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West Hants, NS

Nova Scotia

West Hants is a small city in Nova Scotia with a population of 19,509. Residents earn $69,500 per year, which is 8% below the national average.

Data updated June 2026

3.0 /5.0
B Good
19,509 Population 40/sq mi density
$69,500 Median Income $41,720 per capita
$230,000 Home Value
$850 Median Rent 16.2% income on rent
43°F Avg Temperature 241 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.0 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.7 / 5.0
$69,500 median income, 10.2% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.8 / 5.0
$230,000 home value, $850/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
D
Education
1.9 / 5.0
11.1% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover West Hants, 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 $69,500
8% lower than US avg
Home Value $230,000
18% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 11.1%
67% lower than US avg
Median Rent $850
27% lower than US avg
Unemployment 10.2%
183% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 15.4%
24% higher than US avg

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

People

Population19,509
Median Age48.8 yrs
Density40/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 96%

Economy

C+
Median Income$69,500
Per Capita$41,720
Unemployment10.2%
Poverty15.4%
Commute32 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$230,000
Rent$850
Ownership79.6%
Housing Units8,370
Rent Burden16.2%

Crime

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

Climate

Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
Rain52.5 in/yr
Sunny Days241/yr
Elevation36 ft (11 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+11.1%
High School+28.2%
Graduate+4.1%

Community

Commute32 min

Is West Hants a Good Place to Live?

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

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in West Hants is $69,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 10.2%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 15.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in West Hants is $230,000, 18% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x 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

11.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 28.2% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

West Hants has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 241 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 52.5 inches, including 20.0 inches of snow.

West Hants has a population of 19,509 with a density of 40 people per square mile, spread across 482.8 square miles. The median age is 48.8 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (96%), with 2.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents.

Population

19,509
Total Population
40
People / sq mi
48.8yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
482.8mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48.5%
Female 51.5%

Race & Ethnicity

West Hants vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 97.1%
24% above US avg
Spanish 1.0%
92% below US avg
Other Languages 1.8%

Social Characteristics

West Hants vs U.S. Average

The median household income in West Hants is $69,500, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,720. The average weekly wage is $802, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 15.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 605 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 17.7% of workers work from home.

Income: West Hants vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$69,500
8% below US avg
Per Capita Income$41,720
Avg Weekly Wage$802

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment10.2%
183% above US avg
Poverty Rate15.4%
24% above US avg
Establishments (County)605

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time32.2 min
Drive Alone86.9%
Public Transit0.3%
Work from Home17.7%

Walkability

The median home value in West Hants is $230,000, 18% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% below the national average of $1,163). 79.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 8,370 total housing units in the city. 16.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$230,000
18% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$850
27% below US avg
Rent Burden16.2%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership79.6%
Owner-Occupied79.6%
Renter-Occupied20.4%
Housing Units8,370

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, West Hants receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: West Hants 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 →
West Hants has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 241 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 52.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 20.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 36 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

21°F Jan (-6°C) 65°F Jul (18°C)
Annual Average43.3°F
20% below US avg
January Average21°F (-6°C)
July Average65°F (18°C)
Sunny Days241 days/yr

Geography

Elevation36 ft (11 m)
Area482.8 sq mi (1,250.5 km²)
Population Density40/sq mi
Coordinates44.9949°N, 64.1377°W
TimezoneAmerica/Halifax

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 52.5"
38% above US avg
Snowfall 20.0"
Wettest Month (Nov) 5.55"
Driest Month (Aug) 3.31"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

4 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 91 km
Jun 20, 2015 37 km SE of Digby, Canada M2.9 121 km
Jan 12, 2017 9 km E of Cow Bay, Canada M2.7 77 km
Jun 27, 2015 38 km SE of Digby, Canada M2.5 120 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 82 km
2009 Bill Category 1 145 km
2008 Kyle Category 1 211 km
2003 Juan Category 2 71 km
2002 Gustav Category 1 218 km
1996 Hortense Category 1 102 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 59 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) 4.9 in
April 39°F (4°C) 4.2 in
May 50°F (10°C) 4.1 in
June 59°F (15°C) 3.4 in
July 65°F (18°C) 3.4 in Warmest
August 65°F (18°C) 3.3 in Driest
September 57°F (14°C) 4.1 in
October 47°F (9°C) 4.5 in
November 38°F (4°C) 5.6 in Wettest
December 27°F (-3°C) 5.4 in

West Hants has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 21°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 52.5 inches, with November being the wettest month (5.6") and August the driest (3.3").

View full weather details →
11.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 67% below the national average of 33.7%. 28.2% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 86.9% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+11.1%
67% below US avg
High School+28.2%
Graduate Degree+4.1%
D Education Grade (1.9/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density40/sq mi
Total Area482.8 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute32.2 min
Drive Alone86.9%
Public Transit0.3%
Work from Home17.7%

Schools in West Hants

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

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

Radio Stations near West Hants

3 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
Seaside FM 105.9 - CFEP-FM - Eastern Passage community radio MP3 128 kbps
CIOE-FM 97.5 Lower Sackville, NS community radio MP3 96 kbps
CIJK-FM "Rewind 89.3" - New Minas, NS classic hits, new format rebranding AAC 132 kbps

Museums in West Hants

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Black Smith Shop
Churchill House
Clifton Museum
Eglise mémorielle
Prescott House Museum
Shand House Museum

Libraries in West Hants

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
A. Gordon Cooper Library0.0
Wolfville Memorial Library0.0

Farmers Markets in West Hants

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
market
Wolfville Farmer's Market

Cafes in West Hants

2 cafes within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Gerrish & Grey Cafe
Tim Hortons

Castles in West Hants

1 castles within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Fort Edward Blockhouse

Train Stations in West Hants

2 train stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Trecothic Creek Station
Windsor Train Station

Gas Stations in West Hants

2 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Irving
Petro-Canada

Shopping Malls in West Hants

1 shopping malls within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Windsor Mall

Golf Courses in West Hants

1 golf courses within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Avon Valley Golf & Country Club

Breweries in West Hants

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Annapolis Cider Co
Horton Ridge Malt & Grain
Meander River Farm & Brewery
Schoolhouse Brewery
The Church Brewing Co.

Ski Resorts Near West Hants

1 ski resorts within range.

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

Airports Near West Hants

7 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Halifax / Stanfield International AirportYHZLarge Airport
Dayspring Airpark-Small Airport
Debert Airport-Small Airport
East Gore Eco Airpark-Small Airport
Hillaton/Kings Aerodrome-Small Airport
Stanley Airport-Small Airport
Waterville / Kings County Municipal Airport-Small Airport

Post Offices in West Hants

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Canada Post

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Frequently Asked Questions About West Hants

What is the population of West Hants?

West Hants has a population of 19,509 residents and is located in Nova Scotia. The population density is 40 people per square mile, spread across 482.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.

Is West Hants expensive to live in?

The median household income is $69,500, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $230,000 (18% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is West Hants safe?

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

What is the weather like in West Hants?

West Hants 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 65°F in July. The area receives 241 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 52.5 inches, with 20.0 inches of snow.

How is the job market in West Hants?

The job market in West Hants faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $802. There are 605 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 17.7% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in West Hants?

The median home value in West Hants is $230,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. The homeownership rate is 79.6%.

How are the schools in West Hants?

11.1% of adults in West Hants hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 28.2% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in West Hants?

The average commute in West Hants is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.7% work from home.

What are the demographics of West Hants?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West Hants is 96% White, 2.5% Black or African American, 1% Asian. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

Windsor, NS 3,864 pop · 0.8 mi Hantsport, NS 1,253 pop · 5.4 mi Wolfville, NS 5,057 pop · 12.7 mi Port Williams, NS 1,110 pop · 15.4 mi Mount Uniacke, NS 3,501 pop · 16.3 mi New Minas, NS 4,662 pop · 17.0 mi Kentville, NS 6,630 pop · 18.4 mi Centreville, NS 1,159 pop · 21.5 mi Upper Hammonds Plains, NS 1,840 pop · 22.0 mi Upper Sackville, NS 1,035 pop · 22.1 mi Coldbrook, NS 1,206 pop · 22.3 mi Hayes Subdivision, NS 1,121 pop · 22.4 mi Kings, Subd. A, NS 22,355 pop · 22.8 mi Kings, Subd. B, NS 11,951 pop · 22.8 mi
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