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Demographics of Nova Scotia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nova Scotia (Latin for New Scotland; Mi'kmaq: Enmigtaqamu'g; French: Nouvelle-Écosse) is a Canadian province located on the country's southeastern coast. It is the most populous province in Atlantic Canada, and its capital, Halifax, is a major economic centre of the region. Geographically, Nova Scotia is the second smallest province in Canada, with an area of 52,824.71 km2 (20,395.73 sq mi). As of April 2024, it has a population of 1,072,545 people.[1]

Canada Nova Scotia Density 2016

Population history

PopulationYear0200,000400,000600,000800,0001,000,0001830186018901920195019802010Population of Nova Scotia
View chart definition.
More information Year, Population ...
YearPopulation% changeRank*
5-year10-year
1827123,630––n/a
1837199,906–62.0
1851276,854––
1861330,857–19.5
1871387,800–17.23
1881440,572–13.6
1891450,396–2.2
1901459,574–2.0
1911492,338–7.14
1921523,837–6.47
1931512,846–- 2.1
1941577,962–12.7
1951642,584–11.2
1956694,7178.1–
1961737,0076.114.7
1966756,0392.68.8
1971788,9654.47.0
1976828,5705.09.6
1981847,4422.37.4
1986873,1753.05.4
1991899,9423.16.2
1996909,2821.04.1
2001908,007- 0.10.9
2006913,4620.62.8
2011921,7270.91.5
2016923,5980.21.1
2021969,3835.05.2
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Source:[2] Statistics Canada [3][4]
* among provinces.
** Preliminary 2006 census estimate.

Population geography

Population centres

Main article: List of population centres in Nova Scotia

The Halifax population centre is the largest urban area in Nova Scotia. Statistics Canada recognizes a total of 37 population centres in the province.[5]

The below table is a list of those population centres in Nova Scotia from the 2021 Census of Population as designated, named, and delineated by Statistics Canada.[6]

More information Rank, Population centre ...
Rank Population centre[6] Size group[6] Population (2021)[6] Population (2016)[6] Change[6] Land area[6] Population density[6]
km2 sq mi /km2 /sq mi
1HalifaxLarge urban348,634 317,334 +9.9%238.29 92.001,463.1 3,789
2Cape Breton - SydneyMedium30,960 30,170 +2.6%30.91 11.931,001.6 2,594
3TruroSmall23,583 23,205 +1.6%31.52 12.17748.2 1,938
4New GlasgowSmall19,316 19,137 +0.9%29.82 11.51647.8 1,678
5Glace BaySmall16,915 17,604 −3.9%31.19 12.04542.3 1,405
6KentvilleSmall14,905 14,449 +3.2%27.98 10.80532.7 1,380
7Sydney MinesSmall12,353 12,823 −3.7%18.11 6.99682.1 1,767
8AmherstSmall9,548 9,550 0.0%12.38 4.78771.2 1,997
9BridgewaterSmall8,790 8,532 +3.0%13.63 5.26644.9 1,670
10YarmouthSmall7,848 7,527 +4.3%16.81 6.49466.9 1,209
11Kingston - GreenwoodSmall7,118 6,879 +3.5%17.22 6.65413.4 1,071
12New WaterfordSmall6,723 7,416 −9.3%9.23 3.56728.4 1,887
13Enfield - LantzSmall6,583 6,807 −3.3%11.67 4.51564.1 1,461
14AntigonishSmall5,620 5,079 +10.7%5.88 2.27955.8 2,476
15WindsorSmall5,514 5,248 +5.1%10.56 4.08522.2 1,352
16WolfvilleSmall5,057 4,195 +20.5%6.46 2.49782.8 2,027
17Still Water LakeSmall3,379 3,447 −2.0%8.23 3.18410.6 1,063
18Port HawkesburySmall2,998 3,004 −0.2%5 1.9599.6 1,553
19SpringhillSmall2,654 2,743 −3.2%4.84 1.87548.3 1,420
20PictouSmall2,643 2,711 −2.5%4.35 1.68607.6 1,574
21Eskasoni 3Small2,575 2,352 +9.5%5.7 2.2451.8 1,170
22LiverpoolSmall2,546 2,549 −0.1%3.59 1.39709.2 1,837
23BerwickSmall2,455 2,517 −2.5%4.31 1.66569.6 1,475
24LunenburgSmall2,405 2,262 +6.3%3.35 1.29717.9 1,859
25Lake EchoSmall2,365 2,515 −6.0%4.76 1.84496.8 1,287
26Indian Brook 14Small2,332 655 +256.0%3.89 1.50599.5 1,553
27DigbySmall2,001 2,060 −2.9%3.16 1.22633.2 1,640
28HantsportSmall1,542 1,560 −1.2%2.89 1.12533.6 1,382
29BrooksideSmall1,439 1,441 −0.1%2.81 1.08512.1 1,326
30ShelburneSmall1,439 1,483 −3.0%2.6 1.0553.5 1,434
31MiddletonSmall1,429 1,391 +2.7%2.72 1.05525.4 1,361
32ChesterSmall1,371 1,362 +0.7%3.23 1.25424.5 1,099
33InvernessSmall1,228 1,248 −1.6%2.73 1.05449.8 1,165
34CentrevilleSmall1,159 1,129 +2.7%2.36 0.91491.1 1,272
35Howie CentreSmall1,106 1,157 −4.4%1.67 0.64662.3 1,715
36Hayes SubdivisionSmall1,044 1,121 −6.9%1.1 0.42949.1 2,458
37Port WilliamsSmall1,030 1,120 −8.0%1.92 0.74536.5 1,390
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Municipalities

Nova Scotia has four regional municipalities.

More information Name, Population (2021) ...
Name Population
(2021)[7]		 Population
(2016)[7]		 Change
(%)[7]		 Area
(km²)[7]		 Population
density[7]
Cape Breton93,69494,285−0.6%2,419.7038.7
Halifax439,819403,131+9.1%5,475.5780.3
Queens10,42210,302+1.2%2,387.524.4
West Hants19,50919,016+2.6%1,250.515.6
Total regional municipalities 563,444 526,734 +7.0% 11,533.29 48.85
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Towns

Main article: List of towns in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has 25 towns.

More information Towns of Nova Scotia, Name ...
Towns of Nova Scotia
Name 2021 Census of Population[8]
Population
(2021)		 Population
(2016)		 Change
 Land area Population density
km2 sq mi /km2 /sq mi
Amherst9,404 9,713 −3.2%12.07 4.66779.1 2,018
Annapolis Royal530 491 +7.9%1.98 0.76267.7 693
Antigonish4,656 4,364 +6.7%4.98 1.92934.9 2,421
Berwick2,455 2,509 −2.2%6.53 2.52384.2 995
Bridgewater8,790 8,532 +3.0%13.63 5.26644.9 1,670
Clark's Harbour725 758 −4.4%2.82 1.09257.1 666
Digby2,001 2,060 −2.9%3.16 1.22633.2 1,640
Kentville6,630 6,271 +5.7%17.08 6.59388.2 1,005
Lockeport476 531 −10.4%2.32 0.90205.2 531
Lunenburg2,396 2,263 +5.9%4.04 1.56593.1 1,536
Mahone Bay1,064 1,036 +2.7%3.12 1.20341.0 883
Middleton1,873 1,832 +2.2%5.55 2.14337.5 874
Mulgrave627 722 −13.2%17.83 6.8835.2 91
New Glasgow9,471 9,075 +4.4%9.96 3.85950.9 2,463
Oxford1,170 1,190 −1.7%10.68 4.12109.6 284
Pictou3,107 3,186 −2.5%7.99 3.08388.9 1,007
Port Hawkesbury3,210 3,214 −0.1%8.1 3.1396.3 1,026
Shelburne1,644 1,743 −5.7%8.75 3.38187.9 487
Stellarton4,007 4,208 −4.8%8.99 3.47445.7 1,154
Stewiacke1,557 1,373 +13.4%17.62 6.8088.4 229
Trenton2,407 2,474 −2.7%6.07 2.34396.5 1,027
Truro12,954 12,261 +5.7%37.52 14.49345.3 894
Westville3,540 3,628 −2.4%14.24 5.50248.6 644
Wolfville5,057 4,195 +20.5%6.46 2.49782.8 2,027
Yarmouth6,829 6,518 +4.8%10.57 4.08646.1 1,673
Total 96,580 93,847 +2.9% 242.06 93.46 399.0 1,033
Province of Nova Scotia 969,383 923,598 +5.0% 52,824.71 20,395.73 18.35 47.5
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Ethnic origins

Note: the percentages do not necessarily add up to 100% as multiple responses are allowed. Ethnic origins with less than 2% of the responses are not listed.[9]

More information Ethnic origin (Canada 2016 Census), Population group ...
Ethnic origin (Canada 2016 Census)
Population group Population % of total population
Canadian 387,360 42.6%
Scottish 272,880 30.0%
English 262,375 28.9%
Irish 195,865 21.6%
French 149,625 16.5%
German 97,555 10.7%
First Nations (Indigenous North American) 48,640 5.4%
Dutch 32,045 3.5%
Métis 26,025 2.9%
Acadian 23,700 2.6%
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Visible minorities and Indigenous peoples

Largest Pan-Ethnic Group in Nova Scotia by Census Division Based on the 2021 Census
More information Visible minority and Indigenous population (Canada 2021 Census), Population group ...
Visible minority and Indigenous population (Canada 2021 Census)[10]
Population groupPopulation%
European[a]809,99584.7%
Visible minority group
 Black28,2203.0%
South Asian21,6552.3%
Chinese11,6001.2%
Arab10,6101.1%
Filipino6,6150.7%
Latin American2,9150.3%
Korean2,8450.3%
Multiple visible minorities2,7500.3%
Southeast Asian2,4000.3%
West Asian1,8750.2%
Japanese9850.1%
Visible minority, n.i.e.9700.1%
Total visible minority population93,4309.8%
Indigenous group
First Nations (North American Indian)28,0502.9%
Métis21,0902.2%
Indigenous responses n.i.e.1,3000.1%
Inuk (Inuit)1,1000.1%
Multiple Indigenous responses8850.1%
Total Indigenous population52,4305.5%
Total population955,855100.0%
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Language

Knowledge of languages

More information Language, Percent ...
Knowledge of official languages of Canada in Nova Scotia (2016)
Language Percent
English only
 
 89.17%
French only
 
 0.08%
English and French
 
 10.45%
Neither English nor French
 
 0.30%
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The question on knowledge of languages allows for multiple responses. The following figures are from the 2021 Canadian Census and the 2016 Canadian Census, and lists languages that were selected by at least 0.5 per cent of respondents.

More information Language, Pop. ...
Knowledge of languages in Nova Scotia
Language 2021[11] 2016
Pop. % Pop. %
English 951,945 99.59% 905,020 99.63%
French 99,300 10.39% 95,740 10.54%
Arabic 11,745 1.23% 9,685 1.07%
Hindi 10,115 1.06% N/A <0.5%
Spanish 8,675 0.91% 6,990 0.77%
Mandarin 8,525 0.89% 5,435 0.6%
Punjabi 6,730 0.7% N/A <0.5%
German 6,665 0.7% 6,335 0.7%
Miꞌkmaq 5,650 0.59% 5,540 0.61%
Tagalog 5,595 0.59% N/A <0.5%
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Mother tongue

Mother tongue in Nova Scotia: Red – majority anglophone, Orange – mixed, Blue – majority francophone, Brown- majority mi'kmaw.

The 2021 Canadian census showed a population of 969,383.
Of the 941,105 singular responses to the census question concerning mother tongue the most commonly reported languages were:[12]

More information Ranking, Language ...
Ranking Language Population Percentage
1. English 851,545 90.48%
2. French 27,340 2.91%
3. Arabic 7,960 0.85%
4. Mandarin 6,730 0.72%
5. Punjabi 4,550 0.48%
6. Tagalog 3,240 0.34%
7. Mi'kmaq 3,145 0.33%
8. German 3,050 0.32%
9. Spanish 2,680 0.28%
10. Korean 2,340 0.25%
11. Hindi 2,035 0.22%
12. Malayalam 1,975 0.21%
13. Russian 1,735 0.18%
14. Persian 1,435 0.15%
15. Dutch 1,395 0.15%
16. Portuguese 1,305 0.14%
17. Yue (Cantonese) 1,250 0.13%
18. Gujarati 1,160 0.12%
19. Urdu 965 0.10%
20. Vietnamese 950 0.10%
21. Bengali 890 0.09%
22. Polish 870 0.09%
23. Telugu 750 0.08%
24. Italian 730 0.08%
25. Greek 710 0.08%
26. Serbo-Croatian 580 0.06%
27. Tamil 555 0.06%
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Religion

More information Religious groups in Nova Scotia (1981−2021), Religious group ...
Religious groups in Nova Scotia (1981−2021)
Religious group 2021 Canadian census
[13][14][15][16]		 2011 Canadian census
[17][18][19]		 2001 Canadian census
[20][21][22][23]		 1991 Canadian census
[23][24][25][26]		 1981 Canadian census
[27][28][29][30]
Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. %
Christianity 556,115 58.18% 690,460 76.19% 780,530 86.96% 815,815 91.57% 800,325 95.3%
Irreligion 359,395 37.6% 197,665 21.81% 106,405 11.85% 68,010 7.63% 34,335 4.09%
Islam 14,715 1.54% 8,505 0.94% 3,545 0.39% 1,435 0.16% 790 0.09%
Hinduism 8,460 0.89% 1,850 0.2% 1,235 0.14% 970 0.11% 1,025 0.12%
Sikhism 4,735 0.5% 390 0.04% 270 0.03% 330 0.04% 275 0.03%
Buddhism 2,955 0.31% 2,205 0.24% 1,735 0.19% 1,485 0.17% 420 0.05%
Judaism 2,195 0.23% 1,805 0.2% 2,120 0.24% 1,950 0.22% 2,010 0.24%
Indigenous spirituality 1,090 0.11% 570 0.06% 270 0.03% 45 0.01% 15 0%
Other 6,195 0.65% 2,720 0.3% 1,450 0.16% 910 0.1% 605 0.07%
Total responses 955,855 98.6% 906,175 98.31% 897,570 98.85% 890,950 99% 839,800 99.1%
Total population 969,383 100% 921,727 100% 908,007 100% 899,942 100% 847,442 100%
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  • Largest non-Christian religion in Nova Scotia by census division, 2021 census
    Largest non-Christian religion in Nova Scotia by census division, 2021 census
  • Majority religion in Nova Scotia by county, 2011 census
    Majority religion in Nova Scotia by county, 2011 census

Migration

Immigration

More information Nova Scotia immigration statistics (1861–2021), Census year ...
Nova Scotia immigration statistics (1861–2021)
Census year Immigrant percentage Immigrant population Total responses Total population Source(s)
1861 Census of Nova Scotia 10.93% 36,151 330,857 330,857 [31]: 114–115 [32]: 346 
1871 Canadian census 8.37% 32,456 387,800 387,800 [33]: 336 [34]: 28 
1881 Canadian census 6.29% 27,713 440,572 440,572 [35]: 239 
1891 Canadian census 5.84% 26,315 450,396 450,396 [35]: 239 
1901 Canadian census 5.31% 24,402 459,574 459,574 [35]: 239 
1911 Canadian census 7.39% 36,375 492,338 492,338 [35]: 239 
1921 Canadian census 8.31% 43,505 523,837 523,837 [36]: 108 [35]: 239 
1931 Canadian census 8.15% 41,797 512,846 512,846 [37]: 540 [38]: 710 [39]: 446 [40]: 374 [36]: 108 
1941 Canadian census 7.05% 40,741 577,962 577,962 [41][42][43]: 282–343 [36]: 108 
1951 Canadian census 4.46% 28,680 642,584 642,584 [44]: 675–676 [36]: 108 
1961 Canadian census 4.64% 34,168 737,007 737,007 [45][46][47][36]: 108 
1971 Canadian census 4.71% 37,190 788,960 788,960 [48][49][50][36]: 108 
1981 Canadian census 4.97% 41,715 839,800 847,442 [51][52][53][54][55][56]
1986 Canadian census 4.68% 40,465 864,150 873,176 [57][58][59][60][61]
1991 Canadian census 4.39% 39,110 890,950 899,942 [57][62][63]
1996 Canadian census 4.66% 41,955 899,970 909,282 [64][65][57][66][67]
2001 Canadian census 4.6% 41,315 897,570 908,007 [68][65][69]
2006 Canadian census 5% 45,190 903,090 913,462 [70][71]
2011 Canadian census 5.33% 48,275 906,175 921,727 [72][73]
2016 Canadian census 6.13% 55,680 908,340 923,598 [74][75][76]
2021 Canadian census 7.49% 71,570 955,855 969,383 [77][78][79]
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The 2021 census reported that immigrants (individuals born outside Canada) comprise 71,570 persons or 7.5 percent of the total population of Nova Scotia.[77][78]

More information Country of birth, 1951 census : 675–676 ...
Immigrants in Nova Scotia by country of birth
Country of birth 2021 census
[77][78][79]		 2016 census
[74][75][76]		 2011 census
[72][73]		 2006 census
[70][71]		 2001 census
[68][65][69]		 1996 census
[64][65][57][66][67]		 1991 census
[57][62][63]		 1986 census
[57][58][59][60][61]		 1981 census
[51][52][53][54][55][56]		 1971 census
[48][49][50]		 1961 census
[45][46][47]		 1951 census
[44]: 675–676 		 1941 census
[41][42][43]: 282–343 		 1931 census
[37]: 540 [38]: 710 [39]: 446 [40]: 374 
Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. %
United Kingdom 11,930 16.7% 11,270 20.2% 11,000 22.8% 11,660 25.8% 10,800 26.1% 12,210 29.1% 12,045 30.8% 13,445 33.2% 14,190 34% 13,965 37.6% 14,429 42.2% 13,180 46% 12,316 30.2% 13,552 32.4%
United States 7,570 10.6% 7,375 13.2% 8,275 17.1% 7,960 17.6% 8,065 19.5% 8,815 21% 9,485 24.3% 9,905 24.5% 11,335 27.2% 8,780 23.6% 7,389 21.6% 7,555 26.3% 8,633 21.2% 7,222 17.3%
India 5,605 7.8% 2,225 4% 1,415 2.9% 1,440 3.2% 1,140 2.8% 1,370 3.3% 1,190 3% 1,175 2.9% 1,140 2.7% 890 2.4% 119 0.3% 86 0.3% 66 0.2% 80 0.2%
Philippines 4,755 6.6% 2,575 4.6% 1,325 2.7% 420 0.9% 495 1.2% 460 1.1% 245 0.6% 235 0.6% 245 0.6% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
China & Taiwan 4,500[b] 6.3% 3,055[c] 5.5% 2,145[d] 4.4% 1,830[e] 4% 1,150[f] 2.8% 910[g] 2.2% 620[h] 1.6% 560[i] 1.4% 520[j] 1.2% 510 1.4% 358 1% 331 1.2% 286 0.7% 297 0.7%
Syria & Lebanon 3,985[k] 5.6% 2,520[l] 4.5% 1,780[m] 3.7% 1,400[n] 3.1% 1,640[o] 4% 1,305[p] 3.1% 1,125[q] 2.9% 975[r] 2.4% 995 2.4% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a 336 0.8% 365 0.9%
Germany & Austria 2,485[s] 3.5% 2,745[t] 4.9% 2,530[u] 5.2% 2,995[v] 6.6% 2,660[w] 6.4% 2,505[x] 6% 1,880[y] 4.8% 2,275[z] 5.6% 2,745[aa] 6.6% 2,950 7.9% 1,771 5.2% 453 1.6% 514 1.3% 635 1.5%
Nigeria & Ghana 1,935[ab] 2.7% 525[ac] 0.9% 365[ad] 0.8% 255[ae] 0.6% 165[af] 0.4% 165[ag] 0.4% 145 0.4% 115 0.3% 80 0.2% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Netherlands 1,465 2% 1,645 3% 1,530 3.2% 1,830 4% 1,975 4.8% 2,070 4.9% 2,000 5.1% 2,105 5.2% 1,945 4.7% 1,910 5.1% 2,222 6.5% 607 2.1% 95 0.2% 29 0.1%
Russia & Ukraine 1,320[ah] 1.8% 930[ai] 1.7% 725[aj] 1.5% 385[ak] 0.9% 310[al] 0.8% 365[am] 0.9% 240[am] 0.6% 230[am] 0.6% 345[am] 0.8% 495[am] 1.3% 762[am] 2.2% 901[am] 3.1% 831[am] 2% 852[am] 2%
South Korea 1,220 1.7% 865 1.6% 570 1.2% 425 0.9% 310 0.8% 180 0.4% 95 0.2% 20 0% 20 0% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Jamaica & Trinidad and Tobago 1,045[an] 1.5% 705[ao] 1.3% 390[ap] 0.8% 410[aq] 0.9% 375[ar] 0.9% 415[as] 1% 505[at] 1.3% 535[au] 1.3% 465 1.1% 335 0.9% 401[av] 1.2% 444[av] 1.5% 500[av] 1.2% 564[av] 1.3%
Iran 1,040 1.5% 970 1.7% 910 1.9% 400 0.9% 220 0.5% 185 0.4% 220 0.6% 180 0.4% 50 0.1% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Egypt 970 1.4% 765 1.4% 570 1.2% 670 1.5% 260 0.6% 405 1% 175 0.4% 105 0.3% 75 0.2% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Former Yugoslavia 950 1.3% 730 1.3% 430 0.9% 670 1.5% 635 1.5% 640 1.5% 215 0.5% 210 0.5% 150 0.4% 160 0.4% 195 0.6% 111 0.4% 134 0.3% 245 0.6%
Pakistan 900 1.3% 615 1.1% 345 0.7% 450 1% 235 0.6% 390 0.9% 150 0.4% 135 0.3% 160 0.4% 85 0.2% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Poland 765 1.1% 625 1.1% 575 1.2% 970 2.1% 730 1.8% 655 1.6% 960 2.5% 700 1.7% 550 1.3% 665 1.8% 834 2.4% 930 3.2% 1,054 2.6% 1,262 3%
South Africa 710 1% 460 0.8% 310 0.6% 320 0.7% 160 0.4% 225 0.5% 225 0.6% 185 0.5% 120 0.3% N/a N/a 58 0.2% 26 0.1% 50 0.1% 37 0.1%
France & Belgium 680[aw] 1% 720[ax] 1.3% 545[ay] 1.1% 710[az] 1.6% 620[ba] 1.5% 585[bb] 1.4% 525[bc] 1.3% 660[bd] 1.6% 700[be] 1.7% 815 2.2% 860 2.5% 635 2.2% 752 1.8% 951 2.3%
Vietnam 675 0.9% 450 0.8% 450 0.9% 375 0.8% 535 1.3% 515 1.2% 510 1.3% 495 1.2% 480 1.2% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Israel & Palestine 625 0.9% 505 0.9% 280 0.6% 155 0.3% 225 0.5% 145 0.3% 25 0.1% 80 0.2% 55 0.1% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Australia & New Zealand 590 0.8% 430 0.8% 410 0.8% 440 1% 345 0.8% 320 0.8% 210 0.5% 245 0.6% 215 0.5% 255 0.7% 132 0.4% 86 0.3% 108 0.3% 82 0.2%
Ireland 555 0.8% 475 0.9% 635 1.3% 425 0.9% 375 0.9% 350 0.8% 480 1.2% 375 0.9% 185 0.4% 335 0.9% 1,006 2.9% 796 2.8% 880 2.2% 990 2.4%
Kenya & Tanzania & Uganda 555[bf] 0.8% 285[bg] 0.5% 260[bh] 0.5% 245[bi] 0.5% 190[bj] 0.5% 165[bk] 0.4% 145[bl] 0.4% 80[bm] 0.2% 160 0.4% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Kuwait 545 0.8% 615 1.1% 695 1.4% 780 1.7% 770 1.9% 535 1.3% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Bangladesh 540 0.8% 315 0.6% 335 0.7% 135 0.3% 10 0% 15 0% 0 0% 5 0% 10 0% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Saudi Arabia 500 0.7% 370 0.7% 335 0.7% 255 0.6% 230 0.6% 90 0.2% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Italy 490 0.7% 525 0.9% 480 1% 540 1.2% 575 1.4% 560 1.3% 670 1.7% 715 1.8% 725 1.7% 900 2.4% 830 2.4% 466 1.6% 606 1.5% 742 1.8%
Scandinavia[bn] 440 0.6% 495 0.9% 470 1% 460 1% 560 1.4% 555 1.3% 485 1.2% 535 1.3% 590 1.4% 780 2.1% 698 2% 617 2.2% 687 1.7% 690 1.7%
Brazil 440 0.6% 175 0.3% 65 0.1% 25 0.1% 80 0.2% 45 0.1% 30 0.1% 15 0% 45 0.1% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Iraq 440 0.6% 525 0.9% 455 0.9% 250 0.6% 240 0.6% 140 0.3% 55 0.1% 10 0% 10 0% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Ethiopia & Eritrea 400[bo] 0.6% 320[bp] 0.6% 205[bq] 0.4% 140[br] 0.3% 100[bs] 0.2% 155 0.4% 30 0.1% 45 0.1% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Jordan 385 0.5% 395 0.7% 285 0.6% 170 0.4% 100 0.2% 35 0.1% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Sri Lanka 375 0.5% 310 0.6% 190 0.4% 95 0.2% 205 0.5% 200 0.5% 95 0.2% 45 0.1% 30 0.1% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Mexico 355 0.5% 330 0.6% 185 0.4% 185 0.4% 75 0.2% 95 0.2% 75 0.2% 65 0.2% 15 0% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Hong Kong 350 0.5% 280 0.5% 290 0.6% 280 0.6% 470 1.1% 540 1.3% 345 0.9% 165 0.4% 265 0.6% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
DR Congo & Cameroon 345[bt] 0.5% 180[bu] 0.3% 105[bv] 0.2% 40[bw] 0.1% 25[bx] 0.1% 15[by] 0% 30 0.1% 10 0% 0 0% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
United Arab Emirates 330 0.5% 265 0.5% 195 0.4% 105 0.2% 205 0.5% 65 0.2% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Turkey 320 0.4% 270 0.5% 170 0.4% 85 0.2% 110 0.3% 90 0.2% 105 0.3% 175 0.4% 50 0.1% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a 8 0% 4 0%
Sudan & South Sudan 315 0.4% 130 0.2% 90 0.2% 65 0.1% 70 0.2% 0 0% 5 0% 0 0% 0 0% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Romania 310 0.4% 180 0.3% 190 0.4% 130 0.3% 135 0.3% 85 0.2% 70 0.2% 40 0.1% 45 0.1% 30 0.1% 61 0.2% 57 0.2% 106 0.3% 174 0.4%
Greece 300 0.4% 510 0.9% 355 0.7% 550 1.2% 635 1.5% 545 1.3% 580 1.5% 560 1.4% 745 1.8% 550 1.5% 411 1.2% 129 0.4% 108 0.3% 96 0.2%
Japan 300 0.4% 225 0.4% 135 0.3% 185 0.4% 50 0.1% 115 0.3% 30 0.1% 30 0.1% 45 0.1% 45 0.1% 15 0% 7 0% 13 0% 6 0%
Switzerland 290 0.4% 210 0.4% 215 0.4% 215 0.5% 130 0.3% 145 0.3% 60 0.2% 120 0.3% 70 0.2% 55 0.1% 46 0.1% 32 0.1% 35 0.1% 23 0.1%
Colombia 270 0.4% 175 0.3% 290 0.6% 115 0.3% 10 0% 0 0% 15 0% 5 0% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Guyana 255 0.4% 170 0.3% 170 0.4% 125 0.3% 150 0.4% 100 0.2% 55 0.1% 130 0.3% 65 0.2% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Czech Republic & Slovakia 250 0.3% 210 0.4% 135 0.3% 250 0.6% 245 0.6% 215 0.5% 185 0.5% 240 0.6% 240 0.6% 285 0.8% 231 0.7% 227 0.8% 272 0.7% 373 0.9%
Portugal 235 0.3% 220 0.4% 120 0.2% 220 0.5% 215 0.5% 215 0.5% 270 0.7% 310 0.8% 245 0.6% 110 0.3% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
El Salvador & Guatemala & Nicaragua 215[bz] 0.3% 175[ca] 0.3% 80[cb] 0.2% 55[cc] 0.1% 65[cd] 0.2% 105[ce] 0.3% 260[cf] 0.7% 15[cg] 0% 20 0% N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a N/a
Hungary 215 0.3% 110 0.2% 185 0.4% 230 0.5% 210 0.5% 185 0.4% 260 0.7% 235 0.6% 285 0.7% 260 0.7% 351 1% 201 0.7% 302 0.7% 421 1%
Total immigrants 71,570 7.5% 55,680 6.1% 48,275 5.3% 45,190 5% 41,315 4.6% 41,955 4.7% 39,110 4.4% 40,465 4.7% 41,715 5% 37,190 4.7% 34,168 4.6% 28,680 4.5% 40,741 7% 41,797 8.2%
Total responses 955,855 98.6% 908,340 98.3% 906,175 98.3% 903,090 98.9% 897,570 98.9% 899,970 99% 890,950 99% 864,150 99% 839,800 99.1% 788,960 100% 737,007 100% 642,584 100% 577,962 100% 512,846 100%
Total population 969,383 100% 923,598 100% 921,727 100% 913,462 100% 908,007 100% 909,282 100% 899,942 100% 873,176 100% 847,442 100% 788,960 100% 737,007 100% 642,584 100% 577,962 100% 512,846 100%
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Recent immigration

The 2021 Canadian census counted a total of 21,385 people who immigrated to Nova Scotia between 2016 and 2021.[77][78]

More information Country of Birth, Population ...
Recent immigrants to Nova Scotia by Country of birth (2016 to 2021)[77][78]
Country of Birth Population % recent immigrants
India 3,665 17.1%
Philippines 2,325 10.9%
Syria 2,140 10%
China 2,045 9.6%
Nigeria 1,445 6.8%
United States 880 4.1%
United Kingdom 730 3.4%
South Korea 580 2.7%
Pakistan 375 1.8%
Egypt 375 1.8%
Bangladesh 350 1.6%
Jamaica 325 1.5%
Ukraine 265 1.2%
Brazil 260 1.2%
South Africa 225 1.1%
Saudi Arabia 225 1.1%
Iran 220 1%
Russia 205 1%
Vietnam 205 1%
Germany 185 0.9%
Israel 180 0.8%
Jordan 175 0.8%
Lebanon 175 0.8%
Sudan 160 0.7%
Democratic Republic of the Congo 160 0.7%
Total recent immigrants 21,385 100%
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Interprovincial migration

Net cumulative interprovincial migration per Province from 1997 to 2017, as a share of population of each Provinces
Main article: Interprovincial migration in Canada

From 1971 to 2011, Nova Scotia had a persistent negative trend in net interprovincial migration. Combined with a declining birth rate, this posed a significant demographic challenge for the province, as its population was projected to decline. The destination for Nova Scotia migrants was most often Ontario, until the turn of the 21st century when Alberta became a more popular destination; New Brunswick ranks as a distant third.[80]

More information In-migrants, Out-migrants ...
Interprovincial migration in Nova Scotia
In-migrants Out-migrants Net migration
2008–09 15,467 16,218 −751
2009–10 15,172 14,560 612
2010–11 14,553 14,594 −41
2011–12 14,410 17,276 −2,866
2012–13 12,630 16,147 −3,517
2013–14 13,402 15,973 −2,571
2014–15 13,854 16,165 −2,311
2015–16 15,107 14,353 754
2016–17 15,339 12,500 2,839
2017–18 15,509 12,461 3,048
2018–19 17,324 14,018 3,306
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Source: Statistics Canada

Employment

As of February 2019, the unemployment rate for the province is 6.4 percent. Halifax Regional Municipality 4.9 percent[81]

Income

More information By county, By community ...
Median household income
By county By community
RankCounty2011[82]
1Halifax County$62,049
2Hants County$60,186
3Antigonish County$57,577
Nova Scotia$53,606
4Inverness County$53,194
5Kings County$51,850
6Richmond County$50,745
7Colchester County$50,568
8Pictou County$50,417
9Lunenburg County$48,154
10Yarmouth County$47,676
11Victoria County$47,413
12Cape Breton County$47,224
13Queens County$45,050
14Shelburne County$44,267
15Cumberland County$43,385
16Annapolis County$43,522
17Digby County$42,293
18Guysborough County$42,063
RankCommunity2011[82]
1Halifax Regional Municipality$62,069
2Port Hawkesbury$61,013
Nova Scotia$53,606
3Stewiacke$52,118
4Mahone Bay$49,158
5Wolfville$48,671
6Hantsport$48,584
7Clark's Harbour$48,102
8Cape Breton Regional Municipality$47,830
9Stellarton$46,307
10Antigonish$45,538
11Kentville$45,098
12New Glasgow$44,942
13Westville$44,647
14Middleton$44,048
15Annapolis Royal$43,956
16Trenton$42,535
17Pictou$41,905[ch]
18Truro$41,878
19Windsor$41,859
20Amherst$41,027
21Bridgewater$40,049
22Berwick$39,674
23Lunenburg$39,529
24Bridgetown$38,248[ch]
25Oxford$37,734[ch]
26Springhill$36,995[ch]
27Mulgrave$36,200
28Canso$35,574
29Shelburne$35,526
30Yarmouth$34,572
31Lockeport$33,854[ch]
32Digby$33,437
33Parrsboro$27,472[ch]
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Notes

  1. [a]
    Statistic includes all persons that did not make up part of a visible minority or an Indigenous identity.
  2. [b]
    China: 4,320 / Taiwan: 180
  3. [c]
    China: 2,830 / Taiwan: 225
  4. [d]
    China: 1,710 / Taiwan: 435
  5. [e]
    China: 1,740 / Taiwan: 90
  6. [f]
    China: 1,025 / Taiwan: 125
  7. [g]
    China: 870 / Taiwan: 40
  8. [h]
    China: 585 / Taiwan: 35
  9. [i]
    China: 510 / Taiwan: 50
  10. [j]
    China: 240 / Taiwan: 280
  11. [k]
    Syria: 2,420 / Lebanon: 1,565
  12. [l]
    Syria: 1,150 / Lebanon: 1,370
  13. [m]
    Syria: 185 / Lebanon: 1,595
  14. [n]
    Syria: 135 / Lebanon: 1,265
  15. [o]
    Syria: 180 / Lebanon: 1,460
  16. [p]
    Syria: 50 / Lebanon: 1,255
  17. [q]
    Syria: 65 / Lebanon: 1,060
  18. [r]
    Syria: 50 / Lebanon: 925
  19. [s]
    Germany: 2,375 / Austria: 110
  20. [t]
    Germany: 2,600 / Austria: 145
  21. [u]
    Germany: 2,385 / Austria: 145
  22. [v]
    Germany: 2,850 / Austria: 145
  23. [w]
    Germany: 2,455 / Austria: 205
  24. [x]
    Germany: 2,375 / Austria: 130
  25. [y]
    Germany: 1,740 / Austria: 140
  26. [z]
    Germany: 2,160 / Austria: 115
  27. [aa]
    Germany: 2,630 / Austria: 115
  28. [ab]
    Nigeria: 1,745 / Ghana: 190
  29. [ac]
    Nigeria: 350 / Ghana: 175
  30. [ad]
    Nigeria: 215 / Ghana: 150
  31. [ae]
    Nigeria: 165 / Ghana: 90
  32. [af]
    Nigeria: 105 / Ghana: 60
  33. [ag]
    Nigeria: 105 / Ghana: 60
  34. [ah]
    Russia: 705 / Ukraine: 615
  35. [ai]
    Russia: 590 / Ukraine: 340
  36. [aj]
    Russia: 485 / Ukraine: 240
  37. [ak]
    Russia: 225 / Ukraine: 160
  38. [al]
    Russia: 215 / Ukraine: 95
  39. [am]
    Includes total persons born in all republics of the Soviet Union.
  40. [an]
    Jamaica: 760 / Trinidad and Tobago: 285
  41. [ao]
    Jamaica: 485 / Trinidad and Tobago: 220
  42. [ap]
    Jamaica: 185 / Trinidad and Tobago: 205
  43. [aq]
    Jamaica: 170 / Trinidad and Tobago: 240
  44. [ar]
    Jamaica: 155 / Trinidad and Tobago: 220
  45. [as]
    Jamaica: 190 / Trinidad and Tobago: 225
  46. [at]
    Jamaica: 230 / Trinidad and Tobago: 275
  47. [au]
    Jamaica: 250 / Trinidad and Tobago: 285
  48. [av]
    All individuals born in the British West Indies.
  49. [aw]
    France: 485 / Belgium: 195
  50. [ax]
    France: 610 / Belgium: 110
  51. [ay]
    France: 395 / Belgium: 150
  52. [az]
    France: 530 / Belgium: 180
  53. [ba]
    France: 485 / Belgium: 135
  54. [bb]
    France: 410 / Belgium: 175
  55. [bc]
    France: 345 / Belgium: 180
  56. [bd]
    France: 430 / Belgium: 230
  57. [be]
    France: 495 / Belgium: 205
  58. [bf]
    Kenya: 355 / Tanzania: 60 / Uganda: 140
  59. [bg]
    Kenya: 125 / Tanzania: 50 / Uganda: 110
  60. [bh]
    Kenya: 125 / Tanzania: 75 / Uganda: 60
  61. [bi]
    Kenya: 110 / Tanzania: 75 / Uganda: 60
  62. [bj]
    Kenya: 125 / Tanzania: 20 / Uganda: 45
  63. [bk]
    Kenya: 65 / Tanzania: 40 / Uganda: 60
  64. [bl]
    Kenya: 60 / Tanzania: 30 / Uganda: 55
  65. [bm]
    Kenya: 20 / Tanzania: 30 / Uganda: 30
  66. [bn]
    Includes Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
  67. [bo]
    Ethiopia: 275 / Eritrea: 125
  68. [bp]
    Ethiopia: 190 / Eritrea: 130
  69. [bq]
    Ethiopia: 170 / Eritrea: 35
  70. [br]
    Ethiopia: 125 / Eritrea: 15
  71. [bs]
    Ethiopia: 90 / Eritrea: 10
  72. [bt]
    DR Congo: 265 / Cameroon: 80
  73. [bu]
    DR Congo: 150 / Cameroon: 30
  74. [bv]
    DR Congo: 50 / Cameroon: 55
  75. [bw]
    DR Congo: 30 / Cameroon: 10
  76. [bx]
    DR Congo: 25 / Cameroon: 0
  77. [by]
    DR Congo: 15 / Cameroon: 0
  78. [bz]
    El Salvador: 85 / Guatemala: 100 / Nicaragua: 30
  79. [ca]
    El Salvador: 95 / Guatemala: 45 / Nicaragua: 35
  80. [cb]
    El Salvador: 45 / Guatemala: 35 / Nicaragua: 0
  81. [cc]
    El Salvador: 35 / Guatemala: 10 / Nicaragua: 10
  82. [cd]
    El Salvador: 25 / Guatemala: 30 / Nicaragua: 10
  83. [ce]
    El Salvador: 70 / Guatemala: 20 / Nicaragua: 15
  84. [cf]
    El Salvador: 165 / Guatemala: 85 / Nicaragua: 10
  85. [cg]
    El Salvador: 0 / Guatemala: 0 / Nicaragua: 15
  86. [ch]
    2011 Census data unavailable, data taken from the 2006 Census.

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