Truro, NS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,954
4.1 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,800/yr
Private dwellings
6,658

Truro population

How many people live in Truro

Truro is home to 12,954 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 46.1% identify as male and 53.9% as female.

Total population
12,954
4.1% year-over-year change
Population density
345.3/km2
Gender ratio
Male
46.1%
5,970
Female
53.9%
6,985
Value Percent
Male 5,970 46.1%
Female 6,985 53.9%
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 Truro is 46.2. Children under 15 make up 12.8% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.6%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 13.4% are 25 to 34, 10.5% are 35 to 44, and 11.8% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14.4% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 26.5%.

Average age
46.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.8%
15 to 24
10.6%
25 to 34
13.4%
35 to 44
10.5%
45 to 54
11.8%
55 to 64
14.4%
Over 65
26.5%
Value Percent
Under 15 1,660 12.8%
15 to 24 1,380 10.6%
25 to 34 1,730 13.4%
35 to 44 1,355 10.5%
45 to 54 1,525 11.8%
55 to 64 1,870 14.4%
Over 65 3,435 26.5%
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 Truro, 90.9% of residents were born in Canada, while 6.3% have settled here from abroad. Another 2.8% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
90.9%
Immigrants
6.3%
Non-permanent residents
2.8%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 11,295 90.9%
Immigrants 780 6.3%
Non-permanent residents 350 2.8%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
10.3%
Non-minorities
89.7%
Value Percent
Minorities 1,285 10.3%
Non-minorities 11,135 89.7%
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 Truro
English
98.6%
French
1%
English and French
0.2%
Neither English nor French
0.3%
Value Percent
English 12,415 98.6%
French 120 1%
English and French 20 0.2%
Neither English nor French 40 0.3%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.6% of people in Truro speak English as their primary language, 1% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% are bilingual, and 0.3% 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 Truro

A peek inside Truro households

Truro has 6,350 households, with an average of 2.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 42.9% of all homes, while 34.6% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 11.5%, and homes with four or more people account for 10.9% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
6,350
Average people per household
2
1 person
42.9%
2 persons
34.6%
3 persons
11.5%
4 persons
7.3%
5 or more persons
3.6%
Value Percent
1 person 2,725 42.9%
2 persons 2,200 34.6%
3 persons 730 11.5%
4 persons 465 7.3%
5 or more persons 230 3.6%
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 Truro

The housing landscape of Truro

Truro has a total of 6,658 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 40.7% are single-detached houses, 57.7% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.1% are apartments. When it comes to space, Truro offers a variety of home sizes: 22% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 64% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 15% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
6,658
Housing types
Single-detached homes
40.7%
Attached homes
57.7%
Apartments
0.1%
Movable homes
1.6%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 2,585 40.7%
Attached homes 3,665 57.7%
Apartments 5 0.1%
Movable homes 100 1.6%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
22%
2 or 3 bedrooms
64%
4 or more bedrooms
15%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 1,360 22%
2 or 3 bedrooms 4,035 64%
4 or more bedrooms 950 15%
Homes built since 2011
430

The age of buildings in Truro

About 24% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 16.6% between 1946 and 1960. Another 14.3% went up in the 1960s, 12.2% in the 1970s, and 9.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 7.4% of homes were added, and 9.2% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 1,520 24%
Between 1946 and 1960 1,050 16.6%
Between 1961 and 1970 905 14.3%
Between 1971 and 1980 770 12.2%
Between 1981 and 1990 610 9.6%
Between 1991 and 2000 470 7.4%
Between 2001 and 2010 585 9.2%
After 2011 430 6.8%
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.

Truro occupancy rates

In Truro, there are 6,347 occupied private dwellings, of which 42.5% are owner-occupied and 57.5% are rented. Meanwhile, 311 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
6,347
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
57.5%
Owned households
42.5%
Value Percent
Rented households 3,650 57.5%
Owned households 2,700 42.5%
Unoccupied dwellings
311
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 Truro, homeowners pay a median of $930 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $860. About 73% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 27% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$930
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$860
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
73%
≥30% on shelter
27%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 4,620 73%
≥30% on shelter 1,710 27%
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 Truro

Truro education at a glance

In Truro, educational attainment varies across the community. About 18.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 30.8% have completed high school and 6.9% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.1% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 22.8% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 2,000 18.6%
High school diploma 3,320 30.8%
Apprenticeship diploma 745 6.9%
College diploma 2,015 18.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 230 2.1%
University degree 2,455 22.8%
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 Truro

How much people earn in Truro

In Truro, the median household income sits at $54,800, while the median after-tax household income is $49,600.

Median household income
$54,800/year
Median after-tax household income
$49,600/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.

Truro income by age

Young adults in Truro between 15 and 24 have a median income of $20,600, 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 $35,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $43,600. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $44,000, followed by $38,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $29,400.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 20,600
25 - 34 35,200
35 - 44 43,600
45 - 54 44,000
55 - 64 38,400
Over 65 29,400

Employment in Truro

Workforce and job sectors in Truro

In Truro, 6,180 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 15.9%. 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
6,180
Unemployment rate
15.9%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 60 1%
Business, finance and administration 745 12.5%
Natural and applied sciences 305 5.1%
Health 630 10.6%
Education, law, community and government services 845 14.2%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 135 2.3%
Sales and service 1,870 31.3%
Trades and transport 880 14.7%
Natural resources and agriculture 125 2.1%
Manufacturing and utilities 375 6.3%
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 Truro

How people get around in Truro

In Truro, the average commute is 16 minutes. About 84.5% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.2% rely on public transit and 12.5% walk or bike. The remaining 2.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
16 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
64.2%
15 to 29 minutes
20.4%
30 to 44 minutes
5.6%
45 to 59 minutes
4.1%
More than 60 minutes
5.6%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 2,875 64.2%
15 to 29 minutes 915 20.4%
30 to 44 minutes 250 5.6%
45 to 59 minutes 185 4.1%
More than 60 minutes 250 5.6%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 3,795 84.5%
By public transit 10 0.2%
By bicycle/by walking 560 12.5%
By other methods 125 2.8%
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 Truro demographics 

What is the current total population in Truro?

Truro has a population of 12,954, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +4.1% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Truro?  

Truro has a population density of 345.3 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Truro?

Truro has the following gender distribution:
  • 46.1% males (5,970 residents)  
  • 53.9% females (6,985 residents)

What is the age distribution of Truro residents?  

The age distribution of Truro residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 12.8% (1,660 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10.6% (1,380 residents)   
  • 25-34: 13.4% (1,730 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10.5% (1,355 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.8% (1,525 residents)   
  • 55-64: 14.4% (1,870 residents)   
  • Over 64: 26.5% (3,435 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Truro? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Truro: 
  • 90.9% non-immigrants (11,295 residents)  
  • 6.3% immigrants (780 residents)  
  • 2.8% non-permanent residents (350 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Truro?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Truro: 
  • English: 98.6% 
  • French: 1% 
  • English and French: 0.2% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.3% 

What is the typical household size in Truro?  

The typical household size in Truro is 2 people. 

What is the median household income in Truro?  

The median household income in Truro is $54,800 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Truro residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Truro is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 18.6% (2,000 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 30.8% (3,320 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 6.9% (745 residents) 
  • College diploma: 18.7% (2,015 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.1% (230 residents) 
  • University degree: 22.8% (2,455 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Truro?  

The most common occupations in Truro fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 2.3% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 12.5% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 14.2% 
  • Health: 10.6% 
  • Management: 1% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 6.3% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.1% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.1% 
  • Sales and service: 31.3% 
  • Trades and transport: 14.7% 

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