Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Halifax has a population of around 439,819 people. The township's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Halifax has increased by ▲ 9.10%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 403,131 | 439,819 | +9.10% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.76% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Halifax's population is projected to reach approximately 479,846 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 87.63 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 439,819 | 479,846 | 87.63 |
This projection is an estimate calculated by CAPopulation from the compound annual growth rate between the 2016 and 2021 censuses. Official 2026 complete census data expected to be released in late 2027.
Halifax Population Trend & Context
Halifax is the 1st-largest township in Nova Scotia, with a 2021 census population of 439,819 — an increase of 36,688 (▲ 9.10%) people from the 403,131 recorded in 2016.
The township's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Nova Scotia townships. The township's median age of 40.4 years closely mirrors the national median of 41.9, suggesting a demographic profile in line with the Canadian average.
How does Halifax compare to other Nova Scotia townships?
- Halifax: 439,819 (2021) ← 1st largest
- Cape Breton: 93,694 (2021)
- Kings, Subd. A: 22,355 (2021)
Population By Genders
The male population of Halifax is around 214,300 while the female population is around 225,520.
Of the 439,819 total population in Halifax, the largest gender is female with around 225,520 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 214,300 | 225,520 | +4.98% |
Is Halifax a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Halifax compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against Nova Scotia, its own province. Draw your own conclusions from the actual numbers.
Employment & Economy
Income & Affordability
Commute
Housing Character
Household Composition
Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.
Halifax Population Compared to Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia's population in 2021 was 969,383, spread across the area. Here's how Halifax compares to the township's key indicators:
| Indicator | Halifax | Nova Scotia |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $81,000 | $71,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 11.4% | 12.7% |
| Median age | 40.4 | 45.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.2% | 27.1% |
| Immigrants (%) | 11.6% | 7.5% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Halifax has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 25 to 29 years old, accounting for 7.90% of the total population. The township median age is 40.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 to 29 years | 17,420 8.10% | 17,355 7.70% | 0.37% | 34,775 7.90% |
| 30 to 34 years | 16,390 7.60% | 16,790 7.40% | 2.38% | 33,180 7.50% |
| 20 to 24 years | 16,535 7.70% | 15,585 6.90% | 5.75% | 32,125 7.30% |
| 55 to 59 years | 15,630 7.30% | 16,425 7.30% | 4.84% | 32,055 7.30% |
| 35 to 39 years | 15,045 7.00% | 15,755 7.00% | 4.51% | 30,795 7.00% |
| 60 to 64 years | 14,290 6.70% | 15,380 6.80% | 7.09% | 29,665 6.70% |
| 40 to 44 years | 13,640 6.40% | 14,655 6.50% | 6.93% | 28,300 6.40% |
| 50 to 54 years | 13,405 6.30% | 14,715 6.50% | 8.90% | 28,120 6.40% |
| 45 to 49 years | 13,355 6.20% | 14,380 6.40% | 7.13% | 27,735 6.30% |
| 65 to 69 years | 11,520 5.40% | 13,320 5.90% | 13.51% | 24,835 5.60% |
| 5 to 9 years | 11,595 5.40% | 11,035 4.90% | 4.83% | 22,630 5.10% |
| 10 to 14 years | 11,655 5.40% | 10,945 4.90% | 6.09% | 22,600 5.10% |
| 15 to 19 years | 11,270 5.30% | 10,615 4.70% | 5.81% | 21,880 5.00% |
| 70 to 74 years | 9,710 4.50% | 11,320 5.00% | 14.22% | 21,030 4.80% |
| 0 to 4 years | 10,050 4.70% | 9,745 4.30% | 3.03% | 19,795 4.50% |
| 75 to 79 years | 6,335 3.00% | 7,500 3.30% | 15.53% | 13,835 3.10% |
| 80 to 84 years | 3,635 1.70% | 4,930 2.20% | 26.27% | 8,565 1.90% |
| 85 years and over | 2,820 1.30% | 5,065 2.20% | 44.32% | 7,885 1.80% |
| 85 to 89 years | 2,040 1.00% | 3,085 1.40% | 33.87% | 5,125 1.20% |
| 90 to 94 years | 660 0.30% | 1,410 0.60% | 53.19% | 2,065 0.50% |
| 95 to 99 years | 105 0.00% | 500 0.20% | 79.00% | 605 0.10% |
| 100 years and over | 15 0.00% | 70 0.00% | 78.57% | 85 0.00% |
Broader Age Groups
If the township's population is divided into broader age groups, most of the population falls into the 15 to 64 years age group. The group accounts for 67.90% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 17.30% and 14.80%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Halifax are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 68.60% | 67.20% | 67.90% |
| Average age of the population | 40.30% | 42.30% | 41.30% |
| Median age of the population | 39.20% | 41.60% | 40.40% |
| 65 years and over | 15.90% | 18.70% | 17.30% |
| 0 to 14 years | 15.50% | 14.10% | 14.80% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Halifax
Population of Halifax by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Halifax is quite diverse, which contributes to the township's vibrant cultural landscape. Halifax is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the township appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Halifax are Scottish, which accounts for 23.95% of the total population, followed by English (22.92%), Irish (21.40%), Canadian (13.68%), and French (11.63%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Halifax include German, Caucasian (White), European, Acadian, and British Isles.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scottish | 23.40% | 24.47% | 23.95% |
| English | 22.62% | 23.22% | 22.92% |
| Irish | 20.59% | 22.18% | 21.40% |
| Canadian | 13.68% | 13.68% | 13.68% |
| French | 11.25% | 11.99% | 11.63% |
| German | 8.83% | 9.20% | 9.02% |
| Caucasian (White) | 5.72% | 5.91% | 5.82% |
| European | 5.26% | 5.15% | 5.20% |
| Acadian | 4.14% | 4.84% | 4.50% |
| British Isles | 3.78% | 3.86% | 3.82% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Halifax's population profile.
About 11.6% of Halifax's population are immigrants (50,590 people).
The top countries of origin for Halifax's immigrant population are United Kingdom (6,350), India (4,790), China (3,740), United States of America (3,550), Philippines (3,420).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 6,350 |
| India | 4,790 |
| China | 3,740 |
| United States of America | 3,550 |
| Philippines | 3,420 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 90,825 of Halifax's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 18.65% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 14.95% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.65%, 6.00%, and 2.80%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 71,090 | 18.65% |
| 1 person | 56,935 | 14.95% |
| 3 persons | 29,105 | 7.65% |
| 4 persons | 22,770 | 6.00% |
| 5 or more persons | 10,615 | 2.80% |
Income in Halifax
Analyzing income distribution in Halifax can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Halifax is $42,000.
A region's per capita data sheds light on the average income earned per person living in it. Since per capita income is calculated by dividing the region's total income by its population, it quantifies the population's economic situation on an individual basis.
Such data offers insights into the township's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Halifax population or around 56,790 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $50,000 to $79,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 53,380 and 49,360 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Halifax's median household income is $81,000, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Halifax's median household income is 3,000 dollars below the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the township's economic landscape as well as the living standards of its population.
Analyzing such data enables researchers, policymakers, and businesses to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the township's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Halifax
This data sheds light on the distribution of Halifax residents across educational milestones.
Such information is crucial in shaping the province’s policies on education, workforce development strategies, and initiatives that aim to improve access to quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities.
67.25% or most of the Halifax population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 37.15% of the population has a Bachelor's degree or higher, 23.35% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 9.40% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 189,450 | 217,505 | 406,950 | 67.25% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 97,630 | 125,795 | 223,425 | 37.15% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 75,190 | 70,515 | 145,700 | 23.35% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 32,460 | 28,580 | 61,025 | 9.40% |
Above national average 37.2% of Halifax's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Halifax
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Halifax. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Halifax is at 7.46% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 58.07% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.46% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the township who work as an employee. The majority of Halifax's population (around 72.50%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the township, there are 15,540 men and 10,465 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 26,005.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 15,540 | 10,465 | 26,005 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Halifax industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Halifax is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Halifax has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (13%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 11%, followed by Public administration at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 6,620 | 25,985 | 13% |
| Retail trade | 12,845 | 14,220 | 11% |
| Public administration | 14,210 | 10,725 | 10% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 12,690 | 9,425 | 9% |
| Educational services | 6,295 | 13,775 | 8% |
| Construction | 14,205 | 2,030 | 7% |
| Accommodation and food services | 6,915 | 8,030 | 6% |
| Finance and insurance | 5,255 | 6,875 | 5% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 7,060 | 4,520 | 5% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 8,265 | 2,310 | 4% |
| Manufacturing | 7,335 | 2,820 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 4,200 | 5,130 | 4% |
| Wholesale trade | 4,470 | 1,820 | 3% |
| Information and cultural industries | 3,440 | 2,405 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 2,310 | 2,450 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 2,240 | 1,945 | 2% |
| Utilities | 1,280 | 755 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 1,195 | 525 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 685 | 150 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 195 | 215 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Halifax residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Halifax: Health care and social assistance (13%), -45 Retail trade (11%), Public administration (10%)
Top occupation categories in Halifax: Sales and service occupations (25%), Business, finance and administration occupations (18%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (15%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the township. It provides a snapshot of workplaces, showing their geographic distribution and the flow of workers across different areas.
| Work Location | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 64,420 | 65,645 | 130,070 | 60.50% |
| Worked at home | 27,580 | 32,075 | 59,655 | 27.70% |
| No fixed workplace address | 18,800 | 5,915 | 24,710 | 11.50% |
| Worked outside Canada | 470 | 160 | 635 | 0.30% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Halifax residents travel to school or work. It highlights the frequency of different modes of transportation like walking, cycling, carpooling, and public transit.
The data is pivotal in the making of transportation policies as well as the development of transit systems. Ultimately commuting data contributes to improving the quality of life of Halifax residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Halifax spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the township's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the township.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 15 to 29 minutes | 43.40% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 30.40% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 17.90% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 4.30% |
| 60 minutes and over | 3.90% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Halifaxshed light on its societal dynamics. It captures the diverse types of marital statuses of the population.
Long-term commitments, such as common-law partnerships, civil unions, and marriages, reflect the township's social fabric. We can gain insights into Halifax's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights township's linguistic diversity, showing elegances of solo language as well as bilingual harmonies. Other than language, it also shows the cultural landscape in Canada.
English is the most spoken official language in Halifax. About 422,550 people living in the province speak English, 9,925 people speak French, 2,400 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 1,635 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 422,550 |
| French | 9,925 |
| Neither English nor French | 2,400 |
| English and French | 1,635 |
Mother Tongue & Home Language
Useful for newcomers researching an area: this shows the language residents first learned at home in childhood (mother tongue) and the language they speak most often at home now, which can differ as families settle in.
| Language | Mother Tongue | Spoken Most Often at Home |
|---|---|---|
| English | 84.6% | 90.5% |
| Non-official languages | 10.5% | 6.4% |
| French | 2.3% | 0.8% |
Religion
Halifax is predominantly Christian. About 231,255 of its population is Christian (105,490 males and 105,490 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Muslim with 3.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Sikh, both represent 1.6% and 0.8% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.5% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 53.1% |
| Islam | 3.0% |
| Hindu | 1.6% |
| Sikh | 0.8% |
| Buddhist | 0.5% |
| Jewish | 0.4% |
Points of Interest in Halifax
Hospitals
Schools
- Ecole Beaubassin
- Highland Park Junior High
- Exceeding Reading Learning Centre
- École secondaire du Sommet
- Shambhala School
Universities
- Dalhousie School of Nursing
- Dalhousie Faculty of Architecture and Planning
- Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine
- Dalhousie Student Union
- Fountain School of Performing Arts at Dalhousie University
- Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University
- Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University
- Dalhousie Faculty of Management
- Mark A. Hill Accessibility Centre
- Wallace McCain Learning Commons
- Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science
- Dalhousie University Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Dalhousie Registrar's Office
- Life Sciences Centre
- Life Sciences Research Institute
- Kellogg Learning Commons
- Dalhousie University Department of Chemistry
- Dalhousie Dentistry Building
- Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics
- The University of King's College
- Dalplex
- NSCAD Academy Building
- College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University
- School of Health and Human Performance
- Department of Economics - Dalhousie University
- College of Continuing Education
- Dalhousie Analytics
- Centre for European Studies
Parks
Libraries
- Sir James Dunn Law Library
- Captain William Spry Public Library
- W.K. Kellogg Health Sciences Library
- Atlantic School of Theology Library
- Sexton Design & Technology Library
- Dartmouth North Public Library
- Halifax Public Libraries
Community Centres
- Italian Canadian Cultural Association
- Royal Canadian Legion Branch 31
- World Trade Convention Centre
- Dawson Print Shop
- Resolutes Amateur Athletics Club
- Mission to Seafarers
- Alliance Franchise Halifax
- St. Mark's Community Centre
- Mulgrave Park Caring & Learning Centre
- George Dixon Centre
- Mi'kmaq Child Development Centre
Places to Visit in Halifax
Museums
Attractions
- Halifax Brewery Farmers Market
- York Redoubt
- Georges Island National Historic Site
- Halifax Town Clock
- Cambridge Battery (historic)
- Halifax Public Gardens
- Discovery Centre
- Titanic Victims Cemetary
- Shakespeare by the Sea – Office
Historic Sites
- Historic Properties
- Halifax Memorial
- Bayers Lake Mystery Walls
- Robbie Burns Monument
- Mount Olivet Cemetery
- Bonaventure Anchor Memorial
- Mont Blanc Cannon
- Philip Louis Pratley
- Angus L. MacDonald Bridge
- Alderney Cairn
- Ships and Men
- Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
- The Last Steps
- Canadian Sailors Serving in War and Peace
Theatres
Green Spaces in Halifax
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Garrison Grounds | Parks | — |
| McIntosh Trail | Parks | — |
| Public Gardens | Parks | 6.4 ha |
| Citadel Hill | Parks | 22.3 ha |
| Grand Parade | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Larry O’Connell Park | Parks | 1.1 ha |
| Hydrostone Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Rockingstone Heights School | Parks | 4.1 ha |
| Peace and Friendship Park | Parks | 1.0 ha |
| Victoria Park | Parks | 1.0 ha |
| Carl Morash Fields | Parks | 2.3 ha |
| Ardmore Park | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Titus Smith Park | Parks | 0.9 ha |
| D. J. Butler Park | Parks | 1.0 ha |
| Burton Ettinger Sports Field | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Victoria Park | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Merv Sullivan Park | Parks | 3.1 ha |
| Newcastle Street Park | Parks | 0.7 ha |
| Kearney Lake Beach Park | Parks | 0.9 ha |
| Lawnsdale Drive Park | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Sands at Salter | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Africville Park | Parks | 4.8 ha |
| Halifax Central Common | Parks | 5.4 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Other Townships in Nova Scotia
- Cape Breton 93,694
- Kings, Subd. A 22,355
- Colchester, Subd. B 19,806
- West Hants 19,509
- Colchester, Subd. C 12,476
- Kings, Subd. B 11,951
- Queens 10,422
- Antigonish, Subd. A 8,963
- Pictou, Subd. C 8,386
- Kings, Subd. C 8,348
- Cumberland, Subd. B 6,786
- Antigonish, Subd. B 6,138
- Pictou, Subd. B 6,137
- Annapolis, Subd. A 5,980
- Cumberland, Subd. C 5,694
- Kings, Subd. D 5,264
- Annapolis, Subd. C 5,218
- Inverness, Subd. A 5,207
- Inverness, Subd. B 4,865
- Annapolis, Subd. B 4,587
- Cumberland, Subd. D 4,283
- Victoria, Subd. B 4,077
- Richmond, Subd. A 3,763
- Colchester, Subd. A 3,762
- Cumberland, Subd. A 3,201
- Inverness, Subd. C 3,167
- Richmond, Subd. C 3,136
- Annapolis, Subd. D 3,049
- Victoria, Subd. A 2,673
- Richmond, Subd. B 1,610
Frequently Asked Questions about Halifax
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Halifax has a population of 439,819 people, making it the 1st township in Nova Scotia. The population increased significantly from 403,131 in 2016, an increase of 36,688 people or 9.10%. The township has a population density of 80.3 people per km² across a land area of 5,475.57 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Halifax's population grew by 9.10% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 403,131 to 439,819 people, a gain of 36,688 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Nova Scotia townships during this period. The median age of 40.40 years suggests a mature, established community. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Halifax has a population density of approximately 80.30 people per square kilometre.
Halifax covers a land area of approximately 5,475.57 km².
The median age of the population in Halifax is 40.40 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Halifax is Scottish.
The median household income in Halifax is $81,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Halifax.
Christian is the predominant religion in Halifax.
Statistics Canada (statcan.gc.ca) conducted the 2026 Census of Population in May 2026. However, census data goes through an extensive processing, validation, and quality-assurance period before public release. Based on the release plan, the 2026 Census results begin rolling out on February 10, 2027, with complete community-level profiles available by December 1, 2027. Until then, this page uses 2021 Census data as its primary source, supplemented by a population projection estimate for 2026 calculated using the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from the 2016–2021 Census period.