MLHU - Health Status Resource

Visible Minority and Immigrant Populations

The visible minority population of Middlesex-London included 76,460 people or 17.0% of the total population in 2016.  This was much lower than Ontario overall (29.3%) (Figure 1.7.1).

The five visible minority groups with the largest populations in Middlesex-London in order of size were: Arab, South Asian, Black, Chinese, Latin American. Middlesex-London had a higher percent of the population identifying themselves as Arab and Latin American than the province overall (Figure 1.7.1).

The proportion of people identifying themselves as a visible minority increased since 1996 in Middlesex-London, although at a lower rate of change than Ontario overall (Figure 1.7.2)

Immigrants in Middlesex-London made up 20.3% of the population in 2016, similar to the 19.4% in 2011¹, but much lower compared to 29.1% in Ontario in 2016 (Figure 1.7.3).

The percent of recent immigrants (those who arrived between 2011 to 2016) as a percent of all immigrants (12.9%) in Middlesex-London was similar compared to Ontario (12.3%). More immigrants in Middlesex-London reported coming to Canada in the previous five years than in any other five-year interval (Figure 1.7.3).

Almost two-thirds of immigrants in Middlesex-London have been in Canada for more than 15 years (65.3%) compared to 62.9% in Ontario (Figure 1.7.3).

Maps (Figures 1.7.4 and 1.7.5) show how the percent of the visible minority population varies within the City of London and County of Middlesex.  Within the City of London, there are specific areas where a higher concentration of people who are visible minorities live. These areas include West London/ Medway, Oakridge and White Oaks. Figures 1.7.6 and 1.7.7 show how the percent of people who recently immigrated to Canada between 2001 and 2006 vary within the City of London and County of Middlesex.  Recent immigrants are also more concentrated within the City of London, however, there are some notable areas of concentration outside the City.

Interpretive notes:

In general, the health of immigrants tends to be better than that of the overall population.² This is largely due to the fact that immigrants must generally be healthy to immigrate and often have better diets and health behaviours initially than the Ontario population. However, the “healthy immigrant effect” varies across the life-course and resettlement may create vulnerabilities that may require tailored public health services to reduce health risks and promote well-being.

Figure 1.7.1: Visible minority status and group affiliation

Figure 1.7.2: Visible minority status time trends

Figure 1.7.3: Immigrant status and period of immigration

Figure 1.7.4: Visible minority population by dissemination area

Figure 1.7.5: Visible minority population by dissemination area

Figure 1.7.6: Recent immigrant population (immigrated to Canada 2011-2016) by dissemination area

Figure 1.7.7: Recent immigrant population (immigrated to Canada 2011-2016) by dissemination area