Abstract

Poverty, usually measured using income, and poor health are closely related. Income is one of the non-medical determinants of health. The poor experience the highest rates of illness and premature death. The income measures are for the year 1995 as reported in the 1996 Census. In that year, the average total income for males was $31 117. However, significant regional variations in average income are apparent. Higher incomes predominate in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. Most census divisions in Atlantic Canada fall within the lower income levels. The distributions of average total income for males and females are similar. The income-health relationship is not well known, but general linkages have been identified. Notably, health improves at every step up the income ladder.