Male Median Income (1995$)

This map shows male median income for the male population 15 years of age and over reporting income in 1995 (not including institutional residents). As with other income maps in the Atlas, the data for this map are derived from the 1996 Census. The interpretive notes are primarily based on Statistics Canada sources.

The data were calculated as median values of individual income in each of the 288 census divisions (CD). A median value is the middle number in the total range of a set of numbers that are ranked from lowest to highest. The middle value is the median, which corresponds to the 50th percentile. The map legend includes the national median value as a class limit; all CD values are ranked as either above or below the national median. Income statistics are often represented as average values, however, median income values were used for these maps, as they were considered more representative of actual income distributions. Averages tend to be skewed by extreme high values while medians better reflect the total number of values for each CD. Note that data are only shown on the map for the settled areas within each CD. For definitions of income concepts and terminology, refer to 1996 Census Dictionary.

The notes below briefly explain the geographical patterns and associated income distributions.

Components of Income (1996 Census)

The 1996 Census Dictionary defines income sources to include

• wages and salaries
• farm and non-farm self-employment
• government transfer payments
• investment income
• retirement income, and
• other money income

The chart below shows the relationship of these major income sources:

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Figure 1. Components of Income, 1995

Income Distributions: An Overview

The income distribution on the map reflects the socio-economic dynamic between urban and rural areas right across Canada. Incomes of individuals and families living in rural Canada tend to be lower than for urban areas. Within those same regions the overall distribution of incomes appear "more equal" when compared to urban centres. Differences in income distributions are also significant within the urban areas of which the most populated regions coincide with the geographic location of the 25 census metropolitan areas (CMA). According to Statistics Canada, 1996 figures, nearly 80% of the total population lived in CMAs, an area which represents less than 1% of the total landmass of Canada. It is within these areas where the most complex patterns of income distribution are observed. To better view the urban distributions, use the zoom button and click on the map area of interest. To view population figures and additional income statistics for each census division, first click on the get statistics button and then click on the map area.

• To view demographic statistics by community name, go to the Statistics Canada site "Statistical Profile of Canadian Communities"

According to the 1996 Census, close to 21 million individuals reported income for 1995. The statistics indicate that the total income from all sources reflected a 6% decrease when compared to 1990. After adjustment for inflation, the average total income of individuals, 15 years of age and over, was $25 196. The national median income for Canada was $18 891.

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Figure 2. Average Total Income of Individuals in Constant (1995) Dollars, Canada, 1980, 1985, 1990 and 1995

For current economic statistics published monthly by Industry Canada, visit:

• Monthly Economic Indicators
• Regional Economic Observer
• Micro-Economic Monitor

Geographical Patterns: Male Median Income, 1995

Based on the 1996 Census, the average income of men was $31 117, a decrease of 7.8% from the 1991 Census. The national male median income shown on this map is $25 270. Between 1985 and 1990, men were able to recover income losses as a result of the recession of the early 1980s, however their average income in 1995 was still 7.6% below what it was in 1980.

This map presents a similar income distribution as for the map showing Median Income of Individuals, 1995. Both male and female income patterns are also closely tied to urban and rural settlement patterns. Overall, the distribution of incomes above the national male median of $25 270 were most prominent in the largest urban centres including Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa-Hull and Montreal. A gradual decline of economic influence was reflected in the lower incomes for the regions surrounding the urban cores.

A number of rural and northern census divisions accounted for incomes well above the male national median. These included Prince George in the Fraser Fort-George Regional District and the Peace River Regional District of British Columbia; the Manicouagan, and Sept-Rivières-Caniapiscau regions of Quebec; and the Fort Smith Region of Northwest Territories. In the case of the latter, the high incomes are partly attributed to the higher wages as a result of employment incentives such as living and wage supplements to compensate for the higher costs of living. Regions such as Prince George offer both men and women with broader employment opportunities owing to a more diverse economy delivering important regional services. The occupations available are in management, business, finance, administration and government services, which tend to be associated with higher incomes.

To a large extent, the weaker economic influence of the peripheral agricultural regions throughout the Prairie Provinces is reflected in the low incomes reported, particularly in the more remote communities of Northern Saskatchewan. Similarly, the higher concentration of low income males in Newfoundland and the Atlantic Provinces is largely attributed to the decline of the fisheries industry and to seasonal employment.

What is unique to the male income data are the overall high median income values when compared to both the Median Income of Individuals and Female Median Income maps. The highest median income range of $32 000 to $45 239 represents incomes well above the national median for all individuals at $18 891 and the female national median of $14 508.

To properly interpret this map, please consult the text Data and Mapping Notes.

• Median Income of Individuals (1995$) Map | Read about this map
• Female Median Income (1995$) Map | Read about this map

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