Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, West Hants has a population of around 19,509 people. The township's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of West Hants has increased by ▲ 2.59%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 19,016 | 19,509 | +2.59% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.51% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, West Hants's population is projected to reach approximately 20,015 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 16.01 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 19,509 | 20,015 | 16.01 |
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.
West Hants Population Trend & Context
West Hants had a 2021 census population of 19,509 — an increase of 493 (▲ 2.59%) people from the 19,016 recorded in 2016.
The township's population has grown slightly over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Nova Scotia townships. The township's median age of 48.8 years — above the national median of 41.9 — suggests a mature, established community rather than a rapidly growing one.
Population By Genders
The male population of West Hants is around 9,460 while the female population is around 10,055.
Of the 19,509 total population in West Hants, the largest gender is female with around 10,055 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 9,460 | 10,055 | +5.92% |
Is West Hants a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how West Hants 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.
West Hants Population Compared to Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia's population in 2021 was 969,383, spread across the area. Here's how West Hants compares to the township's key indicators:
| Indicator | West Hants | Nova Scotia |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $69,500 | $71,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.3% | 12.7% |
| Median age | 48.8 | 45.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 27.1% |
| Immigrants (%) | 3.4% | 7.5% |
Population by Age Characteristics
West Hants has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 55 to 59 years old, accounting for 8.80% of the total population. The township median age is 48.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 to 59 years | 855 9.00% | 865 8.60% | 1.16% | 1,720 8.80% |
| 60 to 64 years | 805 8.50% | 865 8.60% | 6.94% | 1,675 8.60% |
| 65 to 69 years | 725 7.70% | 740 7.40% | 2.03% | 1,460 7.50% |
| 50 to 54 years | 650 6.90% | 660 6.60% | 1.52% | 1,310 6.70% |
| 70 to 74 years | 600 6.30% | 700 7.00% | 14.29% | 1,300 6.70% |
| 45 to 49 years | 595 6.30% | 675 6.70% | 11.85% | 1,270 6.50% |
| 40 to 44 years | 535 5.70% | 590 5.90% | 9.32% | 1,125 5.80% |
| 35 to 39 years | 510 5.40% | 550 5.50% | 7.27% | 1,065 5.50% |
| 10 to 14 years | 550 5.80% | 480 4.80% | 12.73% | 1,035 5.30% |
| 30 to 34 years | 500 5.30% | 535 5.30% | 6.54% | 1,030 5.30% |
| 15 to 19 years | 505 5.30% | 505 5.00% | 0.00% | 1,015 5.20% |
| 5 to 9 years | 515 5.40% | 490 4.90% | 4.85% | 1,000 5.10% |
| 75 to 79 years | 415 4.40% | 480 4.80% | 13.54% | 900 4.60% |
| 25 to 29 years | 405 4.30% | 440 4.40% | 7.95% | 845 4.30% |
| 20 to 24 years | 425 4.50% | 400 4.00% | 5.88% | 820 4.20% |
| 0 to 4 years | 395 4.20% | 405 4.00% | 2.47% | 805 4.10% |
| 80 to 84 years | 290 3.10% | 325 3.20% | 10.77% | 615 3.20% |
| 85 years and over | 185 2.00% | 345 3.40% | 46.38% | 530 2.70% |
| 85 to 89 years | 125 1.30% | 195 1.90% | 35.90% | 315 1.60% |
| 90 to 94 years | 55 0.60% | 110 1.10% | 50.00% | 170 0.90% |
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 60.80% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 24.70% and 14.50%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in West Hants are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 61.10% | 60.50% | 60.80% |
| 65 years and over | 23.40% | 25.80% | 24.70% |
| 0 to 14 years | 15.40% | 13.70% | 14.50% |
Population of West Hants by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of West Hants is quite diverse, which contributes to the township's vibrant cultural landscape. West Hants 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 West Hants are English, which accounts for 26.51% of the total population, followed by Scottish (26.38%), Irish (23.24%), Canadian (20.63%), and German (11.63%).
Other ethnicities and origins in West Hants include French, Caucasian (White), European, British Isles, and Nova Scotian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 26.87% | 26.18% | 26.51% |
| Scottish | 24.89% | 27.82% | 26.38% |
| Irish | 21.79% | 24.69% | 23.24% |
| Canadian | 20.62% | 20.65% | 20.63% |
| German | 11.11% | 12.09% | 11.63% |
| French | 8.92% | 8.76% | 8.84% |
| Caucasian (White) | 7.53% | 6.56% | 7.03% |
| European | 5.07% | 5.43% | 5.25% |
| British Isles | 4.43% | 3.89% | 4.16% |
| Nova Scotian | 3.31% | 3.89% | 3.61% |
Indigenous Identity in West Hants
About 3.06% of West Hants's population (585 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 96.94% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 130 people (0.70% of the total population) hold Registered or Treaty Indian status.
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of West Hants's population profile.
About 3.4% of West Hants's population are immigrants (645 people).
The top countries of origin for West Hants's immigrant population are United Kingdom (255), United States of America (110), Germany (35), Netherlands (35), Poland (20).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 255 |
| United States of America | 110 |
| Germany | 35 |
| Netherlands | 35 |
| Poland | 20 |
98.5% of West Hants's residents (18,840 people) are Canadian citizens, and 1.5% are not.
By generation status, 4.4% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 6.5% are second generation, and 89.2% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 6,675 of West Hants's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 20.40% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 13.95% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.00%, 5.80%, and 2.75%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 3,420 | 20.40% |
| 1 person | 2,340 | 13.95% |
| 3 persons | 1,175 | 7.00% |
| 4 persons | 975 | 5.80% |
| 5 or more persons | 460 | 2.75% |
Family and Household Structure in West Hants
Of census families in West Hants, 84.0% are couple families and 16.0% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.7 people.
28.0% of households in West Hants are one-person households, 55.2% are couple-family households, 8.7% are one-parent-family households, and 2.4% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 2,345 | 28.0% |
| Couple-family households | 4,620 | 55.2% |
| One-parent-family households | 730 | 8.7% |
| Multigenerational households | 200 | 2.4% |
Income in West Hants
Analyzing income distribution in West Hants can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within West Hants is $36,000.
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 West Hants population or around 2,450 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 2,110 and 2,075 people, respectively.
Household Income
The West Hants's median household income is $69,500, according to 2020 data.
Below national average West Hants's median household income is 14,500 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 West Hants
This data sheds light on the distribution of West Hants 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.
60.50% or most of the West Hants population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 26.70% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 12.70% 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.)
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 2,650 | 3,405 | 6,055 | 60.50% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 1,355 | 1,320 | 2,675 | 26.70% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 830 | 445 | 1,275 | 12.70% |
Below national average 19.3% of West Hants's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in West Hants
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in West Hants. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in West Hants is at 10.27% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 50.12% |
| Unemployment rate | 10.27% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in West Hants, 31.7% worked full year full time in the reference year, 26.2% worked part year and/or part time, and 42.1% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 5,170 | 31.7% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 4,265 | 26.2% |
| Did not work | 6,850 | 42.1% |
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 West Hants's population (around 70.60%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the township, there are 760 men and 500 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 1,260.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 760 | 500 | 1,260 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The West Hants industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in West Hants is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
West Hants has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (15%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Construction sector comes second at 13%, followed by Retail trade at 12%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 185 | 1,165 | 15% |
| Construction | 1,105 | 90 | 13% |
| Retail trade | 510 | 580 | 12% |
| Manufacturing | 565 | 205 | 9% |
| Educational services | 175 | 500 | 7% |
| Public administration | 310 | 270 | 6% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 270 | 200 | 5% |
| Accommodation and food services | 130 | 285 | 5% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 155 | 225 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 215 | 135 | 4% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 195 | 145 | 4% |
| Wholesale trade | 220 | 100 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 255 | 65 | 4% |
| Finance and insurance | 50 | 150 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 135 | 45 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 50 | 60 | 1% |
| Utilities | 80 | 25 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 40 | 30 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 55 | 0 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 10 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where West Hants residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in West Hants: Health care and social assistance (15%), Construction (13%), Retail trade (12%)
Top occupation categories in West Hants: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (25%), Sales and service occupations (23%), Business, finance and administration occupations (12%)
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 | 2,640 | 2,850 | 5,495 | 67.30% |
| No fixed workplace address | 1,135 | 280 | 1,420 | 17.40% |
| Worked at home | 500 | 720 | 1,225 | 15.00% |
| Worked outside Canada | 30 | 0 | 30 | 0.40% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how West Hants 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 West Hants residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of West Hants 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 |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 31.50% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 20.80% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 19.80% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 16.50% |
| 60 minutes and over | 11.40% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in West Hants 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 township's social fabric. We can gain insights into West Hants'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 West Hants. About 19,075 people living in the township speak English, 185 people speak French, 5 people speak English and French language, and 5 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 19,075 |
| French | 185 |
| English and French | 5 |
| Neither English nor French | 5 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 5.2% of West Hants's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 94.8% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.1% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 18,260 | 94.8% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 1,005 | 5.2% |
| Neither English nor French | 10 | 0.1% |
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 | 97.1% | 99.3% |
| Non-official languages | 1.3% | 0.4% |
| French | 1.0% | 0.2% |
Religion
West Hants is predominantly Christian. About 10,325 of its population is Christian (4,720 males and 5,605 females).
The second largest religion in the township is Hindu with 0.4% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Buddhist and Jewish, both represent 0.1% and 0.1% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.1% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 54.0% |
| Hindu | 0.4% |
| Buddhist | 0.1% |
| Jewish | 0.1% |
| Islam | 0.1% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Nearest Townships to West Hants
- Halifax 58.1 km · 439,819 people
- Queens 112.7 km · 10,422 people
- Cape Breton 287.8 km · 93,694 people
Frequently Asked Questions about West Hants
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, West Hants has a population of 19,509 people, making it the 5th township in Nova Scotia. The population increased moderately from 19,016 in 2016, an increase of 493 people or 2.59%. The township has a population density of 15.6 people per km² across a land area of 1,250.50 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
West Hants's population grew by 2.59% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 19,016 to 19,509 people, a gain of 493 residents. This modest growth reflects patterns seen in many other Nova Scotia townships during this period. The median age of 48.80 years suggests an aging population. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
West Hants has a population density of approximately 15.60 people per square kilometre.
West Hants covers a land area of approximately 1,250.50 km².
The median age of the population in West Hants is 48.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in West Hants is English.
The median household income in West Hants is $69,500, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in West Hants.
Christian is the predominant religion in West Hants.
According to the 2021 Census, 3.1% of West Hants's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
98.5% of West Hants's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 16.0% of census families in West Hants, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 2.4% of all households in West Hants, per the 2021 Census.
5.2% of West Hants'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 West Hants, 31.7% 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.