Trends in the wealth gap between immigrant and Canadian-born families from 2016 to 2023

Max Stick, Christoph Schimmele, Stephane Arabackyj, Jianwei Zhong and Feng Hou

Economic and Social Reports from Statistics Canada, Analytical Studies and Modelling Branch

Abstract: This study examines trends in wealth gaps among Canadian-born and immigrant families. Canadian-born families held double the median wealth of recent immigrant families in 2016 and 2023, particularly among families where the major income earner lacked a university degree. By contrast, established immigrant families experienced gains, surpassing Canadian-born families in median wealth by 2023, with this advantage concentrated among families without a university degree. Established immigrant families with a university-educated major income earner continued to trail their Canadian-born counterparts, but this wealth gap narrowed over time. Across all groups, equity in principal residences was the primary source of wealth. Recent immigrant families held less housing equity than Canadian-born families, while established immigrant families held more. Pension assets were lower among both immigrant groups, with a persistent gap for recent immigrant families and a reduced gap for established immigrant families.

Keywords: Trends in the wealth gap; immigrant and Canadian-born families (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J23 M21 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-03-25
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:stc:stcp8e:202600300002e

DOI: 10.25318/36280001202600300002-eng

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