Median Income
$62,400
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$160,000
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.8%
65% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$800
31% lower than US avg
Unemployment
19.5%
442% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.4%
40% higher than US avg
How Cape Breton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population93,694
Median Age50.4 yrs
Density100/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Economy
C+
Median Income$62,400
Per Capita$40,360
Unemployment19.5%
Poverty17.4%
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$160,000
Rent$800
OwnershipN/A
Housing Units42,315
Rent Burden16.1%
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.8%
High School+28.5%
Graduate+3.7%
Is Cape Breton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cape Breton receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Cape Breton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cape Breton is $62,400, 17% below the national average of $75,149. At 19.5%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 17.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cape Breton is $160,000, 43% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $800 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
11.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 28.5% have completed high school.
Cape Breton has a population of 93,694 with a density of 100 people per square mile. The median age is 50.4 years, 30% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (94.6%), with 1.4% Black, 3.5% Asian.
Population
50.4yrs
Median Age
30% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cape Breton vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 95.2% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Spanish | 0.8% |
| 94% below US avg |
| Other Languages | 4.1% |
Social Characteristics
Cape Breton vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cape Breton is $62,400, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 19.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.4% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Income: Cape Breton vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,400 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,360 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 19.5% |
| 442% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.4% |
| 40% above US avg |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.9% |
| Public Transit | 1.9% |
| Work from Home | 14.2% |
The median home value in Cape Breton is $160,000, 43% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $800 (31% below US avg).
Home Values
| Census Median | $160,000 |
| 43% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $800 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.1% |
Ownership & Property
| Owner-Occupied | 71.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.9% |
| Housing Units | 42,315 |
Property Tax
Health Metrics: Cape Breton vs U.S. Average (%)
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
Food & Exercise
Crime Rates: Cape Breton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Geography
| Area | 934.3 sq mi (2,419.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 100/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 0.0000°N, 0.0000°W |