Family income and income of individuals, related variables: Sub-provincial data, 2012
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Released: 2014-07-23
Calgary had the highest median total family income (before tax) of all census metropolitan areas (CMAs) in 2012 at $98,300, according to data derived from personal income tax returns.
Calgary was followed by Edmonton ($96,030) and Ottawa–Gatineau ($94,230). These three CMAs have occupied the top three positions since 2009.
At the national level, median total family income increased by 1.7%. The median grew in all CMAs except Ottawa–Gatineau (-0.5%).
The largest increases in median total family income between 2011 and 2012 were in Calgary (+3.7%) and St. John's (+3.4%), followed by Edmonton (+3.0%) and Kelowna (+2.9%).
For couple families (with or without children), Calgary ($106,270), Edmonton ($105,280) and Ottawa–Gatineau ($103,490) also had the highest median total family incomes. Calgary (+3.4%) recorded the largest increase in median family income for couple families, while Ottawa–Gatineau (-0.5%) was the lone CMA to post a decline.
Among lone-parent families, Calgary ($49,490) had the highest median total family income, followed by Québec ($49,480) and Ottawa–Gatineau ($47,600). The largest increase in median family income for lone-parent families was in Saguenay (+6.2%). The lone decline was in Saint John (-1.4%).
For people not in census families, Calgary ($35,910) had the highest median total income, followed by Edmonton ($35,850) and Ottawa–Gatineau ($33,530). The largest increase in median income for people not in census families was in Saguenay (+5.2%), while the largest decline was in Calgary (-1.3%).
Among census agglomerations (CAs), taxfilers in Wood Buffalo, Alberta ($177,510), had the highest median total family income, followed by Yellowknife, Northwest Territories ($134,290). This ranking has not changed since 2010. These two CAs have also had the highest median total family income since this data series became available at the CA geography level in 2001. The largest increase among CAs was in Cold Lake, Alberta (+6.2%), while the largest decline occurred in Thompson, Manitoba (-5.3%).
Median total income of couple families and lone-parent families, by census metropolitan area
Note to readers
Data for 2012 family income and related variables derived from personal income tax returns filed in spring 2013 are now available for various sub-provincial geographic areas. Total income includes employment income, investment income, government transfers, pension income and other income. The median is the point at which half of the families' incomes are higher and half are lower.
All data in this release refer to income before the payment of income tax. After-tax income data are also available in three of the CANSIM tables associated with this release (111-0043, 111-0044 and 111-0015). All figures for previous years have been adjusted for inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Data for census families and persons not in census families are derived from income tax data and are not adjusted on the basis of Statistics Canada's population estimates.
This release uses the census family concept for families. Census family refers to a married or a common-law couple, with or without children at home, or a lone-parent of any marital status, with at least one child living at home. There are no restrictions on the age of the children. This concept differs from the economic family concept, used by the 2011 National Household Survey and the Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics.
All data in this release have been tabulated according to the 2011 Standard Geographical Classification used for the 2011 Census.
A census metropolitan area (CMA) or a census agglomeration (CA) is formed by one or more adjacent municipalities centred on a population centre (also known as the core). A CMA must have a total population of at least 100,000, of which 50,000 or more must live in the core. A CA must have a core population of at least 10,000.
Data for Family Income (Catalogue number13C0016, various prices) and Seniors' Income (Catalogue number89C0022, various prices), as well as for the income of individuals including Neighbourhood Income and Demographics (Catalogue number13C0015, various prices), Labour Income Profiles (Catalogue number71C0018, various prices) and Economic Dependency Profiles (Catalogue number13C0017, various prices) are available for Canada, provinces and territories, federal electoral districts, economic regions, census divisions, census metropolitan areas, census agglomerations, census tracts, and postal-based geographies. These custom services are available upon request.
For census agglomerations, tables for total median family income showing 2012 data, 2011 data (2011 adjusted in constant 2012 dollars) and the percentage change are also available upon request.
Contact information
For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (613-951-4636; statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@canada.ca).
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