================== HOUSEHOLD UNIVERSE ================== Introduction ------------ The Household Universe is composed of subuniverses and variables which pertain to the person or the group of persons (other than temporary or foreign residents) who occupy a dwelling. Household variables are distinct from dwelling variables, in that the latter ones pertain to dwelling characteristics, not persons occupying dwellings. Annual Payment for Electricity ------------------------------ Refers to yearly payments (last 12 months) for electricity. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample),* 1961 (1/5 sample)* Reported for: Private households in non-farm dwellings Question No.: Direct variable: Question H6 (a) Responses: None; Included in rent or other payments; dollar value Remarks: See "Remarks" under Owners Major Payments and Rent, Gross. Before the 1991 Census, the response categories "None" and "Included in rent or other payments" were grouped into a single category. * In 1961 and 1971, data were collected for the variable "Average Monthly Payment for Electricity" for tenant households only. Annual Payment for Oil, Gas, Coal, Wood or Other Fuels ------------------------------------------------------ Refers to yearly payments (last 12 months) for oil, gas, coal, wood or other fuels. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample),* 1961 (1/5 sample)* Reported for: Private households in non-farm dwellings Question No.: Direct variable: Question H6 (b) Responses: None; Included in rent or other payments; dollar value Remarks: See "Remarks" under Owner's Major Payments and Rent, Gross. Before the 1991 Census, the response categories "None" and "Included in rent or other payments" were grouped into a single category. * In 1961 and 1971, data were collected for the variables "Average Monthly Payment for Gas" and "Average Yearly Payment for Oil, Coal, Wood or Kerosene" for tenant households only. Annual Payment for Water and Other Municipal Services ----------------------------------------------------- Refers to yearly payments (last 12 months) for water and other municipal services. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample),* 1961 (1/5 sample)* Reported for: Private households in non-farm dwellings Question No.: Direct variable: Question H6 (c) Responses: None; Included in rent or other payments; dollar value Remarks: See "Remarks" under Owner's Major Payments and Rent, Gross. Before the 1991 Census, the response categories "None" and "Included in rent or other payments" were grouped into a single category. * In 1961 and 1971, data were collected for the variable "Average Monthly Payment for Water" for tenant households only. Annual Property Taxes --------------------- Refers to yearly property taxes (municipal and school) for an owner-occupied dwelling. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Private households in owner-occupied non-farm dwellings Question No.: Direct variable: Question H8 (c) Responses: None or dollar value Remarks: Includes local improvement taxes as well, even if billed separately. See "Remarks" under Owner's Major Payments. Condominium Fees ---------------- Refers to monthly payments for maintenance and various condominium services. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Private households in owner-occupied non-farm dwellings which form part of a registered condominium Question No.: Direct variable: Question H8 (f) Responses: None or dollar value Remarks: See "Remarks" under Tenure - Condominium. Household --------- Refers to a person or a group of persons (other than foreign residents), who occupy the same dwelling and do not have a usual place of residence elsewhere in Canada. It may consist of a family group (census family) with or without other non-family persons, of two or more families sharing a dwelling, of a group of unrelated persons, or of one person living alone. Household members who are temporarily absent on Census Day (e.g., temporary residents elsewhere) are considered as part of their usual household. For census purposes, every person is a member of one and only one household. Unless otherwise specified, all data in household reports are for private households only. Households are classified into three groups: private households, collective households and households outside Canada. Censuses: 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971, 1966, 1961 Reported for: Not applicable Question Nos.: Not applicable Responses: Not applicable Remarks: See Household Outside Canada. Household, Collective --------------------- Refers to a person or a group of persons who occupy a collective dwelling and do not have a usual place of residence elsewhere in Canada. Data for collective households with foreign and/or temporary residents only are not shown. Censuses: 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971 Reported for: Collective households Question Nos.: Not applicable Responses: Not applicable Remarks: See Dwelling, Collective. Household Maintainer(s) ----------------------- Refers to the person or persons in the household who pay the rent, or the mortgage, or the taxes, or the electricity, etc., for the dwelling. If no person in the household is responsible for such payments, Person 1 is considered to be the only household maintainer. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991, 1986, 1981 Reported for: Private households Question No.: Derived variable: Question H1 Responses: Not applicable Remarks: A major conceptual modification was introduced in this variable for the 1991 Census: for the first time, respondents in private households were able to identify more than one person as responsible for the shelter expenses. The maximum allowable number is six. In the 1981 and 1986 Censuses, only one person could be counted as the household maintainer. Comparisons with the 1991 Census can be made using the Primary Household Maintainer variable. In order for a person identified as being responsible for the household payments to be considered as the household maintainer, that person must be 15 years of age or older and be related to Person 1 in terms other than as a lodger or an employee (or as a member of a lodger's or an employee's census family). Household Outside Canada ------------------------ Refers to a person or a group of persons residing together outside Canada on government, military or diplomatic postings. Only limited data are available for these households. Censuses: 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971, 1966, 1961 Reported for: Households outside Canada Question Nos.: Not applicable Responses: Not applicable Remarks: In 1971, the term "households abroad" was used. Prior to the 1971 Census, these households were included in the count of private households, and housing data were imputed to them. In 1971, they were included in the count of private households to which housing data were not imputed. Since 1976, both households outside Canada and their dwellings have been excluded from the counts of private households and occupied private dwellings. Household, Private ------------------ Refers to a person or a group of persons (other than foreign residents) who occupy a private dwelling and do not have a usual place of residence elsewhere in Canada. Censuses: 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971, 1966, 1961 Reported for: Private households Question Nos.: Not applicable Responses: Not applicable Remarks: See Household Outside Canada. The number of private households is equal to the number of occupied private dwellings in the 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981 and 1976 Censuses (see Dwelling, Occupied Private). Household Size -------------- Refers to the number of persons in a private household. Censuses: 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971, 1966, 1961 Reported for: Private households Question Nos.: Not applicable Responses: Not applicable Remarks: Collective households and households outside Canada were not taken into account in the calculations used to establish household size. Household Type -------------- Refers to the basic division of private households into family and non-family households. Family household refers to a household that contains at least one census family, that is a married couple with or without never-married sons or daughters, or a couple living common-law with or without never-married sons or daughters, or a lone parent living with one or more never-married sons or daughters (lone-parent family). One-family household refers to a single census family (with or without other non-family persons) that occupies a private dwelling. Multiple-family household refers to one in which two or more census families (with or without additional non-family persons) occupy the same private dwelling. Non-family household refers to either one person living alone in a private dwelling or to a group of two or more people who share a private dwelling, but who do not constitute a census family. Censuses: 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971, 1966, 1961 Reported for: Private households Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Responses: Not applicable Remarks: In the 1996 Census publications, one of the most detailed legends of the variable is as follows: All households Family households One-family households All couples Now-married couples Without never-married sons or daughters Without additional persons With never-married sons or daughters Without additional persons Common-law couples Without never-married sons or daughters Without additional persons With never-married sons or daughters Without additional persons Lone-parent families Without additional persons Multiple-family households Non-family households One person only Two or more persons Contrary to previous censuses, the legend is not apportioned in accordance with the type of family; however, historical comparisons are still possible (see "Remarks" under Census Family Type). As in 1991, it is possible to make a distinction between couples who are now married and couples who are living common-law. Income: Average Income of Households ------------------------------------ Average household income refers to the weighted mean total income of households in 1995. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Households Question No.: Derived statistic Responses: Dollar value Remarks: Average income is calculated from unrounded data by dividing the aggregate income of a specified group of households (e.g., family households) by the number of households in that group, whether or not they reported income. Average and median incomes of households and the corresponding standard error for average income are normally calculated for all units in the specified group, whether or not they reported income. Income: Household Total Income ------------------------------ The total income of a household is the sum of the total incomes of all members of that household. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Households Question No.: Derived variable Responses: Positive or negative dollar value or nil Remarks: For details on the components of total income and on the intercensal comparability of the concept, reference period, coverage and methodology for income data, see "Remarks" under Income: Total Income. Income: Median Income of Households ----------------------------------- The median income of a specified group of households is that amount which divides their income size distribution into two halves, i.e. the incomes of the first half of households are below the median, while those of the second half are above the median. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Households Question No.: Derived statistic Responses: Dollar value Remarks: (1) Average and median incomes of households and the corresponding standard errors for average income are normally calculated for all units in the specified group, whether or not they reported income. Monthly Mortgage Payment ------------------------ Refers to regular monthly mortgage or debt payments for the dwelling. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Private households in owner-occupied non-farm dwellings Question No.: Direct variable: Question H8 (a) Responses: None or dollar value Remarks: In cases where mortgage payments are made in other than monthly instalments (e.g., once or twice a year or every three months), all payments made in that year are added and then divided by 12, to obtain the average monthly amount paid. See "Remarks" under Owner's Major Payments. Number of Household Maintainers ------------------------------- Refers to the number of persons of the same household who have been identified as household maintainers. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 Reported for: Private households Question No.: Derived variable: Question H1 Responses: Not applicable Remarks: This variable may have the following values: One maintainer Two maintainers Three maintainers Four maintainers Five maintainers Six maintainers Number of Persons Per Room -------------------------- Refers to the number of persons per room in a dwelling. (See definition of Rooms.) Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Private households Question No.: Derived variable: Question H3 (a) Responses: 0.5 or less; 0.6-1.0; 1.1-1.5; 1.6-2.0; 2.1 or more Remarks: Not applicable Owner's Major Payments ---------------------- Refers to the total average monthly payments made by owner households to secure shelter. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample),* 1981 (1/5 sample)** Reported for: Private households in owner-occupied non-farm dwellings Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions H6 (a), (b), (c), H8 (a), (c) and (f) Responses: Not applicable Remarks: Owner's major payments include payments for electricity, oil, gas, coal, wood or other fuels, water and other municipal services, monthly mortgage payments, property taxes (municipal and school) and, for 1991 and 1996, condominium fees. No data are available on the individual components of this variable; only the total of the main expenses is published. These data are not available for Band housing on Indian reserves, since this variable does not apply to this type of dwelling (see "Remarks" under Tenure). * In 1986, no distinction was made between Band housing and other types of tenure on Indian reserves. For this reason, all reserve dwellings were grouped under the "On reserve" category, and no data were published for these areas. ** In 1981, reserve dwellings were included in the universe for this variable. Owner's Major Payments or Gross Rent as a Percentage of Household ----------------------------------------------------------------- Income ------- Refers to the proportion of average monthly 1995 total household income which is spent on owner's major payments (in the case of owner-occupied dwellings) or on gross rent (in the case of tenant- occupied dwellings). This concept is illustrated below: (a) Owner-occupied non-farm dwellings: Owner's major payments ------------------------------------ X 100 = ___% (1995 total annual household income) /12 (b) Tenant-occupied non-farm dwellings: Gross rent ------------------------------------ X 100 = ___% (1995 total annual household income) /12 Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Private households in owner-/tenant-occupied non- farm dwellings Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions 45, H6 (a), (b), (c), H7, H8 (a), (c) and (f) Responses: Not applicable Remarks: The response categories used in the census publications are as follows: less than 15%; 15-19%; 20-24%; 25-29%; 30-34%; 35-39%; 40-49%; 50% and over. Excludes households who reported a loss in their total household income, or had no income in 1995. The category "Less than 15%" includes households with income who incurred no owner's major payments/gross rent. See "Remarks" under Owner's Major Payments and Rent, Gross. Postal Code ----------- See Geography section. Primary Household Maintainer ---------------------------- The first person in the household identified as being the household maintainer. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 Reported for: Private households Question No.: Derived variable: Question H1 Responses: Not applicable Remarks: This variable identifies the first household maintainer entered in Question H1. This will normally be the person who contributes the greatest amount toward the payments for shelter expenses; in the case of a household where two people share these expenses equally, the first person listed in Question H1 is chosen as the main household maintainer. Due to changes in questionnaire design and data capture, the method of identifying the primary household maintainer in 1996 differs slightly from that of 1991. These changes may affect households where two or more persons contribute toward shelter expenses. As a result, the characteristics of the primary household maintainer in 1996 may not be strictly comparable to those released in the 1991 Census. In the 1981 and 1986 Censuses, only one person could be counted as being the household maintainer. Comparisons with the 1996 and 1991 Censuses can be carried out using the Primary Household Maintainer variable. Property Taxes Included in Mortgage Payments -------------------------------------------- Refers to whether property taxes (municipal and school) are included in the total regular monthly mortgage or debt payments for a dwelling. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Private households in owner-occupied non-farm dwellings Question No.: Direct variable: Question H8 (b) Responses: Yes; No Remarks: See "Remarks" under Owner's Major Payments. Rent, Gross ----------- Refers to the total average monthly payments paid by tenant households to secure shelter. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample),* 1981 (1/5 sample),** 1971 (1/3 sample),** 1961 (1/5 sample)** Reported for: Private households in tenant-occupied non-farm dwellings Question Nos.: Derived variable: Questions H6 (a), (b), (c) and H7 Responses: Not applicable Remarks: Gross rent includes payments for electricity, oil, gas, coal, wood or other fuels, water and other municipal services and monthly cash rent. No data are available on the individual components of this variable (except for the monthly cash rent). Only data on the total of the main rental expenses (gross rent) are published. These data are not available for Band housing on Indian reserves, since this variable does not apply to this type of dwelling (see "Remarks" under Tenure). * In 1986, no distinction was made between Band housing and other types of tenure on Indian reserves. For this reason, all reserve dwellings were grouped under the "On reserve" category, and no data were published for these areas. ** In 1961, 1971 and 1981, reserve dwellings were included in the universe for this variable. Rent, Monthly Cash ------------------ Refers to the regular monthly cash rent paid by tenant households. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample), 1981 (1/5 sample), 1971 (1/3 sample), 1961 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Private households in tenant-occupied non-farm dwellings Question No.: Direct variable: Question H7 Responses: None or dollar value Remarks: Also included are parking fees paid with the rent, if any. See "Remarks" under Rent, Gross. Tenure ------ Refers to whether some member of the household owns or rents the dwelling, or whether the dwelling is Band housing (on an Indian reserve or settlement). Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991, 1986,* 1981,** 1976,** 1971,** 1966,** 1961 (1/5 sample)** Reported for: Private households Question No.: Direct variable: Question H2 Responses: Owned; Rented; Band housing Remarks: A dwelling is classified as "owned" even if it is not fully paid for, such as one which has a mortgage or some other claim on it. The dwelling may be situated on rented or leased land or be part of a condominium (whether registered or unregistered). A dwelling is classified as "rented" even if it is provided without cash rent or at a reduced rent or if the dwelling is part of a cooperative. For census purposes, in a cooperative all members jointly own the cooperative and occupy their dwelling units under a lease agreement. For historical and statutory reasons, shelter occupancy on reserves does not lend itself to the usual classification by standard tenure categories. Therefore, a special category, Band housing, has been created for 1991 Census products. Band housing also appears in the 1996 Census products. * In 1986, dwellings on Indian reserves were all classified in the "On reserve" category. In some publications or through special tabulations, it is possible to obtain comparable data for 1986 and 1991 by grouping together the data referring to Indian reserves or settlements. ** In 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976 and 1981, dwellings on Indian reserves were classified as being "owned" or "rented". Tenure - Condominium -------------------- Refers to whether or not the dwelling is part of a registered condominium. Censuses: 1996 (1/5 sample), 1991 (1/5 sample), 1986 (1/5 sample),* 1981 (1/5 sample) Reported for: Private households in owner-occupied private non- farm dwellings Question No.: Direct variable: Question H8 (e) Responses: Yes; No Remarks: A condominium is a residential complex in which dwellings are owned individually while land is held in joint ownership with others. * In 1986, the variable "Tenure - Condominium" did not include dwellings on reserves.