Attachment C - QUARTERLY RESIDENTIAL VACANCIES AND HOMEOWNERSHIP, QUARTER 3, 2016

FOR RELEASE AT 10:00 AM EDT, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

QUARTERLY RESIDENTIAL VACANCIES AND HOMEOWNERSHIP,
THIRD QUARTER 2016
Release Number: CB16-172
October 27, 2016 — The U.S. Census Bureau announced the following residential vacancies and
homeownership statistics for third quarter 2016:
Figure 1
Quarterly Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates for the United States: 1995-2016
12
Recession
11
10 Rental Vacancy Rate
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
Homeowner Vacancy Rate
2
1
0 1995
1997
1999
2001
2003
2005
2007
2009
2011
2013
2015 2016

Rental Vacancy Rate

6.8%

Homeowner Vacancy Rate

1.8%

Homeownership Rate

Percent

RESDIENTIAL VACANCIES
AND HOMEOWNERSHIP
THIRD QUARTER 2016

63.5%

Next release: January 31, 2017
Data are not adjusted for seasonality
Source: U.S. Census Bureau,
Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey

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

National vacancy rates in the third quarter 2016 were 6.8 percent for rental housing and 1.8 percent for
homeowner housing. The rental vacancy rate of 6.8 percent was 0.5 percentage points (+/-0.4 percentage points)
lower than the rate in the third quarter 2015 and not statistically different from the rate in the second quarter
2016. The homeowner vacancy rate of 1.8 percent was not statistically different from the third quarter 2015 or
second quarter 2016 rates.
The homeownership rate of 63.5 percent was not statistically different from the rate in the third quarter
2015 (63.7 percent) and 0.6 percentage points (+/-0.4 percentage points) higher than the rate in the second
quarter 2016.
Table 1. Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates for the United States: 2010 to 2016
Rental Vacancy Rate (percent)
Homeowner Vacancy Rate (percent)
Year
First
Second
Third
Fourth
First
Second
Third
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
2016…....
2015……
2014…...
2013……
2012……
2011…...
2010…...

7.0
7.1
8.3
8.6
8.8
9.7
10.6

6.7
6.8
7.5
8.2
8.6
9.2
10.6

6.8
7.3
7.4
8.3
8.6
9.8
10.3

7.0
7.0
8.2
8.7
9.4
9.4

1.7
1.9
2.0
2.1
2.2
2.6
2.6

1.7
1.8
1.9
1.9
2.1
2.5
2.5

Fourth
Quarter

1.8
1.9
1.8
1.9
1.9
2.4
2.5

1.9
1.9
2.1
1.9
2.3
2.7

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.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey

Data Inquiries
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In the third quarter 2016, the median asking rent for vacant for rent units was $842.
Figure 2

Median Asking Rent for Vacant for Rent Units: 1995-2016
(Current Dollars)

Dollars ($)
900
850
800
750
700
650
600
550
500
450
400
1995

1997

1999

2001

2003

2005

Recession

2007

2009

2011

2013

20152016

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

In the third quarter 2016, the median asking sales price for vacant for sale units was $157,500.
Figure 3

Median Asking Sales Price for Vacant for Sale Units: 1995-2016
(Current Dollars)

Dollars ($)
225,000

Recession

200,000
175,000
150,000
125,000
100,000
75,000
50,000
1995

1997

1999

2001

2003

2005

2007

2009

2011

2013

20152016

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey,
Recession data: National Bureau of Economic Research,
1. Median asking sales price and median asking rent data for vacant units can be found in Historical Table 11A/B at
2. The historical figures in the graphs are not adjusted for inflation.

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For rental housing by area, the third quarter 2016 vacancy rates were highest outside Metropolitan Statistical
Areas (9.6 percent), followed by inside principal cities (6.9 percent) and in the suburbs (6.0 percent). The rental
vacancy rate inside principal cities was lower than the third quarter 2015 rate, while the rates outside MSAs and
in the suburbs were not statistically different from the third quarter 2015 rates.
The homeowner vacancy rate was highest outside MSAs (2.5 percent), followed by inside principal cities (1.9
percent) and in the suburbs (1.5 percent). The homeowner vacancy rate in the suburbs was lower than the third
quarter 2015 rate, while the rates outside MSAs and inside principal cities were not statistically different from
the corresponding third quarter 2015 rates.
For the third quarter 2016, the rental vacancy rate in the South (8.7 percent) was higher than the rates in the
Northeast (5.2 percent) and West (4.4 percent), but not statistically different from the rate in the Midwest (7.8
percent). The rate was lowest in the West. The rental vacancy rate in the West was lower than the third quarter
2015 rate, while the rates in the Northeast, Midwest and South were not statistically different from the third
quarter 2015 rates.
The homeowner vacancy rate in the South (2.1 percent) was higher than the rates in the Midwest and West (1.5
percent each), but not statistically different from the rate in the Northeast (1.8 percent). The homeowner
vacancy rate in the Midwest was lower than the third quarter 2015 rate, while the rates in the Northeast, South
and West were not statistically different from the corresponding third quarter 2015 rates.
Table 2. Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates by Area and Region: Third Quarter 2015 and 2016
Rental Vacancy Rates (percent)
Homeowner Vacancy Rates (percent)
Area/Region

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

Margins of Errora

Third
Quarter
2015

Third
Quarter
2016

of
2016 rate

7.3

6.8

7.0
7.7

Margins of Errora

of
difference

Third
Quarter
2015

Third
Quarter
2016

of
2016 rate

of
difference

0.3

0.4

1.9

1.8

0.1

0.1

6.5
6.9

0.3
0.5

0.4
0.5

1.7
1.9

1.6
1.9

0.1
0.3

0.2
0.3

6.2

6.0

0.5

0.5

1.7

1.5

0.1

0.2

9.2

9.6

1.4

1.5

2.5

2.5

0.3

0.4

5.6
7.8
9.3
5.2

5.2
7.8
8.7
4.4

0.6
0.7
0.7
0.5

0.7
0.8
0.8
0.7

2.0
1.7
2.1
1.5

1.8
1.5
2.1
1.5

0.3
0.2
0.2
0.2

0.4
0.3
0.3
0.3

a

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.
b
Caution should be used when comparing Metropolitan Statistical Area data for 2015 to earlier data. In first quarter 2015, the Current Population Survey/Housing
Vacancy Survey began using the new metropolitan and micropolitan statistical definitions that were announced by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in
February 2013, and were based on the application of the 2010 standards to Census 2010 data. In this report, outside Metropolitan Statistical Areas includes micropolitan
and non-metropolitan statistical areas. The February 2013 definitions are available at:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey

Data Inquiries
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Approximately 87.4 percent of the housing units in the United States in the third quarter 2016 were occupied
and 12.6 percent were vacant. Owner-occupied housing units made up 55.5 percent of total housing units, while
renter-occupied units made up 31.9 percent of the inventory in the third quarter 2016. Vacant year-round units
comprised 9.5 percent of total housing units, while 3.1 percent were for seasonal use. Approximately 2.4 percent
of the total units were for rent, 1.0 percent were for sale only, and 0.9 percent were rented or sold but not yet
occupied. Vacant units that were held off market comprised 5.3 percent of the total housing stock. Of these
units, 1.5 percent were for occasional use, 1.0 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: Third Quarter 2015 and 2016a
(Estimates are in thousands, percent distribution may not add to total due to rounding)
Margins of Errorb

Type

Third
Quarter
2015 (r)

Third
Quarter
2016

Difference
Between
Estimates

of 2016
estimate

of
difference

Percent of
total
(2016)

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

134,857

135,679

822

X

X

100.0

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

117,406
74,778
42,628

118,596
75,339
43,256

1,190
561
628

173
629
571

167
430
440

87.4
55.5
31.9

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

17,452
13,146
3,393
1,422
1,190
7,141
2,086
1,266
3,791
4,304

17,084
12,870
3,216
1,353
1,177
7,125
2,046
1,317
3,762
4,213

-368
-276
-177
-69
-13
-16
-40
51
-29
-91

363
356
160
88
75
272
149
120
200
236

325
309
181
113
106
236
130
103
175
207

12.6
9.5
2.4
1.0
0.9
5.3
1.5
1.0
2.8
3.1

a

The 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.
(r) Revised using vintage 2015 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 2016, the housing inventory estimates are based on vintage 2015 housing unit controls that are projected forward through 2016.
The third quarter 2016 housing inventory estimates, shown above, reflect vintage 2015 housing unit controls, benchmarked to the 2010 Census. The CPS/HVS
historical table series, from the first quarter 2010 through the first quarter 2016, has also been revised based on vintage 2015 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’s
website:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey

b

Data Inquiries
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The homeownership rate of 63.5 percent was not statistically different from the rate in the third quarter 2015 (63.7
percent) and 0.6 percentage points (+/-0.4 percentage points) higher than the rate in the second quarter 2016.
Figure 4
70

Quarterly Homeownership Rates and Seasonally Adjusted Homeownership Rates
for the United States: 1995-2016

69

Percent

68
67
66
65
64
63
62

1995

1997

1999

2001

Recession

2003

2005

2007

Homeownership Rate

2009

2011

2013

2015 2016

Seasonally Adjusted Homeownership Rate

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

Table 4. Homeownership Rates for the United States: 1995 to 2016
Homeownership Rates (percent)
Year
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Rate
MOEa
Rate
MOEa
Rate
MOEa

Fourth Quarter
Rate
MOEa

2016……..
2015……..

63.5
63.7

0.5
0.5

62.9
63.4

0.5
0.5

63.5
63.7

0.5
0.5

63.8

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……..
1996……..
1995……..

66.7
65.9
65.4
65.1
64.2

0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3

66.6
66.0
65.7
65.4
64.7

0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3

67.0
66.8
66.0
65.6
65.0

0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3

66.9
66.4
65.7
65.4
65.1

0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3

a
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.
b
Revised in 2002 to incorporate information collected in Census 2000.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey

Data Inquiries
Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch
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Table 4SA shows the seasonally adjusted homeownership rates for the United States, from 1995 to 2016.
(Research has shown that seasonality for homeownership rates is present). When adjusted for seasonal
variation, the third quarter 2016 homeownership rate was not statistically different from the third quarter 2015
rate or the second quarter 2016 rate.
Table 4SA. Homeownership Rates for the United States: 1995 to 2016, Seasonally Adjusteda
Homeownership Rates (percent), Seasonally Adjusted
Year
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
First Quarter
Rate
MOEb
Rate
MOEb
Rate
MOEb

Fourth Quarter
Rate
MOEb

2016……..
2015……..

63.5
63.8

0.5
0.5

63.1
63.6

0.5
0.5

63.4
63.6

0.5
0.5

63.7

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……..
2002b…….
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
67.9
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……..
1996……..
1995……..

66.7
66.0
65.5
65.3
64.4

0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2

66.7
66.1
65.7
65.4
64.7

0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2

66.8
66.6
65.8
65.4
64.8

0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2

66.9
66.5
65.8
65.4
65.1

0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2

a

As new quarterly data are input, previous quarters’ seasonally adjusted homeownership rates may change.
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.
c
Revised in 2002 to incorporate information collected in Census 2000.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey
b

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The third quarter 2016 homeownership rates were highest in the Midwest (68.6 percent) and lowest in the West
(58.2 percent). The homeownership rates in all four regions were not statistically different from the rates in the
third quarter 2015.
Table 5. Homeownership Rates for the United States and Regions: 2010 to 2016
Homeownership Rates (percent)
Year/Quarter
United States
Northeast
Midwest
South
a
a
a
Rate
MOE
Rate
MOE
Rate
MOE
Rate
MOEa

West
Rate
MOEa

2016
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

63.5
62.9
63.5

0.5
0.5
0.5

60.8
59.2
60.4

0.9
0.9
0.9

68.6
67.7
68.9

1.0
1.0
1.0

65.0
64.8
64.8

0.9
0.9
0.9

58.2
57.9
58.7

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

2013
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

65.2
65.3
65.0
65.0

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

62.8
63.6
63.2
62.5

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

69.8
69.6
69.4
70.0

1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

67.1
66.9
66.5
66.5

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

59.3
59.5
59.4
59.4

1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2

2012
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

65.4
65.5
65.5
65.4

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

63.9
63.9
63.7
62.5

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

69.7
69.6
69.6
69.5

1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

67.0
66.9
67.4
67.5

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

59.5
60.1
59.7
59.9

1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2

2011
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

66.0
66.3
65.9
66.4

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

63.7
63.7
63.0
63.9

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

70.0
70.3
70.0
70.4

1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

68.3
68.4
68.2
68.4

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

60.1
60.7
60.3
60.9

1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2

2010
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

66.5
66.9
66.9
67.1

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

64.1
63.9
64.2
64.4

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

70.5
71.1
70.8
70.9

1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

68.5
69.1
69.1
69.2

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

61.0
61.3
61.4
61.9

1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2

a
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

Data Inquiries
Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch
301-763-3199 / Robert Callis / Melissa Kresin
Sehsd.financial.market.characteristics@census.gov

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For the third quarter 2016, the homeownership rates were highest for those householders ages 65 years and over
(79.0 percent) and lowest for the under 35 years of age group (35.2 percent). None of the rates by age group
were statistically different from the third quarter 2015 rates.
Table 6. Homeownership Rates by Age of Householder: 2010 to 2016
Homeownership Rates (percent)
Year/Quarter

United States

Under 35 years

35 to 44 years

45 to 54 years

55 to 64 years

65 years and over

Rate

MOEa

Rate

MOEa

Rate

MOEa

Rate

MOEa

Rate

MOEa

Rate

MOEa

2016
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

63.5
62.9
63.5

0.5
0.5
0.5

35.2
34.1
34.2

0.8
0.8
0.8

58.4
58.3
58.9

1.0
1.0
1.0

69.1
69.1
69.2

0.9
0.9
0.9

74.9
74.7
75.7

0.6
0.6
0.6

79.0
77.9
78.8

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

2013
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

65.2
65.3
65.0
65.0

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

36.8
36.8
36.7
36.8

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

60.9
61.1
60.3
60.1

1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

71.4
71.3
70.9
71.3

0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8

76.5
76.2
76.7
77.0

0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6

80.7
81.2
80.9
80.4

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

2012
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

65.4
65.5
65.5
65.4

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

37.1
36.3
36.5
36.8

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

60.4
61.8
62.2
61.4

1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

72.1
72.0
71.4
71.3

0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8

77.6
76.9
77.1
77.8

0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6

80.7
81.4
81.6
80.9

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

2011
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

66.0
66.3
65.9
66.4

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

37.6
38.0
37.5
37.9

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

62.3
63.4
63.8
64.4

1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

72.7
72.7
72.3
73.1

0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8

79.0
78.6
77.8
78.6

0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6

80.9
81.1
80.8
81.0

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

2010
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

66.5
66.9
66.9
67.1

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

39.2
39.2
39.0
38.9

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

63.9
65.2
65.6
65.3

1.0
1.0
0.9
0.9

72.7
73.0
73.6
74.8

0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8

79.0
79.2
78.7
79.1

0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6

80.5
80.6
80.4
80.6

0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

a
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

Data Inquiries
Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch
301-763-3199 / Robert Callis / Melissa Kresin
Sehsd.financial.market.characteristics@census.gov

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301-763-3030
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For the racial categories shown below, the homeownership rate for the third quarter 2016 for non-Hispanic
White householders reporting a single race was highest at 71.9 percent. The rate for Asian or Native Hawaiian
and Pacific Islander Alone households was second at 55.6 percent and Black Alone householders was lowest at
41.3 percent. The homeownership rate for Black Alone householders was lower than the third quarter 2015 rate,
while the rate for non-Hispanic White householders was not statistically different from the third quarter 2015
rate. The rate for Asian or Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander householders cannot be compared to third
quarter 2015, as data prior to 2016 are not tabulated.
The homeownership rate for Hispanic householders (who can be of any race), 47.0 percent, was higher than the
third quarter 2015 rate.
Table 7. Homeownership Rates by Race and Ethnicity of Householder: 2012 to 2016
Homeownership Rates (percent)
All Other Races
Asian or Native
Year/Quarter
Hawaiian/
United
Black
Non-Hispanic
Pacific Islander
States
Alone
White Alone
Totala
Alone

Hispanic
(of any race)
Rate MOEb

Rate

MOEb

Rate

MOEb

Rate

MOEb

Rate

MOEb

Rate

MOEb

2016
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

63.5
62.9
63.5

0.5
0.5
0.5

71.9
71.5
72.1

0.4
0.4
0.4

41.3
41.7
41.5

0.9
0.9
0.9

53.3
51.2
53.0

1.1
1.1
1.1

55.6
53.7
55.7

1.3
1.3
1.3

47.0
45.1
45.3

0.9
0.9
0.9

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

72.2
71.9
71.6
72.0

0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4

41.9
42.4
43.0
41.9

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

53.3
53.7
52.6
55.4

1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1

X
X
X
X

X
X
X
X

46.7
46.1
45.4
44.1

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

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

72.3
72.6
72.9
72.9

0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4

42.1
42.9
43.5
43.3

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

55.3
54.2
54.7
55.8

1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1

X
X
X
X

X
X
X
X

44.5
45.6
45.8
45.8

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

2013
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

65.2
65.3
65.0
65.0

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

73.4
73.3
73.3
73.4

0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4

43.2
43.1
42.9
43.1

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

56.0
55.2
54.5
54.6

1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1

X
X
X
X

X
X
X
X

45.5
47.6
45.9
45.3

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

2012
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

65.4
65.5
65.5
65.4

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

73.6
73.6
73.5
73.5

0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4

44.5
44.1
43.8
43.1

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

55.2
54.6
55.0
55.1

1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1

X
X
X
X

X
X
X
X

45.0
46.7
46.5
46.3

0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9

a

Includes 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.
(X) Not Applicable. Beginning in the first quarter 2016, homeownership rates for Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander householders were tabulated separately
from the ‘All Other Races’ category. Data prior to 2016 are not available.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey

Data Inquiries
Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch
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The third quarter 2016 homeownership rate for households with family incomes greater than or equal to the
median family income was lower than the third quarter 2015 rate. The rate for those households with family
incomes less than the median family income was not statistically different from the third quarter 2015 rate.
Table 8. Homeownership Rates by Family Income: 2011 to 2016
Homeownership Rates (percent)
Year/Quarter
United States

Households with family income
greater than or equal to the median
family incomea

Households with family income less
than the median family incomea

Rate

MOEb

Rate

MOEb

Rate

MOEb

2016
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

63.5
62.9
63.5

0.5
0.5
0.5

77.8
77.8
78.1

0.4
0.4
0.5

49.2
48.0
48.9

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

2013
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

65.2
65.3
65.0
65.0

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

80.2
79.9
79.7
80.0

0.4
0.5
0.5
0.5

50.2
50.6
50.3
50.0

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

2012
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

65.4
65.5
65.5
65.4

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

80.4
80.3
80.5
80.3

0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4

50.3
50.6
50.6
50.4

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

2011
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

66.0
66.3
65.9
66.4

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

80.8
81.3
81.2
81.5

0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4

51.3
51.3
50.6
51.4

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

a

Based on family or primary individual income.
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.
NOTE: Beginning in 2010, the Census Bureau began imputing missing values for the family income question, which is used in the homeownership table above. Data
users should keep this in mind when comparing data from 2010 and later to earlier data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey

b

Data Inquiries
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The fourth quarter 2016 data are scheduled for release on January 31, 2017. View the full schedule in the Economic
Briefing Room: .
EXPLANATORY NOTES

The estimates in this release are based on a sample survey and therefore are subject to both sampling
and non-sampling 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 confidence interval. A confidence
interval is a measure of an estimate’s reliability. The larger a confidence interval 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 6.8 percent is 0.201 percentage points. Then the 90-percent confidence interval is calculated as
6.8 + (1.645 x 0.201) percent, or 6.8 + 0.3 percent, or from 6.5 percent to 7.1 percent. If all possible
samples were surveyed under essentially the same general conditions and the same sample design, and an
estimate calculated from each sample, then 90 percent of the estimates would fall within the 90 percent
confidence interval, in this case, from 6.5 percent to 7.1 percent.
Since the first quarter 2003, the Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey 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 2016, 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 2015 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 2015 housing unit estimates that are projected forward through the first quarter 2016. The
vintage 2015 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:
Note: This time series is by the latest "vintage" year. For example, vintage 2015 means that all of the estimates in
this time series are identified as belonging to "vintage 2015." The 2010 data are from the 2015 vintage, the 2011
data are from the 2015 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:

Data Inquiries
Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch
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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.
º
ª
»
«
Vacant year  round
»
«
»
«
units for rent
Rental Vacancy Rate % 
» * 100
«
Renter · § Vacant year  round ·
§
Ǭ
¸ ¨
¸ § Vacant year  round · »
« ¨ occupied ¸  ¨ units rented but ¸  ¨¨
¸¸ »
Ǭ
© units for rent ¹ »
¸
¨
¸
»¼
«¬ © units ¹ © awaiting occupancy ¹
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.

Homeowner Vacancy Rate % 

ª
«
«
«
«
« § Owner
Ǭ
« ¨ occupied
« ¨ units
©

º
»

Vacant year  round
»
»
units for sale only
» * 100
»
· §Vacant year  round ·
¸ §Vacant year  round · »
¸ ¨
¨
¸


units
sold
but
¸ ¨
¸ ¨
¸»
¸ © units for sale only ¹ »
¸ ¨
¹ © awaiting occupancy ¹
¼

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).
Homeownership Rate % 

ª Owner occupied housing units º
«
» * 100
¬ Total occupied housing units ¼

For the homeownership rate for a specific characteristic (tables 6-8), use the owner and total number of units for
that characteristic. For example, for the West region,
Homeownership Rate (West ) % 

ª Owner occupied housing units (West ) º
«
» * 100
¬ Total occupied housing units (West ) ¼

Data Inquiries
Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch
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Sehsd.financial.market.characteristics@census.gov

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America’s Economy Mobile App
The America’s Economy app provides real-time updates for 19 key economic indicators released from the Census
Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Bureau of Economic Analysis.

API
The URL for the economic indicators data in the Census Bureau API (Application Programming Interface) has been
updated to add /timeseries/. Examples can be found on the Developers' webpage. The old URL will be discontinued
on December 31, 2016.
-X-

Data Inquiries
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Sehsd.financial.market.characteristics@census.gov

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Public Information Office
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