Port Hawkesbury, NS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,210
1.8 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,500/yr
Private dwellings
1,523

Port Hawkesbury population

How many people live in Port Hawkesbury

Port Hawkesbury is home to 3,210 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47.5% identify as male and 52.5% as female.

Total population
3,210
1.8% year-over-year change
Population density
396.3/km2
Gender ratio
Male
47.5%
1,525
Female
52.5%
1,685
Value Percent
Male 1,525 47.5%
Female 1,685 52.5%
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 Port Hawkesbury is 45.1. Children under 15 make up 13.3% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.4%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 10.8% are 25 to 34, 11.1% are 35 to 44, and 12.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 15.2% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 24.4%.

Average age
45.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.3%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 34
10.8%
35 to 44
11.1%
45 to 54
12.8%
55 to 64
15.2%
Over 65
24.4%
Value Percent
Under 15 425 13.3%
15 to 24 395 12.4%
25 to 34 345 10.8%
35 to 44 355 11.1%
45 to 54 410 12.8%
55 to 64 485 15.2%
Over 65 780 24.4%
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 Port Hawkesbury, 94.3% of residents were born in Canada, while 4.5% have settled here from abroad. Another 1.4% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
94.3%
Immigrants
4.5%
Non-permanent residents
1.4%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 2,960 94.3%
Immigrants 140 4.5%
Non-permanent residents 45 1.4%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
5.7%
Non-minorities
94.3%
Value Percent
Minorities 180 5.7%
Non-minorities 2,960 94.3%
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 Port Hawkesbury
English
97.4%
French
2.4%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 3,060 97.4%
French 75 2.4%
Neither English nor French 5 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.4% of people in Port Hawkesbury speak English as their primary language, 2.4% communicate mainly in French, are bilingual, and 0.2% 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 Port Hawkesbury

A peek inside Port Hawkesbury households

Port Hawkesbury has 1,415 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 32.7% of all homes, while 35.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.7%, and homes with four or more people account for 15.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
1,415
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
32.7%
2 persons
35.9%
3 persons
15.7%
4 persons
10.3%
5 or more persons
5.3%
Value Percent
1 person 460 32.7%
2 persons 505 35.9%
3 persons 220 15.7%
4 persons 145 10.3%
5 or more persons 75 5.3%
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 Port Hawkesbury

The housing landscape of Port Hawkesbury

Port Hawkesbury has a total of 1,523 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Port Hawkesbury offers a variety of home sizes: 7% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 65% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 27.8% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
1,523
Housing types
Single-detached homes
57.8%
Attached homes
34.5%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
7.8%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 820 57.8%
Attached homes 490 34.5%
Movable homes 110 7.8%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
7%
2 or 3 bedrooms
65%
4 or more bedrooms
27.8%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 100 7%
2 or 3 bedrooms 925 65%
4 or more bedrooms 395 27.8%
Homes built since 2011
30

The age of buildings in Port Hawkesbury

About 9.2% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 8.9% between 1946 and 1960. Another 23.4% went up in the 1960s, 30.5% in the 1970s, and 11.4% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 7.4% of homes were added, and 7.1% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 130 9.2%
Between 1946 and 1960 125 8.9%
Between 1961 and 1970 330 23.4%
Between 1971 and 1980 430 30.5%
Between 1981 and 1990 160 11.4%
Between 1991 and 2000 105 7.4%
Between 2001 and 2010 100 7.1%
After 2011 30 2.1%
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.

Port Hawkesbury occupancy rates

In Port Hawkesbury, there are 1,415 occupied private dwellings, of which 61% are owner-occupied and 39% are rented. Meanwhile, 108 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
1,415
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
39%
Owned households
61%
Value Percent
Rented households 550 39%
Owned households 860 61%
Unoccupied dwellings
108
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 Port Hawkesbury, homeowners pay a median of $820 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $810. 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
$820
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$810
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
82.4%
≥30% on shelter
17.6%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 1,170 82.4%
≥30% on shelter 250 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 Port Hawkesbury

Port Hawkesbury education at a glance

In Port Hawkesbury, educational attainment varies across the community. About 14.4% of residents have no formal diploma, while 28.5% have completed high school and 11.1% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 25.6% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 17.8% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 390 14.4%
High school diploma 770 28.5%
Apprenticeship diploma 300 11.1%
College diploma 690 25.6%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 70 2.6%
University degree 480 17.8%
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 Port Hawkesbury

How much people earn in Port Hawkesbury

In Port Hawkesbury, the median household income sits at $65,500, while the median after-tax household income is $58,400.

Median household income
$65,500/year
Median after-tax household income
$58,400/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.

Port Hawkesbury income by age

Young adults in Port Hawkesbury between 15 and 24 have a median income of $16,800, 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 $41,200. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $43,200, followed by $39,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $32,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 16,800
25 - 34 34,000
35 - 44 41,200
45 - 54 43,200
55 - 64 39,600
Over 65 32,800

Employment in Port Hawkesbury

Workforce and job sectors in Port Hawkesbury

In Port Hawkesbury, 1,550 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 18.4%. 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
1,550
Unemployment rate
18.4%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 15 1%
Business, finance and administration 165 11.2%
Natural and applied sciences 100 6.8%
Health 115 7.8%
Education, law, community and government services 185 12.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 30 2%
Sales and service 515 34.8%
Trades and transport 240 16.2%
Natural resources and agriculture 50 3.4%
Manufacturing and utilities 65 4.4%
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 Port Hawkesbury

How people get around in Port Hawkesbury

In Port Hawkesbury, the average commute is 14 minutes. About 85.2% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.9% rely on public transit and 10% walk or bike. The remaining 3.9% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
14 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
68.7%
15 to 29 minutes
15.6%
30 to 44 minutes
7%
45 to 59 minutes
6.1%
More than 60 minutes
2.6%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 790 68.7%
15 to 29 minutes 180 15.6%
30 to 44 minutes 80 7%
45 to 59 minutes 70 6.1%
More than 60 minutes 30 2.6%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 975 85.2%
By public transit 10 0.9%
By bicycle/by walking 115 10%
By other methods 45 3.9%
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 Port Hawkesbury demographics 

What is the current total population in Port Hawkesbury?

Port Hawkesbury has a population of 3,210, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.8% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Port Hawkesbury?  

Port Hawkesbury has a population density of 396.3 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Port Hawkesbury?

Port Hawkesbury has the following gender distribution:
  • 47.5% males (1,525 residents)  
  • 52.5% females (1,685 residents)

What is the age distribution of Port Hawkesbury residents?  

The age distribution of Port Hawkesbury residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 13.3% (425 residents)   
  • 15-24: 12.4% (395 residents)   
  • 25-34: 10.8% (345 residents)   
  • 35-44: 11.1% (355 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.8% (410 residents)   
  • 55-64: 15.2% (485 residents)   
  • Over 64: 24.4% (780 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Port Hawkesbury? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Port Hawkesbury: 
  • 94.3% non-immigrants (2,960 residents)  
  • 4.5% immigrants (140 residents)  
  • 1.4% non-permanent residents (45 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Port Hawkesbury?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Port Hawkesbury: 
  • English: 97.4% 
  • French: 2.4% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Port Hawkesbury?  

The typical household size in Port Hawkesbury is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in Port Hawkesbury?  

The median household income in Port Hawkesbury is $65,500 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Port Hawkesbury residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Port Hawkesbury is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 14.4% (390 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 28.5% (770 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 11.1% (300 residents) 
  • College diploma: 25.6% (690 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.6% (70 residents) 
  • University degree: 17.8% (480 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Port Hawkesbury?  

The most common occupations in Port Hawkesbury fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 11.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 12.5% 
  • Health: 7.8% 
  • Management: 1% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 4.4% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 6.8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3.4% 
  • Sales and service: 34.8% 
  • Trades and transport: 16.2% 

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