Alberta Poverty and Income Distribution Dashboard

Alberta low income measure based on the Canadian Income Survey This dashboard presents low income indicators using data from Statistics Canada's Canadian Income Survey (CIS), covering 2018 to 2024. Results are available for Alberta, a selection of other provinces, and selected census metropolitan areas (CMAs) across Canada. The Canadian Income Survey dashboard is best suited for analyzing low income over time across larger geographic areas. What this dashboard measures The analysis uses the Low Income Measure (LIM), a relative threshold defining low income as falling below 50% of median adjusted household income. The adjustment accounts for the varying needs of families, based on their size and makeup. For instance, while two people living together generally face higher housing costs than someone living alone, their combined costs are not necessarily double, since sharing allows for some savings through economies of scale. Four indicators are tracked: Low income: below LIM50 (the core low income threshold) Shallow poverty: between LIM40 and LIM50 Deep poverty: below LIM40 At risk of poverty: between LIM50 and LIM60 Together, these thresholds capture both the incidence and depth of low income. The shallow, deep, and at-risk classifications follow methodologies used by established academic and policy institutions, including Eurostat and the Canadian Poverty Institute. Province-specific thresholds Statistics Canada calculates LIM thresholds using national-level income data. This dashboard uses custom tabulations of the CIS to produce a province-specific LIM, where thresholds are based on provincial median income rather than the national median. This approach better reflects local income conditions and allows for more meaningful comparisons within and across provinces. The Canadian Income Survey (CIS) This dashboard uses custom tabulations from Statistics Canada’s Canadian Income Survey (CIS), a national survey that collects detailed income information for Canadians. The latest available data are for 2023, with the release of 2024 data in Spring 2026. Indicators are broken down by age group, gender, and other demographic characteristics, enabling targeted analysis of populations disproportionately affected by low income, including children, seniors, and working-age adults. Important limitations Poverty is a multidimensional phenomenon. No single income-based indicator fully captures the experience of poverty across diverse geographies and populations. These thresholds are intended strictly for analytical purposes, such as estimating low income incidence rates and informing research. The Alberta Office of Statistics and Information (OSI) does not recommend their use for determining eligibility for government assistance, benefits, or means-tested programs. Last updated: May 30, 2026

Alberta low income measure based on the Census of Population This dashboard presents low income indicators using data from Statistics Canada's Census of Population for 2021. Results are available for Alberta, and selected census metropolitan areas (CMAs) and Census Divisions (CDs) within Alberta. The Census of Population dashboard is suitable for analyzing detailed information within small areas and demographic groups, in a single point in time. What this dashboard measures The analysis uses the Low Income Measure (LIM), a relative threshold defining low income as falling below 50% of median adjusted household income. The adjustment accounts for the varying needs of families, based on their size and makeup. For instance, while two people living together generally face higher housing costs than someone living alone, their combined costs are not necessarily double, since sharing allows for some savings through economies of scale. Four indicators are tracked: Low income: below LIM50, the core low income threshold Shallow poverty: between LIM40 and LIM50 Deep poverty: below LIM40 At risk of poverty: between LIM50 and LIM60 Together, these thresholds capture both the incidence and depth of low income. The shallow, deep, and at-risk classifications follow methodologies used by established academic and policy institutions, including Eurostat and the Canadian Poverty Institute. Province-specific thresholds Statistics Canada calculates LIM thresholds using national-level income data. This dashboard uses custom tabulations of the Census of Population to produce an Alberta-specific LIM, where thresholds are based on provincial median income rather than the national median. This approach better reflects local income conditions and allows for more meaningful comparisons. The Census of Population The Census of Population provides a detailed statistical portrait of Canada and is the main national source of socioeconomic information for detailed population groups and small geographies. It is conducted every five years. For the 2021 Census, income and low income indicators refer to the 2020 calendar year. Important limitations Poverty is a multidimensional phenomenon. No single income-based indicator fully captures the experience of poverty across diverse geographies and populations. Census-based indicators are especially useful for spatial and demographic analysis, but they are less suitable for tracking year-to-year change because the Census of Population is only conducted every five years. These thresholds are intended strictly for analytical purposes, such as estimating low-income incidence rates and informing research. The Alberta Office of Statistics and Information (OSI) does not recommend their use for determining eligibility for government assistance, benefits, or means-tested programs. Last updated: May 30, 2026

Alberta Official Poverty based on the Market Basket Measure This dashboard presents low income indicators using data from Statistics Canada's Market Basket Measure, Canada's Official Poverty line since 2018. Results are available for provinces and selected regions across Canada. What this dashboard measures The analysis uses the Market Basket Measure, Canada's official poverty line. It is an absolute measure of poverty based on the cost of a basket of goods and services needed for a modest, basic standard of living, developed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The basket covers food, clothing, footwear, transportation, communication services and other expenses for a reference family of two adults and two children. The thresholds consider the regional cost of living differences across Canada, being priced for 65 regions across Canada. These thresholds are then compared to equivalized disposable income to determine low income status. The Poverty Reduction Act (2019) mandates regular reviews of the basket to reflect current standards of living. This dashboard reports on the 2023-base MBM, reflecting consumption patterns in 2023. For more information on 2023-base MBM, please consult Statistics Canada's analytical paper. For data specific to Alberta, please consult publications on the Market Basket Measure from the Alberta Office of Statistics and Information. Important limitations Poverty is a multidimensional phenomenon. No single income-based indicator fully captures the experience of poverty across diverse geographies and populations. These thresholds are intended strictly for analytical purposes, such as estimating low income incidence rates and informing research. The Alberta Office of Statistics and Information (OSI) does not recommend their use for determining eligibility for government assistance, benefits, or means-tested programs. Last updated: June 09, 2026