New insights on affordability: Update on housing hardship from the 2021 census

This report by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) examines the limitations of the shelter-cost-to-income ratio in evaluating housing affordability and introduces the concept of housing hardship, focusing on residual income after housing expenses. Key findings reveal that subsidized renters faced higher rates of financial strain in 2021 compared to non-subsidized renters, and certain demographic groups, such as lone-parent and immigrant-led households, were more likely to experience hardship.
Topics include: housing affordability, subsidized housing, and demographic impacts