Wolfville, NS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,057
1.8 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,400/yr
Private dwellings
2,856

Wolfville population

How many people live in Wolfville

Wolfville is home to 5,057 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 46% identify as male and 54% as female.

Total population
5,057
1.8% year-over-year change
Population density
783.3/km2
Gender ratio
Male
46%
2,325
Female
54%
2,725
Value Percent
Male 2,325 46%
Female 2,725 54%
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 Wolfville is 44.4. Children under 15 make up 8.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 24.6%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 11.9% are 25 to 34, 8.1% are 35 to 44, and 8.4% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 12.5% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 26.3%.

Average age
44.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.2%
15 to 24
24.6%
25 to 34
11.9%
35 to 44
8.1%
45 to 54
8.4%
55 to 64
12.5%
Over 65
26.3%
Value Percent
Under 15 415 8.2%
15 to 24 1,245 24.6%
25 to 34 605 11.9%
35 to 44 410 8.1%
45 to 54 425 8.4%
55 to 64 635 12.5%
Over 65 1,330 26.3%
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 Wolfville, 81.1% of residents were born in Canada, while 11% have settled here from abroad. Another 7.8% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
81.1%
Immigrants
11%
Non-permanent residents
7.8%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 3,935 81.1%
Immigrants 535 11%
Non-permanent residents 380 7.8%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
12.7%
Non-minorities
87.3%
Value Percent
Minorities 615 12.7%
Non-minorities 4,235 87.3%
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 Wolfville
English
97.9%
French
1.7%
English and French
0.2%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 4,850 97.9%
French 85 1.7%
English and French 10 0.2%
Neither English nor French 10 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.9% of people in Wolfville speak English as their primary language, 1.7% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% 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 Wolfville

A peek inside Wolfville households

Wolfville has 2,440 households, with an average of 2.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 40% of all homes, while 37.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 10.9%, and homes with four or more people account for 11.3% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
2,440
Average people per household
2
1 person
40%
2 persons
37.9%
3 persons
10.9%
4 persons
7.8%
5 or more persons
3.5%
Value Percent
1 person 975 40%
2 persons 925 37.9%
3 persons 265 10.9%
4 persons 190 7.8%
5 or more persons 85 3.5%
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 Wolfville

The housing landscape of Wolfville

Wolfville has a total of 2,856 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 34.9% are single-detached houses, 64.7% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.2% are apartments. When it comes to space, Wolfville offers a variety of home sizes: 23% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 57% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 19.6% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
2,856
Housing types
Single-detached homes
34.9%
Attached homes
64.7%
Apartments
0.2%
Movable homes
0.2%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 855 34.9%
Attached homes 1,585 64.7%
Apartments 5 0.2%
Movable homes 5 0.2%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
23%
2 or 3 bedrooms
57%
4 or more bedrooms
19.6%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 570 23%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,395 57%
4 or more bedrooms 480 19.6%
Homes built since 2011
370

The age of buildings in Wolfville

About 13.2% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 9.6% between 1946 and 1960. Another 10.2% went up in the 1960s, 13% in the 1970s, and 12.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 11.8% of homes were added, and 14.3% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 325 13.2%
Between 1946 and 1960 235 9.6%
Between 1961 and 1970 250 10.2%
Between 1971 and 1980 320 13%
Between 1981 and 1990 315 12.8%
Between 1991 and 2000 290 11.8%
Between 2001 and 2010 350 14.3%
After 2011 370 15.1%
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.

Wolfville occupancy rates

In Wolfville, there are 2,441 occupied private dwellings, of which 38.5% are owner-occupied and 61.5% are rented. Meanwhile, 415 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
2,441
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
61.5%
Owned households
38.5%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,500 61.5%
Owned households 940 38.5%
Unoccupied dwellings
415
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 Wolfville, homeowners pay a median of $1,110 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $900. About 71.1% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 28.9% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,110
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$900
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
71.1%
≥30% on shelter
28.9%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 1,735 71.1%
≥30% on shelter 705 28.9%
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 Wolfville

Wolfville education at a glance

In Wolfville, educational attainment varies across the community. About 7.3% of residents have no formal diploma, while 31.4% have completed high school and 3.4% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 12.6% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.5% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 42.7% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 325 7.3%
High school diploma 1,395 31.4%
Apprenticeship diploma 150 3.4%
College diploma 560 12.6%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 110 2.5%
University degree 1,895 42.7%
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 Wolfville

How much people earn in Wolfville

In Wolfville, the median household income sits at $58,400, while the median after-tax household income is $52,000.

Median household income
$58,400/year
Median after-tax household income
$52,000/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.

Wolfville income by age

Young adults in Wolfville 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 $32,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $44,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $50,400, followed by $45,200 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $42,000.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 18,400
25 - 34 32,400
35 - 44 44,800
45 - 54 50,400
55 - 64 45,200
Over 65 42,000

Employment in Wolfville

Workforce and job sectors in Wolfville

In Wolfville, 2,590 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 18.7%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, education, law, community and government services, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
2,590
Unemployment rate
18.7%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 30 1.2%
Business, finance and administration 270 10.7%
Natural and applied sciences 190 7.5%
Health 220 8.7%
Education, law, community and government services 515 20.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 120 4.8%
Sales and service 800 31.8%
Trades and transport 210 8.3%
Natural resources and agriculture 85 3.4%
Manufacturing and utilities 80 3.2%
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 Wolfville

How people get around in Wolfville

In Wolfville, the average commute is 19 minutes. About 78% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 2.8% rely on public transit and 15.5% walk or bike. The remaining 3.7% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
19 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
45.4%
15 to 29 minutes
34.6%
30 to 44 minutes
11.4%
45 to 59 minutes
4%
More than 60 minutes
4.6%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 735 45.4%
15 to 29 minutes 560 34.6%
30 to 44 minutes 185 11.4%
45 to 59 minutes 65 4%
More than 60 minutes 75 4.6%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 1,260 78%
By public transit 45 2.8%
By bicycle/by walking 250 15.5%
By other methods 60 3.7%
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 Wolfville demographics 

What is the current total population in Wolfville?

Wolfville has a population of 5,057, 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 Wolfville?  

Wolfville has a population density of 783.3 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Wolfville?

Wolfville has the following gender distribution:
  • 46% males (2,325 residents)  
  • 54% females (2,725 residents)

What is the age distribution of Wolfville residents?  

The age distribution of Wolfville residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 8.2% (415 residents)   
  • 15-24: 24.6% (1,245 residents)   
  • 25-34: 11.9% (605 residents)   
  • 35-44: 8.1% (410 residents)   
  • 45-54: 8.4% (425 residents)   
  • 55-64: 12.5% (635 residents)   
  • Over 64: 26.3% (1,330 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Wolfville? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Wolfville: 
  • 81.1% non-immigrants (3,935 residents)  
  • 11% immigrants (535 residents)  
  • 7.8% non-permanent residents (380 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Wolfville?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Wolfville: 
  • English: 97.9% 
  • French: 1.7% 
  • English and French: 0.2% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Wolfville?  

The typical household size in Wolfville is 2 people. 

What is the median household income in Wolfville?  

The median household income in Wolfville is $58,400 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Wolfville residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Wolfville is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 7.3% (325 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 31.4% (1,395 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 3.4% (150 residents) 
  • College diploma: 12.6% (560 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.5% (110 residents) 
  • University degree: 42.7% (1,895 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Wolfville?  

The most common occupations in Wolfville fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 4.8% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 10.7% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 20.4% 
  • Health: 8.7% 
  • Management: 1.2% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 3.2% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 7.5% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3.4% 
  • Sales and service: 31.8% 
  • Trades and transport: 8.3% 

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