2006 Census Release shows statistics on income and housing costs

The latest figures released by Statistics Canada on May 1 show that Halton’s residents are among the most prosperous in Canada, making Halton a vital, dynamic region for businesses seeking a highly skilled workforce. However, to support a diverse and competitive economy, Halton needs to continue addressing housing needs to ensure there are affordable housing options for younger singles and families.

The recent Statistics Canada census release, issued on May 1, 2008, provides information on income and earnings as well as housing and shelter costs collected from residents of Canada in May 2006.

The statistics released on May 1 show:

• families living in Halton earned a median income of $95,766 in 2005, making the region the most affluent in Ontario and third highest in Canada
• the median income for all households, which includes families and single individuals, was less than that of families, at $83,496
• likely driving income growth in Halton is the higher than average levels of education among local residents and the lower than average levels of unemployment
• even among Halton’s recent university graduates under the age of 34, median earnings ranged from nearly $55,000 to $60,000 in 2005, the highest annual earnings for new graduates in any region of Ontario
• for all one-person households, the median income was $39,840

“Halton’s high quality of life make this region well positioned to attract organizations that depend upon having a variety of skilled and well-educated employees to draw from,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “However, the Census data reveals that for some in our workforce, housing affordability is an escalating problem. Halton is working to ensure that our workforce has affordable housing options and that growth does not come at the expense of Halton’s social fabric, quality of life or our environment.”

The 2006 Census confirms that housing affordability continues to be a serious challenge for renters in Halton. In 2005, 11,470 or 43% of renter households paid 30% or more of their income on housing costs (rent plus utilities), with median monthly rent in Halton running at $970 in 2005. Halton Region’s 2006 Annual Housing Report showed that in 2005, household earnings of between $40,000 and $77,000 would be required for rental units costing $1,000 to $1,925 per month. (The 2007 Annual Housing Report contains updated information to reflect increases in 2006 market rental costs).

Halton’s Comprehensive Housing Strategy, endorsed by Regional Council in 2006, describes the need for a variety of housing types at a range of housing costs, including the need for government-assisted housing. Halton Region’s 2007 Annual Housing Report identified a 500 – 800 unit gap for government-assisted housing and a 700 – 1,200 unit gap for less expensive, private market housing in the Region.

“A broad range of housing options is obviously a core need for individuals and families”, added Chair Carr. “Halton Region will continue to work toward attracting a dynamic, diverse workforce and ensuring that they have the opportunity to live and work in our community.”

The Census figures used in this release are the last of a series of broad community profiles released by Statistics Canada from 2007 – 2008. Some methods of data collection have changed between Census 2001 and Census 2006, making some descriptions, particularly about those living below the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) difficult to state with confidence at this time. As more detailed data becomes available, the Region will conduct further analyses.

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