… of the Simcoe Muskoka population live in low income*.

Our health is determined by a lot of things, but research shows that money is the most important. That’s because it influences other living conditions, including access to health services, education, safe and affordable housing, and nutritious, affordable food. Having money can also contribute to a sense of community belonging, which is also connected to health. People with less money have higher rates of chronic disease, use the health care system more often, and are more likely to die earlier than those with more money.

* low income is based on the Statistics Canada variable Low Income Measure After-Tax (LIM-AT). The LIM is defined as half the median household income, after taxes. A person whose income is below that level is said to be in low income. The LIM is adjusted for household size.