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Membertou, NS

Nova Scotia

Membertou is a small town in Nova Scotia with a population of 1,103. Residents earn $50,400 per year, which is 33% below the national average.

Data updated June 2026

2.6 /5.0
C+ Fair
1,103 Population 1,931/sq mi density
$50,400 Median Income $31,450 per capita
$197,102 Home Value
$762 Median Rent 31.2% income on rent
43°F Avg Temperature 227 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.6 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
D
Economy
1.6 / 5.0
$50,400 median income, 28.9% unemployment
A
Affordability
4.5 / 5.0
$197,102 home value, $762/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
D
Education
1.9 / 5.0
11.0% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Membertou, 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 $50,400
33% lower than US avg
Home Value $197,102
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 11.0%
67% lower than US avg
Median Rent $762
34% lower than US avg
Unemployment 28.9%
703% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 31.2%
152% higher than US avg

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

People

Population1,103
Median Age30.4 yrs
Density1,931/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 100%

Economy

D
Median Income$50,400
Per Capita$31,450
Unemployment28.9%
Poverty31.2%
Commute19 min

Housing

A
Home Value$197,102
Rent$762
Ownership12.4%
Housing Units405
Rent Burden31.2%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
Rain59.9 in/yr
Sunny Days227/yr
Elevation157 ft (48 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+11.0%
High School+30.5%
Graduate+1.8%

Community

Commute19 min

Is Membertou a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Membertou receives an overall livability score of 2.6 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. Membertou has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Membertou is $50,400, 33% below the national average of $75,149. At 28.9%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 31.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Membertou 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 3.9x 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

11.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 30.5% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Membertou has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. The area gets 227 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 59.9 inches, including 22.4 inches of snow.

Membertou has a population of 1,103 with a density of 1,931 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 30.4 years, 22% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.8% female and 49.8% male. The city is predominantly White (99.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 81.9% of residents.

Population

1,103
Total Population
1,931
People / sq mi
30.4yrs
Median Age
22% below US avg
0.6mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.8%
Female 49.8%

Race & Ethnicity

Membertou vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 81.9%
4% above US avg
Spanish 0.0%
100% below US avg
Other Languages 18.1%

Social Characteristics

Membertou vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Membertou is $50,400, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,450 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $605, 58% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 28.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 31.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 34 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 18.0% of workers work from home.

Income: Membertou vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$50,400
33% below US avg
Per Capita Income$31,450
Avg Weekly Wage$605

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment28.9%
703% above US avg
Poverty Rate31.2%
152% above US avg
Establishments (County)34

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time19.3 min
Drive Alone78.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home18.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Membertou is $197,102, 30% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $762 (34% below the national average of $1,163). 12.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 405 total housing units in the city. 31.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x.

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 Burden31.2%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership12.4%
Owner-Occupied12.4%
Renter-Occupied7.4%
Housing Units405

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, Membertou receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Membertou 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 →
Membertou has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. The area gets 227 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 59.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 22.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 157 feet.

Temperature

23°F Jan (-5°C) 63°F Jul (17°C)
Annual Average42.5°F
21% below US avg
January Average23°F (-5°C)
July Average63°F (17°C)
Sunny Days227 days/yr

Geography

Elevation157 ft (48 m)
Area0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²)
Population Density1,931/sq mi
Coordinates46.1152°N, 60.1893°W
TimezoneAmerica/Glace_Bay

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 59.9"
58% above US avg
Snowfall 22.4"
Wettest Month (Dec) 6.30"
Driest Month (Jun) 3.74"

Air Quality

Hurricane History

9 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980. Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Ophelia (2011).

Year Name Category Closest
2011 Ophelia Category 1 249 km
2010 Earl Category 1 243 km
2009 Bill Category 1 80 km
2003 Juan Category 2 279 km
2002 Gustav Category 1 60 km
2000 Michael Category 2 223 km
1996 Hortense Category 1 123 km
1990 Bertha Category 1 113 km
1989 Dean Category 1 227 km
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 23°F (-5°C) 5.7 in
February 21°F (-6°C) 5.0 in Coldest
March 28°F (-2°C) 5.5 in
April 36°F (2°C) 5.0 in
May 46°F (8°C) 4.3 in
June 56°F (13°C) 3.7 in Driest
July 63°F (17°C) 3.8 in
August 64°F (18°C) 3.9 in Warmest
September 57°F (14°C) 4.8 in
October 48°F (9°C) 5.9 in
November 39°F (4°C) 6.0 in
December 29°F (-2°C) 6.3 in Wettest

Membertou has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 21°F in February to 64°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 59.9 inches, with December being the wettest month (6.3") and June the driest (3.7").

View full weather details →
11.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 67% below the national average of 33.7%. 30.5% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 78% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+11.0%
67% below US avg
High School+30.5%
Graduate Degree+1.8%
D Education Grade (1.9/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density1,931/sq mi
Total Area0.6 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute19.3 min
Drive Alone78.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home18.0%

Schools in Membertou

2 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Shipyard Elementary School - - - -
Membertou School - - - -
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Membertou

5 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CBC Radio One - Sydney, NS (MP3 stream) features, news MP3 128 kbps
CBFM.ca Gaelic College - St. Ann's, NS community radio, folk music MP3 192 kbps
CHRK-FM "Hot 101.9" - Sydney, NS hot adult contemporary, rebranding AAC 130 kbps
Max FM 98.3 - CHER-FM - MP3 64 kbps
94.9 The Wave - CKPE-FM 70s, 80s MP3 64 kbps

Museums in Membertou

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Cape Breton Miners Museum
Cossit House Museum
Dominion Heritage School House Museum
Fortress of Louisbourg
Jost House
Jost House Museum
Marconi National Historic Site
North Sydney Heritage Museum
St Patrick's Museum
St. Patricks
Sydney & Louisburg Railway Museum
Sydney Mines Fossil Centre
Sydney Museum
Whitney Pier Historical Society

Libraries in Membertou

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
James McConnell Memorial Library0.0
Library0.0
Martha Hollett Memorial Library0.0
Wilfred Oram Centennial Library0.0

Farmers Markets in Membertou

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Cape Breton Farmers' Market
Cape Breton food hub
Hank's Family Farm Market

Hotels in Membertou

2 hotels within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Comfort Inn
Hampton

Cafes in Membertou

2 cafes within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

The Gaslight Café
Tim Hortons

Clinics in Membertou

1 clinics within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Membertou Clinic

Gas Stations in Membertou

4 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Caper Gas
Shell
Wilsons
Wilsons

Breweries in Membertou

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Breton Brewing Co.
Island Folk Cider House

Ski Resorts Near Membertou

2 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Ben Eoin 0.0 - - $0 - - -
Ski Cape Smokey 0.0 - - $0 - - -

Airports Near Membertou

3 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Sydney / J.A. Douglas McCurdy AirportYQYMedium Airport
Crowdis Mountain Airstrip-Small Airport
Crown Jewel Airport-Small Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Membertou

1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Hineni Church

Download Full City Report

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Frequently Asked Questions About Membertou

What is the population of Membertou?

Membertou has a population of 1,103 residents and is located in Nova Scotia. The population density is 1,931 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.8% female and 49.8% male.

Is Membertou expensive to live in?

The median household income is $50,400, 33% 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 3.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Membertou safe?

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

What is the weather like in Membertou?

Membertou has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 63°F in July. The area receives 227 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 59.9 inches, with 22.4 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Membertou?

The job market in Membertou faces challenges, with unemployment at 28.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $605. There are 34 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 18.0% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Membertou?

The median home value in Membertou is $197,102. For renters, the median monthly rent is $762. The homeownership rate is 12.4%.

How are the schools in Membertou?

11.0% of adults in Membertou hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 30.5% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Membertou?

The average commute in Membertou is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78% of workers drive alone to work, and 18.0% work from home.

What are the demographics of Membertou?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Membertou is 99.6% White, 0.9% Black or African American. 81.9% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

Sydney, NS 105,968 pop · 1.4 mi Westmount, NS 3,000 pop · 2.0 mi Coxheath, NS 2,333 pop · 2.0 mi Whitney Pier, NS 4,612 pop · 3.1 mi Howie Centre, NS 1,106 pop · 4.7 mi Sydney Forks, NS 1,081 pop · 6.7 mi North Sydney, NS 5,699 pop · 7.1 mi Sydney Mines, NS 12,353 pop · 8.5 mi Albert Bridge, NS 1,285 pop · 9.2 mi Reserve Mines, NS 2,402 pop · 9.3 mi Marion Bridge, NS 1,711 pop · 9.3 mi Scotchtown, NS 1,082 pop · 9.6 mi New Victoria, NS 1,093 pop · 10.0 mi Florence, NS 1,684 pop · 10.6 mi
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