Population & Migration · Chart
Nova Scotia population 2026: 1,103,419
Nova Scotia's population was 1,103,419 on July 1, 2026, according to Statistics Canada. It grew by 8,262 people (0.75%) over the previous 12 months and holds 2.6% of Canada's population.
- 1,103,419people on July 1, 2026, 7th of 13 provinces and territories
- 2.6%of Canada's population
- +8,262in the 12 months to July 1, 2026 (+0.75%), 7th of 13 by growth rate
- +10.4%over five years, from 999,908 in July 2021
Nova Scotia's smallest yearly gain since 2016
Nova Scotia added 8,262 people, the smallest yearly gain since 2016, when it added 5,565. It first passed 1 million people in October 2021 and 1.1 million in July 2026. Over five years it grew 10.4%, 5th-fastest of the 13 provinces and territories.
People added in each 12 months to July 1, 2001 to 2026. Source: Statistics Canada, Table 17-10-0009-01.
Quarter by quarter
| Three months | Population change |
|---|---|
| July 1 to Oct. 1, 2025 | +3,185 |
| Oct. 1, 2025 to Jan. 1, 2026 | +216 |
| Jan. 1 to April 1, 2026 | +841 |
| April 1 to July 1, 2026 | +4,020 |
Common questions
What is the population of Nova Scotia in 2026? 1,103,419 on July 1, 2026, according to Statistics Canada's latest estimate, or about 1.10 million.
Is Nova Scotia's population growing? Yes, but more slowly. It grew 0.75% in the year to July 1, 2026, after adding 14,847 the year before.
How does Nova Scotia rank? 7th of 13 provinces and territories by population, 7th by growth rate and 7th by number of people added.
All provinces and territories on one page: Canada population 2026 by province and territory
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