Family household composition (dwelling) (HCFMD)

Latest release
Census of Population and Housing: Census dictionary
Reference period
2026

Definition

This variable counts the types of families living in each family household at the dwelling level. In multi family households, only the primary family’s composition is recorded. 

Scope

Occupied private dwellings 

Categories

Categories for family household composition (dwelling) (HCFMD)

Question(s) from the Census form

What is the person’s relationship to person 1/person 2?

For each person away, complete the following questions:

How this variable is created

This variable is derived from the family composition (FMCF) and household composition (HHCD) variables. 

FMCF is used to identify the family structure for the primary family in the household, such as couple families with and without children, and lone parent families. 

HHCD provides information on the number of family units in the household. 

History and changes

This variable was first introduced in 2011. 

In 2026, this variable changed from a two to three digit structure. New categories were added, increasing the highest category from ‘Three or more family household’ to ‘Five or more family household’. 

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