Shelburne, NS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,644
-0.1 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,200/yr
Private dwellings
917

Shelburne population

How many people live in Shelburne

Shelburne is home to 1,644 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 45.9% identify as male and 54.1% as female.

Total population
1,644
-0.1% year-over-year change
Population density
187.9/km2
Gender ratio
Male
45.9%
755
Female
54.1%
890
Value Percent
Male 755 45.9%
Female 890 54.1%
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 Shelburne is 46.5. Children under 15 make up 15.4% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 8.2%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 9.4% are 25 to 34, 10.6% are 35 to 44, and 12.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 17.3% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 27%.

Average age
46.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.4%
15 to 24
8.2%
25 to 34
9.4%
35 to 44
10.6%
45 to 54
12.1%
55 to 64
17.3%
Over 65
27%
Value Percent
Under 15 255 15.4%
15 to 24 135 8.2%
25 to 34 155 9.4%
35 to 44 175 10.6%
45 to 54 200 12.1%
55 to 64 285 17.3%
Over 65 445 27%
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 Shelburne, 96.3% of residents were born in Canada, while 3.7% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
96.3%
Immigrants
3.7%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 1,565 96.3%
Immigrants 60 3.7%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
4.3%
Non-minorities
95.7%
Value Percent
Minorities 70 4.3%
Non-minorities 1,555 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 Shelburne
English
99.4%
French
0.6%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 1,625 99.4%
French 10 0.6%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99.4% of people in Shelburne speak English as their primary language, 0.6% communicate mainly in French, 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 Shelburne

A peek inside Shelburne households

Shelburne has 795 households, with an average of 2.1 people living in each. One-person households make up 36.5% of all homes, while 40.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 11.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 12% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
795
Average people per household
2.1
1 person
36.5%
2 persons
40.2%
3 persons
11.3%
4 persons
8.2%
5 or more persons
3.8%
Value Percent
1 person 290 36.5%
2 persons 320 40.2%
3 persons 90 11.3%
4 persons 65 8.2%
5 or more persons 30 3.8%
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 Shelburne

The housing landscape of Shelburne

Shelburne has a total of 917 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Shelburne offers a variety of home sizes: 11% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 71% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 18.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
917
Housing types
Single-detached homes
71.9%
Attached homes
20.6%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
7.5%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 575 71.9%
Attached homes 165 20.6%
Movable homes 60 7.5%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
11%
2 or 3 bedrooms
71%
4 or more bedrooms
18.5%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 85 11%
2 or 3 bedrooms 555 71%
4 or more bedrooms 145 18.5%
Homes built since 2011
25

The age of buildings in Shelburne

About 28.5% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 22.8% between 1946 and 1960. Another 17.1% went up in the 1960s, 10.8% in the 1970s, and 8.2% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 5.1% of homes were added, and 4.4% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 225 28.5%
Between 1946 and 1960 180 22.8%
Between 1961 and 1970 135 17.1%
Between 1971 and 1980 85 10.8%
Between 1981 and 1990 65 8.2%
Between 1991 and 2000 40 5.1%
Between 2001 and 2010 35 4.4%
After 2011 25 3.2%
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.

Shelburne occupancy rates

In Shelburne, there are 794 occupied private dwellings, of which 66.5% are owner-occupied and 33.5% are rented. Meanwhile, 123 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
794
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
33.5%
Owned households
66.5%
Value Percent
Rented households 265 33.5%
Owned households 525 66.5%
Unoccupied dwellings
123
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 Shelburne, homeowners pay a median of $710 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $705. About 84.8% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 15.2% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$710
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$705
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
84.8%
≥30% on shelter
15.2%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 670 84.8%
≥30% on shelter 120 15.2%
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 Shelburne

Shelburne education at a glance

In Shelburne, educational attainment varies across the community. About 26.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 25.9% have completed high school and 7.2% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 23.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.9% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 13.7% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 370 26.6%
High school diploma 360 25.9%
Apprenticeship diploma 100 7.2%
College diploma 330 23.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 40 2.9%
University degree 190 13.7%
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 Shelburne

How much people earn in Shelburne

In Shelburne, the median household income sits at $53,200, while the median after-tax household income is $47,200.

Median household income
$53,200/year
Median after-tax household income
$47,200/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.

Shelburne income by age

Young adults in Shelburne between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,200, 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 $36,800, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $44,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $42,000, followed by $37,600 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $24,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 17,200
25 - 34 36,800
35 - 44 44,000
45 - 54 42,000
55 - 64 37,600
Over 65 24,800

Employment in Shelburne

Workforce and job sectors in Shelburne

In Shelburne, 755 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 13.9%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and manufacturing and utilities employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
755
Unemployment rate
13.9%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 90 12.4%
Natural and applied sciences 20 2.8%
Health 50 6.9%
Education, law, community and government services 60 8.3%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 25 3.4%
Sales and service 190 26.2%
Trades and transport 150 20.7%
Natural resources and agriculture 40 5.5%
Manufacturing and utilities 100 13.8%
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 Shelburne

How people get around in Shelburne

In Shelburne, the average commute is 13 minutes. The remaining 2.6% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
13 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
70.4%
15 to 29 minutes
15.6%
30 to 44 minutes
7.8%
45 to 59 minutes
2.6%
More than 60 minutes
3.5%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 405 70.4%
15 to 29 minutes 90 15.6%
30 to 44 minutes 45 7.8%
45 to 59 minutes 15 2.6%
More than 60 minutes 20 3.5%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 505 87.8%
By bicycle/by walking 55 9.6%
By other methods 15 2.6%
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 Shelburne demographics 

What is the current total population in Shelburne?

Shelburne has a population of 1,644, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a -0.1% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Shelburne?  

Shelburne has a population density of 187.9 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Shelburne?

Shelburne has the following gender distribution:
  • 45.9% males (755 residents)  
  • 54.1% females (890 residents)

What is the age distribution of Shelburne residents?  

The age distribution of Shelburne residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 15.4% (255 residents)   
  • 15-24: 8.2% (135 residents)   
  • 25-34: 9.4% (155 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10.6% (175 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.1% (200 residents)   
  • 55-64: 17.3% (285 residents)   
  • Over 64: 27% (445 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Shelburne? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Shelburne: 
  • 96.3% non-immigrants (1,565 residents)  
  • 3.7% immigrants (60 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Shelburne?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Shelburne: 
  • English: 99.4% 
  • French: 0.6% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0% 

What is the typical household size in Shelburne?  

The typical household size in Shelburne is 2.1 people. 

What is the median household income in Shelburne?  

The median household income in Shelburne is $53,200 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Shelburne residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Shelburne is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 26.6% (370 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 25.9% (360 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 7.2% (100 residents) 
  • College diploma: 23.7% (330 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.9% (40 residents) 
  • University degree: 13.7% (190 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Shelburne?  

The most common occupations in Shelburne fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.4% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 12.4% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 8.3% 
  • Health: 6.9% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 13.8% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 2.8% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 5.5% 
  • Sales and service: 26.2% 
  • Trades and transport: 20.7% 

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