Canadian Rental Housing Index (2023 Update)
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This project updated and expanded the Canadian Rental Housing Index (CRHI), the most comprehensive database of rental housing statistics for over 800 geographies across Canada, incorporating 2021 census data and new dashboards to address critical data gaps.
Jump to Research OutputsHow can rental housing data across Canada be made more accessible and usable for policy and research?
The CRHI is an interactive website that turns census data into user-friendly, shareable statistics, addressing longstanding challenges in accessing and interpreting rental housing data in Canada.
Project Lead(s):
Home Organization:
BC Non-profit Housing Association
Other Participants:
Community Partner:
BC Non-Profit Housing Association
Funding Stream:
Comparative Project
Project Status:
Complete
Background
This project extended the CRHI, previously based on 2016 census data, by integrating 2021 census data and new datasets on vulnerable renter populations, and by enhancing analytical capacity through dashboards and comparison tools. It also aimed to strengthen links between data and research by incorporating academic perspectives and producing technical and research outputs, including through a Research Assistant placement intended to extend the Index’s usefulness and reach and to support closer integration between non-profit and university researchers.
Methodology
This project used data integration and platform development to expand the CRHI. First, it integrated new variables from the 2021 census, including dwelling condition, gender+, subsidized, and racialized renter households. Second, it developed new dashboards and a 2016-2021 comparison tool to enable users to analyze changes in rental housing conditions over time. Third, it supported the development of technical and research papers linking CRHI data to broader housing studies, incorporating academic perspectives through collaboration with a Research Assistant.
Results
The project produced a completed, user-friendly site that is consistently used to fulfill custom data requests for researchers, advocates, and governments, free of charge.
Research Outputs
Existing reports, presentation materials, podcasts, webinar recordings, and research summaries.
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Episode 6: The Financialization of a Housing Crisis
Podcast
Learn moreWhat can we do when big capital has taken over the landlord business?
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The Canadian Rental Housing Index
Database
Learn moreThe Index is a comprehensive database that compiles rental housing statistics for cities, regions, and provinces across Canada. See how much rent Canadians are paying in different parts of the country, compare affordability measures and find out where residents are overcrowded and severely overspending on housing.
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