U.S. Census Bureau News

U.S. Department of Commerce • Washington, D.C. 20233

For Immediate Release

Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. EDT

Robert R. Callis CB16-122

Melissa Kresin 

Social, Economic and Housing Statistics Division 

(301) 763-3199

RESIDENTIAL VACANCIES AND HOMEOWNERSHIP IN THE SECOND QUARTER 2016

National vacancy rates in the second quarter 2016 were 6.7 percent for rental housing and 1.7 percent for homeowner housing, the 

Department of Commerce’s Census Bureau announced today. The rental vacancy rate of 6.7 percent was not statistically different from 

the rate in the secondquarter 2015or the rate in the first quarter 2016. The homeowner vacancy rate of 1.7 percent was not statistically 

different fromthe rate in the second quarter 2015 or the rate in the first quarter 2016.

The homeownership rate of 62.9 percent was 0.5percentage pointslower than the second quarter 2015rate (63.4 percent) and 0.6

percentage pointslower than the rate in the first quarter 2016 (63.5 percent). 

Residential Vacancies and Homeownership data for the third quarter 2016 will be released on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. EDT.

Detailed data are available at: http://www.census.gov/housing/hvs

Table 1. Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates for the United States: 2005 to 2016

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

 

 2016.......

 2015......

 2014......

 2013......

 2012......

7.0

 7.1

 8.3

 8.6

 8.8

6.7 

 6.8

7.5

 8.2

 8.6

 

 7.3 

 7.4

 8.3

 8.6

 

 7.0

7.0

 8.2

8.7

1.7

1.9

2.0

2.1

2.2

1.7

1.8

1.9

1.9

2.1

1.9

1.8

1.9

1.9

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

 2009...... 

 2008......

 2007......

 2006......

 2005......

 

10.1

10.1

10.1

 9.5

10.1

 10.6

 10.0

 9.5 

 9.6

 9.8

 11.1

 9.9

 9.8

 9.9

 9.9

 

10.7 

10.1

9.6 

9.8

 9.6

 

2.7

2.9

2.8

2.1

1.8

2.5

2.8

2.6

2.2

1.8

2.6

2.8 

2.7

2.5

1.9

2.7 

2.9

2.8

2.7

2.0

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. These statistics are estimated from sample surveys. They are subject to sampling variability as well as nonsampling error including bias and variance 

from response, nonreporting and undercoverage. The statement “ 0.2 percentage points (±0.1)” indicates the range (0.1 to 0.3 percentage points) in which the actual percent 

change is likely to have occurred. All ranges given for percent changes are 90-percent confidence intervals and account only for sampling variability. If a range does not 

contain zero, the change is statistically significant. If the range contains zero, the change is not statistically significant; that is, it is uncertain whether there was an increase 

or decrease. For an explanation of how the rates are calculated, please see pages 11-12. 

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

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2016

Percent

Quarterly Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates for the United States: 1995-2016

Rental Vacancy Rate

Homeowner Vacancy Rate

Recession

Figure 1

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey
2

In the second quarter 2016, the median asking rent for vacant for rent units was $847. 

In the second quarter 2016, the median asking sales price for vacant for sale units was $164,500. 

1. Median asking sales price and median asking rent data for vacant units can be found in Historical Table 11A/B at 

http://www.census.gov/housing/hvs/data/histtabs.html

2. The historical figures above are not adjusted for inflation. 

400

450

500

550

600

650

700

750

800

850

900

1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 20152016

Dollars ($) Recession

Median Asking Rent for Vacant for Rent Units: 1995-2016

Figure 2

50,000

75,000

100,000

125,000

150,000

175,000

200,000

225,000

1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 20152016

Recession Dollars ($)

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

Median Asking Sales Price for Vacant for Sale Units: 1995-2016

Figure 3

(Current Dollars)

(Current Dollars)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey
3

For rental housing by area, the second quarter 2016 vacancy rates were highest outside Metropolitan 

Statistical Areas (MSAs) (10.0 percent). The rates inside principal cities (6.4 percent) and the suburbs

(6.3 percent) were not statistically different from each other. The rental vacancy rate outside MSAs was higher 

than the second quarter 2015 rate, while the rate inside principal cities was lower than the second quarter 2015 

rate. The rate in the suburbs was not statistically different from the second quarter 2015 rate. 

The homeowner vacancy rate outside MSAs (2.1 percent) was higher than the rate in the suburbs

(1.5 percent), but not statistically different from the rate inside principal cities (1.8 percent). The homeowner 

vacancy rate outside MSAs was lower than the second quarter 2015 rate, while the rates inside principal cities

and in the suburbs were not statistically different from the second quarter 2015 rates. 

For the second quarter 2016, the rental vacancy rates were highest in the South (8.5 percent), followed by the 

Midwest (7.3 percent). The rates were lowest in the Northeast (5.2 percent) and West (4.9 percent), though these 

rates were not statistically different from each other. The rental vacancy rates in all four regions were not statistically 

different from the corresponding second quarter 2015 rates. 

The homeowner vacancy rate was higher in the South (2.0 percent) than in the Midwest (1.6 percent) and 

West (1.2 percent), but not statistically different from the rate in the Northeast (1.8 percent) (the rates in the 

Northeast and Midwest were not statistically different from each other). The rate was lowest in the West. The 

homeowner vacancy rates in all four regions were not statistically different from the corresponding second quarter 

2015 rates. 

Table 2. Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates by Area and Region: Second Quarter 2015 and 2016

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

Area/Region Second

Quarter

2015

Second

Quarter

2016

Margins of Errora

Second

Quarter

2015

Second

Quarter

2016

Margins of Errora

of

2016 rate

of

difference

of

2016 rate

of

difference

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

Inside Metropolitan 

Statistical Areasb

........

 In principal cities...

 Not in principal

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

Outside Metropolitan 

Statistical Areas.......

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

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

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

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

 6.8

 6.7

 7.0

 6.3

 8.4

 5.4

 7.7

 8.4

 4.9

 6.7

 6.3

 6.4

 6.3

 10.0

 5.2

 7.3

 8.5

 4.9

0.3

0.3

0.5

0.5

 1.4

0.6

0.7

0.7

0.6

0.4

0.4

0.5

0.5

 1.5

0.6

0.8

0.8

0.7

1.8

1.7

2.0

 1.5

 2.5

1.8

1.7

2.1

1.4

1.7

1.6

 1.8

 1.5

 2.1

1.8

1.6

2.0

1.2

0.1

0.1

0.3

0.1

 0.3

0.3

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.2 

 0.4

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:

http://www.census.gov/population/metro/

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey
4

Approximately 87.3 percent of the housing units in the United States in the second quarter 2016 were 

occupied and 12.7 percent were vacant. Owner-occupied housing units made up 54.9 percent of total housing 

units, while renter-occupied units made up 32.4 percent of the inventory in the second quarter 2016. Vacant 

year-round units comprised 9.5 percent of total housing units, while 3.2 percent were for seasonal use.

Approximately 2.4 percent of the total units were for rent, 1.0 percent were for sale only and 0.8 percent were 

rented or sold but not yet occupied. Vacant units that were held off market comprised 5.4 percent of the total 

housing stock. Of these units, 1.5 percent were for occasional use, 1.1 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: Second Quarter 2015 and 2016a

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

Type

Second

Quarter

2015 (r)

Second

Quarter

2016

Difference 

Between 

Estimates

Margin of Errorb

Percent of

total

(2016) of 2016

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........

 Other.........................

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

134,659

117,335

74,439

42,895

17,324

12,848

3,197

1,381 

1,130

 7,141

 2,038

 1,280

 3,824

 4,477

135,474

118,279

74,417

43,862

17,195

12,904

3,213

1,305

1,079

7,307

2,076

 1,423

 3,807

 4,291

815

944

 -22

 967

 -129

 56

 16

 -76

 -51

 166

 38

 143

 -17

 -186

X

181

631

572

364

356

159

87

72

275

150

 125

 202

 238

X

171

431

441

325

308

178

111

102

238

130

106 

175

210

100.0

87.3

54.9

32.4

12.7

9.5

2.4

1.0

0.8

5.4

1.5

1.1

2.8

3.2

 a

The housing inventory estimates are benchmarked to 2010 Census. 

 b

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 

 margin of error. 

 1. Since first quarter 2003, the Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey (CPS/HVS) 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 second 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 can be found at: http://www.census.gov/housing/hvs/data/histtabs.html

 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: http://www.census.gov/popest/methodology/

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey
5

The homeownership rate of 62.9 percent was 0.5 percentage points lower than the second quarter 2015 

rate (63.4 percent) and 0.6 percentage points lower than the rate in the first quarter 2016 (63.5 percent). 

Table 4. Homeownership Rates for the United States: 1995 to 2016 

Year

Homeownership Rates (percent)

First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter

Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa

 

2016........

2015........

2014........

2013........

2012........

63.5

63.7

64.8

65.0

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

62.9

63.4

64.7

65.0

65.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

63.7

64.4

65.3

65.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

63.8

64.0

65.2

65.4

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........

1995........

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

64.2

 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

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

64.7

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

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

65.0

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

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

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

0.3

a

A margin of error (MOE) 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. 

b

Revised in 2002 to incorporate information collected in Census 2000. 

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

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2016

Percent

Recession Homeownership Rate Seasonally Adjusted Homeownership Rate

Quarterly HomeownershipRates and Seasonally Adjusted Homeownership Rates

for the United States: 1995-2016

Figure 4

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1995-2016 Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey
6

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 

second quarter 2016 homeownership rate was lower than the rate in second quarter 2015 and the rate in the first 

quarter 2016.

Table 4SA. Homeownership Rates for the United States: 1995 to 2016, Seasonally Adjusteda

Year

Homeownership Rates (percent), Seasonally Adjusted

First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter

Rate MOEb Rate MOEb Rate MOEb Rate MOEb

2016........

2015........

2014........

2013........

2012........

63.5

63.7

64.9

65.2

65.6

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

63.1

63.6

64.8

65.1

65.6

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

63.6

64.3

65.2

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

63.7

63.9

65.1

65.3

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........

2002b

.......

2001........

2000........

1999........

1998........

1997........

1996........

1995........

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

64.4

 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

0.2

66.9

67.4

68.1

68.3

68.8

68.7

69.4

68.2

67.8

67.9

67.3

66.7

66.1

65.7

65.4

64.7

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

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

64.8

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

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

65.1

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

0.2

a

As new quarterly data are input, previous quarters’ seasonally adjusted homeownership rates may change. b

A margin of error (MOE) 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. 

c

Revised in 2002 to incorporate information collected in Census 2000. 

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey
7

The second quarter 2016 homeownership rates were highest in the Midwest (67.7 percent). The rates were 

lowest in the Northeast (59.2 percent) and West (57.9 percent), though these rates were not statistically different 

from each other. The homeownership rate in the Northeast was lower than the second quarter 2015 rate, while the 

rates in the Midwest, South and West were not statistically different from the rates in the second 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 West

Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa

2016

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

First Quarter

2012

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2011

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2010

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

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

65.0

65.4

65.5

65.5

65.4

66.0

66.3

65.9

66.4

66.5

66.9

66.9

67.1

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

0.5

0.5

0.5

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

62.5

63.9

63.9

63.7

62.5

63.7

63.7

63.0

63.9

64.1

63.9

64.2

64.4

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

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

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

70.0

69.7

69.6

69.6

69.5

70.0

70.3

70.0

70.4

70.5

71.1

70.8

70.9

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

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

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

66.5

67.0

66.9

67.4

67.5

68.3

68.4

68.2

68.4

68.5

69.1

69.1

69.2

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

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

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

59.4

59.5

60.1

59.7

59.9

60.1

60.7

60.3

60.9

61.0

61.3

61.4

61.9

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

1.2

1.2

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 (MOE) 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
8

For the second quarter 2016, the homeownership rates were highest for those householders ages 65 years and 

over (77.9 percent) and lowest for the under 35 years of age group (34.1 percent). The rates for householders 55 to 

64 years and 65 years and over were lower than the second quarter 2015 rates, while the rates for householders under 

35 years, 35 to 44 years and 45 to 54 years were not statistically different from the second quarter 2015 rates.

Table 6. Homeownership Rates by Age of Householder: 2010 to 2016

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

2016

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

First Quarter

2012

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2011

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2010

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

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

65.0

65.4

65.5

65.5

65.4

66.0

66.3

65.9

66.4

66.5

66.9

66.9

67.1

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

0.5

0.5

0.5

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

36.8

37.1

36.3

36.5

36.8

37.6

38.0

37.5

37.9

39.2

39.2

39.0

38.9

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

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

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

60.1

60.4

61.8

62.2

61.4

62.3

63.4

63.8

64.4

63.9

65.2

65.6

65.3

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

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

0.9

0.9

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

71.3

72.1

72.0

71.4

71.3

72.7

72.7

72.3

73.1

72.7

73.0

73.6

74.8

 

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

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

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

77.0

77.6

76.9

77.1

77.8

79.0

78.6

77.8

78.6

79.0

79.2

78.7

79.1

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

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

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

80.4

80.7

81.4

81.6

80.9

80.9

81.1

80.8

81.0

80.5

80.6

80.4

80.6

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

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 (MOE) 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
9

For the racial categories shown below, the homeownership rate for the second quarter 2016 for nonHispanic White householders reporting a single race was highest at 71.5 percent. The rate for Asian or Native 

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander households was second at 53.7 percent and Black Alone householders was lowest 

at 41.7 percent. The homeownership rate for Black Alone householders was lower than the second quarter 2015 

rate, while the rate for non-Hispanic White householders was not statistically different from the second quarter 

2015 rate. The rate for Asian or Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander householders cannot be compared to 

second quarter 2015, as data prior to 2016 are not tabulated. 

The homeownership rate for Hispanic householders (who can be of any race), 45.1 percent, was not 

statistically different from the second quarter 2015 rate.

Table 7. Homeownership Rates by Race and Ethnicity of Householder: 2012 to 2016 

Homeownership Rates (percent)

Year/Quarter

United

States

Non-Hispanic

White alone

Black

Alone

All Other Races

Hispanic

Total (of any race) a

Asian or

Native 

Hawaiian/Pacific 

Islander

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

2016

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

First Quarter

2012

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter 

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

65.0

65.4

65.5

65.5

65.4

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

71.5

72.1

72.2

71.9

71.6

72.0

72.3

72.6

72.9

72.9

73.4

73.3

73.3

73.4

73.6

73.6

73.5

73.5

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

0.4

0.4

41.7

41.5

41.9

42.4

43.0

41.9

42.1

42.9

43.5

43.3

43.2

43.1

42.9

43.1

44.5

44.1

43.8

43.1

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

0.9

0.9

51.2

53.0

53.3

53.7

52.6

55.4

55.3

54.2

54.7

55.8

56.0

55.2

54.5

54.6

55.2

54.6

55.0

55.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

53.7

55.7

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

1.3

1.3

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

45.1

45.3

46.7

46.1

45.4

44.1

44.5

45.6

45.8

45.8

45.5

47.6

45.9

45.3

45.0

46.7

46.5

46.3

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

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 (MOE) 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 - Total’ category. Data prior to 2016 are not tabulated. 

NOTE: Beginning in 2003, the question on race on the CPS was modified to comply with the revised standards for federal statistical agencies. Respondents

may now report more than one race, but small sample sizes preclude showing all race categories. The question on Hispanic origin is asked separately, and is

asked before the question on race. For further information on each major race group and the Two or More Races population, see reports from the Census

2010 Brief series available on the Census 2010 website at: http://www.census.gov/2010census/data/2010-census-briefs.php

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey
10

The second quarter 2016 homeownership rate for households with family incomes greater than or equal to 

the median family income (77.8 percent) was lower than the second quarter 2015 rate. The rate for those households

with family incomes less than the median family income (48.0 percent) was lower than the second quarter 2015 rate. 

 

Table 8. Homeownership Rates by Family Income: 2010 to 2016a

Homeownership Rates (percent)

Year/Quarter

United States

Households with family income 

greater than or equal to the median 

family incomeb

Households with family income less 

than the median family income

Rate MOEc Rate MOEc Rate MOEc

2016

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

First Quarter

2012

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2011

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2010

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

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

65.0

65.4

65.5

65.5

65.4

66.0

66.3

65.9

66.4

66.5

66.9

66.9

67.1

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

0.5

0.5

0.5

77.8

78.1

78.5

78.4

78.3

78.4

79.0

79.3

79.5

79.8

80.2

79.9

79.7

80.0

80.4

80.3

80.5

80.3

80.8

81.3

81.2

81.5

81.7

81.9

81.9

82.0

0.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

48.0

48.9

49.2

49.0

48.6

48.9

49.0

49.5

49.8

49.8

50.2

50.6

50.3

50.0

50.3

50.6

50.6

50.4

51.3

51.3

50.6

51.4

51.4

51.9

51.9

52.2

0.6

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

0.5

0.5

a

Beginning in 2010, the Census Bureau began imputing missing values for the family income question. Previously, householders not responding to this 

question were excluded from the homeownership calculations for those below/above the median family income level. When compared to previous 

procedures, this change resulted in an increase in the homeownership rate of 1.6 percentage points for those at or below the median family income and an 

increase of 0.3 percentage points for those above the median family income level for the second quarter 2016. Under previous procedures (not imputing 

missing values) for the second quarter 2016, the homeownership rate was 46.4 percent for those at or below the median family income and 77.5 percent for 

those above the median family income level. Data users should keep this in mind when comparing data from 2010 and later to earlier data. b

Based on family or primary individual income.

c

A margin of error (MOE) 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
11

Note: This press release, along with more detailed data, is available at http://www.census.gov/housing/hvs

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 6.7 percent is 0.199 percentage points. Then the 90-percent confidence interval is calculated as

6.7 + (1.645 x 0.199) percent, or 6.7 + 0.3 percent, or from 6.4 percent to 7.0 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 6.4 percent to 7.0 percent.

Since the first quarter 2003, the Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey (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 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: http://www.census.gov/popest/methodology

Note: This time series is by the latest "vintage" year. For example, vintage 2015means 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: http://www.census.gov/housing/hvs

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, as described below. 

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.
12

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 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. 

 

 

 (%) * 100















































 













































 −

+

−

+

−

=

units for rent

Vacant year round

awaiting occupancy

units rented but

Vacant year round

units

occupied

Renter

units for rent

Vacant year round

Rental Vacancy Rate

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.

(%) * 100































































































 − +

−

+

−

=

units for sale only

Vacant year round

awaiting occupancy

units sold but

Vacant year round

units

occupied

Owner

units for sale only

Vacant year round

Homeowner Vacancy Rate

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).

(%)  * 100



 



 = Total occupied housing units

Owner occupied housing units Homeownership Rate

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, 

( ) * 100

( )

( ) ( ) % 



 



 = Total occupied housing units West

Owner occupied housing units West Homeownership Rate West