Truro, Nova Scotia Population & Demographics: How Many People Live Here?

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

This article shows the demographic data and statistics of Truro. It is a town in Canada that encompasses a land area of 37.52 km2. The town has a population density of 345.30 people per km2.

We highlight the Truro town's various population characteristics. From gender, age distribution, ethnicity, household and dwelling, and income to spoken languages, occupation, and religion.

Truro on the Map

The map and listings below are sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors, not Statistics Canada, and may be incomplete depending on how thoroughly the area has been mapped.

Truro location on the map. View in Google Map

Population Characteristics

According to the latest census, Truro has a population of around 12,954 people. The town's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Truro has increased by 5.65%.

Population in 2016Population in 2021Difference
12,26112,954 +5.65%

2026 Population Projection

Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.11% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Truro's population is projected to reach approximately 13,686 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 364.77 people per km².

Population in 2021Projected Population in 2026Projected Density in 2026 (per km²)
12,95413,686364.77

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 Truro is around 5,970 while the female population is around 6,985.

Of the 12,954 total population in Truro, the largest gender is female with around 6,985 women within the population.

MaleFemaleDifference
5,9706,985 +14.53%

Is Truro a Good Place to Live?

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

Employment & Economy

15.9%
Unemployment rate
3.2 pts above the province
48.2%
Employment rate
3.7 pts below the province
57.4%
Participation rate
2.1 pts below the province

Income & Affordability

$54,800
Median household income
$16,700 below the province
20.3%
Below low-income threshold (LIM-AT)
5.4 pts above the province

Commute

84.5%
Commute under 30 minutes
9.4 pts above the province
84.6%
Commute by car
2.8 pts below the province
0.2%
Commute by public transit
3.9 pts below the province

Housing Character

40.7%
Single-detached houses
23.0 pts below the province
52.8%
Apartments (any building size)
27.9 pts above the province

Household Composition

2.00 people
Average household size
0.20people below the province
42.9%
One-person households
12.1 pts above the province

Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.

Other Towns Near Truro

Population by Age Characteristics

Truro has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 25 to 29 years old, accounting for 7.30% of the total population. The town median age is 47.60.

DataMaleFemaleDifferenceTotal
25 to 29 years460 7.70%480 6.90% 4.17%945 7.30%
55 to 59 years430 7.20%515 7.40% 16.50%940 7.30%
60 to 64 years405 6.80%525 7.50% 22.86%930 7.20%
65 to 69 years370 6.20%480 6.90% 22.92%855 6.60%
70 to 74 years360 6.00%460 6.60% 21.74%820 6.30%
20 to 24 years405 6.80%405 5.80% 0.00%810 6.30%
30 to 34 years385 6.40%400 5.70% 3.75%785 6.10%
50 to 54 years375 6.30%395 5.70% 5.06%775 6.00%
45 to 49 years360 6.00%390 5.60% 7.69%750 5.80%
35 to 39 years350 5.90%385 5.50% 9.09%730 5.60%
75 to 79 years260 4.40%370 5.30% 29.73%635 4.90%
40 to 44 years260 4.40%365 5.20% 28.77%625 4.80%
85 years and over225 3.80%400 5.70% 43.75%620 4.80%
10 to 14 years305 5.10%290 4.20% 4.92%600 4.60%
5 to 9 years305 5.10%275 3.90% 9.84%585 4.50%
15 to 19 years280 4.70%285 4.10% 1.75%570 4.40%
80 to 84 years185 3.10%320 4.60% 42.19%505 3.90%
0 to 4 years250 4.20%230 3.30% 8.00%480 3.70%
85 to 89 years150 2.50%235 3.40% 36.17%380 2.90%
90 to 94 years70 1.20%120 1.70% 41.67%195 1.50%
Median age of the population45 44.80%50 49.60% 10.08%48 47.60%

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 60.60% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 26.50% and 12.80%, respectively.

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

DataMaleFemaleTotal
Average age of the population44.10%48.00%46.20%
65 years and over23.60%29.10%26.50%
0 to 14 years14.40%11.50%12.80%

Photos of Places & Sceneries in Truro

Explore Truro Through Videos

Population of Truro by Ethnicity and Origin

The population of Truro is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Truro 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 32.25% of the total population, followed by English (23.23%), Irish (22.99%), Canadian (16.47%), and French (9.86%).

Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include Caucasian (White), German, European, Nova Scotian, and Acadian.

Ethnicity and OriginMaleFemalePercentage in Population
Scottish31.32%32.98%32.25%
English23.12%23.40%23.23%
Irish22.52%23.40%22.99%
Canadian16.31%16.68%16.47%
French10.70%9.13%9.86%
Caucasian (White)7.42%6.64%7.00%
German5.78%7.85%6.92%
European5.44%4.53%4.95%
Nova Scotian3.36%3.25%3.30%
Acadian3.36%3.25%3.30%

Immigration Profile

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

About 6.3% of Truro's population are immigrants (780 people).

The top countries of origin for Truro's immigrant population are United Kingdom (150), Philippines (95), United States of America (90), India (90), Jamaica (45).

Only using 25% sample data.
Country of BirthPopulation
United Kingdom150
Philippines95
United States of America90
India90
Jamaica45

Household and Dwelling Characteristics

About 2,725 of Truro's population live in a 1 person. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.

Household Size

About 21.45% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 17.35% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.75%, 3.65%, and 1.80%, respectively.

Number of Person(s) in HouseholdTotalPercentage
1 person2,72521.45%
2 persons2,20017.35%
3 persons7305.75%
4 persons4653.65%
5 or more persons2301.80%

Income in Truro

Analyzing income distribution in Truro can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.

Per Capita Income

According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Truro 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 Truro population or around 1,820 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 1,425 and 1,085 people, respectively.

Household Income

The Truro's median household income is $54,800, according to 2020 data.

Below national average Truro's median household income is 29,200 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 Truro

This data sheds light on the distribution of Truro 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.

54.45% or most of the Truro population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 29.90% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 26.05% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 15.65% has No certificate, diploma or degree.

Only using 25% sample data.
DegreeMenWomenTotalPercentage
Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree3,7555,4009,15554.45%
High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate2,6052,5555,16029.90%
Bachelor's degree or higher1,8452,4754,31526.05%
No certificate, diploma or degree1,5101,3002,80515.65%

Below national average 26.1% of Truro's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).

Employment in Truro

This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Truro. 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 9.10% which is very high.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusPercentage
Employment rate48.24%
Unemployment rate9.10%

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 Truro's population (around 71.80%) are working permanent position as an employee.

Self-employed

In the town, there are 290 men and 285 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 570.

Only using 25% sample data.
StatusMenWomenTotal
Self-employed290285570

Employment Industry Sectors

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

Truro has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (16%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 15%, followed by Accommodation and food services at 10%.

Only using 25% sample data.
IndustryMenWomenPercentage
Health care and social assistance14583016%
Retail trade47048015%
Accommodation and food services21540010%
Manufacturing3452059%
Educational services1552857%
Public administration2151756%
Professional, scientific and technical services1601755%
Construction275355%
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services170954%
Other services (except public administration)1101254%
Transportation and warehousing195304%
Wholesale trade140653%
Arts, entertainment and recreation45702%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting70502%
Real estate and rental and leasing40251%
Finance and insurance25351%
Information and cultural industries35201%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction3001%
Utilities1000%
Management of companies and enterprises1000%

Labour Market Snapshot

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

Top employer sectors in Truro: Health care and social assistance (16%), -45 Retail trade (15%), Accommodation and food services (10%)

Top occupation categories in Truro: Sales and service occupations (30%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (14%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (14%)

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.

Only using 25% sample data.
Work LocationMenWomenTotalPercentage
Usual place of work1,8252,0553,88074.70%
Worked at home28042570513.60%
No fixed workplace address41519060511.60%
Worked outside Canada0000.00%

Commuting

The data sheds light on how Truro 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 Truro residents and sustainable urban planning.

Commuting Duration

This data reveals the average time that the residents of Truro 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.

Only using 25% sample data.
DurationPercentage
Less than 15 minutes64.10%
15 to 29 minutes20.40%
30 to 44 minutes5.60%
60 minutes and over5.60%
45 to 59 minutes4.10%

Marital Status

The statistics on marital status in Truroshed 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 Truro's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.

Married or living common-law
46.94%
Married or living common-law
53.06%

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 Truro. About 12,415 people living in the province speak English, 120 people speak French, 40 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 20 people speak English and French language.

LanguagePopulation
English12,415
French120
Neither English nor French40
English and French20

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
English91.8%94.8%
Non-official languages5.9%3.6%
French1.0%0.2%

Religion

Truro is predominantly Christian. About 6,535 of its population is Christian (2,820 males and 2,820 females).

The second largest religion in the province is Sikh with 1.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Muslim, both represent 1.0% and 0.5% of the population, while Jewish represent 0.1% of the population.

ReligionPopulation
Christian52.6%
Sikh1.0%
Hindu1.0%
Islam0.5%
Jewish0.1%
Buddhist0.1%

Points of Interest in Truro

Schools

Universities

Parks

Libraries

Community Centres

Places to Visit in Truro

Museums

Attractions

Historic Sites

Green Spaces in Truro

Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.

Frequently Asked Questions about Truro

According to the 2021 census, Truro has a population of approximately 12,954 people.

Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Truro increased by 5.65%.

Truro has a population density of approximately 345.30 people per square kilometre.

Truro covers a land area of approximately 37.52 km².

The median age of the population in Truro is 47.60 years.

The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Truro is Scottish.

The median household income in Truro is $54,800, based on 2020 data.

English is the most common first official language spoken in Truro.

Christian is the predominant religion in Truro.

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.