Census Bureau

Picture of a houseHousing Vacancy Survey

Description 

The Housing Vacancy Survey provides  current information  on
the rental and homeowner vacancy rates, and characteristics
of units available for occupancy.  These data are used exten-
sively by public and private sector organizations to evaluate 
the need for new housing programs and initiatives.  In addition, 
the rental vacancy rate is a component of the index of leading 
economic indicators and is thereby used by the Federal Govern-
ment and economic forecasters to gauge the current economic 
climate.

Rental and homeowner vacancy rates and homeownership rates are
available for the U.S., regions, states, and for the 61 largest
Metropolitan Areas.  The state and Metropolitan Area data are
available annually, while national and regional data are avail-
able quarterly.  Homeownership rates are also tabulated by age 
of householder and by family status for the U.S. and regions.  
In addition, estimates of the total housing inventory and percent 
distributions of vacant for-rent and for-sale-only units are 
available for the U.S. and regions. 


o Frequently Asked Questions  about HVS

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Last Revised: Thursday, 08-Jul-2004 13:34:51 EDT