Female Median Income (1995$)

This map shows female median income for the female 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 the 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: Female Median Income, 1995

Based on the 1996 Census, the number of women reporting income has steadily increased over the years. In 1995, women represented nearly half of all income recipients, accounting for 22% of all the earners in the 25 highest paying occupations, compared with 17% in 1990. However, women still represented the majority of workers in the 25 lowest paying occupations.

In comparing the 1996 Census with those for 1981, 1986 and 1991, one sees that women had on average increased their purchasing power by 5% between 1980 and 1985 with an additional 12% gain over men between 1985 and 1990. While the average income of men declined 7.6% between 1980 and 1995, the average income of women increased 15% during the same time period.

This map presents a similar income distribution as for the map showing Median Income of Individuals, 1995. The income distribution patterns are closely tied to urban and rural settlement patterns. The distribution of incomes above the national female median of $14 508 were most prominent in the largest urban centres. The highest incomes were observed in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa-Hull, Montréal and Québec City. A gradual decline of economic influence was reflected in the lower incomes for the regions surrounding the urban cores.

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 and Manitoba. Similarly, the higher concentration of low income females in the Atlantic Provinces is partly attributed to the decline of the fisheries industry.

Not all women living in remote or rural communities reported low incomes. A number of rural and northern census divisions accounted for incomes well above the female national median. This may be attributed to the relatively high proportion of high paying occupations in thinly populated regions. These higher wages are explained partly in terms of employment incentives such as living and wage supplements to compensate for the higher costs of living. This is evident in the case of the Fort Smith region of Northwest Territories, where two thirds of the population is in the labour force, of which half are female. The occupations available are in management, business, finance, administration and government services, which tend to be associated with higher incomes. Some regional centres such as Prince George or Thunder Bay offer both men and women with broader employment opportunities owing to a more diverse economy delivering important regional services.

What is unique to the female income data are the overall low median income values when compared to the equivalent map showing male median incomes. The highest median income by census division for women represents a value well below the national value for male median income.

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

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

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