Income and Employment
The median family income in Niagara (all family types, 2005 tax year) was $64,965, compared to $69,156 across Ontario. This was an increase for both Niagara and Ontario, compared to the 2001 census with family income at $56,787 and $61,024 respectively.
The median individual income in Niagara (persons 15 years and over, 2005 tax year) was $25,832, compared to $27,258 in Ontario. This is an increase for both Niagara and Ontario, compared to the 2001 census with individual income at $22,166 and $24,816 respectively.
The median after tax family income in Niagara was $57,595 compared to $62,288 for Ontario.
A higher proportion of Niagara families are reliant on income from government transfers compared to Ontario (11.5% versus 8.8%).
The Niagara region shares a similar unemployment rate as Ontario (4.7% and 4.9% respectively), although this rate fluctuates due to the seasonal nature of Niagara’s economy. Further, there are communities within Niagara with higher unemployment rates — Port Colborne (7.4%), Welland (7.3%) and Fort Erie (6.7%).
In 2005, 79% of employed Niagara residents worked full time. Although this represented an increase from 1996, the percentage of full-time workers remains low compared to other municipalities and Ontario (82%).
Living Arrangements
Most seniors in Niagara live with family; however, 29.9% live alone (an increase compared to 1996). This is more than the Ontario rate of 26.8%. Seniors living alone and lone parent families are more likely to experience low socio-economic status, poor housing conditions and lack of social support. This often results in a more heavily reliance on institutionalization.
Within the LHIN, 29% of seniors aged 65+ live alone, higher than the provincial average of 27%. More specifically, the highest proportions of seniors living alone are found in St. Catharines (33%) and Brantford (33%) and the lowest proportion in Wainfleet (19%).