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River John, NS

Nova Scotia

River John is a small town in Nova Scotia with a population of 2,399. Residents earn $61,563 per year, which is 18% below the national average.

Data updated June 2026

3.5 /5.0
B+ Good
2,399 Population 1,121/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 252 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 River John, 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 River John Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population2,399
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density1,121/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 Units960
Rent Burden29.0%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
Rain46.5 in/yr
Sunny Days252/yr
Elevation39 ft (12 m)

Education

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

Community

Commute23 min

Is River John a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, River John 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. River John offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in River John 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 River John 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

River John has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. With 252 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.5 inches, including 16.2 inches of snow.

River John has a population of 2,399 with a density of 1,121 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 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

2,399
Total Population
1,121
People / sq mi
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
2.1mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

River John 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

River John vs U.S. Average

The median household income in River John 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 74 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.1% of workers work from home.

Income: River John 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)74

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 River John 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 960 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 Units960

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, River John receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: River John 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 →
River John has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 252 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 46.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 16.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 39 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

20°F Jan (-7°C) 65°F Jul (19°C)
Annual Average42.7°F
21% below US avg
January Average20°F (-7°C)
July Average65°F (19°C)
Sunny Days252 days/yr

Geography

Elevation39 ft (12 m)
Area2.1 sq mi (5.5 km²)
Population Density1,121/sq mi
Coordinates45.7502°N, 63.0487°W
TimezoneAmerica/Halifax

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 46.5"
22% above US avg
Snowfall 16.2"
Wettest Month (Nov) 4.76"
Driest Month (Jul) 3.23"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

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

Jan 12, 2017 9 km E of Cow Bay, Canada M2.7 126 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Hurricane History

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

Year Name Category Closest
2010 Earl Category 1 30 km
2009 Bill Category 1 156 km
2003 Juan Category 2 65 km
2002 Gustav Category 1 174 km
1996 Hortense Category 1 114 km
1990 Bertha Category 1 234 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 2,000 131 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 20°F (-7°C) 4.2 in Coldest
February 20°F (-7°C) 3.5 in
March 28°F (-2°C) 3.7 in
April 38°F (3°C) 3.4 in
May 48°F (9°C) 3.5 in
June 58°F (15°C) 3.4 in
July 65°F (19°C) 3.2 in Warmest, Driest
August 65°F (18°C) 3.4 in
September 58°F (14°C) 4.1 in
October 48°F (9°C) 4.5 in
November 38°F (4°C) 4.8 in Wettest
December 27°F (-3°C) 4.8 in

River John has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 20°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.5 inches, with November being the wettest month (4.8") and July the driest (3.2").

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 Density1,121/sq mi
Total Area2.1 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

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

Radio Stations near River John

10 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CKEZ-FM "Q97.9" - New Glasgow, NS active rock, classic rock AAC 132 kbps
CFCY 95.1 Charlottetown, PE charlottetown, commercial MP3 64 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
CKEC-FM 94.1 "The Breeze" - New Glasgow, NS new format rebranding, pictou county AAC 130 kbps
CBC Radio One - Charlottetown, PE cbc, features MP3 128 kbps
100.9 The Wave - CKTO-FM, Truro 80s, 90s MP3 64 kbps
CHLQ-FM "MAX 93.1" Charlottetown, PE mainstream rock, new format rebranding MP3 64 kbps
Radio Canada Ici Première (Île-du-Prince-Édouard) Charlottetown, PE radio publique AAC 48 kbps

Museums in River John

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Tatamagouche Heritage Center Ship Workshop
Tatamagouche Heritage Centre

Libraries in River John

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Janice Murray Gill Memorial Library0.0

Farmers Markets in River John

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Tatamagouche Farmers Market
Tatamagouche Grain Elevator

Gas Stations in River John

1 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Esso

Breweries in River John

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Tatamagouche Brewing Co.

Airports Near River John

8 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Charlottetown AirportYYGMedium Airport
Cable Head Airpark-Small Airport
Centredale Airport-Small Airport
Debert Airport-Small Airport
East Gore Eco Airpark-Small Airport
Fox Harbour Airport-Small Airport
Thorburn Airport-Small Airport
Trenton Airport-Small Airport

Post Offices in River John

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
River John Post Office

Churches & Religious Organizations in River John

3 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Salem United Church
St. George's Presbyterian Church
St. John the Baptist Anglican Church

Download Full City Report

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About River John

What is the population of River John?

River John has a population of 2,399 residents and is located in Nova Scotia. The population density is 1,121 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 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 River John 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 River John safe?

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

What is the weather like in River John?

River John has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 252 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.5 inches, with 16.2 inches of snow.

How is the job market in River John?

The unemployment rate in River John 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 74 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 River John?

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

How are the schools in River John?

32.9% of adults in River John 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 River John?

The average commute in River John 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 River John?

The racial and ethnic makeup of River John 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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