Lunenburg, NS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,396
-0.8 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,200/yr
Private dwellings
1,242

Lunenburg population

How many people live in Lunenburg

Lunenburg is home to 2,396 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 44.5% identify as male and 55.5% as female.

Total population
2,396
-0.8% year-over-year change
Population density
593.3/km2
Gender ratio
Male
44.5%
1,065
Female
55.5%
1,330
Value Percent
Male 1,065 44.5%
Female 1,330 55.5%
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 Lunenburg is 52.2. Children under 15 make up 11.1% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 7.3%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 7.7% are 25 to 34, 9.6% are 35 to 44, and 11.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.1% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 36.4%.

Average age
52.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.1%
15 to 24
7.3%
25 to 34
7.7%
35 to 44
9.6%
45 to 54
11.7%
55 to 64
16.1%
Over 65
36.4%
Value Percent
Under 15 265 11.1%
15 to 24 175 7.3%
25 to 34 185 7.7%
35 to 44 230 9.6%
45 to 54 280 11.7%
55 to 64 385 16.1%
Over 65 870 36.4%
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 Lunenburg, 85.5% of residents were born in Canada, while 12% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.3% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
85.5%
Immigrants
12%
Non-permanent residents
2.3%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 1,885 85.5%
Immigrants 265 12%
Non-permanent residents 50 2.3%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
6.3%
Non-minorities
93.7%
Value Percent
Minorities 140 6.3%
Non-minorities 2,065 93.7%
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 Lunenburg
English
98%
French
1.6%
English and French
0.4%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 2,210 98%
French 35 1.6%
English and French 10 0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98% of people in Lunenburg speak English as their primary language, 1.6% communicate mainly in French, 0.4% are bilingual, and 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 Lunenburg

A peek inside Lunenburg households

Lunenburg has 1,090 households, with an average of 2.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 36.4% of all homes, while 39.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 10.4% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
1,090
Average people per household
2
1 person
36.4%
2 persons
39.6%
3 persons
13.6%
4 persons
7.7%
5 or more persons
2.7%
Value Percent
1 person 400 36.4%
2 persons 435 39.6%
3 persons 150 13.6%
4 persons 85 7.7%
5 or more persons 30 2.7%
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 Lunenburg

The housing landscape of Lunenburg

Lunenburg has a total of 1,242 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Lunenburg offers a variety of home sizes: 10% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 73% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 16.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
1,242
Housing types
Single-detached homes
69.7%
Attached homes
30.3%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 760 69.7%
Attached homes 330 30.3%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
10%
2 or 3 bedrooms
73%
4 or more bedrooms
16.4%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 115 10%
2 or 3 bedrooms 800 73%
4 or more bedrooms 180 16.4%
Homes built since 2011
60

The age of buildings in Lunenburg

About 48.4% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 15.5% between 1946 and 1960. Another 7.8% went up in the 1960s, 6.8% in the 1970s, and 6.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 4.1% of homes were added, and 5% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 530 48.4%
Between 1946 and 1960 170 15.5%
Between 1961 and 1970 85 7.8%
Between 1971 and 1980 75 6.8%
Between 1981 and 1990 75 6.8%
Between 1991 and 2000 45 4.1%
Between 2001 and 2010 55 5%
After 2011 60 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.

Lunenburg occupancy rates

In Lunenburg, there are 1,089 occupied private dwellings, of which 63% are owner-occupied and 37% are rented. Meanwhile, 153 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
1,089
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
37%
Owned households
63%
Value Percent
Rented households 405 37%
Owned households 690 63%
Unoccupied dwellings
153
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 Lunenburg, homeowners pay a median of $910 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $920. About 75.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 24.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$910
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$920
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
75.9%
≥30% on shelter
24.1%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 820 75.9%
≥30% on shelter 260 24.1%
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 Lunenburg

Lunenburg education at a glance

In Lunenburg, educational attainment varies across the community. About 14.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 21.3% have completed high school and 7.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.2% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 35.5% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 285 14.6%
High school diploma 415 21.3%
Apprenticeship diploma 140 7.2%
College diploma 355 18.2%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 60 3.1%
University degree 690 35.5%
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 Lunenburg

How much people earn in Lunenburg

In Lunenburg, the median household income sits at $63,200, while the median after-tax household income is $55,200.

Median household income
$63,200/year
Median after-tax household income
$55,200/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.

Lunenburg income by age

Young adults in Lunenburg between 15 and 24 have a median income of $14,800, 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 $36,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $50,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $46,000, followed by $41,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $30,200.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 14,800
25 - 34 36,800
35 - 44 50,800
45 - 54 46,000
55 - 64 41,200
Over 65 30,200

Employment in Lunenburg

Workforce and job sectors in Lunenburg

In Lunenburg, 1,040 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 14.4%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, health, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
1,040
Unemployment rate
14.4%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 20 2%
Business, finance and administration 130 12.9%
Natural and applied sciences 50 5%
Health 145 14.4%
Education, law, community and government services 85 8.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 115 11.4%
Sales and service 270 26.9%
Trades and transport 90 9%
Natural resources and agriculture 60 6%
Manufacturing and utilities 40 4%
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 Lunenburg

How people get around in Lunenburg

In Lunenburg, the average commute is 16 minutes. The remaining 5.2% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
16 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
57.4%
15 to 29 minutes
27.9%
30 to 44 minutes
6.6%
45 to 59 minutes
5.2%
More than 60 minutes
2.9%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 390 57.4%
15 to 29 minutes 190 27.9%
30 to 44 minutes 45 6.6%
45 to 59 minutes 35 5.2%
More than 60 minutes 20 2.9%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 490 72.1%
By bicycle/by walking 155 22.8%
By other methods 35 5.2%
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 Lunenburg demographics 

What is the current total population in Lunenburg?

Lunenburg has a population of 2,396, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a -0.8% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Lunenburg?  

Lunenburg has a population density of 593.3 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Lunenburg?

Lunenburg has the following gender distribution:
  • 44.5% males (1,065 residents)  
  • 55.5% females (1,330 residents)

What is the age distribution of Lunenburg residents?  

The age distribution of Lunenburg residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 11.1% (265 residents)   
  • 15-24: 7.3% (175 residents)   
  • 25-34: 7.7% (185 residents)   
  • 35-44: 9.6% (230 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.7% (280 residents)   
  • 55-64: 16.1% (385 residents)   
  • Over 64: 36.4% (870 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Lunenburg? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Lunenburg: 
  • 85.5% non-immigrants (1,885 residents)  
  • 12% immigrants (265 residents)  
  • 2.3% non-permanent residents (50 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Lunenburg?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Lunenburg: 
  • English: 98% 
  • French: 1.6% 
  • English and French: 0.4% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Lunenburg?  

The typical household size in Lunenburg is 2 people. 

What is the median household income in Lunenburg?  

The median household income in Lunenburg is $63,200 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Lunenburg residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Lunenburg is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 14.6% (285 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 21.3% (415 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 7.2% (140 residents) 
  • College diploma: 18.2% (355 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 3.1% (60 residents) 
  • University degree: 35.5% (690 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Lunenburg?  

The most common occupations in Lunenburg fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 11.4% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 12.9% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 8.5% 
  • Health: 14.4% 
  • Management: 2% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 4% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 6% 
  • Sales and service: 26.9% 
  • Trades and transport: 9% 

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