Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021
Private household

Definition

Private household refers to a person or group of persons who occupy the same dwelling and do not have a usual place of residence elsewhere in Canada or abroad. The household universe is divided into two sub‑universes on the basis of whether the household is occupying a collective dwelling or a private dwelling. The latter is a private household.

For census purposes, households are classified into three groups: private households, collective households and households outside Canada.

Unless otherwise specified, all data in census products are for private households only.

Statistical unit(s)

• Not applicable

Classification(s)

• Not applicable

Reported in

2021, 2016, 2011, 2006, 2001, 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971, 1966 and 1961

Reported for

Question number(s)

Responses

Remarks

For more information, refer to the Census Dictionary: Collective household, Household outside Canada and Usual place of residence.

The number of private households is equal to the number of occupied private dwellings in the 2021, 2016, 2011, 2006, 2001, 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981 and 1976 censuses (see the definition 'Private dwelling occupied by usual residents' in the Census Dictionary).

In certain instances, there may be private households occupying dwellings that are located within collective grounds or attached to a collective dwelling structure. In these cases, the living quarters are considered as private dwellings inhabited by private households.