Westville, NS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,540
0.9 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$60,800/yr
Private dwellings
1,660

Westville population

How many people live in Westville

Westville is home to 3,540 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 47.5% identify as male and 52.5% as female.

Total population
3,540
0.9% year-over-year change
Population density
248.6/km2
Gender ratio
Male
47.5%
1,680
Female
52.5%
1,860
Value Percent
Male 1,680 47.5%
Female 1,860 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 Westville is 44.3. Children under 15 make up 16.1% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.6%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 10.3% are 25 to 34, 10.6% are 35 to 44, and 13% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.1% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 23.5%.

Average age
44.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.1%
15 to 24
10.6%
25 to 34
10.3%
35 to 44
10.6%
45 to 54
13%
55 to 64
16.1%
Over 65
23.5%
Value Percent
Under 15 570 16.1%
15 to 24 375 10.6%
25 to 34 365 10.3%
35 to 44 375 10.6%
45 to 54 460 13%
55 to 64 570 16.1%
Over 65 835 23.5%
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 Westville, 97.3% of residents were born in Canada, while 2.7% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
97.3%
Immigrants
2.7%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 3,425 97.3%
Immigrants 95 2.7%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
3.1%
Non-minorities
96.9%
Value Percent
Minorities 110 3.1%
Non-minorities 3,410 96.9%
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 Westville
English
99.4%
French
0.6%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0%
Value Percent
English 3,505 99.4%
French 20 0.6%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99.4% of people in Westville 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 Westville

A peek inside Westville households

Westville has 1,565 households, with an average of 2.3 people living in each. One-person households make up 31.6% of all homes, while 35.8% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 16.6%, and homes with four or more people account for 16% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
1,565
Average people per household
2.3
1 person
31.6%
2 persons
35.8%
3 persons
16.6%
4 persons
10.9%
5 or more persons
5.1%
Value Percent
1 person 495 31.6%
2 persons 560 35.8%
3 persons 260 16.6%
4 persons 170 10.9%
5 or more persons 80 5.1%
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 Westville

The housing landscape of Westville

Westville has a total of 1,660 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Westville offers a variety of home sizes: 7% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 76% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 16.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
1,660
Housing types
Single-detached homes
74.2%
Attached homes
19.1%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
6.7%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,165 74.2%
Attached homes 300 19.1%
Movable homes 105 6.7%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
7%
2 or 3 bedrooms
76%
4 or more bedrooms
16.4%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 110 7%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,190 76%
4 or more bedrooms 255 16.4%
Homes built since 2011
90

The age of buildings in Westville

About 25.2% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 12.7% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.5% went up in the 1960s, 17.8% in the 1970s, and 10.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 6.7% of homes were added, and 9.6% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 395 25.2%
Between 1946 and 1960 200 12.7%
Between 1961 and 1970 180 11.5%
Between 1971 and 1980 280 17.8%
Between 1981 and 1990 170 10.8%
Between 1991 and 2000 105 6.7%
Between 2001 and 2010 150 9.6%
After 2011 90 5.7%
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.

Westville occupancy rates

In Westville, there are 1,567 occupied private dwellings, of which 72.1% are owner-occupied and 27.9% are rented. Meanwhile, 93 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
1,567
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
27.9%
Owned households
72.1%
Value Percent
Rented households 435 27.9%
Owned households 1,125 72.1%
Unoccupied dwellings
93
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 Westville, homeowners pay a median of $735 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $765. About 84.3% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 15.7% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$735
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$765
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
84.3%
≥30% on shelter
15.7%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 1,320 84.3%
≥30% on shelter 245 15.7%
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 Westville

Westville education at a glance

In Westville, educational attainment varies across the community. About 21% of residents have no formal diploma, while 35.1% have completed high school and 9.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 22% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 10.8% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 620 21%
High school diploma 1,035 35.1%
Apprenticeship diploma 285 9.7%
College diploma 650 22%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 40 1.4%
University degree 320 10.8%
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 Westville

How much people earn in Westville

In Westville, the median household income sits at $60,800, while the median after-tax household income is $55,200.

Median household income
$60,800/year
Median after-tax household income
$55,200/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.

Westville income by age

Young adults in Westville between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,400, 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 $40,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $46,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $48,000, followed by $37,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $26,200.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 18,400
25 - 34 40,000
35 - 44 46,000
45 - 54 48,000
55 - 64 37,200
Over 65 26,200

Employment in Westville

Workforce and job sectors in Westville

In Westville, 1,600 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 17.5%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and health employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
1,600
Unemployment rate
17.5%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Business, finance and administration 180 11.9%
Natural and applied sciences 50 3.3%
Health 190 12.5%
Education, law, community and government services 150 9.9%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 20 1.3%
Sales and service 475 31.4%
Trades and transport 295 19.5%
Natural resources and agriculture 40 2.6%
Manufacturing and utilities 115 7.6%
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 Westville

How people get around in Westville

In Westville, the average commute is 16 minutes. The remaining 1.7% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
16 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
59.2%
15 to 29 minutes
29.2%
30 to 44 minutes
5.6%
45 to 59 minutes
3.4%
More than 60 minutes
2.6%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 690 59.2%
15 to 29 minutes 340 29.2%
30 to 44 minutes 65 5.6%
45 to 59 minutes 40 3.4%
More than 60 minutes 30 2.6%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 1,105 95.7%
By bicycle/by walking 30 2.6%
By other methods 20 1.7%
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 Westville demographics 

What is the current total population in Westville?

Westville has a population of 3,540, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +0.9% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Westville?  

Westville has a population density of 248.6 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Westville?

Westville has the following gender distribution:
  • 47.5% males (1,680 residents)  
  • 52.5% females (1,860 residents)

What is the age distribution of Westville residents?  

The age distribution of Westville residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 16.1% (570 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10.6% (375 residents)   
  • 25-34: 10.3% (365 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10.6% (375 residents)   
  • 45-54: 13% (460 residents)   
  • 55-64: 16.1% (570 residents)   
  • Over 64: 23.5% (835 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Westville? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Westville: 
  • 97.3% non-immigrants (3,425 residents)  
  • 2.7% immigrants (95 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Westville?  

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

What is the typical household size in Westville?  

The typical household size in Westville is 2.3 people. 

What is the median household income in Westville?  

The median household income in Westville is $60,800 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Westville residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Westville is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 21% (620 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 35.1% (1,035 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 9.7% (285 residents) 
  • College diploma: 22% (650 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.4% (40 residents) 
  • University degree: 10.8% (320 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Westville?  

The most common occupations in Westville fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.3% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 11.9% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 9.9% 
  • Health: 12.5% 
  • Management: 0% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 7.6% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 3.3% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.6% 
  • Sales and service: 31.4% 
  • Trades and transport: 19.5% 

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