Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Nelson has a population of around 11,106 people. The city's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Nelson has increased by 5.05%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 10,572 | 11,106 | +5.05% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.99% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Nelson's population is projected to reach approximately 11,667 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 977.95 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 11,106 | 11,667 | 977.95 |
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.
Population By Genders
The male population of Nelson is around 5,345 while the female population is around 5,760.
Of the 11,106 total population in Nelson, the largest gender is female with around 5,760 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 5,345 | 5,760 | +7.20% |
Is Nelson a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Nelson compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against British Columbia, 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.
Other Cities Near Nelson
- Castlegar (33.5 km)
- Kimberley (96.6 km)
- Grand Forks (98.0 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Nelson has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 30 to 34 years old, accounting for 8.20% of the total population. The city median age is 42.40.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 to 34 years | 445 8.30% | 470 8.20% | 5.32% | 915 8.20% |
| 40 to 44 years | 410 7.70% | 425 7.40% | 3.53% | 835 7.50% |
| 45 to 49 years | 390 7.30% | 440 7.60% | 11.36% | 835 7.50% |
| 25 to 29 years | 405 7.60% | 420 7.30% | 3.57% | 830 7.50% |
| 35 to 39 years | 415 7.80% | 390 6.80% | 6.02% | 800 7.20% |
| 60 to 64 years | 320 6.00% | 350 6.10% | 8.57% | 680 6.10% |
| 65 to 69 years | 315 5.90% | 365 6.30% | 13.70% | 680 6.10% |
| 50 to 54 years | 325 6.10% | 330 5.70% | 1.52% | 655 5.90% |
| 55 to 59 years | 300 5.60% | 350 6.10% | 14.29% | 650 5.90% |
| 70 to 74 years | 290 5.40% | 330 5.70% | 12.12% | 620 5.60% |
| 10 to 14 years | 295 5.50% | 310 5.40% | 4.84% | 605 5.40% |
| 15 to 19 years | 285 5.30% | 270 4.70% | 5.26% | 555 5.00% |
| 20 to 24 years | 275 5.10% | 255 4.40% | 7.27% | 525 4.70% |
| 5 to 9 years | 275 5.10% | 235 4.10% | 14.55% | 510 4.60% |
| 0 to 4 years | 210 3.90% | 220 3.80% | 4.55% | 435 3.90% |
| 75 to 79 years | 170 3.20% | 205 3.60% | 17.07% | 375 3.40% |
| 85 years and over | 130 2.40% | 205 3.60% | 36.59% | 335 3.00% |
| 80 to 84 years | 80 1.50% | 200 3.50% | 60.00% | 280 2.50% |
| 85 to 89 years | 90 1.70% | 105 1.80% | 14.29% | 200 1.80% |
| 90 to 94 years | 25 0.50% | 70 1.20% | 64.29% | 100 0.90% |
| Average age of the population | 42 41.60% | 44 44.30% | 6.77% | 43 43.00% |
Broader Age Groups
If the city'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 65.50% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 20.60% and 13.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Nelson are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age of the population | 40.80% | 43.60% | 42.40% |
| 65 years and over | 18.30% | 22.60% | 20.60% |
| 0 to 14 years | 14.70% | 13.30% | 13.90% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Nelson
Population of Nelson by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Nelson is quite diverse, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Nelson is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the province appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in the province are English, which accounts for 31.61% of the total population, followed by Scottish (23.31%), Irish (20.61%), German (16.18%), and French (13.01%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include Canadian, Italian, Ukrainian, British Isles, and Russian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 31.08% | 32.19% | 31.61% |
| Scottish | 23.07% | 23.62% | 23.31% |
| Irish | 19.31% | 21.73% | 20.61% |
| German | 15.93% | 16.41% | 16.18% |
| French | 12.26% | 13.62% | 13.01% |
| Canadian | 8.11% | 7.30% | 7.74% |
| Italian | 7.63% | 7.30% | 7.46% |
| Ukrainian | 6.08% | 5.41% | 5.73% |
| British Isles | 5.31% | 5.68% | 5.50% |
| Russian | 5.98% | 4.96% | 5.45% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Nelson's population profile.
About 15.1% of Nelson's population are immigrants (1,615 people).
The top countries of origin for Nelson's immigrant population are United States of America (390), United Kingdom (365), Philippines (85), Germany (65), Italy (65).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United States of America | 390 |
| United Kingdom | 365 |
| Philippines | 85 |
| Germany | 65 |
| Italy | 65 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 2,500 of Nelson's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 17.60% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 17.30% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.30%, 5.50%, and 2.20%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 1,740 | 17.60% |
| 2 persons | 1,715 | 17.30% |
| 3 persons | 725 | 7.30% |
| 4 persons | 545 | 5.50% |
| 5 or more persons | 220 | 2.20% |
Income in Nelson
Analyzing income distribution in Nelson can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Nelson is $39,200.
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 city's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Nelson population or around 1,720 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 1,265 and 1,155 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Nelson's median household income is $72,500, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Nelson's median household income is 11,500 dollars below the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the city'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 city's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Nelson
This data sheds light on the distribution of Nelson 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.
70.60% or most of the Nelson population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 37.25% of the population has a Bachelor's degree or higher, 22.45% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 6.95% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 4,950 | 5,705 | 10,655 | 70.60% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 2,495 | 3,100 | 5,595 | 37.25% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 1,835 | 1,635 | 3,470 | 22.45% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 595 | 565 | 1,155 | 6.95% |
Above national average 37.3% of Nelson's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Nelson
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Nelson. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Newfoundland and Labrador is at 6.42% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 61.35% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.42% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the city who work as an employee. The majority of Nelson's population (around 58.90%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the city, there are 805 men and 595 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 1,395.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 805 | 595 | 1,395 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Nelson industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Nelson is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Nelson has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (14%) works in the retail trade sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 13%, followed by Accommodation and food services at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail trade | 375 | 470 | 14% |
| Health care and social assistance | 210 | 620 | 13% |
| Accommodation and food services | 270 | 370 | 10% |
| Construction | 520 | 65 | 9% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 340 | 245 | 9% |
| Educational services | 180 | 365 | 9% |
| Public administration | 200 | 170 | 6% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 100 | 190 | 5% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 140 | 95 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 125 | 100 | 4% |
| Manufacturing | 115 | 80 | 3% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 125 | 55 | 3% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 100 | 30 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 45 | 75 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 40 | 50 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 55 | 35 | 1% |
| Wholesale trade | 30 | 30 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 40 | 0 | 1% |
| Utilities | 30 | 0 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Nelson residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Nelson: -45 Retail trade (14%), Health care and social assistance (13%), Accommodation and food services (10%)
Top occupation categories in Nelson: Sales and service occupations (28%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (14%), Business, finance and administration occupations (14%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the city. 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 | 1,615 | 1,940 | 3,550 | 63.00% |
| Worked at home | 510 | 705 | 1,215 | 21.60% |
| No fixed workplace address | 670 | 200 | 870 | 15.40% |
| Worked outside Canada | 10 | 0 | 10 | 0.20% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Nelson 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 Nelson residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Nelson spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the city's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the city.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 59.30% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 23.60% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 11.00% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 3.40% |
| 60 minutes and over | 2.60% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Nelsonshed 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 city's social fabric. We can gain insights into Nelson's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights city'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 Nelson. About 10,525 people living in the province speak English, 310 people speak French, 30 people speak English and French language, and 20 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 10,525 |
| French | 310 |
| English and French | 30 |
| Neither English nor French | 20 |
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 | 85.7% | 93.7% |
| Non-official languages | 9.1% | 3.1% |
| French | 2.8% | 1.4% |
Religion
Nelson is predominantly Christian. About 2,675 of its population is Christian (1,170 males and 1,170 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Buddhist with 1.4% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Jewish and Sikh, both represent 1.1% and 0.7% of the population, while Hindu represent 0.6% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 24.9% |
| Buddhist | 1.4% |
| Jewish | 1.1% |
| Sikh | 0.7% |
| Hindu | 0.6% |
| Islam | 0.2% |
Frequently Asked Questions about Nelson
According to the 2021 census, Nelson has a population of approximately 11,106 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Nelson increased by 5.05%.
Nelson has a population density of approximately 930.60 people per square kilometre.
Nelson covers a land area of approximately 11.93 km².
The median age of the population in Nelson is 42.40 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Nelson is English.
The median household income in Nelson is $72,500, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Nelson.
Christian is the predominant religion in Nelson.
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.