‘Invisible poor’: Middle-income households making up to $125K annually getting squeezed out of the GTHA: report
Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Economic Development Finance Year in ReviewSummary
This CP24 article highlights CivicAction’s research on the deepening affordability crisis in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), where even working middle-class households making $40,000 to $125,000 annually are being priced out. These households, also known as the “invisible poor” due to their employment and perceived financial capabilities, are spending 45-63% of their income towards housing, but earn too much to qualify for housing support programs.
Over the past decade, more than 500,000 households relocated outside of the GTHA, with nearly 31,000 leaving Ontario entirely. With Toronto’s rent-to-income ratio at 11.8, many are one paycheque away from financial distress. This instability is reflected in rising food bank usage, growing dissatisfaction with housing and commutes, and diminishing workforces. Businesses are struggling to attract and retain skilled workers, leading to reduced service quality and billions in lost productivity. CivicAction urges coordinated action across sectors and governments to address the affordability crisis.