Total population

439,819

2.4 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$81,000/yr

Private dwellings

200,473

Halifax population

How many people live in Halifax

Halifax is home to 439,819 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.7% identify as male and 51.3% as female.

Total population

439,819

2.4% year-over-year change

Population density

80.3/km2

Gender ratio

Male

48.7%

214,300

Female

51.3%

225,520

	Value	Percent
Male	214,300	48.7%
Female	225,520	51.3%

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 Halifax is 41.3. Children under 15 make up 14.8% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.3%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 15.4% are 25 to 34, 13.4% are 35 to 44, and 12.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 17.3%.

Average age

41.3

Age breakdown

Under 15: 14.8%
15 to 24: 12.3%
25 to 34: 15.4%
35 to 44: 13.4%
45 to 54: 12.7%
55 to 64: 14%
Over 65: 17.3%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	65,025	14.8%
15 to 24	54,005	12.3%
25 to 34	67,955	15.4%
35 to 44	59,095	13.4%
45 to 54	55,855	12.7%
55 to 64	61,720	14%
Over 65	76,150	17.3%

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 Halifax, 84.5% of residents were born in Canada, while 11.6% have settled here from abroad. Another 3.9% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 84.5%
Immigrants: 11.6%
Non-permanent residents: 3.9%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	367,730	84.5%
Immigrants	50,590	11.6%
Non-permanent residents	16,970	3.9%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 16.8%
Non-minorities: 83.2%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	72,940	16.8%
Non-minorities	362,350	83.2%

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 Halifax

English: 96.8%
French: 2.3%
English and French: 0.4%
Neither English nor French: 0.6%

	Value	Percent
English	422,550	96.8%
French	9,925	2.3%
English and French	1,635	0.4%
Neither English nor French	2,400	0.6%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 96.8% of people in Halifax speak English as their primary language, 2.3% communicate mainly in French, 0.4% are bilingual, and 0.6% 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 Halifax

A peek inside Halifax households

Halifax has 190,505 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 29.9% of all homes, while 37.3% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 17.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

190,505

Average people per household

2.3

1 person: 29.9%
2 persons: 37.3%
3 persons: 15.3%
4 persons: 12%
5 or more persons: 5.6%

	Value	Percent
1 person	56,935	29.9%
2 persons	71,090	37.3%
3 persons	29,105	15.3%
4 persons	22,770	12%
5 or more persons	10,615	5.6%

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 Halifax

The housing landscape of Halifax

Halifax has a total of 200,473 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 47.7% are single-detached houses, 35.2% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 14.9% are apartments. When it comes to space, Halifax offers a variety of home sizes: 16% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 61% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 22.3% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

200,473

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 47.7%
Attached homes: 35.2%
Apartments: 14.9%
Movable homes: 2.2%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	90,825	47.7%
Attached homes	67,085	35.2%
Apartments	28,320	14.9%
Movable homes	4,270	2.2%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 16%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 61%
4 or more bedrooms: 22.3%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	30,995	16%
2 or 3 bedrooms	117,020	61%
4 or more bedrooms	42,490	22.3%

Homes built since 2011

25,040

The age of buildings in Halifax

About 8.3% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 9.9% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.2% went up in the 1960s, 15.6% in the 1970s, and 14.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 13.9% of homes were added, and 13.4% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	15,745	8.3%
Between 1946 and 1960	18,920	9.9%
Between 1961 and 1970	21,355	11.2%
Between 1971 and 1980	29,620	15.6%
Between 1981 and 1990	27,710	14.6%
Between 1991 and 2000	26,560	13.9%
Between 2001 and 2010	25,550	13.4%
After 2011	25,040	13.1%

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.

Halifax occupancy rates

In Halifax, there are 190,512 occupied private dwellings, of which 57.5% are owner-occupied and 42.5% are rented. Meanwhile, 9,961 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

190,512

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 42.5%
Owned households: 57.5%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	80,965	42.5%
Owned households	109,540	57.5%

Unoccupied dwellings

9,961

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 Halifax, homeowners pay a median of $1,290 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,170. About 78.2% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 21.8% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,290

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,170

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 78.2%
≥30% on shelter: 21.8%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	148,795	78.2%
≥30% on shelter	41,560	21.8%

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 Halifax

Halifax education at a glance

In Halifax, educational attainment varies across the community. About 12.1% of residents have no formal diploma, while 25.3% have completed high school and 6.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 19.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.5% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 33.7% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	44,735	12.1%
High school diploma	93,630	25.3%
Apprenticeship diploma	24,760	6.7%
College diploma	73,220	19.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	9,310	2.5%
University degree	124,695	33.7%

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 Halifax

How much people earn in Halifax

In Halifax, the median household income sits at $81,000, while the median after-tax household income is $69,500.

Median household income

$81,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$69,500/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.

Halifax income by age

Young adults in Halifax between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,200, 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 $41,600, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $55,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $58,800, followed by $48,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $37,600.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	19,200
25 - 34	41,600
35 - 44	55,600
45 - 54	58,800
55 - 64	48,400
Over 65	37,600

Employment in Halifax

Workforce and job sectors in Halifax

In Halifax, 242,690 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 11.4%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, and education, law, community and government services employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

242,690

Unemployment rate

11.4%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	3,240	1.4%
Business, finance and administration	43,080	18.1%
Natural and applied sciences	22,235	9.4%
Health	21,510	9%
Education, law, community and government services	35,685	15%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	8,275	3.5%
Sales and service	61,755	26%
Trades and transport	34,695	14.6%
Natural resources and agriculture	2,730	1.2%
Manufacturing and utilities	4,635	2%

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 Halifax

How people get around in Halifax

In Halifax, the average commute is 21 minutes. About 81.5% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 8.1% rely on public transit and 8% walk or bike. The remaining 2.4% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

21 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 30.4%
15 to 29 minutes: 43.4%
30 to 44 minutes: 17.9%
45 to 59 minutes: 4.3%
More than 60 minutes: 3.9%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	47,095	30.4%
15 to 29 minutes	67,245	43.4%
30 to 44 minutes	27,645	17.9%
45 to 59 minutes	6,715	4.3%
More than 60 minutes	6,080	3.9%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	126,110	81.5%
By public transit	12,540	8.1%
By bicycle/by walking	12,395	8%
By other methods	3,735	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 Halifax demographics

What is the current total population in Halifax?

Halifax has a population of 439,819, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.4% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Halifax?

Halifax has a population density of 80.3 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Halifax?

Halifax has the following gender distribution:

48.7% males (214,300 residents)
51.3% females (225,520 residents)

What is the age distribution of Halifax residents?

The age distribution of Halifax residents is as follows:

Under 15: 14.8% (65,025 residents)
15-24: 12.3% (54,005 residents)
25-34: 15.4% (67,955 residents)
35-44: 13.4% (59,095 residents)
45-54: 12.7% (55,855 residents)
55-64: 14% (61,720 residents)
Over 64: 17.3% (76,150 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Halifax?

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

84.5% non-immigrants (367,730 residents)
11.6% immigrants (50,590 residents)
3.9% non-permanent residents (16,970 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Halifax?

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

English: 96.8%
French: 2.3%
English and French: 0.4%
Neither English nor French: 0.6%

What is the typical household size in Halifax?

The typical household size in Halifax is 2.3 people.

What is the median household income in Halifax?

The median household income in Halifax is $81,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Halifax residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Halifax is as follows:

No diploma: 12.1% (44,735 residents)
High school diploma: 25.3% (93,630 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 6.7% (24,760 residents)
College diploma: 19.8% (73,220 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 2.5% (9,310 residents)
University degree: 33.7% (124,695 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Halifax?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.5%
Business, finance and administration: 18.1%
Education, law, community and government services: 15%
Health: 9%
Management: 1.4%
Manufacturing and utilities: 2%
Natural and applied sciences: 9.4%
Natural resources and agriculture: 1.2%
Sales and service: 26%
Trades and transport: 14.6%

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

Halifax, NS demographics:population, income, and more