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Elmsdale, NS

Nova Scotia · Halifax Metro

Elmsdale is a small town in Nova Scotia with a population of 413. Residents earn $61,563 per year, which is 18% below the national average.

Data updated June 2026

3.5 /5.0
B+ Good
413 Population 12/sq mi density
$61,563 Median Income $39,739 per capita
$197,102 Home Value
$762 Median Rent 29.0% income on rent
43°F Avg Temperature 234 sunny days/yr
B+
Overall
3.5 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.1 / 5.0
$61,563 median income, 5.1% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.9 / 5.0
$197,102 home value, $762/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
B+
Education
3.6 / 5.0
32.9% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Elmsdale, 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 $61,563
18% lower than US avg
Home Value $197,102
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 32.9%
2% lower than US avg
Median Rent $762
34% lower than US avg
Unemployment 5.1%
42% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 19.8%
60% higher than US avg

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

People

Population413
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density12/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 97%

Economy

B
Median Income$61,563
Per Capita$39,739
Unemployment5.1%
Poverty19.8%
Commute23 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$197,102
Rent$762
Ownership66.5%
Housing Units165
Rent Burden29.0%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
Rain56.0 in/yr
Sunny Days234/yr
Elevation33 ft (10 m)

Education

B+
Bachelor's+32.9%
High School+87.4%
Graduate+17.0%

Community

Commute23 min

Is Elmsdale a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Elmsdale receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Elmsdale offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Elmsdale is $61,563, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 19.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Elmsdale is $197,102, 30% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $762 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x 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

32.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Elmsdale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 234 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 56.0 inches, including 20.1 inches of snow.

Elmsdale has a population of 413 with a density of 12 people per square mile, spread across 34.1 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (96.7%), with 1.2% Black, 1.2% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.4% of residents.

Population

413
Total Population
12
People / sq mi
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
34.1mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Elmsdale vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 89.4%
14% above US avg
Spanish 3.6%
73% below US avg
Other Languages 7.0%

Social Characteristics

Elmsdale vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Elmsdale is $61,563, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,739. The average weekly wage is $764, 47% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 19.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 13 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.1% of workers work from home.

Income: Elmsdale vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$61,563
18% below US avg
Per Capita Income$39,739
Avg Weekly Wage$764

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.1%
42% above US avg
Poverty Rate19.8%
60% above US avg
Establishments (County)13

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time22.5 min
Drive Alone82.1%
Public Transit0.6%
Work from Home16.1%

Walkability

The median home value in Elmsdale is $197,102, 30% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $762 (34% below the national average of $1,163). 66.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 165 total housing units in the city. 29.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$197,102
30% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$762
34% below US avg
Rent Burden29.0%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership66.5%
Owner-Occupied66.5%
Renter-Occupied33.5%
Housing Units165

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, Elmsdale receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Elmsdale 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 →
Elmsdale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 234 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 56.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 20.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 33 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

21°F Jan (-6°C) 64°F Jul (18°C)
Annual Average42.9°F
21% below US avg
January Average21°F (-6°C)
July Average64°F (18°C)
Sunny Days234 days/yr

Geography

Elevation33 ft (10 m)
Area34.1 sq mi (88.3 km²)
Population Density12/sq mi
Coordinates44.9669°N, 63.4987°W
TimezoneAmerica/Halifax

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 56.0"
47% above US avg
Snowfall 20.1"
Wettest Month (Nov) 5.91"
Driest Month (Jul) 3.90"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.7 on Jan 12, 2017.

Jul 16, 2007 18 km WSW of Bridgewater, Canada M3.2 122 km
Jan 12, 2017 9 km E of Cow Bay, Canada M2.7 40 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Hurricane History

7 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980. Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Earl (2010).

Year Name Category Closest
2010 Earl Category 1 64 km
2009 Bill Category 1 101 km
2008 Kyle Category 1 251 km
2003 Juan Category 2 67 km
2002 Gustav Category 1 168 km
1996 Hortense Category 1 76 km
1990 Bertha Category 1 252 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 38 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 21°F (-6°C) 5.4 in Coldest
February 22°F (-6°C) 4.3 in
March 29°F (-2°C) 4.7 in
April 39°F (4°C) 4.6 in
May 49°F (9°C) 4.4 in
June 58°F (14°C) 4.1 in
July 64°F (18°C) 3.9 in Driest
August 64°F (18°C) 4.1 in Warmest
September 57°F (14°C) 4.1 in
October 47°F (8°C) 4.9 in
November 38°F (3°C) 5.9 in Wettest
December 27°F (-3°C) 5.8 in

Elmsdale has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 21°F in January to 64°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 56.0 inches, with November being the wettest month (5.9") and July the driest (3.9").

View full weather details →
32.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 2% below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 17.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (above the 13.1% national rate). 82.1% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+32.9%
2% below US avg
High School+87.4%
Graduate Degree+17.0%
B+ Education Grade (3.6/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density12/sq mi
Total Area34.1 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute22.5 min
Drive Alone82.1%
Public Transit0.6%
Work from Home16.1%

Schools in Elmsdale

2 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Chignecto Central Adult High School - Elmsdale - - - -
Elmsdale District School - - - -
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Elmsdale

15 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CBC Radio One - Halifax, NS (MP3 stream) features, news MP3 128 kbps
CBC Music Atlantic (Halifax) MP3 Stream blues, classical MP3 128 kbps
CBC Radio 1 Halifax local news, public AAC 48 kbps
CKUL-FM "The Breeze 96.5" Halifax, NS new format rebranding, soft adult contemporary AAC 132 kbps
Cat Country 102.9 (US) country AAC+ 64 kbps
Cat Country 107.3 (US) - AAC+ 64 kbps
Cat Country 106.3 (US) country AAC+ 64 kbps
AVR 97.7 - MP3 64 kbps
Surge 105 - AAC 128 kbps
CKVE-FM 88.7 "Cove FM" Halifax, NS community radio MP3 128 kbps
CKHZ-FM "Hot Country 103.5" Halifax, NS country AAC 128 kbps
Seaside FM 105.9 - CFEP-FM - Eastern Passage community radio MP3 128 kbps
Radio Canada Ici Première (Nouvelle-Écosse, Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador) Halifax, NS radio publique AAC 48 kbps
CKHY-FM 105.1 "Surge 105" Dartmouth, NS active rock AAC 128 kbps
CIOE-FM 97.5 Lower Sackville, NS community radio MP3 96 kbps

Museums in Elmsdale

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum
Blast To The Past
Fultz House Museum
Scott Manor House
The Old Hall Wilderness Heritage Centre
Tin Shop Museum
Waverley Village Mueseum

Libraries in Elmsdale

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Bedford Public Library0.0
Elmsdale Branch, Colchester-East Hants Public Library0.0
Sackville Public Library0.0

Farmers Markets in Elmsdale

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Avery's Farm Market

Cafes in Elmsdale

3 cafes within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Cup of Soul Cafe
Starbucks
Tim Hortons

Dentists in Elmsdale

2 dentists within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

CA #12911917388
Elmsdale Dental Clinic

Veterinaries in Elmsdale

2 veterinaries within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

CA #828880141
East Hants Animal Hospital

Gas Stations in Elmsdale

6 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

CA #175673955
CA #243757538
Esso
Irving Circle K
McNeill's Shell
Petro-Canada

Banks in Elmsdale

3 banks within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

East Coast Credit Union
RBC Royal Bank
Scotiabank

Breweries in Elmsdale

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Chill Street Craft Beverage Co.
Off Track Brewing Ltd.

Ski Resorts Near Elmsdale

1 ski resorts within range.

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

Airports Near Elmsdale

5 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Halifax / Stanfield International AirportYHZLarge Airport
Debert Airport-Small Airport
East Gore Eco Airpark-Small Airport
Porters Lake Airport-Small Airport
Stanley Airport-Small Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Elmsdale

2 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Riverview United Church
St. Matthew's Presbyterian Church

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Frequently Asked Questions About Elmsdale

What is the population of Elmsdale?

Elmsdale has a population of 413 residents and is located in Nova Scotia. The population density is 12 people per square mile, spread across 34.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.

Is Elmsdale expensive to live in?

The median household income is $61,563, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $197,102 (30% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $762 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Elmsdale safe?

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

What is the weather like in Elmsdale?

Elmsdale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 234 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 56.0 inches, with 20.1 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Elmsdale?

The unemployment rate in Elmsdale is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $764. There are 13 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 16.1% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Elmsdale?

The median home value in Elmsdale is $197,102. For renters, the median monthly rent is $762. The homeownership rate is 66.5%.

How are the schools in Elmsdale?

32.9% of adults in Elmsdale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 17.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Elmsdale?

The average commute in Elmsdale is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.1% work from home.

What are the demographics of Elmsdale?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Elmsdale is 96.7% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian. 89.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.6% speak Spanish.

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