Nova Scotia Population: 971,395 (2021 Census)
2021 CENSUS RESULTS:
• Total Population: 971,395
• Growth Since 2016: +5.0% (46,589 increase)
• 2016 Population: 923,598
• Provincial Rank: 7th most populous province
• Percentage of Canada: 2.8%
Population Growth History
CENSUS DATA TIMELINE:
• 2021: 971,395 (+5.0%)
• 2016: 923,598 (+0.2%)
• 2011: 921,727 (+0.9%)
• 2006: 913,462 (-0.9%)
• 2001: 908,007 (-1.2%)
• 1996: 909,282 (+2.0%)
GROWTH FACTORS:
• Immigration: 25,305 new residents (2016-2021)
• International Students: 12,000+ staying post-graduation
• Interprovincial Migration: Net positive for first time
• Natural Increase: Births minus deaths
• Return Migration: Atlantic Canadians returning home
Regional Population Distribution
HALIFAX REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY:
• Population: 448,544 (46.2% of province)
• Growth: +10.4% since 2016
• Density: 73.2 people per km²
• Metro Area: 403,131
MAJOR MUNICIPALITIES:
• Cape Breton Regional Municipality: 94,285 (9.7%)
• Kings County: 47,918 (4.9%)
• Colchester County: 51,476 (5.3%)
• Pictou County: 43,657 (4.5%)
• Cumberland County: 30,512 (3.1%)
Urban vs Rural Distribution
URBAN/RURAL BREAKDOWN:
• Urban Population: 583,741 (60.1%)
• Rural Population: 387,654 (39.9%)
• Small Towns: 156,892 (16.1%)
• Rural Areas: 230,762 (23.8%)
• Halifax Urban Core: 316,701 (32.6%)