🚨 Crime statistics · Province
Crime in Nova Scotia 2025 statistics
Nova Scotia had 6,147 police-reported Criminal Code incidents per 100,000 people in 2025, 10% above the national rate. The crime rate rose 0.8% from the year before.
Crime rate over time
All Criminal Code incidents excluding traffic, per 100,000 people.
Every type of crime in Nova Scotia, 2025
| Crime | Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | vs Canada | 1-yr change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Criminal Code crime (excl. traffic) | 67,201 | 6,146.9 | +10% | +0.8% |
| Violent crime | 17,075 | 1,561.9 | +8% | +1.5% |
| Property crime | 38,971 | 3,564.7 | +14% | +1.5% |
| Homicide | 19 | 1.74 | +8% | -24.7% |
| Assault (level 1) | 5,968 | 545.9 | +3% | +4.7% |
| Assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm | 1,885 | 172.4 | -20% | +7.2% |
| Sexual assault (level 1) | 894 | 81.8 | -6% | +1.9% |
| Robbery | 349 | 31.9 | -42% | -8.1% |
| Uttering threats | 3,851 | 352.2 | +51% | +1.4% |
| Criminal harassment | 966 | 88.4 | +3% | -3.9% |
| Extortion | 224 | 20.5 | -30% | -14.0% |
| Use, discharge or pointing of firearms | 109 | 10.0 | -13% | -8.5% |
| Break and enter | 2,236 | 204.5 | -22% | -10.7% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 1,465 | 134.0 | -33% | +3.5% |
| Theft from a vehicle ($5,000 or under) | 2,474 | 226.3 | -16% | +5.4% |
| Shoplifting ($5,000 or under) | 9,948 | 910.0 | +81% | +23.2% |
| Theft $5,000 or under | 20,130 | 1,841.3 | +41% | +5.8% |
| Fraud | 4,696 | 429.6 | +1% | +0.0% |
| Identity fraud | 355 | 32.5 | -39% | +9.9% |
| Mischief (vandalism) | 8,817 | 806.5 | +9% | -3.7% |
| Arson | 237 | 21.7 | -17% | -8.3% |
| Weapons violations | 594 | 54.3 | -2% | -1.9% |
| Impaired driving | 2,958 | 270.6 | +67% | -0.4% |
| Drug violations | 1,097 | 100.3 | -30% | +5.2% |
Source: Statistics Canada, Table 35-10-0177-01. Police-reported incidents; rates per 100,000 population. Crimes that are not reported to police are not counted.
FAQ
Nova Scotia crime questions
What is the crime rate in Nova Scotia?
In 2025, Nova Scotia had 6,147 police-reported Criminal Code incidents (excluding traffic) per 100,000 people, compared with 5,585 for Canada (Statistics Canada).
Is Nova Scotia safe?
Nova Scotia's crime rate is 10% higher than the Canadian average. Its Crime Severity Index, which weighs crimes by seriousness, was 73.0 versus 75.0 nationally. Crime is usually concentrated in specific areas, so check local police data for neighbourhoods.
How many homicides were there in Nova Scotia in 2025?
Police reported 19 homicides in Nova Scotia in 2025, a rate of 1.74 per 100,000 people (Canada: 1.61).
How common is car theft in Nova Scotia?
There were 1,465 motor vehicle thefts reported in Nova Scotia in 2025, or 134.0 per 100,000 people (Canada: 200.8).