Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Pictou has a population of around 3,107 people. The town's population is in decreased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Pictou has decreased by -2.48%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3,186 | 3,107 | --2.48% |
2026 Population Projection
Pictou's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 3,107 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Population By Genders
The male population of Pictou is around 1,455 while the female population is around 1,655.
Of the 3,107 total population in Pictou, the largest gender is female with around 1,655 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1,455 | 1,655 | -12.08% |
Is Pictou a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Pictou 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.
Other Towns Near Pictou
- Westville (3.1 km)
- New Glasgow (6.2 km)
- Stellarton (6.2 km)
- Trenton (8.1 km)
- Truro (49.9 km)
- Antigonish (57.5 km)
- Stewiacke (69.5 km)
- Oxford (89.4 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Pictou has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 60 to 64 years old, accounting for 9.30% of the total population. The town median age is 53.20.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 to 64 years | 145 10.00% | 145 8.80% | 0.00% | 290 9.30% |
| 70 to 74 years | 120 8.20% | 140 8.50% | 14.29% | 260 8.40% |
| 55 to 59 years | 110 7.60% | 140 8.50% | 21.43% | 250 8.10% |
| 65 to 69 years | 100 6.90% | 140 8.50% | 28.57% | 240 7.70% |
| 50 to 54 years | 90 6.20% | 115 6.90% | 21.74% | 205 6.60% |
| 45 to 49 years | 90 6.20% | 105 6.30% | 14.29% | 195 6.30% |
| 10 to 14 years | 95 6.50% | 80 4.80% | 15.79% | 175 5.60% |
| 75 to 79 years | 85 5.80% | 95 5.70% | 10.53% | 175 5.60% |
| 40 to 44 years | 75 5.20% | 100 6.00% | 25.00% | 170 5.50% |
| 20 to 24 years | 85 5.80% | 70 4.20% | 17.65% | 150 4.80% |
| 85 years and over | 55 3.80% | 90 5.40% | 38.89% | 150 4.80% |
| 15 to 19 years | 65 4.50% | 75 4.50% | 13.33% | 140 4.50% |
| 5 to 9 years | 80 5.50% | 60 3.60% | 25.00% | 135 4.30% |
| 0 to 4 years | 55 3.80% | 60 3.60% | 8.33% | 115 3.70% |
| 25 to 29 years | 65 4.50% | 55 3.30% | 15.38% | 115 3.70% |
| 30 to 34 years | 55 3.80% | 60 3.60% | 8.33% | 115 3.70% |
| 80 to 84 years | 50 3.40% | 70 4.20% | 28.57% | 115 3.70% |
| 35 to 39 years | 45 3.10% | 70 4.20% | 35.71% | 110 3.50% |
| 85 to 89 years | 30 2.10% | 40 2.40% | 25.00% | 65 2.10% |
| 90 to 94 years | 25 1.70% | 35 2.10% | 28.57% | 65 2.10% |
| Median age of the population | 52 51.60% | 55 54.80% | 5.47% | 53 53.20% |
Broader Age Groups
If the town'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 56.20% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 30.30% and 13.50%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Pictou are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average age of the population | 47.10% | 50.40% | 48.90% |
| 65 years and over | 28.20% | 32.00% | 30.30% |
| 0 to 14 years | 16.20% | 11.80% | 13.50% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Pictou
Explore Pictou Through Videos
Population of Pictou by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Pictou is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Pictou 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 Scottish, which accounts for 41.64% of the total population, followed by English (23.24%), Canadian (19.23%), Irish (19.23%), and French (15.05%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include Acadian, European, German, Caucasian (White), and First Nations (North American Indian).
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scottish | 41.97% | 41.05% | 41.64% |
| English | 21.53% | 24.69% | 23.24% |
| Canadian | 18.98% | 19.14% | 19.23% |
| Irish | 17.88% | 20.68% | 19.23% |
| French | 15.69% | 14.51% | 15.05% |
| Acadian | 5.11% | 5.86% | 5.69% |
| European | 3.65% | 5.56% | 4.85% |
| German | 3.65% | 4.94% | 4.35% |
| Caucasian (White) | 2.92% | 3.09% | 3.18% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 2.19% | 3.70% | 3.01% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Pictou's population profile.
About 4.3% of Pictou's population are immigrants (130 people).
The top countries of origin for Pictou's immigrant population are United Kingdom (40), Syria (25), United States of America (10), Brazil (0), Colombia (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 40 |
| Syria | 25 |
| United States of America | 10 |
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 1,030 of Pictou's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 18.90% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 18.40% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 6.70%, 3.95%, and 2.05%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 550 | 18.90% |
| 2 persons | 535 | 18.40% |
| 3 persons | 195 | 6.70% |
| 4 persons | 115 | 3.95% |
| 5 or more persons | 60 | 2.05% |
Income in Pictou
Analyzing income distribution in Pictou can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Pictou 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 town's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Pictou population or around 405 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $30,000 to $49,999, and $50,000 to $79,999 with around 305 and 245 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Pictou's median household income is $55,600, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Pictou's median household income is 28,400 dollars below the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the town'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 town's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Pictou
This data sheds light on the distribution of Pictou 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.
55.50% or most of the Pictou population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 27.65% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 16.75% has a No certificate, diploma or degree, and 14.50% has Bachelor's degree or higher.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 875 | 1,315 | 2,190 | 55.50% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 500 | 605 | 1,110 | 27.65% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 385 | 330 | 720 | 16.75% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 210 | 360 | 565 | 14.50% |
Below national average 14.5% of Pictou's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Pictou
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Pictou. 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 6.68% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 41.06% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.68% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the town who work as an employee. The majority of Pictou's population (around 62.60%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 75 men and 70 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 145.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 75 | 70 | 145 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Pictou industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Pictou is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Pictou has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (19%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Manufacturing sector comes second at 12%, followed by Retail trade at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 15 | 210 | 19% |
| Manufacturing | 100 | 45 | 12% |
| Retail trade | 65 | 70 | 11% |
| Construction | 85 | 10 | 8% |
| Accommodation and food services | 25 | 75 | 8% |
| Educational services | 25 | 55 | 7% |
| Public administration | 30 | 35 | 5% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 50 | 0 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 25 | 30 | 5% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 40 | 20 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 25 | 25 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 25 | 0 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 10 | 10 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 0 | 20 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 10 | 10 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 15 | 1% |
| Utilities | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 0 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Pictou residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Pictou: Health care and social assistance (19%), -33 Manufacturing (12%), -45 Retail trade (11%)
Top occupation categories in Pictou: Sales and service occupations (28%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (18%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (12%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the town. 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 | 355 | 465 | 820 | 78.50% |
| No fixed workplace address | 90 | 35 | 130 | 12.40% |
| Worked at home | 30 | 65 | 100 | 9.60% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Pictou 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 Pictou residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Pictou spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the town's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the town.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 48.70% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 38.60% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 5.30% |
| 60 minutes and over | 5.30% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 1.60% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Pictoushed 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 town's social fabric. We can gain insights into Pictou's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights town'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 Pictou. About 2,945 people living in the province speak English, 50 people speak French, 5 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 2,945 |
| French | 50 |
| English and French | 5 |
| Neither English nor French | 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.
| Language | Mother Tongue | Spoken Most Often at Home |
|---|---|---|
| English | 95.2% | 98.7% |
| Non-official languages | 2.3% | 1.0% |
| French | 2.0% | 0.3% |
Religion
Pictou is predominantly Christian. About 1,875 of its population is Christian (805 males and 805 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Muslim with 1.2% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Hindu, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Jewish represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 62.7% |
| Islam | 1.2% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Pictou
Schools
- North Nova Education Centre
- NSCC
- GR Saunders Elementary School
- Trenton Middle School
- Trenton Elementary School
- Northumberland Regional High School
- Highland Consolidated Middle School
- Walter Duggan Consolidated School
- Thorburn Consolidated School
- Private School
- West Pictou Consolidated School
- McCulloch Education Centre
Parks
- Acadia Park
- Magic Valley Family Fun Park
- Albion Park
- Arisaig Provincial Park
- Foster Avenue Horseshoe Beds and Playground
- Stellarton Town Square
- Victoria Park
- Old Chelsea School Park
- Henderson Park
- Munroe Avenue PArk
- West Side Community Centre
- Laurie Peace Park
- Carmichael Park
- Their Light Shall Always Shine Memorial Park
- Trenton Park
- Perrin Memorial Park
- Africentric Heritage Park
Libraries
Places to Visit in Pictou
Museums
- Museum of Industry
- McCulloch House Museum & Genealogy Centre
- Museum of Industry
- Museum of Industry
- Carmichael-Stewart House Museum
- Barney's River School House Museum
Attractions
- Hector Replica
- Sons of Martha Cairn, Guysborough Railway
- Glencoe Veterans Honour Roll
- River John Cenotaph
- Legion Remembrance Gardens Memorial Stones
- Riverside International Speedway
- Ship Hector Replica
- The Hearse
- Loch Broom Log Church
Historic Sites
- War Cenotaph
- James P Robertson VC Memorial
- Miner's Memorial Monument
- War Memorials
- Stone Monuments - Foord St Stellarton
- Monument - Frank Sobey
- Military Armoured Vehicle
- Round House Turntable
- Stewart Street Heritage Memorial WWII
- Cenotaph
- Nancy's Cellar
- Indian Residential School Memorial
- Miner's Monument
- Cornish Pump House
Theatres
Green Spaces in Pictou
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Acadia Park | Parks | 30.5 ha |
| Magic Valley Family Fun Park | Parks | 6.0 ha |
| Albion Park | Parks | 1.6 ha |
| Arisaig Provincial Park | Parks | 28.1 ha |
| Foster Avenue Horseshoe Beds and Playground | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Stellarton Town Square | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Victoria Park | Parks | 1.9 ha |
| Old Chelsea School Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Henderson Park | Parks | 0.1 ha |
| Beaver Mountain Provincial Park | Nature Reserves | — |
| Salt Springs Provincial Park | Nature Reserves | — |
| Gully Lake Wilderness Area | Nature Reserves | 3,807.6 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pictou
According to the 2021 census, Pictou has a population of approximately 3,107 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Pictou decreased by 2.48%.
Pictou has a population density of approximately 388.70 people per square kilometre.
Pictou covers a land area of approximately 7.99 km².
The median age of the population in Pictou is 53.20 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Pictou is Scottish.
The median household income in Pictou is $55,600, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Pictou.
Christian is the predominant religion in Pictou.
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.