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Port Hawkesbury, NS

Nova Scotia

Port Hawkesbury is a small town in Nova Scotia with a population of 3,210. Residents earn $65,500 per year, which is 13% below the national average.

Data updated June 2026

3.0 /5.0
B Good
3,210 Population 1,026/sq mi density
$65,500 Median Income $40,120 per capita
$166,000 Home Value
$810 Median Rent 17.3% income on rent
42°F Avg Temperature 226 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.0 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.5 / 5.0
$65,500 median income, 18.4% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$166,000 home value, $810/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
C
Education
2.0 / 5.0
13.0% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Port Hawkesbury, 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 $65,500
13% lower than US avg
Home Value $166,000
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 13.0%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent $810
30% lower than US avg
Unemployment 18.4%
411% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 17.7%
43% higher than US avg

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

People

Population3,210
Median Age46.8 yrs
Density1,026/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 94%

Economy

C+
Median Income$65,500
Per Capita$40,120
Unemployment18.4%
Poverty17.7%
Commute18 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$166,000
Rent$810
Ownership60.8%
Housing Units1,415
Rent Burden17.3%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
Rain60.5 in/yr
Sunny Days226/yr
Elevation151 ft (46 m)

Education

C
Bachelor's+13.0%
High School+28.5%
Graduate+3.9%

Community

Commute18 min

Is Port Hawkesbury a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Port Hawkesbury receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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. Port Hawkesbury offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Port Hawkesbury is $65,500, 13% below the national average of $75,149. At 18.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 17.7% 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 Port Hawkesbury is $166,000, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $810 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

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

Education

13.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 28.5% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Port Hawkesbury has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 62°F in July. The area gets 226 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 60.5 inches, including 26.9 inches of snow.

Port Hawkesbury has a population of 3,210 with a density of 1,026 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age is 46.8 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly White (94.1%), with 3.8% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.7% of residents.

Population

3,210
Total Population
2021 Census
1,026
People / sq mi
46.8yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
3.1mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 47.5%
Female 52.5%

Race & Ethnicity

Port Hawkesbury vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 90.7%
15% above US avg
Spanish 2.7%
80% below US avg
Other Languages 6.7%

Social Characteristics

Port Hawkesbury vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Port Hawkesbury is $65,500, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,120. The average weekly wage is $772, 46% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 18.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 100 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Port Hawkesbury vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$65,500
13% below US avg
Per Capita Income$40,120
Avg Weekly Wage$772

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment18.4%
411% above US avg
Poverty Rate17.7%
43% above US avg
Establishments (County)100

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time18.2 min
Drive Alone74.1%
Public Transit0.9%
Work from Home10.1%

Walkability

The median home value in Port Hawkesbury is $166,000, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $810 (30% below the national average of $1,163). 60.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,415 total housing units in the city. 17.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$166,000
41% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$810
30% below US avg
Rent Burden17.3%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership60.8%
Owner-Occupied60.8%
Renter-Occupied39.2%
Housing Units1,415

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, Port Hawkesbury receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Port Hawkesbury 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 →
Port Hawkesbury has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 62°F in July. The area gets 226 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 60.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 26.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 151 feet.

Temperature

21°F Jan (-6°C) 62°F Jul (16°C)
Annual Average41.6°F
23% below US avg
January Average21°F (-6°C)
July Average62°F (16°C)
Sunny Days226 days/yr

Geography

Elevation151 ft (46 m)
Area3.1 sq mi (8.1 km²)
Population Density1,026/sq mi
Coordinates45.6165°N, 61.3564°W
TimezoneAmerica/Halifax

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 60.5"
59% above US avg
Snowfall 26.9"
Wettest Month (Dec) 6.54"
Driest Month (Jul) 3.98"

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 1 263 km
2010 Earl Category 1 144 km
2009 Bill Category 1 86 km
2003 Juan Category 2 194 km
2002 Gustav Category 1 56 km
2000 Michael Category 2 288 km
1996 Hortense Category 1 17 km
1990 Bertha Category 1 107 km
1989 Dean Category 1 213 km
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 21°F (-6°C) 5.5 in
February 20°F (-7°C) 4.6 in Coldest
March 26°F (-4°C) 5.2 in
April 35°F (2°C) 5.1 in
May 45°F (7°C) 4.3 in
June 53°F (12°C) 4.3 in
July 62°F (16°C) 4.0 in Driest
August 64°F (18°C) 4.3 in Warmest
September 58°F (14°C) 4.6 in
October 49°F (9°C) 5.9 in
November 39°F (4°C) 6.3 in
December 29°F (-2°C) 6.5 in Wettest

Port Hawkesbury has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 20°F in February to 64°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 60.5 inches, with December being the wettest month (6.5") and July the driest (4.0").

View full weather details →
13.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 62% below the national average of 33.7%. 28.5% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 74.1% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+13.0%
62% below US avg
High School+28.5%
Graduate Degree+3.9%
C Education Grade (2.0/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density1,026/sq mi
Total Area3.1 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute18.2 min
Drive Alone74.1%
Public Transit0.9%
Work from Home10.1%

Schools in Port Hawkesbury

3 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
West Richmond Education Centre(Closed)
Tamarac Education Centre
NSCC Strait Area Campus
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Port Hawkesbury

1 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
101.5 - The Hawk - CIGO-FM adult contemporary AAC 96 kbps

Museums in Port Hawkesbury

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Old Court House
Strait Museum

Hotels in Port Hawkesbury

1 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

B+B by the river

Cafes in Port Hawkesbury

2 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons

Dentists in Port Hawkesbury

1 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Shoreline Dental

Veterinaries in Port Hawkesbury

2 veterinaries within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Highland Animal Hospital
Strait Veterinary

Gas Stations in Port Hawkesbury

2 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Sobeys Fast Fuel
Ultramar

Banks in Port Hawkesbury

5 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Credit Union
RBC Royal Bank
Scotiabank
TD
TD

Shopping Malls in Port Hawkesbury

1 shopping malls within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Port Hawkesbury Mall

Gyms in Port Hawkesbury

1 gyms within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Setting the Pace Fitness Centre

Airports Near Port Hawkesbury

4 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Port Hawkesbury AirportYPSMedium Airport
Crowdis Mountain AirstripSmall Airport
Crown Jewel AirportSmall Airport
Margaree AirportSmall Airport

Post Offices in Port Hawkesbury

2 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Cleveland Post Office
Port Hawkesbury Post Office

Churches & Religious Organizations in Port Hawkesbury

2 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
St Francis De Sales
St Joseph

Explore Near Port Hawkesbury

UFO Sightings
1
Reported UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center database
View all →

Download Full City Report

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Port Hawkesbury

What is the population of Port Hawkesbury?

Port Hawkesbury has a population of 3,210 residents and is located in Nova Scotia. The population density is 1,026 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.

Is Port Hawkesbury expensive to live in?

The median household income is $65,500, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $166,000 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $810 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Port Hawkesbury safe?

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

What is the weather like in Port Hawkesbury?

Port Hawkesbury has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 62°F in July. The area receives 226 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 60.5 inches, with 26.9 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Port Hawkesbury?

The job market in Port Hawkesbury faces challenges, with unemployment at 18.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $772. There are 100 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 10.1% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Port Hawkesbury?

The median home value in Port Hawkesbury is $166,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $810. The homeownership rate is 60.8%.

How are the schools in Port Hawkesbury?

13.0% of adults in Port Hawkesbury hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 28.5% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Port Hawkesbury?

The average commute in Port Hawkesbury is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.1% work from home.

What are the demographics of Port Hawkesbury?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Port Hawkesbury is 94.1% White, 1% Black or African American, 3.8% Asian. 90.7% of residents speak only English at home.

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