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The AHS is a household survey that asks questions about the quality of housing in the United States. In gathering information, Census Bureau interviewers visit or telephone the household occupying each housing unit in the sample. For unoccupied units, they obtain information from landlords, rental agents, or neighbors.
The AHS Is Actually Two SurveysThe AHS conducts a national survey and a metropolitan area survey. Both surveys are conducted during a 3- to 7- month period.
The national survey, which gathers information on housing throughout the country, interviews at about 60,000 housing units every 2 years, in odd-numbered years.
For 2009, the metropolitan survey will include five areas as part of the national survey: Chicago, Detroit, New York, Northern New Jersey, and Philadelphia. Additionally, two independent areas will also be surveyed: Seattle and New Orleans.
The metro survey program has changed many times, mostly in response to changes in the AHS budget. In 2007, seven metropolitan areas were surveyed. Prior to that, during the period 1985-2004, the AHS surveyed 41 areas. During 1985-1995, there were metro surveys every year. During 1996-2004, the metro surveys were conducted in even numbered years, although there was none in 2000. In addition, during that period, the six largest metropolitan areas (the five listed above plus Los Angeles) were surveyed every four years (that is, in 1995, 1999, and 2003) as part of the national survey.
A sample of housing units in all survey areas was selected from the decennial census. These are updated by a sample of addresses obtained from building permits (for new construction) to include housing units added since the sample was selected.
Where are the homes in the national survey located? They come from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The survey goes back to the same housing units on a regular basis, recording changes in characteristics, adding and deleting units when applicable.
This cross-sectioning of the housing inventory gives a picture of houses and households as they change over long periods of time.
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