Nunavut demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
36,858
1.1 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$118,000/yr
Private dwellings
11,720

Nunavut population

How many people live in Nunavut

Nunavut is home to 36,858 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.9% identify as male and 49.1% as female.

Total population
36,858
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.9%
18,770
Female
49.1%
18,090
Value Percent
Male 18,770 50.9%
Female 18,090 49.1%
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 Nunavut is 28.3. Children under 15 make up 32.8% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 16.1%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 16.4% are 25 to 34, 12.2% are 35 to 44, and 10.6% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 7.6% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 4.4%.

Average age
28.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
32.8%
15 to 24
16.1%
25 to 34
16.4%
35 to 44
12.2%
45 to 54
10.6%
55 to 64
7.6%
Over 65
4.4%
Value Percent
Under 15 12,080 32.8%
15 to 24 5,945 16.1%
25 to 34 6,030 16.4%
35 to 44 4,480 12.2%
45 to 54 3,915 10.6%
55 to 64 2,805 7.6%
Over 65 1,605 4.4%
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 Nunavut, 96.6% of residents were born in Canada, while 3.2% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.2% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
96.6%
Immigrants
3.2%
Non-permanent residents
0.2%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 35,365 96.6%
Immigrants 1,165 3.2%
Non-permanent residents 75 0.2%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
3.6%
Non-minorities
96.4%
Value Percent
Minorities 1,325 3.6%
Non-minorities 35,280 96.4%
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 Nunavut
English
92.6%
French
1.6%
English and French
0.3%
Neither English nor French
5.5%
Value Percent
English 33,955 92.6%
French 575 1.6%
English and French 95 0.3%
Neither English nor French 2,025 5.5%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 92.6% of people in Nunavut speak English as their primary language, 1.6% communicate mainly in French, 0.3% are bilingual, and 5.5% 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 Nunavut

A peek inside Nunavut households

Nunavut has 9,925 households, with an average of 3.7 people living in each. One-person households make up 19.7% of all homes, while 19.3% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 46.8% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
9,925
Average people per household
3.7
1 person
19.7%
2 persons
19.3%
3 persons
14.2%
4 persons
14.1%
5 or more persons
32.7%
Value Percent
1 person 1,955 19.7%
2 persons 1,915 19.3%
3 persons 1,415 14.2%
4 persons 1,400 14.1%
5 or more persons 3,245 32.7%
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 Nunavut

The housing landscape of Nunavut

Nunavut has a total of 11,720 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 43.1% are single-detached houses, 55.7% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 1.1% are apartments. When it comes to space, Nunavut offers a variety of home sizes: 15% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 70% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 15.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
11,720
Housing types
Single-detached homes
43.1%
Attached homes
55.7%
Apartments
1.1%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 4,275 43.1%
Attached homes 5,525 55.7%
Apartments 110 1.1%
Movable homes 5 0%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
15%
2 or 3 bedrooms
70%
4 or more bedrooms
15.4%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 1,480 15%
2 or 3 bedrooms 6,925 70%
4 or more bedrooms 1,525 15.4%
Homes built since 2011
1,840

The age of buildings in Nunavut

About 0.2% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 2.1% between 1946 and 1960. Another 7.1% went up in the 1960s, 14.5% in the 1970s, and 18.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 21.3% of homes were added, and 17.5% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 25 0.2%
Between 1946 and 1960 205 2.1%
Between 1961 and 1970 700 7.1%
Between 1971 and 1980 1,435 14.5%
Between 1981 and 1990 1,860 18.8%
Between 1991 and 2000 2,115 21.3%
Between 2001 and 2010 1,740 17.5%
After 2011 1,840 18.6%
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.

Nunavut occupancy rates

In Nunavut, there are 9,926 occupied private dwellings, of which 19.2% are owner-occupied and 80.8% are rented. Meanwhile, 1,794 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
9,926
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
80.8%
Owned households
19.2%
Value Percent
Rented households 8,020 80.8%
Owned households 1,905 19.2%
Unoccupied dwellings
1,794
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 Nunavut, homeowners pay a median of $1,490 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $408. About 94.3% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 5.7% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,490
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$408
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
94.3%
≥30% on shelter
5.7%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 9,345 94.3%
≥30% on shelter 560 5.7%
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 Nunavut

Nunavut education at a glance

In Nunavut, educational attainment varies across the community. About 51.9% of residents have no formal diploma, while 18.5% have completed high school and 5% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 12.6% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 10.6% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 12,740 51.9%
High school diploma 4,540 18.5%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,235 5%
College diploma 3,080 12.6%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 335 1.4%
University degree 2,605 10.6%
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 Nunavut

How much people earn in Nunavut

In Nunavut, the median household income sits at $118,000, while the median after-tax household income is $104,000.

Median household income
$118,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$104,000/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.

Nunavut income by age

Young adults in Nunavut between 15 and 24 have a median income of $12,400, 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 $40,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $62,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $62,400, followed by $69,500 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $36,400.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 12,400
25 - 34 40,400
35 - 44 62,800
45 - 54 62,400
55 - 64 69,500
Over 65 36,400

Employment in Nunavut

Workforce and job sectors in Nunavut

In Nunavut, 14,380 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 16.9%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, education, law, community and government services, and trades and transport employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
14,380
Unemployment rate
16.9%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 270 2%
Business, finance and administration 2,420 18.2%
Natural and applied sciences 475 3.6%
Health 540 4.1%
Education, law, community and government services 2,950 22.2%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 435 3.3%
Sales and service 3,110 23.4%
Trades and transport 2,610 19.7%
Natural resources and agriculture 240 1.8%
Manufacturing and utilities 210 1.6%
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 Nunavut

How people get around in Nunavut

In Nunavut, the average commute is 8 minutes. About 52% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.9% rely on public transit and 36.1% walk or bike. The remaining 11% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
8 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
87.4%
15 to 29 minutes
9.9%
30 to 44 minutes
1.2%
45 to 59 minutes
0.4%
More than 60 minutes
1.2%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 9,670 87.4%
15 to 29 minutes 1,095 9.9%
30 to 44 minutes 135 1.2%
45 to 59 minutes 40 0.4%
More than 60 minutes 130 1.2%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 5,760 52%
By public transit 100 0.9%
By bicycle/by walking 4,000 36.1%
By other methods 1,215 11%
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.

Explore more communities

FAQs about Nunavut demographics 

What is the current total population in Nunavut?

Nunavut has a population of 36,858, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.1% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the gender distribution in Nunavut?

Nunavut has the following gender distribution:
  • 50.9% males (18,770 residents)  
  • 49.1% females (18,090 residents)

What is the age distribution of Nunavut residents?  

The age distribution of Nunavut residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 32.8% (12,080 residents)   
  • 15-24: 16.1% (5,945 residents)   
  • 25-34: 16.4% (6,030 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12.2% (4,480 residents)   
  • 45-54: 10.6% (3,915 residents)   
  • 55-64: 7.6% (2,805 residents)   
  • Over 64: 4.4% (1,605 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Nunavut? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Nunavut: 
  • 96.6% non-immigrants (35,365 residents)  
  • 3.2% immigrants (1,165 residents)  
  • 0.2% non-permanent residents (75 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Nunavut?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Nunavut: 
  • English: 92.6% 
  • French: 1.6% 
  • English and French: 0.3% 
  • Neither English nor French: 5.5% 

What is the typical household size in Nunavut?  

The typical household size in Nunavut is 3.7 people. 

What is the median household income in Nunavut?  

The median household income in Nunavut is $118,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Nunavut residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Nunavut is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 51.9% (12,740 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 18.5% (4,540 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 5% (1,235 residents) 
  • College diploma: 12.6% (3,080 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.4% (335 residents) 
  • University degree: 10.6% (2,605 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Nunavut?  

The most common occupations in Nunavut fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.3% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 18.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 22.2% 
  • Health: 4.1% 
  • Management: 2% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 1.6% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 3.6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 1.8% 
  • Sales and service: 23.4% 
  • Trades and transport: 19.7% 

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