Are you still in the middle class in Canada?

The concept of the middle class in Canada is often debated, but it’s generally defined by income levels

According to Statistics Canada, a middle-class income ranges from $53,359 to $106,717 annually.

This means that if you’re earning between 75% and 200% of the median household income after tax, you’re likely considered middle-class

However, being middle class isn’t just about income. It’s also about lifestyle and financial stability ?

Many middle-class Canadians aspire to own a home, have a car, save for retirement, and take regular vacations. These markers of financial security are often seen as indicators of middle-class status.

But how do you compare? The average pre-tax income in Canada is around $72,000, with the median after-tax income being $66,800 1. If your income falls within the middle-class range, you’re in good company with many Canadians.

It’s important to note that regional differences can affect these numbers. For example, the cost of living in Toronto is higher than in smaller cities or rural areas, which can impact what it means to be middle class in different parts of the country.

So, are you still in the middle class?

Common traits of the middle class

• Steady Jobs: Middle-class individuals are often perceived to hold stable jobs that provide a reliable income.
• Educational Attainment: They typically have at least a college or university degree, viewing education as a key to maintaining or improving their socioeconomic status.
• Moderate Income: They usually earn enough to live comfortably but not extravagantly.
• Conservative with Spending: They are often portrayed as being financially cautious, focusing on saving and living within a budget.
• Suburban Living: They are commonly associated with living in suburban areas.
• Work Ethic and Family Values: Strong work ethics, a belief in upward mobility through effort and merit, and a focus on family values—especially regarding children’s education and extracurricular activities—are seen as defining characteristics.

My perspective on the middle class; fact or fiction?

I believe that the concept of the middle class is highly subjective. Where I come from, I’m considered part of the middle class.

I grew up in a well-furnished five-bedroom house duplex with a swimming pool, and a spacious backyard farm.. My two siblings and I attended prestigious primary and secondary schools and undergraduate studies abroad.

We watched our mother work really hard to climb the corporate ladder. Today, she is a top bank executive.

People of lesser financial or social standing would classify my family as “rich or middle class. While others of much higher status may think differently.

So, at the end of the day, the whole concept of middle class is a juxtaposition of perception and reality—and perhaps a small dose of wishful thinking.

By Chidera Angel Okpoko