Nova Scotia population declines for second consecutive quarter as non-permanent resident losses accelerate
Nova Scotia’s population declined by 1,783 (-0.16%) in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 1,090,074, marking a second consecutive quarterly decrease and the first sustained decline since 2015. The contraction was driven primarily by a sharp reduction in non-permanent residents, with 2,939 more leaving than arriving, continuing a five-quarter downward trend. Natural population change remains consistently negative, with deaths exceeding births, reinforcing long-term demographic pressures. While immigration and interprovincial migration remained positive, both have slowed, limiting their ability to offset population losses. For housing providers, the decline in non-permanent residents—who represent a key segment of rental demand—signals potential softening in near-term rental pressure despite broader structural supply challenges.
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