In any community, public policy, social health, and economic well-being are intricately linked. Still, there is disagreement on how these factors influence each other and how to use public policy and social programs to bring about positive change.

Labour force participation and minimum wage tell us something about the percentage of the population that is working, and how much employers are paying for labour. Alberta Works benefit rates reflect the standard of living for those on the economic margins. Some data shows us what it costs to live, such as the Consumer Price Index and average rents. Other data indicate people’s capacity to earn an income and maintain a decent standard of living. Low-income data gives an indication of the proportion of the population that live on incomes that are insufficient to cover the costs of living.

The data presented helps to answer the following questions:

• How is Edmonton’s population changing?
• Have opportunities to make a living increased?
• How has the cost of living changed?
• Has the cost of living become more affordable?
• What is the living wage?
• Has social equality improved?
• What groups within the population experience inequities, and how deep are the inequities they experience?
• Are disadvantaged people receiving the support they need to improve their situation?

Despite the upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding long- and medium-term trends helps us to contextualize our current situation. Challenges such as poverty, housing and homelessness, and maintaining strong public health and education will persist long after the virus has been eradicated.

Trend directions and values in this tracker are assigned based on longer time-frames of 10 or more years, as well as shorter-term fluctuations. 

This tracker includes charts relating to both the City of Edmonton and Edmonton CMA. Edmonton city refers to the municipal city limits, whereas Edmonton CMA includes the surrounding counties such as Sturgeon, Parkland, Leduc, and Strathcona.