A full community demographic profile can be found in the Charting a Course for Growth Plan. That report also provides further details on how the current population and workforce projections have been calculated and what they could mean for the future of the Municipality of Chester (MOC).

  • The population is increasing

    According to 2021 Census data from Statistics Canada, MOC had a population of 10,693. Based on current Statistics Canada population estimates, we estimate that if the census were taken in 2024 the population of MOC would have been 11,650.

  • The population is aging

    In 2021, 30.6% of the population was over 65. Current estimates indicate 32.7% of the population of MOC is over 65 in 2024 and this is projected to rise to 35% by 2031.

  • MOC continues to welcome newcomers

    In 2021, Census data indicated that 18.7% of residents had relocated to MOC within the past five years. Two thirds of those people arrived from a different part of Nova Scotia and one third arrived from a different province or territory.

  • Housing affordability is a significant challenge

    The median sales price of housing in MOC is far above what is 'attainable' for the average household. Housing affordability has also become a growing concern for renters with 79% of single persons having an income below what is required for the average 1-bedroom rental.

The growth plan looked at three scenarios to project future population and workforce growth, which can be seen here.

High Growth Scenario

  • MOC grows faster than the Provincial average.
  • By 2046, MOC accounts for 1.27% of the projected Nova Scotia population.
  • Population by 2036: 15,466
  • Population by 2046: 18,533, which would require 3,726 new dwelling units to meet the demand.

Medium Growth Scenario

  • MOC’s population maintains at 1.1% of the projected Nova Scotia population.
  • Population by 2036: 13,743
  • Population by 2046: 15,286, which would require 2,173 new dwelling units to meet the demand.

Low Growth Scenario

  • MOC maintains the same net-migration rate as 2016-2021 period.
  • By 2046, MOC accounts for 0.87% of the projected Nova Scotia population.
  • Population by 2036: 12,006
  • Population by 2046: 12,032, which would require 614 new dwelling units to meet the demand.