Attachment C - Quarterly Residential Vacancies and Homeownership, Quarter 4, 2019

FOR RELEASE AT 10:00 AM EDT, Thursday, January 30, 2020

QUARTERLY RESIDENTIAL VACANCIES AND HOMEOWNERSHIP,
FOURTH QUARTER 2019
Release Number: CB20-05
January 30, 2020 — The U.S. Census Bureau announced the following residential vacancies and homeownership
statistics for the fourth quarter 2019:
RESIDENTIAL VACANCIES
AND HOMEOWNERSHIP
FOURTH QUARTER 2019
6.4%

Homeowner Vacancy Rate

1.4%

Homeownership Rate

Figure 1. Quarterly Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates for the United States: 1996-2019

11
10

Recession
Rental Vacancy Rate

9

Percent

Rental Vacancy Rate

12

8
7
6
5
4

65.1%

3

Homeowner Vacancy Rate

2

Next release: April 28, 2020

1

Data are not adjusted for seasonality.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau,
Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020

0

1998

2001

2004

2007

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020.
Recession data: National Bureau of Economic Research,

2010

2013

2016

2019

National vacancy rates in the fourth quarter 2019 were 6.4 percent for rental housing and 1.4 percent for
homeowner housing. The rental vacancy rate of 6.4 percent was not statistically different from the rate in the
fourth quarter 2018 (6.6 percent), but 0.4 percentage points lower than the rate in the third quarter 2019 (6.8
percent). The homeowner vacancy rate of 1.4 percent was not statistically different from the rate in the fourth
quarter 2018 (1.5 percent) and virtually unchanged from the rate in the third quarter 2019.
The homeownership rate of 65.1 percent was not statistically different from the rate in the fourth quarter 2018
(64.8 percent) nor from the rate in the third quarter 2019 (also 64.8 percent).
Table 1. Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates for the United States: 2011 to 2019
Homeowner Vacancy Rate (percent)
Rental Vacancy Rate (percent)
Year
First
Second
Third
Fourth
First
Second
Third
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
2019……
2018……
2017……
2016…...
2015……
2014…...
2013……
2012……
2011…...

7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.1
8.3
8.6
8.8
9.7

6.8
6.8
7.3
6.7
6.8
7.5
8.2
8.6
9.2

6.8
7.1
7.5
6.8
7.3
7.4
8.3
8.6
9.8

6.4
6.6
6.9
6.9
7.0
7.0
8.2
8.7
9.4

1.4
1.5
1.7
1.7
1.9
2.0
2.1
2.2
2.6

1.3
1.5
1.5
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.9
2.1
2.5

1.4
1.6
1.6
1.8
1.9
1.8
1.9
1.9
2.4

Fourth
Quarter
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.8
1.9
1.9
2.1
1.9
2.3

All comparative statements in this report have undergone statistical testing, and unless otherwise noted, all comparisons are statistically significant at the 90 percent
significance level. For an explanation of how the rates are calculated, please see the Explanatory Notes at the end of the press release.
Explanations of confidence intervals and sampling variability can be found on the CPS/HVS website at:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020.

Data Inquiries
Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch
301-763-3199 / Robert Callis / Patricia Holley
[email protected]

Media Inquiries
Public Information Office
301-763-3030
[email protected]

In the fourth quarter 2019, the median asking rent for vacant for rent units was $1,005.
Figure 2

Median Asking Rent for Vacant for Rent Units: 1995-2019
(Current Dollars)

Dollars ($)
1100

Recession

1000
900
800
700
600
500
400

1998

2001

2004

2007

2010

2013

2016

2019

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020
Recession data: National Bureau of Economic Research,

In the fourth quarter 2019, the median asking sales price for vacant for sale units was $226,800.
Figure 3

Median Asking Sales Price for Vacant for Sale Units: 1995-2019

Dollars ($)
250,000

(Current Dollars)

Recession

225,000
200,000
175,000
150,000
125,000
100,000
75,000
50,000

1998

2001

2004

2007

2010

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020
Recession data: National Bureau of Economic Research,

2013

2016

2019

1. Median asking rent and median asking sales price data for vacant units can be found in Historical Table 11A/B at
2. The data in figures 2 and 3 are not adjusted for price changes.

Data Inquiries
Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch
301-763-3199 / Robert Callis / Patricia Holley
[email protected]

Media Inquiries
Public Information Office
301-763-3030
[email protected]

The fourth quarter 2019 rental vacancy outside Metropolitan Statistical Areas (7.4 percent) was higher than
the rate in the suburbs (5.9 percent), but not statistically different from the rate in principal cities (6.7
percent). The rental vacancy rates in principal cities, in the suburbs, and outside MSAs were not statistically
different from the fourth quarter 2018 rates.
The homeowner vacancy rate in outside MSAs (1.6 percent) was higher than the rate in the suburbs (1.3
percent), but not statistically different from the rate in principal cities (1.5 percent). The homeowner vacancy
rate in the suburbs was lower than the fourth quarter 2018 rate, while rates in principal cities and outside
MSAs were not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2018 rates.
The fourth quarter 2019 rental vacancy rate was highest in the South (8.2 percent) followed by the Midwest
(6.8 percent), the Northeast (5.2 percent), and the West (4.4 percent). The rental vacancy rates in each region
were not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2018 rates.
The homeowner vacancy rate in the South (1.6 percent) was higher than in the Northeast (1.3 percent) and
the West (1.2 percent), but not statistically different from the Midwest (1.3 percent). Homeowner vacancy
rates in the Northeast, Midwest, and West were not statistically different from each other. The homeowner
vacancy rates in each region were not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2018 rates.
Table 2. Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates by Area and Region: Fourth Quarter 2018 and 2019
Rental Vacancy Rates (percent)
Homeowner Vacancy Rates (percent)
Area/Region

United States.....…..…..
Inside Metropolitan
Statistical Areas....…....
...In principal cities….…
...Not in principal
...cities (suburbs) ……...
Outside Metropolitan
Statistical Areas ……….
Northeast.........…….....
Midwest...........…...…..
South...............…………
West................…………

Margins of Errora

Fourth
Quarter
2018

Fourth
Quarter
2019

of
2019 rate

6.6

6.4

6.4
6.9

Margins of Errora

of
difference

Fourth
Quarter
2018

Fourth
Quarter
2019

of
2019 rate

of
difference

0.2

0.3

1.5

1.4

0.1

0.1

6.3
6.7

0.3
0.4

0.3
0.5

1.4
1.5

1.3
1.5

0.1
0.2

0.1
0.2

5.9

5.9

0.4

0.5

1.4

1.3

0.1

0.1

8.2

7.4

0.8

1.0

1.5

1.6

0.3

0.3

5.1
7.1
8.5
4.5

5.2
6.8
8.2
4.4

0.5
0.7
0.4
0.4

0.7
1.0
0.6
0.6

1.5
1.3
1.7
1.2

1.3
1.3
1.6
1.2

0.2
0.2
0.1
0.2

0.3
0.3
0.2
0.2

A margin of error is a measure of an estimate’s reliability. The larger the margin of error in relation to the size of the estimate, the less reliable the estimate. This
number, when added to and subtracted from the estimate, forms the 90 percent confidence interval.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020.
a

Data Inquiries
Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch
301-763-3199 / Robert Callis / Patricia Holley
[email protected]

Media Inquiries
Public Information Office
301-763-3030
[email protected]

Approximately 88.5 percent of the housing units in the United States in the fourth quarter 2019 were occupied
and 11.5 percent were vacant. Owner-occupied housing units made up 57.6 percent of total housing units,
while renter-occupied units made up 30.9 percent of the inventory in the fourth quarter 2019. Vacant yearround units comprised 8.9 percent of total housing units, while 2.6 percent were for seasonal use.
Approximately 2.1 percent of the total units were for rent, 0.8 percent were for sale only and 0.7 percent were
rented or sold but not yet occupied. Vacant units that were held off market comprised 5.2 percent of the total
housing stock -- 1.5 percent were for occasional use, 0.9 percent were temporarily occupied by persons with
usual residence elsewhere (URE) and 2.8 percent were vacant for a variety of other reasons.
Table 3. Estimates of the Total Housing Inventory for the United States: Fourth Quarter 2018 and 2019a
(Estimates are in thousands, percent distribution may not add to total due to rounding)
Margins of Errorb

Type

Fourth
Quarter
2018 (r)

Fourth
Quarter
2019

Difference
Between
Estimates

of 2019
estimate

of
difference

Percent of
total
(2019)

All housing units................

138,921

140,074

1,153

X

X

100.0

..Occupied..........................
….Owner............................
….Renter............................

122,524
79,396
43,128

123,952
80,676
43,275

1,428
1,280
147

284
506
574

370
697
776

88.5
57.6
30.9

..Vacant..............................
….Year-round.....................
…...For rent........................
…...For sale only.................
…...Rented or Sold……………
…...Held off Market……......
….....For Occ’l Use…...........
….....Temp Occ by URE…….
….....Otherc………...…………..
….Seasonal………………………

16,396
12,516
3,099
1,184
1,061
7,172
2,020
1,368
3,784
3,880

16,122
12,421
3,001
1,146
981
7,293
2,156
1,262
3,874
3,701

-274
-95
-98
-38
-80
121
136
-106
90
-179

340
299
116
70
58
236
167
123
151
224

431
359
155
89
78
278
179
148
183
247

11.5
8.9
2.1
0.8
0.7
5.2
1.5
0.9
2.8
2.6

aThe

housing inventory estimates are benchmarked to 2010 Census.
A margin of error is a measure of an estimate’s reliability. The larger the margin of error in relation to the size of the estimate, the less reliable the estimate. This
number, when added to and subtracted from the estimate, forms the 90 percent confidence interval.
cA detailed breakdown of the ‘other’ vacant category can be found in Historical Table 18
(r) Revised using vintage 2018 housing unit controls. See note below.
X Not Applicable. Since the number of housing units is set equal to an independent national measure, there is no sampling error, and hence no confidence interval.
1. Since first quarter 2003, the Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey estimates have been controlled to an independent set of housing unit
estimates produced annually by the Census Bureau’s Population Division from Census 2000 and 2010 and updated using building permit data, estimates of housing
loss, and other administrative record data. Doing so makes the CPS/HVS estimates of housing units more comparable to other Census Bureau housing surveys
controlled to these census-based estimates. The housing unit controls affect the estimate of vacant units in the sense that the estimates of total occupied and vacant
units sum to the control total. Vacancy rates and homeownership rates are not affected by this change.
2. Beginning in the second quarter 2019, the housing inventory estimates are based on vintage 2018 housing unit controls that are projected forward through the
fourth quarter 2019. The fourth quarter 2019 housing inventory estimates, shown above, reflect vintage 2018 housing unit controls, benchmarked to the 2010
Census. The CPS/HVS historical table series, from the first quarter 2010 through the first quarter 2019, has also been revised based on vintage 2018 housing unit
controls. These revised estimates and additional information on terms and definitions can be found at:
3. For the methodology used in developing the housing unit estimates used for controls in the CPS/HVS, please see the Census Bureau’s Population Division
website:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020.
b

Data Inquiries
Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch
301-763-3199 / Robert Callis / Patricia Holley
[email protected]

Media Inquiries
Public Information Office
301-763-3030
[email protected]

The homeownership rate of 65.1 percent was not significantly different from the rate in the fourth quarter 2018
(64.8 percent) nor from the rate in the third quarter 2019 (also 64.8 percent).
Figure 4

Percent

70
69
68
67
66
65
64
63
62

Quarterly Homeownership Rates and Seasonally Adjusted Homeownership Rates

1998

2001
Recession

2004
2007
Homeownership Rate

2010
2013
2016
Seasonally Adjusted Homeownership Rate

2019

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020, Recession data: National Bureau of Economic Research,

Table 4. Homeownership Rates for the United States: 1997 to 2019
Homeownership Rates (percent)
Year
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Rate
MOEa
Rate
MOEa
Rate
MOEa

Fourth Quarter
Rate
MOEa

2019……..
2018……..
2017……..
2016……..
2015……..

64.2
64.2
63.6
63.5
63.7

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

64.1
64.3
63.7
62.9
63.4

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

64.8
64.4
63.9
63.5
63.7

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

65.1
64.8
64.2
63.7
63.8

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

2014……..
2013……..
2012……..
2011……..
2010……..

64.8
65.0
65.4
66.4
67.1

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

64.7
65.0
65.5
65.9
66.9

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

64.4
65.3
65.5
66.3
66.9

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

64.0
65.2
65.4
66.0
66.5

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

2009……..
2008……..
2007……..
2006……..
2005……..

67.3
67.8
68.4
68.5
69.1

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

67.4
68.1
68.2
68.7
68.6

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

67.6
67.9
68.2
69.0
68.8

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

67.2
67.5
67.8
68.9
69.0

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

2004……..
2003……..
2002b…….
2001……..
2000……..

68.6
68.0
67.8
67.5
67.1

0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3

69.2
68.0
67.6
67.7
67.2

0.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3

69.0
68.4
68.0
68.1
67.7

0.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3

69.2
68.6
68.3
68.0
67.5

0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3

1999……..
1998……..
1997……..

66.7
65.9
65.4

0.3
0.3
0.3

66.6
66.0
65.7

0.3
0.3
0.3

67.0
66.8
66.0

0.3
0.3
0.3

66.9
66.4
65.7

0.3
0.3
0.3

aA

margin of error is a measure of an estimate’s reliability. The larger the margin of error in relation to the size of the estimate, the less reliable the estimate. This
number, when added to and subtracted from the estimate, forms the 90 percent confidence interval. bRevised in 2002 to incorporate information collected in Census
2000. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020.

Data Inquiries
Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch
301-763-3199 / Robert Callis / Patricia Holley
[email protected]

Media Inquiries
Public Information Office
301-763-3030
[email protected]

Table 4SA shows the seasonally adjusted homeownership rates for the United States, from 1997 through the fourth
quarter 2019. (Research has shown that seasonality for homeownership rates is present.) When adjusted for
seasonal variation, the fourth quarter 2019 homeownership rate was not statistically different from the rate in the
fourth quarter 2018 nor the rate in the third quarter 2019.
Table 4SA. Homeownership Rates for the United States: 1997 to 2019, Seasonally Adjusteda
Homeownership Rates (percent), Seasonally Adjusted
Year
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
First Quarter
MOEb
Rate
MOEb
Rate
MOEb
Rate

Fourth Quarter
Rate
MOEb

2019……..
2018……..
2017……..
2016……..
2015……..

64.3
64.3
63.7
63.5
63.8

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

64.3
64.5
63.9
63.1
63.6

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

64.7
64.4
63.9
63.4
63.6

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

64.8
64.5
64.0
63.5
63.7

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

2014……..
2013……..
2012……..
2011……..
2010……..

64.9
65.2
65.6
66.5
67.2

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

64.8
65.1
65.6
66.0
66.9

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

64.3
65.2
65.4
66.1
66.7

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

63.9
65.1
65.3
65.9
66.5

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

2009……..
2008……..
2007……..
2006……..
2005……..

67.4
67.9
68.5
68.6
69.2

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

67.4
68.1
68.3
68.8
68.7

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

67.4
67.7
68.0
68.9
68.7

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

67.2
67.5
67.8
68.8
68.9

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

2004……..
2003……..
2002c…….
2001……..
2000……..

68.7
68.1
67.9
67.6
67.1

0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2

69.4
68.2
67.8
67.8
67.3

0.1
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2

68.9
68.3
67.9
67.9
67.5

0.1
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2

69.1
68.5
68.2
67.9
67.5

0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2

1999……..
1998……..
1997……..

66.7
66.0
65.5

0.2
0.2
0.2

66.7
66.1
65.7

0.2
0.2
0.2

66.8
66.6
65.8

0.2
0.2
0.2

66.9
66.5
65.8

0.2
0.2
0.2

aAs

new quarterly data are input, previous quarters’ seasonally adjusted homeownership rates may change.
margin of error is a measure of an estimate’s reliability. The larger the margin of error in relation to the size of the estimate, the less reliable the estimate. This
number, when added to and subtracted from the estimate, forms the 90 percent confidence interval.
cRevised in 2002 to incorporate information collected in Census 2000.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020.
bA

Data Inquiries
Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch
301-763-3199 / Robert Callis / Patricia Holley
[email protected]

Media Inquiries
Public Information Office
301-763-3030
[email protected]

The fourth quarter 2019 homeownership rate was highest in the Midwest (69.5 percent), followed by the
South (66.7 percent), the Northeast (62.3 percent) and the West (60.3 percent). The homeownership rates in
each region were not statistically different from the rates in the fourth quarter 2018.
Table 5. Homeownership Rates for the United States and Regions: 2014 to 2019
Homeownership Rates (percent)
Year/Quarter
United States
Northeast
Midwest
South
Rate
MOEa
Rate
MOEa
Rate
MOEa
Rate
MOEa

West
Rate
MOEa

2019
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

65.1
64.8
64.1
64.2

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

62.3
61.7
61.2
60.7

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.8

69.5
69.0
68.0
68.2

0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6

66.7
66.2
66.0
66.2

0.5
0.6
0.6
0.6

60.3
60.6
59.3
59.8

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

2018
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

64.8
64.4
64.3
64.2

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

61.3
61.5
61.3
60.5

0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8

69.3
69.0
68.3
67.9

0.6
0.6
0.6
0.7

66.0
65.4
65.9
66.3

0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6

60.9
60.2
59.7
59.7

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

2017
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

64.2
63.9
63.7
63.6

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

60.6
60.4
60.4
60.6

0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8

68.7
69.1
68.0
67.6

0.6
0.6
0.7
0.7

65.8
65.5
65.5
65.4

0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6

60.0
58.9
58.9
59.0

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

2016
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

63.7
63.5
62.9
63.5

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

60.4
60.8
59.2
60.4

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

68.4
68.6
67.7
68.9

1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

65.3
65.0
64.8
64.8

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

59.0
58.2
57.9
58.7

1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1

2015
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

63.8
63.7
63.4
63.7

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

61.6
60.8
60.2
61.1

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

68.1
68.1
68.4
68.6

1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

65.3
65.4
64.9
65.1

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

59.0
58.7
58.5
58.5

1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2

2014
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

64.0
64.4
64.7
64.8

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

61.9
62.3
62.1
62.4

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

68.3
68.8
69.6
69.3

1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

65.5
65.7
65.9
66.5

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

58.6
59.4
59.6
59.4

1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2

aA margin of error is a measure of an estimate’s reliability. The larger the margin of error in relation to the size of the estimate, the less reliable the estimate. This
number, when added to and subtracted from the estimate, forms the 90 percent confidence interval.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020.

Data Inquiries
Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch
301-763-3199 / Robert Callis / Patricia Holley
[email protected]

Media Inquiries
Public Information Office
301-763-3030
[email protected]

The fourth quarter 2019 homeownership rate was highest for those householders ages 65 years and over (79.0
percent) and lowest for those householders under 35 years of age (37.6 percent). The homeownership rate for
householders less than 35 years old was higher than in the fourth quarter 2018, while rates for the other age
categories were not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2018 rates.
Table 6. Homeownership Rates by Age of Householder: 2014 to 2019
Homeownership Rates (percent)
Year/Quarter
United States
Under 35 years
35 to 44 years
45 to 54 years
Rate

MOE

a

Rate

MOE

a

Rate

MOE

a

Rate

MOE

55 to 64 years
a

Rate

MOE

65 years and over
a

Rate

MOEa

2019
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

65.1
64.8
64.1
64.2

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

37.6
37.5
36.4
35.4

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

60.4
60.3
59.4
60.3

0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8

70.6
70.1
70.1
69.5

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

75.6
75.1
74.8
75.4

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

79.0
78.9
78.0
78.5

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

2018
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

64.8
64.4
64.3
64.2

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

36.5
36.8
36.5
35.3

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

61.1
59.5
60.0
59.8

0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8

70.1
69.7
70.6
70.0

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

75.5
75.6
75.1
75.4

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

78.8
78.6
78.0
78.5

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

2017
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

64.2
63.9
63.7
63.6

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

36.0
35.6
35.3
34.3

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

58.9
59.3
58.8
59.0

0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8

69.5
69.1
69.3
69.4

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

75.3
75.0
75.4
75.6

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

79.2
78.9
78.2
78.6

0.5
0.5
0.6
0.5

2016
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

63.7
63.5
62.9
63.5

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

34.7
35.2
34.1
34.2

0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8

58.7
58.4
58.3
58.9

1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

69.8
69.1
69.1
69.2

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

74.8
74.9
74.7
75.7

0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6

79.5
79.0
77.9
78.8

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

2015
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

63.8
63.7
63.4
63.7

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

34.7
35.8
34.8
34.6

0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8

59.3
58.1
58.0
58.4

1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

70.1
69.9
69.9
70.1

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

75.2
75.3
75.4
75.8

0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6

79.3
78.7
78.5
79.0

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

2014
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

64.0
64.4
64.7
64.8

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

35.3
36.0
35.9
36.2

0.8
0.9
0.9
0.9

58.8
59.1
60.2
60.7

1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

70.5
70.1
70.7
71.4

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

75.8
76.6
76.4
76.4

0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6

79.5
80.0
80.1
79.9

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

aA

margin of error is a measure of an estimate’s reliability. The larger the margin of error in relation to the size of the estimate, the less reliable the estimate. This
number, when added to and subtracted from the estimate, forms the 90 percent confidence interval.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020.

Data Inquiries
Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch
301-763-3199 / Robert Callis / Patricia Holley
[email protected]

Media Inquiries
Public Information Office
301-763-3030
[email protected]

For homeownership rates by race, the fourth quarter 2019 homeownership rate for non-Hispanic White Alone
householders reporting a single race was highest at 73.7 percent. The rate for Asian, Native Hawaiian and
Pacific Islander Alone householders was second at 57.6 percent and Black Alone householders was lowest at
44.0 percent. The homeownership rate for non-Hispanic White Alone households; Asian, Native Hawaiian, and
Pacific Islander Alone; and Black Alone householders were not statistically different from the fourth quarter
2018 rates.
The homeownership rate for Hispanic householders (who can be of any race), 48.1 percent, was not
statistically different from the fourth quarter 2018 rate.
Table 7. Homeownership Rates by Race and Ethnicity of Householder: 2016 to 2019
Homeownership Rates (percent)
All Other Races
Asian, Native,
United
Black
Non-Hispanic
Hawaiian and
Year/Quarter
Totala
States
Alone
White Alone
Rate

MOEb

Rate

MOEb

Rate

MOEb

Rate

MOEb

2019
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

65.1
64.8
64.1
64.2

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

73.7
73.4
73.1
73.2

0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4

44.0
42.7
40.6
41.1

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

55.7
56.0
55.0
53.9

2018
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

64.8
64.4
64.3
64.2

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

73.6
73.1
72.9
72.4

0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4

42.9
41.7
41.6
42.2

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

2017
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

64.2
63.9
63.7
63.6

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

72.7
72.5
72.2
71.8

0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4

42.1
42.0
42.3
42.7

2016
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

63.7
63.5
62.9
63.5

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

72.2
71.9
71.5
72.1

0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4

41.7
41.3
41.7
41.5

Pacific Islander
Alone

Hispanic
(of any race)

Rate

MOEb

Rate

MOEb

1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1

57.6
58.5
57.7
56.9

1.3
1.3
1.3
1.3

48.1
47.8
46.6
47.4

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

55.6
56.6
55.7
54.8

1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1

58.1
58.2
58.0
57.3

1.3
1.3
1.3
1.4

46.9
46.3
46.6
48.4

0.9
0.9
1.0
1.0

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

55.4
54.7
54.3
53.6

1.1
1.2
1.2
1.1

58.2
57.1
56.5
56.8

1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4

46.6
46.1
45.5
46.6

1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

53.7
53.3
51.2
53.0

1.0
1.1
1.1
1.1

56.6
55.6
53.7
55.7

1.3
1.3
1.3
1.3

46.3
47.0
45.1
45.3

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

aIncludes

people who reported Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, or American Indian or Alaska Native regardless of whether they reported any other race,
as well as all other combinations of two or more races.
b
A margin of error is a measure of an estimate’s variability. The larger the margin of error in relation to the size of the estimate, the less reliable the estimate. This
number, when added to and subtracted from the estimate, forms the 90 percent confidence interval.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020.

Data Inquiries
Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch
301-763-3199 / Robert Callis / Patricia Holley
[email protected]

Media Inquiries
Public Information Office
301-763-3030
[email protected]

The fourth quarter 2019 homeownership rate for households with family income greater than or equal to the
median family income was not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2018 rate. The rate for those
households with family income less than the median family income (51.4 percent) was higher than the fourth
quarter 2018 rate (50.7 percent).
Table 8. Homeownership Rates by Family Income: 2014 to 2019
Homeownership Rates (percent)
Households with family income
greater
than or equal to the median
United
States
Year/Quarter
family incomea

Households with family income less
than the median family incomea

Rate

MOEb

Rate

MOEb

Rate

MOEb

65.1
64.8
64.1
64.2

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

78.8
78.7
78.2
78.0

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

51.4
50.9
50.0
50.5

0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6

2018
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

64.8
64.4
64.3
64.2

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

78.9
78.2
78.3
78.3

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

50.7
50.5
50.2
50.0

0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6

2017
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

64.2
63.9
63.7
63.6

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

78.2
78.4
77.9
77.9

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

50.2
49.5
49.5
49.3

0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6

2016
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

63.7
63.5
62.9
63.5

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

78.0
77.8
77.8
78.1

0.4
0.4
0.4
0.5

49.5
49.2
48.0
48.9

0.6
0.6
0.6
0.5

2015
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

63.8
63.7
63.4
63.7

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

78.5
78.4
78.3
78.4

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

49.2
49.0
48.6
48.9

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

2014
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

64.0
64.4
64.7
64.8

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

79.0
79.3
79.5
79.8

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

49.0
49.5
49.8
49.8

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

2019
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

Based on family or primary individual income.
margin of error is a measure of an estimate’s reliability. The larger the margin of error in relation to the size of the estimate, the less reliable the estimate. This
number, when added to and subtracted from the estimate, forms the 90 percent confidence interval.
.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020.
a

bA

Data Inquiries
Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch
301-763-3199 / Robert Callis / Patricia Holley
[email protected]

Media Inquiries
Public Information Office
301-763-3030
[email protected]

The first quarter 2020 data are scheduled for release on April 28, 2020. View the full schedule in the Economic
Briefing Room: . More details can be found at
.

EXPLANATORY NOTES
The estimates in this release are based on a sample survey and therefore are subject to both sampling and nonsampling error. Sampling error is a result of not surveying the entire population. Non-sampling error occurs
because accurate information cannot always be obtained.
The sample estimate and its standard error enable one to construct a margin of error. A margin of error is a
measure of an estimate’s reliability. The larger a margin of error is in relation to the size of the estimate, the less
reliable the estimate. For example, the standard error on the estimated rental vacancy rate of 6.4 percent is 0.1473
percentage points. The margin of error, at the 90 percent confidence interval, is calculated as 1.645 x 0.1473
percent, or 0.2 percentage points. Thus the 90 percent confidence interval is from 6.2 percent to 6.6 percent. If all
possible samples were surveyed under essentially the same general conditions and the same sample design, and if
an estimate and its standard error were calculated from each sample, then approximately 90 percent of the
margins of error would include the average result of all possible samples.
In the first quarter 2017, the parameters used to calculate standard errors for rates and estimates were updated.
The factors are evaluated, and updated if necessary, after approximately 15 months of data have been collected
from a new Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey (CPS/HVS) sample following a decennial census.
The current sample has been fully phased-in since July 2015.
Since the first quarter 2003, the CPS/HVS housing inventory estimates have been controlled to independent
housing unit estimates based upon Census 2000 (2000-2009 data) and Census 2010 (2010-present data) and
updated with building permit data, estimates of housing loss, and other administrative records data. In the
second quarter 2019, the CPS/HVS revised the series of housing inventory estimates back to the first quarter
2010, based on the latest series of independent housing controls, the vintage 2018 time series. Housing
inventory estimates from the second quarter 2000 through the fourth quarter 2009 are revised based on the
vintage 2010 time series. Housing inventory estimates prior to the second quarter 2000 have not been revised.
The CPS/HVS housing inventory data series are based on the independently produced vintage 2018 housing
unit estimates that are projected forward through the fourth quarter 2019. The vintage 2018 estimates are
benchmarked to the 2010 Census. The same general procedure will be followed each year in revising housing
inventory estimates with the most up-to-date independent housing estimates available.
For an explanation of the methodology used in producing the housing inventory independent estimates,
please see:

Data Inquiries
Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch
301-763-3199 / Robert Callis / Patricia Holley
[email protected]

Media Inquiries
Public Information Office
301-763-3030
[email protected]

Note: This time series is by the latest "vintage" year. For example, vintage 2018 means that all of the estimates in
this time series are identified as belonging to "vintage 2018." The 2010 data are from the 2018 vintage, the 2011
data are from the 2018 vintage, and so on.
The CPS/HVS also began computing first-stage factors (used for weighting purposes) based on
year-round and seasonal counts of housing units from Census 2000 for the first quarter 2003. From 1980
to 2002, the CPS/HVS first-stage factors were based on year-round estimates only. The effect on the data is
slight and the change should improve the counts of year-round and seasonal units. For more information
on the effects of these changes, please see Source and Accuracy Statement at:

Beginning in the first quarter 2012, the population controls reflect the results of the 2010 Decennial Census. This
change has virtually no effect on vacancy and homeownership rates. Research has shown that the new 2010-based
controls increased the rental vacancy rate in April 2010 from 10.43 percent to 10.45 percent-a difference of less
than 1/10 of one percent. The homeowner vacancy rate remained the same at 2.63 percent, while the
homeownership rate was up from 66.67 percent to 66.74 percent.
The question on race on the CPS was modified beginning in the first quarter 2003 to comply with new standards
for federal statistical agencies. Respondents are now allowed to report one or more races. The question on
Hispanic origin is asked separately, and is asked before the question on race.
First stage factors for year-round vacant units have been corrected as of the second quarter 2004. Research has
shown that this correction had no significant effect on the vacancy rates or homeownership rates.
The rental vacancy rate is the proportion of the rental inventory that is vacant for rent. In tables 1 and 2, the rates
are computed using the following formula.
⎡
⎤
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 − 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟
⎢
⎥
𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟
⎥ ∗ 100
𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 (%) = ⎢
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 − 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟
𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅
⎢
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 − 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 ⎥
�⎥
⎢ �𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 � + � 𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 � + �
𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟
⎣
⎦
𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜
𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢

The homeowner vacancy rate is the proportion of the homeowner inventory that is vacant for sale. In tables 1 and
2 the rates are computed using the following formula.
⎡
⎤
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 − 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟
⎢
⎥
𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜
⎥ ∗ 100
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 (%) = ⎢
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 − 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟
𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂
⎢
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 − 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 ⎥
𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏
�+�
�⎥
⎢ �𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 � + �
𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜
⎣
⎦
𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜
𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢

The homeownership rate is the proportion of households that is owner-occupied. It is computed by dividing the
number of households that are occupied by owners by the total number of occupied households
(tables 4, 4SA and 5).
Data Inquiries
Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch
301-763-3199 / Robert Callis / Patricia Holley
[email protected]

Media Inquiries
Public Information Office
301-763-3030
[email protected]

𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻ℎ𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 (%) = �

𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢
� ∗ 100
𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢

For the homeownership rate for a specific characteristic (tables 6, 7 and 8), use the owner and total number of
units for that characteristic. For example, for the West region:
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻ℎ𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 (𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊) (%) = �

𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 (𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊)
� ∗ 100
𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 (𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊)

RESOURCES
API
The Census Bureau’s application programming interface, available at , lets
developers create custom apps to reach new users and makes key demographic, socio-economic and housing
statistics more accessible than ever before.
FRED Mobile App

Receive the latest updates on the nation’s key economic indicators by downloading the
FRED App for both Apple and Android
devices. FRED, the signature database of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, now
incorporates the Census Bureau’s 13 economic indicators.
###

Data Inquiries
Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch
301-763-3199 / Robert Callis / Patricia Holley
[email protected]

Media Inquiries
Public Information Office
301-763-3030
[email protected]