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FOR RELEASE AT 10:00 AM EDT, Thursday, February 28, 2019

QUARTERLY RESIDENTIAL VACANCIES AND HOMEOWNERSHIP, 

FOURTH QUARTER 2018

Release Number: CB19-10

February 28, 2019 — The U.S. Census Bureau announced the following residential vacancies and homeownership 

statistics for the fourth quarter 2018:

National vacancy rates in the fourth quarter 2018 were 6.6 percent for rental housing and 1.5 percent for homeowner housing. The rental vacancy rate of 6.6 percent was not statistically different from the rate in the fourth

quarter 2017 (6.9 percent), but lower than the rate in the third quarter 2018 (7.1 percent). The homeowner 

vacancy rate of 1.5 percent was 0.1 percentage point lower than the rate in the fourth quarter 2017 and also 0.1 

percentage point lower than the rate in the third quarter 2018 (1.6 percent each).

The homeownership rate of 64.8 percent was not statistically different from the rate in the fourth quarter 2017

(64.2 percent) nor from the rate in the third quarter 2018 (64.4 percent). 

Table 1. Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates for the United States: 2010 to 2018

Rental Vacancy Rate (percent) Homeowner Vacancy Rate (percent)

Year First

Quarter

Second

Quarter

Third

Quarter

Fourth

Quarter

First

Quarter

Second

Quarter

Third

Quarter

Fourth

Quarter

 

 2018......

 2017......

 2016......

 2015......

 2014......

 2013......

 2012......

7.0

7.0 

7.0 

 7.1

 8.3

 8.6

 8.8

6.8

7.3

6.7 

 6.8

7.5

 8.2

 8.6

7.1

7.5

6.8 

 7.3 

 7.4

 8.3

 8.6

6.6

6.9

6.9 

 7.0 

 7.0

 8.2 

 8.7

1.5

1.7

1.7

1.9

2.0

2.1

2.2

1.5

1.5

1.7

1.8

1.9

1.9

2.1

1.6

1.6

1.8

1.9

1.8

1.9

1.9

1.5

1.6

1.8

1.9

1.9

2.1

1.9

 2011...... 9.7 9.2 9.8 9.4 2.6 2.5 2.4 2.3

 2010...... 10.6 10.6 10.3 9.4 2.6 2.5 2.5 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. 

Explanations of confidence intervals and sampling variability can be found on the CPS/HVS website at: <www.census.gov/housing/hvs>

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, February 28, 2019. 

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2018

Percent

Quarterly Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates for the United States: 1995-2018

Rental Vacancy Rate

Homeowner Vacancy Rate

Recession

Figure 1

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, February 28, 2019

RESIDENTIAL VACANCIES

AND HOMEOWNERSHIP

FOURTH QUARTER 2018 

Rental Vacancy Rate 6.6%

Homeowner Vacancy Rate 1.5%

Homeownership Rate 64.8%

Next release: April 25, 2019

Data are not adjusted for seasonality.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 

Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, February 28, 2019
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In the fourth quarter 2018, the median asking rent for vacant for rent units was $947. 

In the fourth quarter 2018, the median asking sales price for vacant for sale units was $232,000. 

1. Median asking rent and median asking sales price data for vacant units can be found in Historical Table 11A/B at <www.census.gov/housing/hvs/data/histtabs>

2. The data in figures 2 and 3 are not adjusted for price changes. 

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2018

Recession Dollars ($)

Median Asking Rent for Vacant for Rent Units: 1995-2018 Figure 2

50,000

75,000

100,000

125,000

150,000

175,000

200,000

225,000

250,000

1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2018

Recession Dollars ($)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, February 28, 2019

Recession data: National Bureau of Economic Research, <www.nber.org>

Median Asking Sales Price for Vacant for Sale Units: 1995-2018 Figure 3

(Current Dollars)

(Current Dollars)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, February 28, 2019

Recession data: National Bureau of Economic Research, <www.nber.org>
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The fourth quarter 2018 rental vacancy rate was highest outside Metropolitan Statistical Areas (8.2 percent)

and lowest in the suburbs (5.9 percent). The rental vacancy rate in principal cities, in the suburbs, and outside 

MSAs were not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2017 rates. 

The homeowner vacancy rates in principal cities (1.5 percent), in the suburbs (1.4 percent), and outside MSA’s 

(1.5 percent) were not statistically different from each other. The homeowner vacancy rate outside MSAs was 

lower than the fourth quarter 2017 rate, while rates in principal cities and in the suburbs were not statistically 

different from the fourth quarter 2017 rates. 

The fourth quarter 2018 rental vacancy rate was highest in the South (8.5 percent) followed by the Midwest 

(7.1 percent). The rental vacancy rates in Northeast (5.1 percent) and the West (4.5 percent) were not 

statistically different from each other. The rental vacancy rates in each region were not statistically different 

from the fourth quarter 2017 rates. 

The homeowner vacancy rate in the South (1.7 percent) was higher than rates in the Midwest (1.3 percent) 

and the West (1.2 percent), but not statistically different from the Northeast (1.5 percent). The rate in the 

Northeast was higher than the West, while rates in the Midwest and West were not statistically different from 

each other. The homeowner vacancy rate in the Northeast was lower than the rate in the fourth quarter 2017, 

while rates in the Midwest, South and West were not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2017 rates. 

 Table 2. Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates by Area and Region: Fourth Quarter 2017 and 2018 

Rental Vacancy Rates (percent) Homeowner Vacancy Rates (percent)

Area/Region Fourth

Quarter

2017

Fourth

Quarter

2018

Margins of Errora

Fourth

Quarter

2017

Fourth

Quarter

2018

Margins of Errora

of

2018 rate

of

difference

of

2018 rate

of

difference

United States...............

Inside Metropolitan 

Statistical Areas...........

...In principal cities b....

...Not in principal

...cities (suburbs) b......

Outside Metropolitan 

Statistical Areas b .......

Northeast....................

Midwest......................

South...........................

West............................

6.9

 

6.8

 7.3

 6.2

 8.0

 

5.5

 7.6

 8.8

 4.5

 6.6

 

 

6.4

 6.9

 5.9

 8.2

 

5.1

 7.1

 8.5

 4.5

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.4

 0.9

0.5

0.7

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.5

 1.0

0.7

1.0

0.6

0.6

1.6

1.5

1.6

 1.5

 1.9

2.0

1.5

1.7

1.1

1.5

1.4

1.5

 1.4

 1.5

1.5

1.3

1.7

1.2

0.1

0.1

0.2

0.1

 0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.1

0.1

0.3

0.1 

 0.3

0.3

0.3

0.2

0.2

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. 

b There was a geographic coding error that very slightly affected the rates for in principal cities, suburbs, and outside Metropolitan Statistical Areas in earlier releases (back 

to the fourth quarter 2014). No rate varied by more than four one-hundredths of one percentage point after correcting, but because of rounding, rates published in the 

above table may differ by as much as one-tenth of one percentage point from what was previously published. National and regional rates were not affected.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, February 28, 2019. 
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Approximately 88.2 percent of the housing units in the United States in the fourth quarter 2018 were occupied 

and 11.8 percent were vacant. Owner-occupied housing units made up 57.2 percent of total housing units, 

while renter-occupied units made up 31.0 percent of the inventory in the fourth quarter 2018. Vacant yearround units comprised 9.0 percent of total housing units, while 2.8 percent were for seasonal use.

Approximately 2.2 percent of the total units were for rent, 0.9 percent were for sale only and 0.8 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, 1.0 percent were temporarily occupied by persons with 

usual residence elsewhere (URE) and 2.7 percent were vacant for a variety of other reasons.

 Table 3. Estimates of the Total Housing Inventory for the United States: Fourth Quarter 2017 and 2018a

(Estimates are in thousands, percent distribution may not add to total due to rounding)

Type

Fourth

Quarter

2017 (r)

Fourth

Quarter

2018

Difference 

Between 

Estimates

Margins of Errorb

Percent of

total

(2018)

of 2018

estimate

of

difference

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

..Occupied..........................

....Owner............................

....Renter............................

..Vacant..............................

....Year-round.....................

......For rent........................

......For sale only.................

......Rented or Sold...............

......Held off Market............

........For Occ’l Use..............

........Temp Occ by URE.......

........Otherc

..........................

....Seasonal...........................

137,767

120,938

77,663

43,276

16,828

12,862

3,235

1,269 

1,006

 7,351

 2,188

 1,357

 3,807

 3,968

138,858

122,469

79,361

43,109

16,389

12,511

3,098

1,183

1,061

7,169

2,019

 1,368

 3,782

 3,878

1,091

1,531

 1,698

 -167

 -439

 -351

 -137

 -86

 55

 -182

 -169

 11

 -25

 -90

X

293

514

573

341

299

118

71

60

234

161

 128

 147

 229

X

381

710

776

434

360

158

91

78

278

180

150 

180

251

100.0

88.2

57.2

31.0

11.8

9.0

2.2

0.9

0.8

5.2

1.5

1.0

2.7

2.8

 a

The housing inventory estimates are benchmarked to 2010 Census. bA 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

A detailed breakdown of the ‘other’ vacant category can be found in Historical Table 18 <www.census.gov/housing/hvs/data/histtabs>

 (r) Revised using vintage 2017 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 2018, the housing inventory estimates are based on vintage 2017 housing unit controls that are projected forward through 2018.

The fourth quarter 2018 housing inventory estimates, shown above, reflect vintage 2017 housing unit controls, benchmarked to the 2010 Census. The CPS/HVS 

historical table series, from the first quarter 2010 through the first quarter 2018, has also been revised based on vintage 2017 housing unit controls. These revised

estimates and additional information on terms and definitions can be found at: <www.census.gov/housing/hvs/data/histtabs>

 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: <www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html>

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, February 28, 2019. 
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The homeownership rate of 64.8 percent was not statistically different from the rate in the fourth quarter 2017

(64.2 percent) nor from the rate in the third quarter 2018 (64.4 percent). 

Table 4. Homeownership Rates for the United States: 1996 to 2018 

Year

Homeownership Rates (percent)

First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter

Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa

 

2018........

2017........

2016........

2015........

2014........

2013........

2012........

64.2

63.6

63.5

63.7

64.8

65.0

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

64.3

63.7

62.9

63.4

64.7

65.0

65.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

64.4

63.9

63.5

63.7

64.4

65.3

65.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

64.8

64.2

63.7

63.8

64.0

65.2

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

2011........ 66.4 0.5 65.9 0.5 66.3 0.5 66.0 0.5

2010........

2009........

2008........

2007........

2006........

2005........

2004........

2003........

2002b.......

2001........

2000........

1999........

1998........

1997........

1996........

67.1

67.3

67.8

68.4

68.5

69.1

68.6

68.0

67.8

67.5

67.1

66.7

65.9

65.4

65.1

 0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

66.9

67.4

68.1

68.2

68.7

68.6

69.2

68.0

67.6

67.7

67.2

66.6

66.0

65.7

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.2

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

66.9

67.6

67.9

68.2

69.0

68.8

69.0

68.4

68.0

68.1

67.7

67.0

66.8

66.0

65.6

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.2

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

66.5

67.2

67.5

67.8

68.9

69.0

69.2

68.6

68.3

68.0

67.5

66.9

66.4

65.7

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

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. bRevised in 2002 to incorporate information collected in Census 

2000. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, February 28, 2019. 

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2018

Percent

Recession Homeownership Rate Seasonally Adjusted Homeownership Rate

Figure 4 Quarterly Homeownership Rates and Seasonally Adjusted Homeownership Rates

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, February 28, 2019, Recession data: National Bureau of Economic Research, <www.nber.org>
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Table 4SA shows the seasonally adjusted homeownership rates for the United States, from 1996 through 2018. 

(Research has shown that seasonality for homeownership rates is present). When adjusted for seasonal variation,

the fourth quarter 2018 homeownership rate was not statistically different from the rate in the fourth quarter 2017

nor the rate in the third quarter 2018. 

Table 4SA. Homeownership Rates for the United States: 1996 to 2018, Seasonally Adjusteda

Year

Homeownership Rates (percent), Seasonally Adjusted

First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter

Rate MOEb Rate MOEb Rate MOEb Rate MOEb

2018........

2017........

2016........

2015........

2014........

2013........

2012........

64.2

63.6

63.6

63.8

64.9

65.2

65.6

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

64.4

63.8

63.0

63.5

64.8

65.1

65.6

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

64.4

63.9

63.5

63.6

64.3

65.2

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

64.6

64.0

63.5

63.7

63.9

65.1

65.3

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

2011........ 66.5 0.5 66.0 0.5 66.1 0.5 65.9 0.5

2010........

2009........

2008........

2007........

2006........

2005........

2004........

2003........

2002c

.......

2001........

2000........

1999........

1998........

1997........

1996........

67.2

67.4

67.9

68.5

68.6

69.2

68.7

68.1

67.9

67.6

67.1

66.7

66.0

65.5

65.3

 0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

66.9

67.4

68.1

68.3

68.8

68.7

69.4

68.2

67.8

67.8

67.3

66.7

66.1

65.7

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.1

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

66.7

67.4

67.7

68.0

68.9

68.7

68.9

68.3

67.9

67.9

67.5

66.8

66.6

65.8

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.1

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

66.5

67.2

67.5

67.8

68.8

68.9

69.1

68.5

68.2

67.9

67.5

66.9

66.5

65.8

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

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. bA 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, February 28, 2019. 
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The fourth quarter 2018 homeownership rate was highest in the Midwest (69.3 percent), followed by the 

South (66.0 percent). The rates in the Northeast (61.3 percent) and the West (60.9 percent) were not 

statistically different from each other. The homeownership rate in the West was higher than in the fourth

quarter 2017, while rates in the Northeast, Midwest, and South were not statistically different from the rates 

in the fourth quarter 2017. 

Table 5. Homeownership Rates for the United States and Regions: 2013 to 2018

Homeownership Rates (percent)

Year/Quarter United States Northeast Midwest South West

Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa

2018

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter 

2017

Fourth Quarter 

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter 

2016

Fourth Quarter 

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2015

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2014

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2013

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

64.8

64.4

64.3

64.2

64.2

63.9

63.7

63.6

63.7

63.5

62.9

63.5

63.8

63.7

63.4

63.7

64.0

64.4

64.7

64.8

65.2

65.3

65.0

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

61.3

61.5

61.3

60.5

60.6

60.4

60.4

60.6

60.4

60.8

59.2

60.4

61.6

60.8

60.2

61.1

61.9

62.3

62.1

62.4

62.8

63.6

63.2

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

69.3

69.0

68.3

67.9

68.7

69.1

68.0

67.6

68.4

68.6

67.7

68.9

68.1

68.1

68.4

68.6

68.3

68.8

69.6

69.3

69.8

69.6

69.4

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.7

0.6

0.6

0.7

0.7

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

66.0

65.4

65.9

66.3

65.8

65.5

65.5

65.4

65.3

65.0

64.8

64.8

65.3

65.4

64.9

65.1

65.5

65.7

65.9

66.5

67.1

66.9

66.5

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

60.9

60.2

59.7

59.7

60.0

58.9

58.9

59.0

59.0

58.2

57.9

58.7

59.0

58.7

58.5

58.5

58.6

59.4

59.6

59.4

59.3

59.5

59.4

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

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, February 28, 2019. 
Data Inquiries Media Inquiries

Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch Public Information Office

301-763-3199 / Robert Callis 301-763-3030

sehsd.financial.market.characteristics@census.gov pio@census.gov

The fourth quarter 2018 homeownership rate was highest for those householders ages 65 years and over (78.8

percent) and lowest for those householders under 35 years of age (36.5 percent). The homeownership rate for 

householders 35 to 44 years of age was higher than the rate for the fourth quarter 2017, while rates for 

householders under 35, 45 to 54, 55 to 64 and 65 years and over were not statistically different from the fourth

quarter 2017 rates.

Table 6. Homeownership Rates by Age of Householder: 2013 to 2018

Year/Quarter

Homeownership Rates (percent)

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

2018

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter 

2017

Fourth Quarter 

Third Quarter 

Second Quarter

First Quarter 

2016

Fourth Quarter 

Third Quarter 

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2015

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2014

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2013

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

64.8

64.4

64.3

64.2

64.2

63.9

63.7

63.6

63.7

63.5

62.9

63.5

63.8

63.7

63.4

63.7

64.0

64.4

64.7

64.8

65.2

65.3

65.0

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

36.5

36.8

36.5

35.3

36.0

35.6

35.3

34.3

34.7

35.2

34.1

34.2

34.7

35.8

34.8

34.6

35.3

36.0

35.9

36.2

36.8

36.8

36.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

61.1

59.5

60.0

59.8

58.9

59.3

58.8

59.0

58.7

58.4

58.3

58.9

59.3

58.1

58.0

58.4

58.8

59.1

60.2

60.7

60.9

61.1

60.3

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

70.1

69.7

70.6

70.0

69.5

69.1

69.3

69.4

69.8

69.1

69.1

69.2

70.1

69.9

69.9

70.1

70.5

70.1

70.7

71.4

71.4

71.3

70.9

 

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.8

0.8

0.8

75.5

75.6

75.1

75.4

75.3

75.0

75.4

75.6

74.8

74.9

74.7

75.7

75.2

75.3

75.4

75.8

75.8

76.6

76.4

76.4

76.5

76.2

76.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

78.8

78.6

78.0

78.5

79.2

78.9

78.2

78.6

79.5

79.0

77.9

78.8

79.3

78.7

78.5

79.0

79.5

80.0

80.1

79.9

80.7

81.2

80.9

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.6

0.5

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

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, February 28, 2018. 
Data Inquiries Media Inquiries

Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch Public Information Office

301-763-3199 / Robert Callis 301-763-3030

sehsd.financial.market.characteristics@census.gov pio@census.gov

For homeownership rates by race, the fourth quarter 2018 homeownership rate for non-Hispanic White Alone 

householders reporting a single race was highest at 73.6 percent. The rate for Asian, Native Hawaiian and 

Pacific Islander Alone householders was second at 58.1 percent and Black Alone householders was lowest at 

42.9 percent. The homeownership rate for non-Hispanic White Alone households was higher than the fourth

quarter 2017 rate, while the rates for Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Alone and Black Alone 

householders were not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2017 rates. 

The homeownership rate for Hispanic householders (who can be of any race), 46.9 percent, was not 

statistically different from the fourth quarter 2017 rate. 

Table 7. Homeownership Rates by Race and Ethnicity of Householder: 2015 to 2018

Homeownership Rates (percent)

Year/Quarter

United

States

Non-Hispanic

White Alone

Black 

Alone

All Other Races

Hispanic

Total (of any race) a

Asian, Native 

Hawaiian and

Pacific Islander

Alone

Rate MOEb Rate MOEb Rate MOEb Rate MOEb Rate MOEb Rate MOEb

2018

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2017

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter 

Second Quarter

First Quarter 

2016

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter 

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2015

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

64.8

64.4

64.3

64.2

64.2

63.9

63.7

63.6

63.7

63.5

62.9

63.5

63.8

63.7

63.4

63.7

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

73.6

73.1

72.9

72.4

72.7

72.5

72.2

71.8

72.2

71.9

71.5

72.1

72.2

71.9

71.6

72.0

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

42.9

41.7

41.6

42.2

42.1

42.0

42.3

42.7

41.7

41.3

41.7

41.5

41.9

42.4

43.0

41.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

55.6

56.6

55.7

54.8

55.4

54.7

54.3

53.6

53.7

53.3

51.2

53.0

53.3

53.7

52.6

55.4

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

58.1

58.2

58.0

57.3

58.2

57.1

56.5

56.8

56.6

55.6

53.7

55.7

X

X

X

X

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

X

X

X

X

46.9

46.3

46.6

48.4

46.6

46.1

45.5

46.6

46.3

47.0

45.1

45.3

46.7

46.1

45.4

44.1

0.9

0.9

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

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.

bA 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 and 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, February 28, 2019. 
Data Inquiries Media Inquiries

Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch Public Information Office

301-763-3199 / Robert Callis 301-763-3030

sehsd.financial.market.characteristics@census.gov pio@census.gov

The fourth quarter 2018 homeownership rate for households with family income greater than or equal to the 

median family income (78.9 percent) was higher than the fourth quarter 2017 rate (78.2 percent). The rate for 

those households with family income less than the median family income was not statistically different from 

the fourth quarter 2017 rate. 

 

Table 8. Homeownership Rates by Family Income: 2014 to 2018

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

2018

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2017

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter 

Second Quarter

First Quarter 

2016

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter 

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2015

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2014

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

64.8

64.4

64.3

64.2

64.2

63.9

63.7

63.6

63.7

63.5

62.9

63.5

63.8

63.7

63.4

63.7

64.0

64.4

64.7

64.8

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

78.9

78.2

78.3

78.3

78.2

78.4

77.9

77.9

78.0

77.8

77.8

78.1

78.5

78.4

78.3

78.4

79.0

79.3

79.5

79.8

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

50.7

50.5

50.2

50.0

50.2

49.5

49.5

49.3

49.5

49.2

48.0

48.9

49.2

49.0

48.6

48.9

49.0

49.5

49.8

49.8

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

a

Based on family or primary individual income. bA 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, February 28, 2019. 
Data Inquiries Media Inquiries

Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch Public Information Office

301-763-3199 / Robert Callis 301-763-3030

sehsd.financial.market.characteristics@census.gov pio@census.gov

The first quarter 2019 data are scheduled for release on April 25, 2019. View the full schedule in the Economic 

Briefing Room: <https://census.gov/economic-indicators/>. More details can be found at 

<www.census.gov/housing/hvs>.

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 6.6 percent is 0.150 

percentage points. The margin of error, at the 90 percent confidence interval, is calculated as 1.645 x 0.150

percent, or 0.2 percent. Thus the 90 percent confidence interval is from 6.4 percent to 6.8 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 CPS/HVS sample following a decennial census. The current sample has been fully phased-in since July 

2015. 

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 2018, 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 2017 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 2017 housing unit estimates that are projected forward through 2018. The 

vintage 2017 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: <www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html>
Data Inquiries Media Inquiries

Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch Public Information Office

301-763-3199 / Robert Callis 301-763-3030

sehsd.financial.market.characteristics@census.gov pio@census.gov

Note: This time series is by the latest "vintage" year. For example, vintage 2017 means that all of the estimates in 

this time series are identified as belonging to "vintage 2017." The 2010 data are from the 2017 vintage, the 2011 

data are from the 2017 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: 

<www.census.gov/housing/hvs/files/qtr418/source_18q4.pdf>

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. 

RRRRRRRRRRRR VV VV VVVV RRRRRRRR (%) =

⎣

⎢

⎢

⎢

⎢

⎡ VV VV yy − rrrr rr

uu uu ff

�

RRRRRRRRRR

oo

uu uu

� + �

VV VV yy − rrrr rr

uu uu rr bb

aa gg oo

� + �

VV VV yy − rrrr rr

uu uu ff �

⎦

⎥

⎥

⎥

⎥

⎤

∗ 100

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.

HH HH VV VV VVVV RRRRRRRR (%) =

⎣

⎢

⎢

⎢

⎢

⎡ VV VV yy − rrrr rr

uu uu ff

�

OO

oo

uu uu

� + �

VV VV yy − rrrr rr

uu uu bb

aa oo

� + �

VV yy − rrrr rr

uu uu ff �

⎦

⎥

⎥

⎥

⎥

⎤

∗ 100

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 Media Inquiries

Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch Public Information Office

301-763-3199 / Robert Callis 301-763-3030

sehsd.financial.market.characteristics@census.gov pio@census.gov

HH HH h RRRRRRRR (%) = � OO oo h uu uu

TT OO h uu uu � ∗ 100

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: 

HH HH h RRRRRRRR (WW ) (%) = � OO oo h uu uu (WW )

TT OO h uu uu (WW ) � ∗ 100

RESOURCES

API

The Census Bureau’s application programming interface, available at <www.census.gov/developers/>, 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 <https://fred.stlouisfed.org/fred-mobile/> 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.

###