Hamilton is a growing city in Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe region, historically known as “Steel City” and now evolving into a more diversified economy. Hamilton offers lower housing costs than neighbouring Toronto while maintaining reasonable access to the GTA job market.
Household income data on this page is from Statistics Canada’s 2021 Census, Focus on Geography Series, which reports median after-tax household income by Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) for the 2020 reference year — the most recent year Statistics Canada has published this figure at the city level. Individual income data is from StatCan’s taxfiler Table 11-10-0008-01 (2023 reference year). For the province-wide figure, see our Ontario income guide.
Median household income in Hamilton
| Metric | Hamilton (CMA) | Canada (all CMAs) |
|---|---|---|
| Median After-Tax Income of Households (2020) | $80,000 | $73,000 |
| Median After-Tax Income of Households (2015) | $71,500 | $66,500 |
| Change, 2015–2020 | +11.9% | +9.8% |
| Median Individual Income (2023) | $47,310 | $44,200 |
Sources: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population, Focus on Geography Series, “Median after-tax income of households,” Hamilton (CMA), 2015 to 2020 (2020 constant dollars); and Table 11-10-0008-01 (individual income, 2023 reference year).
Hamilton’s median household income grew 11.9% between 2015 and 2020, faster than the national CMA average, and remained above the national figure of $73,000. Interestingly, Hamilton’s median individual income ($47,310, 2023) is now higher than Toronto’s ($41,900), even though Toronto’s household income runs higher — a reflection of household composition and sector mix rather than a simple income gap. Ontario’s more recent (2024) province-wide median after-tax income was $79,500 — see our Ontario income guide for that figure.
Income vs. housing affordability in Hamilton
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income (2020, StatCan) | $80,000 |
| MLS HPI Benchmark Home Price, Hamilton-Burlington (current, July 2026) | $728,200 |
| Price-to-Income Ratio | ~9.1× |
This ratio compares a 2020 household income figure to a 2026 home price and should be read as directional. Many Hamilton residents commute to Toronto for higher-paying jobs while benefiting from lower home prices. Compare to Toronto at ~11.9× or Ottawa at ~8.1×.
How Hamilton compares to other Ontario cities
| City | Median Household Income (2020, StatCan) | Current Avg./Benchmark Home Price | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | $85,000 | $1,010,836 (July 2026) | ~11.9× |
| Ottawa | $84,000 | $683,308 (July 2026) | ~8.1× |
| Hamilton | $80,000 | $728,200 (July 2026) | ~9.1× |
| London | $71,000 | $554,900 (July 2026) | ~7.8× |
Use our mortgage affordability calculator to see what you can afford today.
Key industries driving Hamilton income
- Steel and manufacturing — ArcelorMittal Dofasco and Stelco are major employers, with advanced manufacturing expanding into aerospace and automotive parts
- Healthcare — McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton Health Sciences, and St. Joseph’s Healthcare create a major healthcare employment cluster
- Education — McMaster University and Mohawk College
- Life sciences — A growing biotech and pharmaceutical sector clustered around McMaster’s research facilities
- Logistics and port — Hamilton’s port and proximity to major highways support warehousing and distribution
- GTA commuter economy — Many Hamilton residents work in Toronto’s financial and professional services sectors, commuting via GO Transit
Rental affordability in Hamilton
The average rent for a 1-bedroom purpose-built apartment in Hamilton was approximately $1,350/month as of the CMHC Rental Market Survey (October 2025) — 20–30% below Toronto levels. See our Hamilton rental market page for the full breakdown, and our rent affordability calculator for a personalized estimate.
Income trends in Hamilton
Hamilton has undergone significant economic evolution:
- 2010–2015 — Steel industry contraction continued, but healthcare and education sectors grew. McMaster Innovation Park attracted tech companies.
- 2016–2019 — Housing prices surged as Toronto buyers discovered Hamilton’s relative affordability
- 2020–2021 — Pandemic accelerated Toronto-to-Hamilton migration, with remote work making the commute irrelevant for many
- 2022–2025 — Home prices corrected from their peak. The local economy diversified further into life sciences and logistics
Hamilton has transitioned from a net exporter of commuters toward a city increasingly able to provide local high-paying employment, particularly in healthcare, tech, and advanced manufacturing. Estimate your Hamilton take-home pay with our income tax calculator or salary calculator.
Related tools and resources
- Hamilton Housing Market — Current home prices and trends
- Hamilton Rental Market — Current average rents and vacancy rates
- Ontario Mortgage Rates — Find the best rates
- Ontario Land Transfer Tax Calculator — Calculate your closing costs
- Income Percentile Calculator — See where your income ranks
- Mortgage Affordability Calculator — How much home can you afford