Chapel Island 5, Nova Scotia Population & Demographics: Is It a Good Place to Live?

Data source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population — View the official Chapel Island 5 census dataset on Statistics Canada

This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Chapel Island 5. It is an Indian reserve in Canada that encompasses a land area of 5.62 km2. The Indian reserve has a population density of 72.10 people per km2.

We highlight the Chapel Island 5 Indian reserve's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.

Chapel Island 5 on the Map

Chapel Island 5 location on the map. View in Google Map

Population Characteristics

According to the latest census, Chapel Island 5 has a population of around 405 people. The Indian reserve's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Chapel Island 5 has decreased by ▼ -19.96%.

Population in 2016Population in 2021Difference
506405 --19.96%

2026 Population Projection

Chapel Island 5's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 405 people recorded in the 2021 census.

Chapel Island 5 Population Trend & Context

Chapel Island 5 had a 2021 census population of 405 — a decline of 101 (▼ 19.96%) people from the 506 recorded in 2016.

The Indian reserve's population has declined noticeably over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing Nova Scotia Indian reserves. The Indian reserve's median age of 29.6 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.

Population By Genders

The male population of Chapel Island 5 is around 210 while the female population is around 195.

Of the 405 total population in Chapel Island 5, the largest gender is male with around 210 male within the population.

MaleFemaleDifference
210195 -7.14%

Is Chapel Island 5 a Good Place to Live?

Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Chapel Island 5 compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against Nova Scotia, its own province. Draw your own conclusions from the actual numbers.

Employment & Economy

18.2%
Unemployment rate
5.5 pts above the province
45.8%
Employment rate
6.1 pts below the province
55.9%
Participation rate
3.6 pts below the province

Income & Affordability

$51,200
Median household income
$20,300 below the province
24.0%
Below low-income threshold (LIM-AT)
9.1 pts above the province

Commute

82.6%
Commute under 30 minutes
7.5 pts above the province
95.7%
Commute by car
8.3 pts above the province
0.0%
Commute by public transit
4.1 pts below the province

Housing Character

89.3%
Single-detached houses
25.6 pts above the province
10.7%
Apartments (any building size)
14.2 pts below the province

Household Composition

2.90 people
Average household size
0.70people above the province
21.4%
One-person households
9.4 pts below the province

Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.

Chapel Island 5 Population Compared to Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia's population in 2021 was 969,383, spread across the area. Here's how Chapel Island 5 compares to the Indian reserve's key indicators:

IndicatorChapel Island 5Nova Scotia
Median household income$51,200$71,500
Unemployment rate18.2%12.7%
Median age29.645.6
Bachelor's degree or higher13.1%27.1%
Immigrants (%)0.0%7.5%

Population by Age Characteristics

Chapel Island 5 has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 5 to 9 years old, accounting for 9.90% of the total population. The Indian reserve median age is 29.60.

DataMaleFemaleDifferenceTotal

Broader Age Groups

If the Indian reserve'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 66.70% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 27.20% and 6.20%, respectively.

If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Chapel Island 5 are within the 15 to 64 years age group.

DataMaleFemaleTotal
15 to 64 years69.00%61.50%66.70%
0 to 14 years26.20%28.20%27.20%
65 years and over10.00%15.00%25.00%
65 years and over4.80%7.70%6.20%

Population of Chapel Island 5 by Ethnicity and Origin

The population of Chapel Island 5 is quite diverse, which contributes to the Indian reserve's vibrant cultural landscape. Chapel Island 5 is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the Indian reserve appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.

The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Chapel Island 5 are Mi'kmaq, which accounts for 69.14% of the total population, followed by First Nations (North American Indian) (14.81%), North American Indigenous (9.88%), French (7.41%), and English (3.70%).

Other ethnicities and origins in Chapel Island 5 include Irish, Caucasian (White), Scottish, German, and Acadian.

Ethnicity and OriginMaleFemalePercentage in Population
Mi'kmaq73.81%61.54%69.14%
First Nations (North American Indian)9.52%17.95%14.81%
North American Indigenous9.52%12.82%9.88%
French7.14%7.69%7.41%
English4.76%5.13%3.70%
Irish0.00%5.13%3.70%
Caucasian (White)7.14%0.00%3.70%
Scottish4.76%5.13%2.47%
German4.76%0.00%2.47%
Acadian0.00%5.13%2.47%

Indigenous Identity in Chapel Island 5

About 95.00% of Chapel Island 5's population (380 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 5.00% who report a non-Indigenous identity.

Of the Indigenous population, 375 people (92.60% of the total population) hold Registered or Treaty Indian status.

Indigenous identity
95.00%
Non-Indigenous identity
5.00%

Immigration Profile

Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Chapel Island 5's population profile.

About 0.0% of Chapel Island 5's population are immigrants (0 people).

The top countries of origin for Chapel Island 5's immigrant population are Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0), Guyana (0), Haiti (0).

Only using 25% sample data.
Country of BirthPopulation
Brazil0
Colombia0
El Salvador0
Guyana0
Haiti0

0.0% of Chapel Island 5's residents (0 people) are Canadian citizens, and 0.0% are not.

By generation status, 7.4% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 12.3% are second generation, and 81.5% are third generation or more.

Household and Dwelling Characteristics

About 125 of Chapel Island 5's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.

Household Size

About 14.30% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 10.70% of the population. 5 or more persons, 4 persons, and 3 persons households account for 10.70%, 7.15%, and 5.35%, respectively.

Number of Person(s) in HouseholdTotalPercentage
2 persons4014.30%
1 person3010.70%
5 or more persons3010.70%
4 persons207.15%
3 persons155.35%

Family and Household Structure in Chapel Island 5

Of census families in Chapel Island 5, 50.0% are couple families and 50.0% are one-parent families. The average census family has 3.3 people.

Couple families
50.00%
One-parent families
50.00%

25.0% of households in Chapel Island 5 are one-person households, 28.6% are couple-family households, 25.0% are one-parent-family households, and 7.1% are multigenerational households.

Household TypeHouseholdsPercentage
One-person households3525.0%
Couple-family households4028.6%
One-parent-family households3525.0%
Multigenerational households107.1%

Income in Chapel Island 5

Analyzing income distribution in Chapel Island 5 can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.

Per Capita Income

According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Chapel Island 5 is $33,200.

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 Indian reserve's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.

Most of Chapel Island 5 population or around 55 people falls in the $30,000 to $49,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and Under $10,000 with around 45 and 30 people, respectively.

Household Income

The Chapel Island 5's median household income is $51,200, according to 2020 data.

Below national average Chapel Island 5's median household income is 32,800 dollars below the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).

The data provides important insights into the Indian reserve'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 Indian reserve's income distribution, disparities, and trends.

Education Levels in Chapel Island 5

This data sheds light on the distribution of Chapel Island 5 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.

54.80% or most of the Chapel Island 5 population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 21.40% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 21.40% has a No certificate, diploma or degree. (Individual figures may not sum to exactly 100% due to Statistics Canada's random rounding of small-area 25% sample data.)

Population aged 25 to 64 years, using 25% sample data. Individual values may not sum exactly to totals due to Statistics Canada's random rounding.
DegreeMenWomenTotalPercentage
Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree605511554.80%
High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate20254521.40%
No certificate, diploma or degree25204521.40%

Below national average 14.3% of Chapel Island 5's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).

Employment in Chapel Island 5

This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Chapel Island 5. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.

The data shows that the unemployment rate in Chapel Island 5 is at 18.18% which is very high.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusPercentage
Employment rate45.76%
Unemployment rate18.18%

Work Activity During the Reference Year

Of the population aged 15 and over in Chapel Island 5, 32.2% worked full year full time in the reference year, 30.5% worked part year and/or part time, and 37.3% did not work.

Only using 25% sample data.
Work ActivityPopulationPercentage
Worked full year full time9532.2%
Worked part year and/or part time9030.5%
Did not work11037.3%

Working as an Employee

The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the Indian reserve who work as an employee. The majority of Chapel Island 5's population (around 63.60%) are working permanent position as an employee.

Self-employed

In the Indian reserve, there are 0 men and 0 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 10.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusMenWomenTotal
Self-employed0010

Employment Industry Sectors

The Chapel Island 5 industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Chapel Island 5 is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.

Chapel Island 5 has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (24%) works in the public administration sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 18%, followed by Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting at 12%.

Only using 25% sample data.
IndustryMenWomenPercentage
Public administration152024%
Health care and social assistance102018%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting151012%
Construction1509%
Retail trade0106%
Real estate and rental and leasing1006%
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services006%
Educational services0106%
Arts, entertainment and recreation1006%
Other services (except public administration)1006%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction000%
Utilities000%
Manufacturing000%
Wholesale trade000%
Transportation and warehousing000%
Information and cultural industries000%
Finance and insurance000%
Professional, scientific and technical services000%
Management of companies and enterprises000%
Accommodation and food services0100%

Labour Market Snapshot

A quick snapshot of where Chapel Island 5 residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.

Top employer sectors in Chapel Island 5: Public administration (24%), Health care and social assistance (18%), Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (12%)

Top occupation categories in Chapel Island 5: Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (24%), Sales and service occupations (21%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (12%)

Places of Work

The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the Indian reserve. It provides a snapshot of workplaces, showing their geographic distribution and the flow of workers across different areas.

Only using 25% sample data.
Work LocationMenWomenTotalPercentage
Usual place of work35559066.70%
No fixed workplace address2503022.20%
Worked at home1001511.10%
Worked outside Canada0000.00%

Commuting

The data sheds light on how Chapel Island 5 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 Chapel Island 5 residents and sustainable urban planning.

Commuting Duration

This data reveals the average time that the residents of Chapel Island 5 spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the Indian reserve's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the Indian reserve.

Only using 25% sample data.
DurationPercentage
Less than 15 minutes73.90%
15 to 29 minutes8.70%
30 to 44 minutes8.70%
45 to 59 minutes8.70%
60 minutes and over8.70%

Marital Status

The statistics on marital status in Chapel Island 5 shed 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 Indian reserve's social fabric. We can gain insights into Chapel Island 5's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.

Married or living common-law
33.90%
Married or living common-law
66.10%

Language Spoken

The data below highlights Indian reserve'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 Chapel Island 5. About 405 people living in the Indian reserve speak English, 0 people speak French, 0 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.

LanguagePopulation
English405
French0
English and French0
Neither English nor French0

Knowledge of Official Languages

About 0.0% of Chapel Island 5's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 98.8% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.0% know neither official language.

Knowledge of Official LanguagesPopulationPercentage
English only40098.8%
French only00.0%
English and French00.0%
Neither English nor French00.0%

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.

LanguageMother TongueSpoken Most Often at Home
English65.4%80.2%
Non-official languages29.6%16.0%
French0.0%0.0%

Religion

Chapel Island 5 is predominantly Christian. About 255 of its population is Christian (140 males and 110 females).

The second largest religion in the Indian reserve is Buddhist with 0.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Jewish, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.0% of the population.

ReligionPopulation
Christian63.0%
Buddhist0.0%
Hindu0.0%
Jewish0.0%
Islam0.0%
Sikh0.0%

Nearest Indian Reserves to Chapel Island 5

Frequently Asked Questions about Chapel Island 5

According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Chapel Island 5 has a population of 405 people, making it the 61st Indian reserve in Nova Scotia. The population declined significantly from 506 in 2016, a decrease of 101 people or 19.96%. The Indian reserve has a population density of 72.1 people per km² across a land area of 5.62 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.

Chapel Island 5's population declined by 19.96% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 506 to 405 people, a loss of 101 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Nova Scotia Indian reserves during this period. The median age of 29.60 years suggests a comparatively young population. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.

Chapel Island 5 has a population density of approximately 72.10 people per square kilometre.

Chapel Island 5 covers a land area of approximately 5.62 km².

The median age of the population in Chapel Island 5 is 29.60 years.

The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Chapel Island 5 is Mi'kmaq.

The median household income in Chapel Island 5 is $51,200, based on 2020 data.

English is the most common first official language spoken in Chapel Island 5.

Christian is the predominant religion in Chapel Island 5.

According to the 2021 Census, 93.8% of Chapel Island 5's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.

0.0% of Chapel Island 5's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.

One-parent families make up 50.0% of census families in Chapel Island 5, according to the 2021 Census.

Multigenerational households make up 7.1% of all households in Chapel Island 5, per the 2021 Census.

0.0% of Chapel Island 5's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.

Of the population aged 15 and over in Chapel Island 5, 32.2% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.

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.