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Bridgewater, NS

Nova Scotia

Bridgewater is a small city in Nova Scotia with a population of 8,790. Residents earn $57,200 per year, which is 24% below the national average.

Data updated June 2026

2.9 /5.0
C+ Fair
8,790 Population 1,670/sq mi density
$57,200 Median Income $38,640 per capita
$200,000 Home Value
$920 Median Rent 23.2% income on rent
48°F Avg Temperature 230 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.9 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.3 / 5.0
$57,200 median income, 12.3% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.7 / 5.0
$200,000 home value, $920/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
D
Education
2.0 / 5.0
12.3% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Bridgewater, NS

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $57,200
24% lower than US avg
Home Value $200,000
29% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 12.3%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent $920
21% lower than US avg
Unemployment 12.3%
242% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 18.8%
52% higher than US avg

How Bridgewater Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population8,790
Median Age51.6 yrs
Density1,670/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 95%

Economy

C
Median Income$57,200
Per Capita$38,640
Unemployment12.3%
Poverty18.8%
Commute18 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$200,000
Rent$920
Ownership57.9%
Housing Units4,260
Rent Burden23.2%

Crime

C+
Property3,500/100K
Burglary484/100K

Climate

Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
Rain69.4 in/yr
Sunny Days230/yr
Elevation3 ft (1 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+12.3%
High School+30.0%
Graduate+4.1%

Community

Commute18 min

Is Bridgewater a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Bridgewater receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Bridgewater has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Bridgewater is $57,200, 24% below the national average of $75,149. At 12.3%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 18.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Bridgewater is $200,000, 29% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $920 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.

Education

12.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 30.0% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Bridgewater experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 230 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 69.4 inches, including 59.9 inches of snow.

Bridgewater has a population of 8,790 with a density of 1,670 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age is 51.6 years, 33% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.3% male. The city is predominantly White (94.8%), with 3.8% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.8% of residents.

Population

8,790
Total Population
2021 Census
1,670
People / sq mi
51.6yrs
Median Age
33% above US avg
5.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 46.3%
Female 53.6%

Race & Ethnicity

Bridgewater vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 92.8%
18% above US avg
Spanish 1.3%
90% below US avg
Other Languages 5.9%

Social Characteristics

Bridgewater vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Bridgewater is $57,200, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,640. The average weekly wage is $743, 48% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 12.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 272 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 14.2% of workers work from home.

Income: Bridgewater vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$57,200
24% below US avg
Per Capita Income$38,640
Avg Weekly Wage$743

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment12.3%
242% above US avg
Poverty Rate18.8%
52% above US avg
Establishments (County)272

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time18.4 min
Drive Alone80.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home14.2%

Walkability

The median home value in Bridgewater is $200,000, 29% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $920 (21% below the national average of $1,163). 57.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 4,260 total housing units in the city. 23.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$200,000
29% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$920
21% below US avg
Rent Burden23.2%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership57.9%
Owner-Occupied57.9%
Renter-Occupied42.1%
Housing Units4,260

Property Tax

Property crime stands at 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,503, burglary at 484, vehicle theft at 505 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Bridgewater receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Bridgewater vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Total Property3,500.0/100K
79% above US avg
Burglary483.9/100K
Theft2,503.4/100K
Vehicle Theft504.8/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Bridgewater experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 230 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 69.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 59.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 3 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

33°F Jan (1°C) 71°F Jul (21°C)
Annual Average47.6°F
12% below US avg
January Average33°F (1°C)
July Average71°F (21°C)
Sunny Days230 days/yr

Geography

Elevation3 ft (1 m)
Area5.3 sq mi (13.6 km²)
Population Density1,670/sq mi
Coordinates44.3786°N, 64.5188°W
TimezoneAmerica/Halifax

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 69.4"
83% above US avg
Snowfall 59.9"
Wettest Month (Nov) 6.42"
Driest Month (Jul) 3.70"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.7 on Jan 12, 2017.

Jul 1, 2015 30 km NNW of Yarmouth, Canada M3.5 142 km
Jul 16, 2007 18 km WSW of Bridgewater, Canada M3.2 19 km
Jun 20, 2015 37 km SE of Digby, Canada M2.9 71 km
Jan 12, 2017 9 km E of Cow Bay, Canada M2.7 99 km
May 29, 2014 52 km SW of Digby, Canada M2.5 139 km
Jun 27, 2015 38 km SE of Digby, Canada M2.5 70 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Hurricane History

7 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980. Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Teddy (2020).

Year Name Category Closest
2020 Teddy Category 1 288 km
2010 Earl Category 1 9 km
2009 Bill Category 1 114 km
2008 Kyle Category 1 149 km
2003 Juan Category 2 57 km
2002 Gustav Category 1 198 km
1996 Hortense Category 1 97 km
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)

Tsunami History

1 tsunami recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 7.0 m (23 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1917 HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA Earthquake + Landslide 7.0 m 2,000 79 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 33°F (1°C) 5.5 in
February 23°F (-5°C) 4.7 in Coldest
March 31°F (-1°C) 5.7 in
April 40°F (5°C) 4.8 in
May 50°F (10°C) 4.7 in
June 59°F (15°C) 4.1 in
July 71°F (21°C) 3.7 in Warmest, Driest
August 65°F (18°C) 3.7 in
September 58°F (14°C) 4.3 in
October 48°F (9°C) 5.0 in
November 39°F (4°C) 6.4 in Wettest
December 28°F (-2°C) 5.8 in

Bridgewater has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 23°F in February to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 58.4 inches, with November being the wettest month (6.4") and July the driest (3.7").

View full weather details →
12.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 64% below the national average of 33.7%. 30.0% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 80.2% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+12.3%
64% below US avg
High School+30.0%
Graduate Degree+4.1%
D Education Grade (2.0/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density1,670/sq mi
Total Area5.3 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute18.4 min
Drive Alone80.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home14.2%

Schools in Bridgewater

4 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Park View Education Centre - - - -
Bridgewater Junior/Senior High - - - -
Park View Education Centre - - - -
Bridgewater Elementary - - - -
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Bridgewater

1 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CKBW-FM 98.1 Bridgewater, 94.5 Liverpool, 93.1 Shelburne, NS classic hits AAC 128 kbps

Museums in Bridgewater

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
DesBrisay Museum
Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
Fort Point Museum
Heritage Interpretive Classroom
LaHave Islands Marine Museum
Lorne Street Fire Company
Museum Boat Shop & Exhibit
Oak Island Interpretive Center
Settlers Museum
southwestern railway museum
Wile Carding Mill

Libraries in Bridgewater

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Lunenburg Library0.0
Margaret Hennigar Public Library0.0
Oak Island Research Center0.0

Hotels in Bridgewater

4 hotels within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Best Western
Bridgewater Hotel
Comfort Inn
Days Inn

Cafes in Bridgewater

7 cafes within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Everything Nice Cafe & Catering
Fancy Pants Cafe
Fancy Pants Express
The Barn
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons

Cinemas in Bridgewater

1 cinemas within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Cineplex Cinemas Bridgewater

Dentists in Bridgewater

1 dentists within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Bella Dental

Gas Stations in Bridgewater

7 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Canadian Tire
Esso
Esso
Irving
Irving
Petro-Canada
Shell

Banks in Bridgewater

6 banks within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

BMO
CIBC
LaHave Credit Union
RBC Royal Bank
Scotiabank
TD Bank

Shopping Malls in Bridgewater

1 shopping malls within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

South Shore Centre

Gyms in Bridgewater

2 gyms within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

902 Athletics
Get Zen Kids

Golf Courses in Bridgewater

1 golf courses within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Osprey Ridge Golf Course

Breweries in Bridgewater

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
FirkinStein Brewing
King Street Beer Company
Lightship Brewery
Saltbox Brewing Company
Shipwright Brewing Company

Ski Resorts Near Bridgewater

1 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Ski Martock 0.0 - - $0 - - -

Airports Near Bridgewater

5 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
CFB GreenwoodYZXMedium Airport
Dayspring Airpark-Small Airport
Liverpool South Shore Regional Airport-Small Airport
Stanley Airport-Small Airport
Waterville / Kings County Municipal Airport-Small Airport

Post Offices in Bridgewater

2 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Bridgewater Post Office
Bridgewater Post Office

Churches & Religious Organizations in Bridgewater

6 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Bridgewater Baptist Church
Bridgewater United Church
Holy Trinity Anglican Church
Open Bible Church
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church

Explore Near Bridgewater

UFO Sightings
5
Reported UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center database
View all →
Waterfalls
3
Natural waterfalls documented by USGS and OpenStreetMap contributors
View all →

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Bridgewater.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bridgewater

What is the population of Bridgewater?

Bridgewater has a population of 8,790 residents and is located in Nova Scotia. The population density is 1,670 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.3% male.

Is Bridgewater expensive to live in?

The median household income is $57,200, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $200,000 (29% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $920 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Bridgewater safe?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bridgewater receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Bridgewater?

Bridgewater has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 230 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 69.4 inches, with 59.9 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Bridgewater?

The job market in Bridgewater faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $743. There are 272 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 14.2% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Bridgewater?

The median home value in Bridgewater is $200,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $920. The homeownership rate is 57.9%.

How are the schools in Bridgewater?

12.3% of adults in Bridgewater hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 30.0% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Bridgewater?

The average commute in Bridgewater is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.2% work from home.

What are the demographics of Bridgewater?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bridgewater is 94.8% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 3.8% Asian. 92.8% of residents speak only English at home.

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