Question: Who is middle class?

​The definition of Middle Class can vary greatly and it may depend on who is defining it.  Most of us probably think of ourselves as Middle Class, but are we?

The above is based on 2018 data for the Average Total Income of Individuals
 
Based on the definition from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Middle Class is defined as anywhere from 75% to 200% of the average income.  For individuals in Canada this would be between $42,000 and $130,000.
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SOURCE: Statistics Canada Table 11-10-0239-01

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A different perspective is the Total Income for a Family.  This is quite variable as there are many variations of “Family” and income into a Family.  The following diagram is based on 2018 data for the Median Income for Economic Families.

An Economic Family is defined as a group of two or more persons who live in the same dwelling and are related to each other by blood, marriage, common law, adoption or a foster relationship.
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​Using the same OECD definition of Middle Income, families of income between $62,000 and $160,000 are middle income.

SOURCE: Statistics Canada Table 11-10-0190-01