Median Income of Individuals (1995$)

This map shows median income of individuals, for the 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: Median Income of Individuals, 1995

As shown on the map, the highest median incomes are observed for census divisions which include (or are included in) the largest urban areas known as Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs). These urban areas include Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa-Hull, Montreal and Québec. The remaining census divisions (CD) in the surrounding rural and lesser populated communities reported income levels near or below the national median of $18 891.

Some smaller urban centres reported incomes well above the national median. Such places tend to be the business and manufacturing hubs for a large area. One example is Prince George, in central British Columbia, which dominates the Fraser-Fort George census division. This city has a large forestry and logging industry, and is a major transport and administrative centre. Another centre with relatively high income is Thunder Bay, in north-western Ontario, which dominates the census division of the same name. This city also has a substantial manufacturing base and has important regional services such as hospitals and universities.

The concentration of incomes below the national median is most apparent in regions along the northern margin of the settled area in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and also in the coastal regions of the Maritime Provinces and Newfoundland.

The lower income regions in the Prairie Provinces may be partially attributed to the CDs located along the northern edge of the main agricultural areas, which are associated with more marginal agricultural activities than for some other parts of the Prairies. Additional maps and information pertaining to agriculture can be found in the Agriculture series under Economic Geography. See maps below.

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Figure 3. Percentage of Census Farms with $40 000 or Less in Gross Farm Receipts, 1995

For the coastal regions of Atlantic Canada, reliance on natural resources (especially the fisheries) is the mainstay of local economies. These regions have always had a high rate of seasonal unemployment. In recent years, they have been hard hit by limited resource availability. Maps and information about Resource Reliant Communities are found in the "Economic" section of the Atlas Table of Contents.

Not all rural or small population areas have low income. Some CDs, particularly in the north, report higher incomes than the national median. This is attributed to a relatively high proportion of high paying jobs in small population areas. The higher wages for both men and women are explained partly in terms of inflated wage rates to compensate for the considerably higher costs of living. An example is the Fort Smith Region of Northwest Territories, where two thirds of the population is in the labour force, and occupations in management, business, finance administration and government services are predominant. These types of occupations tend to be associated with higher incomes.

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

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

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