a variety of home sizes: 20% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 68% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 12.2% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
1,133
Housing types
Single-detached homes
55.3%
Attached homes
44.2%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0.5%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 570 55.3%
Attached homes 455 44.2%
Movable homes 5 0.5%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
20%
2 or 3 bedrooms
68%
4 or more bedrooms
12.2%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 200 20%
2 or 3 bedrooms 700 68%
4 or more bedrooms 125 12.2%
Homes built since 2011
80

The age of buildings in Digby

About 24.8% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 18.9% between 1946 and 1960. Another 12.1% went up in the 1960s, 15.5% in the 1970s, and 8.7% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 5.8% of homes were added, and 6.3% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 255 24.8%
Between 1946 and 1960 195 18.9%
Between 1961 and 1970 125 12.1%
Between 1971 and 1980 160 15.5%
Between 1981 and 1990 90 8.7%
Between 1991 and 2000 60 5.8%
Between 2001 and 2010 65 6.3%
After 2011 80 7.8%
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.

Digby occupancy rates

In Digby, there are 1,030 occupied private dwellings, of which 40.8% are owner-occupied and 59.2% are rented. Meanwhile, 103 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
1,030
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
59.2%
Owned households
40.8%
Value Percent
Rented households 610 59.2%
Owned households 420 40.8%
Unoccupied dwellings
103
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 Digby, homeowners pay a median of $765 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $730. 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
$765
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$730
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
76.7%
≥30% on shelter
23.3%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 790 76.7%
≥30% on shelter 240 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 Digby

Digby education at a glance

In Digby, educational attainment varies across the community. About 29.9% of residents have no formal diploma, while 29.6% have completed high school and 8.4% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 15.9% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.5% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 12.8% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 515 29.9%
High school diploma 510 29.6%
Apprenticeship diploma 145 8.4%
College diploma 275 15.9%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 60 3.5%
University degree 220 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 Digby

How much people earn in Digby

In Digby, the median household income sits at $43,200, while the median after-tax household income is $39,600.

Median household income
$43,200/year
Median after-tax household income
$39,600/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.

Digby income by age

Young adults in Digby between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,800, 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 $34,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $40,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $35,200, followed by $29,000 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 19,800
25 - 34 34,000
35 - 44 40,000
45 - 54 35,200
55 - 64 29,000
Over 65 26,200

Employment in Digby

Workforce and job sectors in Digby

In Digby, 850 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, trades and transport, and manufacturing and utilities employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
850
Unemployment rate
17.6%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 100 12.3%
Natural and applied sciences 20 2.4%
Health 40 4.9%
Education, law, community and government services 70 8.6%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 25 3.1%
Sales and service 275 33.7%
Trades and transport 130 16%
Natural resources and agriculture 50 6.1%
Manufacturing and utilities 105 12.9%
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 Digby

How people get around in Digby

In Digby, the average commute is 14 minutes. About 80.6% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 3.2% rely on public transit and 13.7% walk or bike. The remaining 2.4% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
14 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
68.8%
15 to 29 minutes
10.4%
30 to 44 minutes
12%
45 to 59 minutes
4%
More than 60 minutes
4.8%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 430 68.8%
15 to 29 minutes 65 10.4%
30 to 44 minutes 75 12%
45 to 59 minutes 25 4%
More than 60 minutes 30 4.8%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 500 80.6%
By public transit 20 3.2%
By bicycle/by walking 85 13.7%
By other methods 15 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.

Explore more communities

FAQs about Digby demographics 

What is the current total population in Digby?

Digby has a population of 2,001, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.7% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Digby?  

Digby has a population density of 634 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Digby?

Digby has the following gender distribution:
  • 45% males (900 residents)  
  • 55% females (1,100 residents)

What is the age distribution of Digby residents?  

The age distribution of Digby residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 11% (220 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9.8% (195 residents)   
  • 25-34: 9% (180 residents)   
  • 35-44: 8.5% (170 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11% (220 residents)   
  • 55-64: 17% (340 residents)   
  • Over 64: 33.6% (670 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Digby? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Digby: 
  • 91% non-immigrants (1,725 residents)  
  • 6.9% immigrants (130 residents)  
  • 1.8% non-permanent residents (35 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Digby?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Digby: 
  • English: 96.6% 
  • French: 2.9% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.5% 

What is the typical household size in Digby?  

The typical household size in Digby is 1.8 people. 

What is the median household income in Digby?  

The median household income in Digby is $43,200 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Digby residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Digby is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 29.9% (515 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 29.6% (510 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 8.4% (145 residents) 
  • College diploma: 15.9% (275 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.5% (60 residents) 
  • University degree: 12.8% (220 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Digby?  

The most common occupations in Digby fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.1% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 12.3% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 8.6% 
  • Health: 4.9% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 12.9% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 2.4% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 6.1% 
  • Sales and service: 33.7% 
  • Trades and transport: 16% 

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