I think it would be more accurate to say that the people driving this hatred no longer care about being socially acceptable.
Are those numbers for wildfire firefighters? My brother is a crew lead in Alberta and he isn't making that much...
Speaking as someone from rural Nova Scotia, I have to disagree with you slightly. Transit in major urban areas may be some of the best, but there are basically no transit options for most rural areas. 100% agree with you on housing though!