Total population

3,107

-0.8 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$55,600/yr

Private dwellings

1,600

Pictou population

How many people live in Pictou

Pictou is home to 3,107 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 46.8% identify as male and 53.2% as female.

Total population

3,107

-0.8% year-over-year change

Population density

388.7/km2

Gender ratio

Male

46.8%

1,455

Female

53.2%

1,655

	Value	Percent
Male	1,455	46.8%
Female	1,655	53.2%

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 Pictou is 48.9. Children under 15 make up 13.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 9.4%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 7.4% are 25 to 34, 9% are 35 to 44, and 12.9% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 17.4% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 30.3%.

Average age

48.9

Age breakdown

Under 15: 13.6%
15 to 24: 9.4%
25 to 34: 7.4%
35 to 44: 9%
45 to 54: 12.9%
55 to 64: 17.4%
Over 65: 30.3%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	420	13.6%
15 to 24	290	9.4%
25 to 34	230	7.4%
35 to 44	280	9%
45 to 54	400	12.9%
55 to 64	540	17.4%
Over 65	940	30.3%

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 Pictou, 95.3% of residents were born in Canada, while 4.3% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 95.3%
Immigrants: 4.3%
Non-permanent residents: 0%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	2,855	95.3%
Immigrants	130	4.3%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 4.3%
Non-minorities: 95.7%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	130	4.3%
Non-minorities	2,865	95.7%

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 Pictou

English: 98.2%
French: 1.7%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0%

	Value	Percent
English	2,945	98.2%
French	50	1.7%
English and French	5	0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.2% of people in Pictou speak English as their primary language, 1.7% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% 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 Pictou

A peek inside Pictou households

Pictou has 1,450 households, with an average of 2.1 people living in each. One-person households make up 37.8% of all homes, while 36.8% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 13.4%, and homes with four or more people account for 12% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

1,450

Average people per household

2.1

1 person: 37.8%
2 persons: 36.8%
3 persons: 13.4%
4 persons: 7.9%
5 or more persons: 4.1%

	Value	Percent
1 person	550	37.8%
2 persons	535	36.8%
3 persons	195	13.4%
4 persons	115	7.9%
5 or more persons	60	4.1%

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 Pictou

The housing landscape of Pictou

Pictou has a total of 1,600 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 70.8% are single-detached houses, 28.5% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.3% are apartments. When it comes to space, Pictou offers a variety of home sizes: 15% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 68% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 17.2% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

1,600

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 70.8%
Attached homes: 28.5%
Apartments: 0.3%
Movable homes: 0.3%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	1,030	70.8%
Attached homes	415	28.5%
Apartments	5	0.3%
Movable homes	5	0.3%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 15%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 68%
4 or more bedrooms: 17.2%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	215	15%
2 or 3 bedrooms	990	68%
4 or more bedrooms	250	17.2%

Homes built since 2011

The age of buildings in Pictou

About 37.2% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 12.4% between 1946 and 1960. Another 10.7% went up in the 1960s, 17.9% in the 1970s, and 9.7% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 7.6% of homes were added, and 2.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Before 1945	540	37.2%
Between 1946 and 1960	180	12.4%
Between 1961 and 1970	155	10.7%
Between 1971 and 1980	260	17.9%
Between 1981 and 1990	140	9.7%
Between 1991 and 2000	110	7.6%
Between 2001 and 2010	40	2.8%
After 2011	25	1.7%

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.

Pictou occupancy rates

In Pictou, there are 1,452 occupied private dwellings, of which 66% are owner-occupied and 34% are rented. Meanwhile, 148 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

1,452

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 34%
Owned households: 66%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	495	34%
Owned households	960	66%

Unoccupied dwellings

148

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 Pictou, homeowners pay a median of $715 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $750. About 82.4% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 17.6% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$715

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$750

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 82.4%
≥30% on shelter: 17.6%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	1,195	82.4%
≥30% on shelter	255	17.6%

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 Pictou

Pictou education at a glance

In Pictou, educational attainment varies across the community. About 21.1% of residents have no formal diploma, while 27.4% have completed high school and 10.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 25.2% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.8% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 12.8% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	535	21.1%
High school diploma	695	27.4%
Apprenticeship diploma	275	10.8%
College diploma	640	25.2%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	70	2.8%
University degree	325	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 Pictou

How much people earn in Pictou

In Pictou, the median household income sits at $55,600, while the median after-tax household income is $50,400.

Median household income

$55,600/year

Median after-tax household income

$50,400/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.

Pictou income by age

Young adults in Pictou between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,600, 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 $34,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $41,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $44,800, followed by $40,000 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	17,600
25 - 34	34,000
35 - 44	41,200
45 - 54	44,800
55 - 64	40,000
Over 65	28,600

Employment in Pictou

Workforce and job sectors in Pictou

In Pictou, 1,215 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 14%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, 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

1,215

Unemployment rate

14%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	15	1.3%
Business, finance and administration	115	9.7%
Natural and applied sciences	40	3.4%
Health	125	10.6%
Education, law, community and government services	145	12.2%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	40	3.4%
Sales and service	340	28.7%
Trades and transport	220	18.6%
Natural resources and agriculture	35	3%
Manufacturing and utilities	110	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 Pictou

How people get around in Pictou

In Pictou, the average commute is 18 minutes.

Average commute time

18 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 48.9%
15 to 29 minutes: 38.8%
30 to 44 minutes: 5.3%
45 to 59 minutes: 1.6%
More than 60 minutes: 5.3%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	460	48.9%
15 to 29 minutes	365	38.8%
30 to 44 minutes	50	5.3%
45 to 59 minutes	15	1.6%
More than 60 minutes	50	5.3%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	860	92%
By bicycle/by walking	75	8%

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 Pictou demographics

What is the current total population in Pictou?

Pictou has a population of 3,107, 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 Pictou?

Pictou has a population density of 388.7 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Pictou?

Pictou has the following gender distribution:

46.8% males (1,455 residents)
53.2% females (1,655 residents)

What is the age distribution of Pictou residents?

The age distribution of Pictou residents is as follows:

Under 15: 13.6% (420 residents)
15-24: 9.4% (290 residents)
25-34: 7.4% (230 residents)
35-44: 9% (280 residents)
45-54: 12.9% (400 residents)
55-64: 17.4% (540 residents)
Over 64: 30.3% (940 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Pictou?

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

95.3% non-immigrants (2,855 residents)
4.3% immigrants (130 residents)
0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Pictou?

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

English: 98.2%
French: 1.7%
English and French: 0.2%
Neither English nor French: 0%

What is the typical household size in Pictou?

The typical household size in Pictou is 2.1 people.

What is the median household income in Pictou?

The median household income in Pictou is $55,600 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Pictou residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Pictou is as follows:

No diploma: 21.1% (535 residents)
High school diploma: 27.4% (695 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 10.8% (275 residents)
College diploma: 25.2% (640 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 2.8% (70 residents)
University degree: 12.8% (325 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Pictou?

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

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.4%
Business, finance and administration: 9.7%
Education, law, community and government services: 12.2%
Health: 10.6%
Management: 1.3%
Manufacturing and utilities: 9.3%
Natural and applied sciences: 3.4%
Natural resources and agriculture: 3%
Sales and service: 28.7%
Trades and transport: 18.6%

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

Pictou, NS demographics:population, income, and more