Recent Immigrants in Metropolitan Areas: Regina—A Comparative Profile Based on the 2001 Census
Part E: Income
Sources and level of income
Sources of income vary by time in Canada
A similar share of recent immigrants and the Canadian-born reported income from employment in 2000. Seventy percent of recent immigrant and Canadian-born women and approximately 80% of recent immigrant and Canadian-born men reported employment earnings. For immigrants who landed before 1986, the proportion with earnings is lower because they tend to be older and many are retired. The relatively low share of very recent immigrants with employment income reflects lower participation in the workforce. The share of persons with employment income was similar in year 2000 in comparison to1995. The largest increase was 4 percentage points for very recent immigrant women, while other groups reported small changes.
No income | Employment income | Other private income | Government transfers | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | |||||
Canadian-born | 2,650 | 51,470 | 25,310 | 49,050 | 72,010 |
Immigrants | 370 | 3,820 | 2,610 | 4,820 | 6,850 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 110 | 2,350 | 2,210 | 3,420 | 4,660 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 90 | 1,030 | 290 | 980 | 1,430 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 60 | 340 | 90 | 350 | 520 |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | 2,300 | 51,490 | 20,680 | 38,750 | 65,550 |
Immigrants | 190 | 4,460 | 2,530 | 4,270 | 6,540 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 30 | 2,800 | 2,130 | 2,950 | 4,430 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 70 | 1,230 | 270 | 960 | 1,480 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 30 | 320 | 100 | 290 | 410 |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | 4,960 | 102,960 | 45,990 | 87,790 | 137,550 |
Immigrants | 550 | 8,280 | 5,130 | 9,090 | 13,390 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 150 | 5,140 | 4,330 | 6,360 | 9,070 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 160 | 2,260 | 550 | 1,930 | 2,920 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 80 | 660 | 200 | 640 | 930 |
Women | |||||
Canadian-born | 4% | 71% | 35% | 68% | 100% |
Immigrants | 5% | 56% | 38% | 70% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 2% | 50% | 47% | 73% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 6% | 72% | 20% | 68% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 11% | 66% | 17% | 68% | 100% |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | 4% | 79% | 32% | 59% | 100% |
Immigrants | 3% | 68% | 39% | 65% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 1% | 63% | 48% | 67% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 5% | 83% | 18% | 65% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 6% | 77% | 24% | 71% | 100% |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | 4% | 75% | 33% | 64% | 100% |
Immigrants | 4% | 62% | 38% | 68% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | 2% | 57% | 48% | 70% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 5% | 77% | 19% | 66% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 9% | 70% | 21% | 69% | 100% |
Note: Incomes are for the year 2000. In all tables in Part E, immigrants and very recent immigrants include only those who landed before the year 2000 and could have had income the entire year. A person may have income from one, two or all three sources. The three sources are defined in the Glossary.
The proportion of recent immigrants with no income is higher than that of the Canadian-born. The proportion of immigrant men and women who do not have income decreases significantly with length of stay in Canada, and ultimately falls below that of the Canadian-born. Absence of income among women was less common in 2000 than in 1995, as the incidence of zero income dropped by 4 percentage points for the recent immigrant cohorts. Among men there was little change in the share with zero income in year 2000 in comparison to 1995.
The share of recent immigrants with other private income—for example, income from investments or pension plans—is well below the share of the Canadian-born and earlier immigrants with other private income. These shares decreased for recent immigrants by about 3 percentage points for women and by 8 percentage points for men since 1995.
The incidence of government transfer payment income is about the same for recent immigrant and Canadian-born women but is higher for recent immigrant men in comparison to Canadian-born men. The incidence of transfer payment income has shifted markedly from men to women since 1995 in part due to the fact that in 2000, child benefit payments were made to the mother.
Average income increases with length of stay
The average income of recent immigrants in the year 2000 was lower than that of the Canadian-born, considering only persons who reported income. For very recent immigrant men, average income was about three-quarters of that of the Canadian-born, while the average income of very recent immigrant women was less than three-fifths. The average income of persons who immigrated during the 1986-1995 period was about 85% of that of the Canadian-born. Those who immigrated before 1986 had average incomes somewhat higher than the Canadian-born.
Sources of average income | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Average income of persons with income | Employment income |
Other private income | Government transfers | Total | |
Women | |||||
Canadian-born | $24,210 | 74% | 12% | 14% | 100% |
Immigrants | $23,670 | 64% | 16% | 20% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | $25,430 | 58% | 20% | 22% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | $21,100 | 84% | 5% | 11% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | $13,810 | 79% | 3% | 17% | 100% |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | $35,760 | 81% | 11% | 8% | 100% |
Immigrants | $38,440 | 74% | 16% | 11% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | $42,090 | 69% | 19% | 12% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | $30,160 | 91% | 3% | 6% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | $27,260 | 87% | 6% | 8% | 100% |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | $29,720 | 78% | 11% | 11% | 100% |
Immigrants | $30,960 | 70% | 16% | 14% | 100% |
Immigrated before 1986 | $33,620 | 65% | 19% | 16% | 100% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | $25,730 | 88% | 4% | 8% | 100% |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | $19,970 | 83% | 5% | 11% | 100% |
Note: Incomes are for the year 2000. In all tables in Part E, immigrants and very recent immigrants include only those who landed before the year 2000 and could have had income the entire year.
The average income of women is about two-thirds of that of men. Among the reasons for the difference in income between men and women are lower labour force participation and higher incidence of part-time work and of jobs requiring a lower level of skill among women than among men, as shown in Part D. In comparison to 1995, average income in 2000 was about one-fifth higher for all groups except for men who immigrated between 5 and 15 years before the census. The average income of this group changed very little.
Earnings from employment account for the bulk of income of all groups and make up a larger proportion of income of recent immigrants than of persons born in Canada. In 2000, the employment share of income remained much the same as in 1995, except for very recent immigrant women. This group derived 79% of their income from employment compared to 66% for their counterparts of five years earlier.
The share of other private income is lower for recent immigrants than for the Canadian-born, especially for men. Government transfer payments make up approximately the same share for recent immigrants and the Canadian-born.
Earnings of recent immigrants who worked mostly full-time lower
The average wages and salaries earned by recent immigrants who worked mostly full-time in 2000 are below the Regina average. By contrast, earlier immigrants had average wages and salaries almost one-fifth higher than that of the Canadian-born. Relative incomes were more or less the same in 2000 as in 1995.
Amount | Percentage of overall average | |
---|---|---|
Canadian-born | $36,470 | 100% |
Immigrants | $38,830 | 106% |
Immigrated before 1986 | $42,810 | 117% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | $32,760 | 90% |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | $23,610 | 64% |
All who worked mostly full-time | $36,640 | 100% |
Note: Incomes are for the year 2000. In all tables in Part E, immigrants and very recent immigrants include only those who landed before the year 2000 and could have had income the entire year.
Transfer payments a somewhat larger share of household income
In the year 2000, a large majority of households received government transfer payments. Recent immigrant households were slightly more likely to receive government transfer payments than other households. On average, the payments received were lower both in dollar terms and relative to income.
Transfer payments vary considerably with the age of the oldest person in the household, and so do differences between recent immigrant, earlier immigrant and Canadian-born households. Recent immigrant households of the very young receive lower amounts than their Canadian-born and earlier immigrant counterparts—households of persons aged 25 to 44 years and 45 to 64 years receive amounts that are somewhat larger.
15 to 24 years |
25 to 44 years |
45 to 65 years |
65 years and over |
Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Share of households receiving government transfer payments | |||||
Canadian-born households | 88% | 87% | 80% | 100% | 87% |
Earlier immigrant households | 75% | 85% | 77% | 100% | 88% |
Recent immigrant households | 88% | 87% | 89% | 100% | 89% |
1986-1995 immigrants | 73% | 86% | 90% | 100% | 88% |
1996-1999 immigrants with others | - | 85% | 87% | 100% | 92% |
1996-1999 immigrants only | 80% | 91% | 80% | 75% | 89% |
Average amount of transfer per receiving household | |||||
Canadian-born households | $3,050 | $3,300 | $3,350 | $16,330 | $5,910 |
Earlier immigrant households | $1,070 | $3,250 | $3,320 | $18,020 | $9,410 |
Recent immigrant households | $320 | $3,610 | $4,030 | $16,200 | $4,750 |
1986-1995 immigrants | - | $4,010 | $4,190 | $18,110 | $4,950 |
1996-1999 immigrants with others | - | $2,310 | $2,780 | $11,600 | $4,870 |
1996-1999 immigrants only | $230 | $3,510 | $3,870 | $10,420 | $3,700 |
Transfers as a share of income, all households | |||||
Canadian-born households | 12% | 5% | 4% | 41% | 9% |
Earlier immigrant households | 6% | 4% | 3% | 39% | 13% |
Recent immigrant households | 4% | 6% | 5% | 33% | 7% |
1986-1995 immigrants | - | 6% | 5% | 33% | 7% |
1996-1999 immigrants with others | - | 4% | 6% | 27% | 8% |
1996-1999 immigrants only | 1% | 10% | 4% | 95% | 9% |
Note: Incomes are for the year 2000. In all tables in Part E, immigrants and very recent immigrants include only those who landed before the year 2000 and could have had income the entire year.
Transfer payments to households without seniors generally reflect benefits of Employment Insurance, Workers Compensation, social assistance, student assistance, or other programs. Included in these transfer payments are tax credits such as the Canada Child Benefit and GST tax credits and provincial tax credits. The somewhat greater incidence and amounts of transfer payments for recent immigrant households of persons 25 to 64 years of age in relation to earlier immigrants and the Canadian-born may have to do with the larger average number of children in families and with differences in labour market participation and unemployment reviewed in Part D.
Almost all households with persons of 65 years of age and over received government transfer payments—Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and Canada or Quebec Pension Plan Benefits. Recent immigrant households of seniors received a smaller amount and this amount made up a smaller share of their income than is the case for Canadian-born and earlier immigrant households. Seniors who immigrated very recently are not entitled to Old Age Security and have not built up large credits under the Canada or Quebec Pension Plan.
The distribution of income
Personal income higher for earlier immigrants
Of very recent immigrants, one-half of women and almost one-third of men reported no income or income of less than $10,000 in 2000. Among the Canadian-born, only 30% women and 20% of men had no or very low income.
Very recent immigrants are underrepresented at the high end of the income scale. Their share in the upper income group of $50,000 and over is less than one-half of that of the Canadian-born. The proportion with incomes of $50,000 and over among immigrants who landed during the 1986 to 1995 period is close to one-half of that of the Canadian-born. In contrast, the share of earlier immigrants with incomes of $50,000 and over is larger than that of the Canadian-born.
The income distribution of immigrant men and women was more favourable in 2000 than in 1995. This is a reflection of the higher employment and better jobs and incomes that they enjoyed compared to the immediately preceding five-year immigrant cohort.
Without income |
$1 to $9,999 |
$10,000 to $29,999 | $30,000 to $49,999 | $50,000 and over | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | ||||||
Canadian-born | 2,650 | 17,160 | 30,070 | 15,320 | 6,800 | 72,000 |
Immigrants | 360 | 1,700 | 3,050 | 1,190 | 570 | 6,860 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 110 | 900 | 2,310 | 860 | 490 | 4,650 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 90 | 470 | 520 | 300 | 80 | 1,440 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 50 | 210 | 220 | 30 | 10 | 510 |
Men | ||||||
Canadian-born | 2,300 | 11,770 | 19,460 | 16,690 | 15,340 | 65,550 |
Immigrants | 180 | 930 | 2,340 | 1,500 | 1,610 | 6,540 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 40 | 400 | 1,550 | 1,090 | 1,350 | 4,410 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 70 | 330 | 550 | 340 | 200 | 1,480 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 20 | 120 | 160 | 90 | 40 | 410 |
Total | ||||||
Canadian-born | 4,960 | 28,920 | 49,530 | 32,010 | 22,130 | 137,550 |
Immigrants | 550 | 2,620 | 5,380 | 2,670 | 2,170 | 13,390 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 140 | 1,290 | 3,870 | 1,930 | 1,830 | 9,080 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 150 | 810 | 1,060 | 640 | 270 | 2,920 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 80 | 320 | 370 | 120 | 50 | 930 |
Without income | $1 to $9,999 | $10,000 to $29,999 | $30,000 to $49,999 | $50,000 and over | Total | Average income | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | |||||||
Canadian-born | 4% | 24% | 42% | 21% | 9% | 100% | $24,210 |
Immigrants | 5% | 25% | 44% | 17% | 8% | 100% | $23,310 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 2% | 19% | 50% | 19% | 10% | 100% | $25,470 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 6% | 33% | 36% | 20% | 5% | 100% | $21,100 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 10% | 40% | 42% | 6% | 2% | 100% | $13,810 |
Men | |||||||
Canadian-born | 4% | 18% | 30% | 25% | 23% | 100% | $35,760 |
Immigrants | 3% | 14% | 36% | 23% | 25% | 100% | $38,250 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 1% | 9% | 35% | 25% | 31% | 100% | $42,050 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 5% | 22% | 37% | 23% | 13% | 100% | $30,130 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 5% | 28% | 38% | 21% | 10% | 100% | $27,260 |
Total | |||||||
Canadian-born | 4% | 21% | 36% | 23% | 16% | 100% | $29,720 |
Immigrants | 4% | 20% | 40% | 20% | 16% | 100% | $30,700 |
Immigrated before 1986 | 2% | 14% | 43% | 21% | 20% | 100% | $33,630 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 5% | 28% | 36% | 22% | 9% | 100% | $25,730 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 8% | 35% | 40% | 12% | 5% | 100% | $19,970 |
Note: Incomes are for the year 2000. In all tables in Part E, immigrants and very recent immigrants include only those who landed before the year 2000 and could have had income the entire year.
Average household income higher
In 2000, recent immigrant households in Regina had average income of $58,100, more than the households of the Canadian-born, and 89% of the income of earlier immigrant households. The income of households consisting only of very recent immigrants was two-thirds of the household income of the Canadian-born.
Households | $0 to $19,999 | $20,000 to $39,999 | $40,000 to $59,999 | $60,000 to $79,999 | $80,000 and over | Total | Average income |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canadian-born | 12,660 | 15,640 | 13,950 | 10,570 | 14,810 | 67,630 | $55,830 |
19% | 23% | 21% | 16% | 22% | 100% | ||
Earlier immigrants | 920 | 1,460 | 1,210 | 1,050 | 1,770 | 6,420 | $65,220 |
14% | 23% | 19% | 16% | 28% | 100% | ||
Recent immigrants | 370 | 460 | 510 | 340 | 490 | 2,130 | $58,120 |
20% | 21% | 22% | 16% | 22% | 100% | ||
1986-1995 immigrants | 220 | 280 | 360 | 280 | 400 | 1,490 | $62,760 |
15% | 18% | 24% | 19% | 27% | 100% | ||
1996-1999 immigrants with others | 50 | 70 | 90 | 40 | 60 | 310 | $57,300 |
19% | 22% | 21% | 16% | 20% | 100% | ||
1996-1999 immigrants only | 110 | 110 | 70 | 20 | 30 | 330 | $37,610 |
40% | 30% | 14% | 4% | 9% | 100% | ||
All households | 14,180 | 17,640 | 15,690 | 12,000 | 17,140 | 76,660 | $56,610 |
18% | 23% | 20% | 16% | 22% | 100% |
Note: Incomes are for the year 2000. In all tables in Part E, immigrants and very recent immigrants include only those who landed before the year 2000 and could have had income the entire year. The total “All households” includes households of non-permanent residents not shown in the table. For definitions of household and related concepts, see the Glossary.
The share of households that have income of less than $20,000 is smaller for recent immigrant households than for Canadian-born households. This may be influenced by the larger size of recent immigrant households and the fact that there are other members of the household who can participate in the labour market.
High incidence of low income among very recent immigrants
Recent immigrants are more likely than earlier immigrants and the Canadian-born to live in families with incomes that fall below the overall median family income, or if they do not live in families, to have income below the median for unattached individuals. They are also more likely to live in families with incomes below one-half of the median income—that is, to have low income. Two-thirds of very recent immigrants have income below the median. The share of very recent immigrants who have low income is nearly three times as large as that of the Canadian-born. The percentage of immigrants with income in the bottom half or quarter of the income distribution declines in relation to the immigrant cohort’s length of stay in Canada.
Under 15 years | 15 to 24 years | 25 to 64 years | 65 years and over | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | |||||
Canadian-born | 9,260 | 7,140 | 11,940 | 14,540 | 42,870 |
Immigrants | 100 | 230 | 940 | 2,230 | 3,500 |
Immigrated before 1986 | - | 50 | 340 | 2,000 | 2,400 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 70 | 120 | 360 | 200 | 710 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 40 | 60 | 250 | 30 | 390 |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | 9,920 | 6,390 | 9,960 | 11,000 | 37,260 |
Immigrants | 140 | 270 | 830 | 1,870 | 3,130 |
Immigrated before 1986 | - | 80 | 330 | 1,590 | 2,000 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 70 | 150 | 330 | 230 | 780 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 80 | 50 | 170 | 60 | 350 |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | 19,180 | 13,520 | 21,900 | 25,540 | 80,120 |
Immigrants | 240 | 500 | 1,770 | 4,100 | 6,620 |
Immigrated before 1986 | - | 130 | 670 | 3,590 | 4,400 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 130 | 260 | 690 | 430 | 1,490 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 110 | 110 | 410 | 90 | 740 |
Women | |||||
Canadian-born | 51% | 50% | 41% | 67% | 48% |
Immigrants | 37% | 54% | 45% | 66% | 51% |
Immigrated before 1986 | - | 56% | 41% | 67% | 52% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 43% | 47% | 45% | 55% | 45% |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 29% | 75% | 69% | 25% | 62% |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | 51% | 45% | 37% | 64% | 44% |
Immigrants | 65% | 52% | 40% | 64% | 48% |
Immigrated before 1986 | - | 56% | 35% | 64% | 45% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 65% | 45% | 48% | 50% | 50% |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 65% | 83% | 60% | 100% | 66% |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | 51% | 47% | 39% | 66% | 46% |
Immigrants | 49% | 53% | 42% | 65% | 50% |
Immigrated before 1986 | - | 56% | 38% | 66% | 49% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 52% | 46% | 47% | 53% | 47% |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 47% | 79% | 65% | 67% | 64% |
Note: Incomes are for the year 2000. In all tables in Part E, immigrants and very recent immigrants include only those who landed before the year 2000 and could have had income the entire year. For a definition of median income and details about the calculations, see the Glossary.
The proportion of individuals with income below the median varies with age, and to a lesser extent gender. In all age and gender groups, the proportion of persons with income below the overall median is much higher among very recent immigrants than among the Canadian-born.
Forty percent of very recent immigrants who landed between 1996 and 1999 have low incomes or live in low-income families. Compared to the Canadian-born, the likelihood of these very recent immigrants living in this type of situation is nearly three times as large. For all age groups, the incidence of low incomes is much greater among very recent immigrants than among the Canadian-born.
Figure E-1: Immigrants by period of immigration and Canadian-born—percentage with family or individual income below the median and below one-half of the median, Regina Census Metropolitan Area, 2000
Note: Incomes are for the year 2000. In all figures in Part E, immigrants and very recent immigrants include only those who landed before the year 2000 and could have had income the entire year. For a definition of median income and details about the calculations, see the Glossary.
Under 15 years | 15 to 24 years | 25 to 64 years | 65 years and over | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Women | |||||
Canadian-born | 3,930 | 3,590 | 4,560 | 3,490 | 15,570 |
Immigrants | 60 | 70 | 340 | 680 | 1,160 |
Immigrated before 1986 | - | 10 | 70 | 560 | 640 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 20 | 30 | 120 | 100 | 280 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 40 | 40 | 160 | 20 | 240 |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | 4,060 | 2,540 | 3,140 | 3,280 | 13,000 |
Immigrants | 100 | 100 | 270 | 580 | 1,040 |
Immigrated before 1986 | - | 20 | 80 | 450 | 560 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 30 | 50 | 100 | 90 | 270 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 70 | 30 | 90 | 40 | 210 |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | 7,980 | 6,130 | 7,690 | 6,770 | 28,570 |
Immigrants | 150 | 170 | 610 | 1,260 | 2,200 |
Immigrated before 1986 | - | 30 | 150 | 1,010 | 1,200 |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 50 | 70 | 210 | 190 | 550 |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 100 | 70 | 250 | 60 | 450 |
Women | |||||
Canadian-born | 22% | 25% | 15% | 11% | 17% |
Immigrants | 20% | 17% | 17% | 15% | 17% |
Immigrated before 1986 | - | 11% | 14% | 14% | 14% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 13% | 10% | 17% | 23% | 18% |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 29% | 44% | 44% | 50% | 38% |
Men | |||||
Canadian-born | 21% | 18% | 12% | 17% | 15% |
Immigrants | 44% | 18% | 13% | 18% | 16% |
Immigrated before 1986 | - | 15% | 10% | 17% | 13% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 30% | 14% | 15% | 33% | 17% |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 57% | 50% | 37% | 40% | 40% |
Total | |||||
Canadian-born | 21% | 21% | 13% | 14% | 16% |
Immigrants | 31% | 18% | 15% | 16% | 16% |
Immigrated before 1986 | - | 13% | 12% | 15% | 13% |
Immigrated 1986-1995 | 20% | 12% | 16% | 26% | 17% |
Immigrated 1996-1999 | 43% | 46% | 41% | 44% | 39% |
Note: Incomes are for the year 2000. In all tables in Part E, immigrants and very recent immigrants include only those who landed before the year 2000 and could have had income the entire year. For a definition of median income and details about the calculations, see the Glossary.
Page details
- Date modified: