Dictionary, Census of Population, 2016
Shelter-cost-to-income ratioDictionary, Census of Population, 2016
Shelter-cost-to-income ratio

Definition

'Shelter-cost-to-income ratio' refers to the proportion of average total income of household which is spent on shelter costs.

Statistical unit(s)

Private household

Classification(s)

Shelter cost to income ratio

Reported in

2016 (25% sample); 2011^{Note 1} (30% sample); 2006, 2001, 1996, 1991, 1986 and 1981 (20% sample).

Reported for

Owner and renter households with household total income greater than zero non-farm private dwellings

Question number(s)

Derived variable: F8a), b), c), F9a), F10a), c) and e)

Responses

In the standard products, the most detailed classification is as follows:

• Spending less than 30% of income on shelter costs
  • Less than 15%
  • 15% to less than 30%
• Spending 30% or more of income on shelter costs
  • 30% to less than 50%
  • 50% or more
    • 50% to less than 100%

Remarks

The shelter-cost-to-income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly shelter costs by the average monthly total household income and multiplying the result by 100.

Prior to 2011, the term 'shelter-cost-to-income ratio' was referred to as 'owner's major payments or gross rent as a percentage of household income'.

For more information on household total income, see total income.

See also the 'Remarks' under shelter cost.

Note