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St. Mary's, NS

Nova Scotia

St. Mary's is a small town in Nova Scotia with a population of 2,161. Residents earn $59,200 per year, which is 21% below the national average.

Data updated June 2026

2.8 /5.0
C+ Fair
2,161 Population 3/sq mi density
$59,200 Median Income $38,560 per capita
$150,000 Home Value
$568 Median Rent 8.1% income on rent
42°F Avg Temperature 225 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.8 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.2 / 5.0
$59,200 median income, 19.4% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$150,000 home value, $568/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
D
Education
1.5 / 5.0
6.7% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover St. Mary's, 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 $59,200
21% lower than US avg
Home Value $150,000
47% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 6.7%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent $568
51% lower than US avg
Unemployment 19.4%
439% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 20.5%
65% higher than US avg

How St. Mary's Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population2,161
Median Age57.6 yrs
Density3/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 99%

Economy

C
Median Income$59,200
Per Capita$38,560
Unemployment19.4%
Poverty20.5%
Commute30 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$150,000
Rent$568
Ownership90.4%
Housing Units1,045
Rent Burden8.1%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
Rain61.1 in/yr
Sunny Days225/yr
Elevation43 ft (13 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+6.7%
High School+26.1%
Graduate+2.2%

Community

Commute30 min

Is St. Mary's a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, St. Mary's receives an overall livability score of 2.8 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. St. Mary's has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in St. Mary's is $59,200, 21% below the national average of $75,149. At 19.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 20.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in St. Mary's is $150,000, 47% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $568 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

6.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 26.1% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

St. Mary's has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. The area gets 225 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 61.1 inches, including 21.7 inches of snow.

St. Mary's has a population of 2,161 with a density of 3 people per square mile, spread across 735.2 square miles. The median age is 57.6 years, 48% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.8% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (99.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents.

Population

2,161
Total Population
3
People / sq mi
57.6yrs
Median Age
48% above US avg
735.2mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 50%
Female 49.8%

Race & Ethnicity

St. Mary's vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish 1.4%
90% below US avg
Other Languages 1.9%

Social Characteristics

St. Mary's vs U.S. Average

The median household income in St. Mary's is $59,200, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,560. The average weekly wage is $742, 48% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 19.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 67 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 12.8% of workers work from home.

Income: St. Mary's vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$59,200
21% below US avg
Per Capita Income$38,560
Avg Weekly Wage$742

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment19.4%
439% above US avg
Poverty Rate20.5%
65% above US avg
Establishments (County)67

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time30.4 min
Drive Alone84.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home12.8%

Walkability

The median home value in St. Mary's is $150,000, 47% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $568 (51% below the national average of $1,163). 90.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,045 total housing units in the city. 8.1% 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$150,000
47% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$568
51% below US avg
Rent Burden8.1%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership90.4%
Owner-Occupied90.4%
Renter-Occupied9.6%
Housing Units1,045

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, St. Mary's receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: St. Mary's 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 →
St. Mary's has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. The area gets 225 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 61.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 21.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 43 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

26°F Jan (-3°C) 58°F Jul (15°C)
Annual Average41.5°F
23% below US avg
January Average26°F (-3°C)
July Average58°F (15°C)
Sunny Days225 days/yr

Geography

Elevation43 ft (13 m)
Area735.2 sq mi (1,904.1 km²)
Population Density3/sq mi
Coordinates46.9166°N, 53.5814°W
TimezoneAmerica/Halifax

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 61.1"
61% above US avg
Snowfall 21.7"
Wettest Month (Nov) 5.83"
Driest Month (Aug) 4.33"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M3.3 on Apr 29, 2009.

Apr 29, 2009 28 km SW of Bay Roberts, Canada M3.3 54 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Hurricane History

9 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980. Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Ernesto (2024).

Year Name Category Closest
2024 Ernesto Category 1 137 km
2021 Larry Category 1 88 km
2014 Gonzalo Category 1 110 km
2010 Igor Category 1 46 km
2001 Erin Category 1 277 km
2000 Michael Category 1 295 km
1998 Danielle Category 1 289 km
1982 Debby Category 2 139 km
1980 Georges Category 1 241 km
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)

Tsunami History

1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1864 SW AVALON PENINSULA, NEWFOUNDLAND Earthquake - - 47 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 26°F (-3°C) 5.6 in
February 25°F (-4°C) 5.1 in Coldest
March 29°F (-2°C) 5.4 in
April 36°F (2°C) 4.6 in
May 43°F (6°C) 4.4 in
June 50°F (10°C) 4.8 in
July 58°F (15°C) 4.7 in
August 60°F (16°C) 4.3 in Warmest, Driest
September 55°F (13°C) 5.2 in
October 46°F (8°C) 5.6 in
November 39°F (4°C) 5.8 in Wettest
December 31°F (-1°C) 5.6 in

St. Mary's has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 25°F in February to 60°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 61.1 inches, with November being the wettest month (5.8") and August the driest (4.3").

View full weather details →
6.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 80% below the national average of 33.7%. 26.1% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 84.2% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+6.7%
80% below US avg
High School+26.1%
Graduate Degree+2.2%
D Education Grade (1.5/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density3/sq mi
Total Area735.2 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute30.4 min
Drive Alone84.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home12.8%

Schools in St. Mary's

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Dunne Memorial Academy - - - -
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near St. Mary's

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

Clinics in St. Mary's

1 clinics within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

St. Mary's Health Centre

Gas Stations in St. Mary's

1 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Esso

Airports Near St. Mary's

1 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Bell Island Airport-Small Airport

Post Offices in St. Mary's

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
St. Mary's Post Office

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for St. Mary's.

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Frequently Asked Questions About St. Mary's

What is the population of St. Mary's?

St. Mary's has a population of 2,161 residents and is located in Nova Scotia. The population density is 3 people per square mile, spread across 735.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.8% female and 50% male.

Is St. Mary's expensive to live in?

The median household income is $59,200, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $150,000 (47% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $568 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 St. Mary's safe?

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

What is the weather like in St. Mary's?

St. Mary's has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 58°F in July. The area receives 225 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 61.1 inches, with 21.7 inches of snow.

How is the job market in St. Mary's?

The job market in St. Mary's faces challenges, with unemployment at 19.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $742. There are 67 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 12.8% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in St. Mary's?

The median home value in St. Mary's is $150,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $568. The homeownership rate is 90.4%.

How are the schools in St. Mary's?

6.7% of adults in St. Mary's hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 26.1% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in St. Mary's?

The average commute in St. Mary's is 30 minutes. 84.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.8% work from home.

What are the demographics of St. Mary's?

The racial and ethnic makeup of St. Mary's is 99.3% White. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home.

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