Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Wolfville has a population of around 5,057 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Wolfville has increased by ▲ 20.55%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 4,195 | 5,057 | +20.55% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.81% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Wolfville's population is projected to reach approximately 6,096 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 943.65 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 5,057 | 6,096 | 943.65 |
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.
Wolfville Population Trend & Context
Wolfville had a 2021 census population of 5,057 — an increase of 862 (▲ 20.55%) people from the 4,195 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Nova Scotia towns. The town's median age of 41.6 years closely mirrors the national median of 41.9, suggesting a demographic profile in line with the Canadian average.
Population By Genders
The male population of Wolfville is around 2,325 while the female population is around 2,725.
Of the 5,057 total population in Wolfville, the largest gender is female with around 2,725 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 2,325 | 2,725 | +14.68% |
Is Wolfville a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Wolfville 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.
Wolfville Population Compared to Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia's population in 2021 was 969,383, spread across the area. Here's how Wolfville compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Wolfville | Nova Scotia |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $58,400 | $71,500 |
| Unemployment rate | 18.7% | 12.7% |
| Median age | 41.6 | 45.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 48.6% | 27.1% |
| Immigrants (%) | 11.0% | 7.5% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Wolfville has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 20 to 24 years old, accounting for 18.00% of the total population. The town median age is 41.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 to 24 years | 440 18.90% | 475 17.40% | 7.37% | 910 18.00% |
| 25 to 29 years | 200 8.60% | 170 6.20% | 15.00% | 370 7.30% |
| 70 to 74 years | 150 6.50% | 190 7.00% | 21.05% | 345 6.80% |
| 15 to 19 years | 155 6.70% | 175 6.40% | 11.43% | 335 6.60% |
| 65 to 69 years | 130 5.60% | 195 7.20% | 33.33% | 325 6.40% |
| 55 to 59 years | 140 6.00% | 180 6.60% | 22.22% | 320 6.30% |
| 60 to 64 years | 145 6.20% | 165 6.10% | 12.12% | 315 6.20% |
| 75 to 79 years | 100 4.30% | 145 5.30% | 31.03% | 245 4.80% |
| 50 to 54 years | 115 4.90% | 125 4.60% | 8.00% | 240 4.70% |
| 30 to 34 years | 120 5.20% | 115 4.20% | 4.17% | 235 4.60% |
| 40 to 44 years | 100 4.30% | 120 4.40% | 16.67% | 220 4.30% |
| 85 years and over | 50 2.20% | 160 5.90% | 68.75% | 210 4.20% |
| 80 to 84 years | 80 3.40% | 125 4.60% | 36.00% | 205 4.10% |
| 35 to 39 years | 95 4.10% | 90 3.30% | 5.26% | 190 3.80% |
| 45 to 49 years | 90 3.90% | 100 3.70% | 10.00% | 185 3.70% |
| 10 to 14 years | 90 3.90% | 70 2.60% | 22.22% | 155 3.10% |
| 5 to 9 years | 75 3.20% | 75 2.80% | 0.00% | 150 3.00% |
| 0 to 4 years | 50 2.20% | 60 2.20% | 16.67% | 115 2.30% |
| 85 to 89 years | 35 1.50% | 85 3.10% | 58.82% | 115 2.30% |
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 65.40% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 26.30% and 8.20%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Wolfville are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 68.60% | 63.10% | 65.40% |
| 65 years and over | 22.40% | 29.70% | 26.30% |
| 0 to 14 years | 9.20% | 7.50% | 8.20% |
Explore Wolfville Through Videos
Population of Wolfville by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Wolfville is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Wolfville is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the town appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Wolfville are English, which accounts for 25.64% of the total population, followed by Scottish (25.54%), Irish (21.42%), Canadian (14.83%), and German (12.26%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Wolfville include French, British Isles, European, Dutch, and Acadian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 23.03% | 28.02% | 25.64% |
| Scottish | 23.90% | 27.04% | 25.54% |
| Irish | 19.96% | 22.57% | 21.42% |
| Canadian | 18.20% | 12.06% | 14.83% |
| German | 10.75% | 13.81% | 12.26% |
| French | 9.43% | 10.31% | 9.89% |
| British Isles | 8.99% | 7.98% | 8.44% |
| European | 4.17% | 5.45% | 4.84% |
| Dutch | 3.51% | 4.47% | 4.12% |
| Acadian | 4.61% | 3.11% | 3.81% |
Indigenous Identity in Wolfville
About 4.33% of Wolfville's population (210 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 95.67% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 60 people (1.20% 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 Wolfville's population profile.
About 11.0% of Wolfville's population are immigrants (535 people).
The top countries of origin for Wolfville's immigrant population are United Kingdom (150), United States of America (80), Germany (55), China (35), Netherlands (15).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 150 |
| United States of America | 80 |
| Germany | 55 |
| China | 35 |
| Netherlands | 15 |
89.3% of Wolfville's residents (4,335 people) are Canadian citizens, and 10.6% are not.
By generation status, 22.0% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 12.1% are second generation, and 66.0% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 1,260 of Wolfville's population live in a apartment in a building that has fewer than five storeys. In addition, most of them are living in 1 person household.
Household Size
About 20.00% of the population lives in 1 person households. 2 persons households ranked second, accounting for 18.95% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 5.45%, 3.90%, and 1.75%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 975 | 20.00% |
| 2 persons | 925 | 18.95% |
| 3 persons | 265 | 5.45% |
| 4 persons | 190 | 3.90% |
| 5 or more persons | 85 | 1.75% |
Family and Household Structure in Wolfville
Of census families in Wolfville, 86.6% are couple families and 13.4% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.6 people.
39.8% of households in Wolfville are one-person households, 38.7% are couple-family households, 5.7% are one-parent-family households, and 0.6% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 970 | 39.8% |
| Couple-family households | 945 | 38.7% |
| One-parent-family households | 140 | 5.7% |
| Multigenerational households | 15 | 0.6% |
Income in Wolfville
Analyzing income distribution in Wolfville can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Wolfville is $31,200.
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 Wolfville population or around 830 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the Under $10,000, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 485 and 395 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Wolfville's median household income is $58,400, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Wolfville's median household income is 25,600 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 Wolfville
This data sheds light on the distribution of Wolfville 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.
72.40% or most of the Wolfville population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 21.30% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 6.60% 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 | 660 | 765 | 1,430 | 72.40% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 225 | 195 | 420 | 21.30% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 75 | 55 | 130 | 6.60% |
Above national average 54.4% of Wolfville's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Wolfville
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Wolfville. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Wolfville is at 18.76% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 47.40% |
| Unemployment rate | 18.76% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Wolfville, 22.3% worked full year full time in the reference year, 37.8% worked part year and/or part time, and 39.8% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 990 | 22.3% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 1,675 | 37.8% |
| Did not work | 1,765 | 39.8% |
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 Wolfville's population (around 53.50%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 155 men and 170 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 325.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 155 | 170 | 325 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Wolfville industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Wolfville is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Wolfville has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (19%) works in the educational services sector. The Accommodation and food services sector comes second at 14%, followed by Health care and social assistance at 13%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational services | 195 | 290 | 19% |
| Accommodation and food services | 165 | 190 | 14% |
| Health care and social assistance | 115 | 220 | 13% |
| Retail trade | 130 | 170 | 12% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 105 | 40 | 6% |
| Manufacturing | 95 | 20 | 5% |
| Public administration | 40 | 55 | 4% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 30 | 50 | 3% |
| Construction | 70 | 10 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 50 | 30 | 3% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 40 | 35 | 3% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 25 | 50 | 3% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 55 | 0 | 3% |
| Information and cultural industries | 25 | 40 | 2% |
| Finance and insurance | 45 | 15 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 40 | 15 | 2% |
| Wholesale trade | 10 | 10 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 10 | 0 | 1% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Wolfville residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Wolfville: Educational services (19%), Accommodation and food services (14%), Health care and social assistance (13%)
Top occupation categories in Wolfville: Sales and service occupations (31%), Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (20%), Business, finance and administration occupations (10%)
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 | 705 | 725 | 1,430 | 67.90% |
| Worked at home | 205 | 275 | 480 | 22.80% |
| No fixed workplace address | 130 | 45 | 180 | 8.60% |
| Worked outside Canada | 10 | 0 | 10 | 0.50% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Wolfville 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 Wolfville residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Wolfville 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 | 45.70% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 34.80% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 11.50% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.70% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 4.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Wolfville 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 town's social fabric. We can gain insights into Wolfville'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 Wolfville. About 4,850 people living in the town speak English, 85 people speak French, 10 people speak English and French language, and 10 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 4,850 |
| French | 85 |
| English and French | 10 |
| Neither English nor French | 10 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 14.7% of Wolfville's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 85.0% know English only, 0.0% know French only, and 0.3% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 4,215 | 85.0% |
| French only | 0 | 0.0% |
| English and French | 730 | 14.7% |
| Neither English nor French | 15 | 0.3% |
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 | 86.2% | 93.4% |
| Non-official languages | 9.5% | 4.2% |
| French | 1.6% | 0.6% |
Religion
Wolfville is predominantly Christian. About 2,260 of its population is Christian (980 males and 1,275 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Muslim with 1.3% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Sikh and Hindu, both represent 1.1% and 1.0% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.6% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 46.6% |
| Islam | 1.3% |
| Sikh | 1.1% |
| Hindu | 1.0% |
| Buddhist | 0.6% |
| Jewish | 0.4% |
Points of Interest in Wolfville
Hospitals
Schools
Parks
Libraries
Places to Visit in Wolfville
Attractions
Historic Sites
Theatres
Green Spaces in Wolfville
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Waterfront Park | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Clock Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Wolfville
- Kentville 10.4 km · 6,630 people
- Berwick 29.6 km · 2,455 people
- Middleton 57.7 km · 1,873 people
- Mahone Bay 71.5 km · 1,064 people
- Stewiacke 79.9 km · 1,557 people
- Bridgewater 80.3 km · 8,790 people
- Oxford 81.5 km · 1,170 people
- Amherst 81.6 km · 9,404 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Wolfville
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Wolfville has a population of 5,057 people, making it the 25th town in Nova Scotia. The population increased significantly from 4,195 in 2016, an increase of 862 people or 20.55%. The town has a population density of 783.3 people per km² across a land area of 6.46 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Wolfville's population grew by 20.55% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 4,195 to 5,057 people, a gain of 862 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Nova Scotia towns during this period. The median age of 41.60 years suggests a mature, established community. The relatively high proportion of one-person households (40.0%) may indicate young adults leaving for larger centres. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Wolfville has a population density of approximately 783.30 people per square kilometre.
Wolfville covers a land area of approximately 6.46 km².
The median age of the population in Wolfville is 41.60 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Wolfville is English.
The median household income in Wolfville is $58,400, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Wolfville.
Christian is the predominant religion in Wolfville.
According to the 2021 Census, 4.3% of Wolfville's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
89.3% of Wolfville's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 13.4% of census families in Wolfville, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.6% of all households in Wolfville, per the 2021 Census.
14.7% of Wolfville'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 Wolfville, 22.3% 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.