Oxford, NS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,170
3.6 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$60,400/yr
Private dwellings
576

Oxford population

How many people live in Oxford

Oxford is home to 1,170 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.8% identify as male and 49.2% as female.

Total population
1,170
3.6% year-over-year change
Population density
109.6/km2
Gender ratio
Male
50.8%
595
Female
49.2%
575
Value Percent
Male 595 50.8%
Female 575 49.2%
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 Oxford is 43.7. Children under 15 make up 17.5% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.8%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.1% are 25 to 34, 10.3% are 35 to 44, and 12.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 22.2%.

Average age
43.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.5%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 34
11.1%
35 to 44
10.3%
45 to 54
12.8%
55 to 64
16.2%
Over 65
22.2%
Value Percent
Under 15 205 17.5%
15 to 24 115 9.8%
25 to 34 130 11.1%
35 to 44 120 10.3%
45 to 54 150 12.8%
55 to 64 190 16.2%
Over 65 260 22.2%
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 Oxford, 93.1% of residents were born in Canada, while 5.6% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
93.1%
Immigrants
5.6%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 1,075 93.1%
Immigrants 65 5.6%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
8.2%
Non-minorities
91.8%
Value Percent
Minorities 95 8.2%
Non-minorities 1,060 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 Oxford
English
98.3%
French
0.4%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
1.3%
Value Percent
English 1,140 98.3%
French 5 0.4%
Neither English nor French 15 1.3%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.3% of people in Oxford speak English as their primary language, 0.4% communicate mainly in French, are bilingual, and 1.3% 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 Oxford

A peek inside Oxford households

Oxford has 530 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 36.8% of all homes, while 35.8% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 12.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 15.1% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
530
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
36.8%
2 persons
35.8%
3 persons
12.3%
4 persons
8.5%
5 or more persons
6.6%
Value Percent
1 person 195 36.8%
2 persons 190 35.8%
3 persons 65 12.3%
4 persons 45 8.5%
5 or more persons 35 6.6%
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 Oxford

The housing landscape of Oxford

Oxford has a total of 576 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Oxford offers a variety of home sizes: 18% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 62% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 19.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
576
Housing types
Single-detached homes
72.9%
Attached homes
23.4%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
3.7%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 390 72.9%
Attached homes 125 23.4%
Movable homes 20 3.7%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
18%
2 or 3 bedrooms
62%
4 or more bedrooms
19.8%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 95 18%
2 or 3 bedrooms 330 62%
4 or more bedrooms 105 19.8%
Homes built since 2011
15

The age of buildings in Oxford

About 35.6% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 17.3% between 1946 and 1960. Another 8.6% went up in the 1960s, 17.3% in the 1970s, and 9.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 3.8% of homes were added, and 4.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 185 35.6%
Between 1946 and 1960 90 17.3%
Between 1961 and 1970 45 8.6%
Between 1971 and 1980 90 17.3%
Between 1981 and 1990 50 9.6%
Between 1991 and 2000 20 3.8%
Between 2001 and 2010 25 4.8%
After 2011 15 2.9%
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.

Oxford occupancy rates

In Oxford, there are 533 occupied private dwellings, of which 66.4% are owner-occupied and 33.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 43 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
533
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
33.6%
Owned households
66.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 180 33.6%
Owned households 355 66.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
43
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 Oxford, homeowners pay a median of $670 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $608. About 86% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 14% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$670
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$608
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
86%
≥30% on shelter
14%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 460 86%
≥30% on shelter 75 14%
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 Oxford

Oxford education at a glance

In Oxford, educational attainment varies across the community. About 25.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 27.9% have completed high school and 10.5% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 23.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 11% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 245 25.8%
High school diploma 265 27.9%
Apprenticeship diploma 100 10.5%
College diploma 225 23.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 10 1%
University degree 105 11%
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 Oxford

How much people earn in Oxford

In Oxford, the median household income sits at $60,400, while the median after-tax household income is $53,200.

Median household income
$60,400/year
Median after-tax household income
$53,200/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.

Oxford income by age

Young adults in Oxford between 15 and 24 have a median income of $15,600, 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 $40,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $42,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $49,200, followed by $35,600 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 15,600
25 - 34 40,400
35 - 44 42,400
45 - 54 49,200
55 - 64 35,600
Over 65 27,200

Employment in Oxford

Workforce and job sectors in Oxford

In Oxford, 475 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 17.9%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, education, law, community and government services, and sales and service employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
475
Unemployment rate
17.9%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 15 3.1%
Business, finance and administration 55 11.3%
Natural and applied sciences 25 5.2%
Health 45 9.3%
Education, law, community and government services 85 17.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 10 2.1%
Sales and service 85 17.5%
Trades and transport 105 21.6%
Natural resources and agriculture 15 3.1%
Manufacturing and utilities 45 9.3%
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 Oxford

How people get around in Oxford

In Oxford, the average commute is 17 minutes.

Average commute time
17 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
52.9%
15 to 29 minutes
31.4%
30 to 44 minutes
7.1%
45 to 59 minutes
4.3%
More than 60 minutes
4.3%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 185 52.9%
15 to 29 minutes 110 31.4%
30 to 44 minutes 25 7.1%
45 to 59 minutes 15 4.3%
More than 60 minutes 15 4.3%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 325 92.9%
By bicycle/by walking 25 7.1%
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 Oxford demographics 

What is the current total population in Oxford?

Oxford has a population of 1,170, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.6% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Oxford?  

Oxford has a population density of 109.6 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Oxford?

Oxford has the following gender distribution:
  • 50.8% males (595 residents)  
  • 49.2% females (575 residents)

What is the age distribution of Oxford residents?  

The age distribution of Oxford residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 17.5% (205 residents)   
  • 15-24: 9.8% (115 residents)   
  • 25-34: 11.1% (130 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10.3% (120 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.8% (150 residents)   
  • 55-64: 16.2% (190 residents)   
  • Over 64: 22.2% (260 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Oxford? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Oxford: 
  • 93.1% non-immigrants (1,075 residents)  
  • 5.6% immigrants (65 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Oxford?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Oxford: 
  • English: 98.3% 
  • French: 0.4% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 1.3% 

What is the typical household size in Oxford?  

The typical household size in Oxford is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Oxford?  

The median household income in Oxford is $60,400 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Oxford residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Oxford is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 25.8% (245 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 27.9% (265 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 10.5% (100 residents) 
  • College diploma: 23.7% (225 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1% (10 residents) 
  • University degree: 11% (105 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Oxford?  

The most common occupations in Oxford fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.1% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 11.3% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 17.5% 
  • Health: 9.3% 
  • Management: 3.1% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 9.3% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.2% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3.1% 
  • Sales and service: 17.5% 
  • Trades and transport: 21.6% 

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