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FOR RELEASE AT 10:00 AM EDT, Thursday, January 30, 2020

QUARTERLY RESIDENTIAL VACANCIES AND HOMEOWNERSHIP, 

FOURTH QUARTER 2019

Release Number: CB20-05

January 30, 2020 — The U.S. Census Bureau announced the following residential vacancies and homeownership 

statistics for the fourth quarter 2019:

National vacancy rates in the fourth quarter 2019 were 6.4 percent for rental housing and 1.4 percent for 

homeowner housing. The rental vacancy rate of 6.4 percent was not statistically different from the rate in the 

fourth quarter 2018 (6.6 percent), but 0.4 percentage points lower than the rate in the third quarter 2019 (6.8

percent). The homeowner vacancy rate of 1.4 percent was not statistically different from the rate in the fourth 

quarter 2018 (1.5 percent) and virtually unchanged from the rate in the third quarter 2019.

The homeownership rate of 65.1 percent was not statistically different from the rate in the fourth quarter 2018

(64.8 percent) nor from the rate in the third quarter 2019 (also 64.8 percent). 

Table 1. Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates for the United States: 2011 to 2019

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

 

 2019......

 2018......

 2017......

 2016......

 2015......

 2014......

 2013......

 2012......

7.0

7.0

7.0 

7.0 

 7.1

 8.3

 8.6

 8.8

6.8

6.8

7.3

6.7 

 6.8

7.5

 8.2

 8.6

6.8

7.1

7.5

6.8 

 7.3 

 7.4

 8.3

 8.6

6.4

6.6

6.9

6.9 

 7.0 

 7.0

 8.2 

 8.7

1.4

1.5

1.7

1.7

1.9

2.0

2.1

2.2

1.3

1.5

1.5

1.7

1.8

1.9

1.9

2.1

1.4

1.6

1.6

1.8

1.9

1.8

1.9

1.9

1.4

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

 

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, January 30, 2020. 

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019

Percent

Figure 1. Quarterly Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates for the United States: 1996-2019

Rental Vacancy Rate

Homeowner Vacancy Rate

Recession

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020. 

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

RESIDENTIAL VACANCIES

AND HOMEOWNERSHIP

FOURTH QUARTER 2019 

Rental Vacancy Rate 6.4%

Homeowner Vacancy Rate 1.4%

Homeownership Rate 65.1%

Next release: April 28, 2020

Data are not adjusted for seasonality.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 

Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020
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In the fourth quarter 2019, the median asking rent for vacant for rent units was $1,005. 

In the fourth quarter 2019, the median asking sales price for vacant for sale units was $226,800. 

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

1100

1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019

Recession Dollars ($)

Median Asking Rent for Vacant for Rent Units: 1995-2019

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 2019

Recession Dollars ($)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020

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

Median Asking Sales Price for Vacant for Sale Units: 1995-2019 Figure 3

(Current Dollars)

(Current Dollars)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020

Recession data: National Bureau of Economic Research, <www.nber.org>
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The fourth quarter 2019 rental vacancy outside Metropolitan Statistical Areas (7.4 percent) was higher than 

the rate in the suburbs (5.9 percent), but not statistically different from the rate in principal cities (6.7

percent). The rental vacancy rates in principal cities, in the suburbs, and outside MSAs were not statistically 

different from the fourth quarter 2018 rates. 

The homeowner vacancy rate in outside MSAs (1.6 percent) was higher than the rate in the suburbs (1.3

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

rate in the suburbs was lower than the fourth quarter 2018 rate, while rates in principal cities and outside 

MSAs were not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2018 rates. 

The fourth quarter 2019 rental vacancy rate was highest in the South (8.2 percent) followed by the Midwest 

(6.8 percent), the Northeast (5.2 percent), and the West (4.4 percent). The rental vacancy rates in each region 

were not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2018 rates. 

The homeowner vacancy rate in the South (1.6 percent) was higher than in the Northeast (1.3 percent) and 

the West (1.2 percent), but not statistically different from the Midwest (1.3 percent). Homeowner vacancy 

rates in the Northeast, Midwest, and West were not statistically different from each other. The homeowner 

vacancy rates in each region were not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2018 rates. 

 Table 2. Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates by Area and Region: Fourth Quarter 2018 and 2019

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

Area/Region Fourth

Quarter

2018

Fourth

Quarter

2019

Margins of Errora

Fourth

Quarter

2018

Fourth

Quarter

2019

Margins of Errora

of

2019 rate

of

difference

of

2019 rate

of

difference

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

Inside Metropolitan 

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

...In principal cities.......

...Not in principal

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

Outside Metropolitan 

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

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

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

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

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

6.6

 

6.4

 6.9

 5.9

 8.2

 

5.1

 7.1

 8.5

 4.5

 6.4

 

 

6.3

 6.7

 5.9

 7.4

 

5.2

 6.8

 8.2

 4.4

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.4

 0.8

0.5

0.7

0.4

0.4

0.3

0.3

0.5

0.5

 1.0

0.7

1.0

0.6

0.6

1.5

1.4

1.5

 1.4

 1.5

1.5

1.3

1.7

1.2

1.4

1.3

1.5

 1.3

 1.6

1.3

1.3

1.6

1.2

0.1

0.1

0.2

0.1

 0.3

0.2

0.2

0.1

0.2

0.1

0.1

0.2

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. 

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020. 
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Approximately 88.5 percent of the housing units in the United States in the fourth quarter 2019 were occupied 

and 11.5 percent were vacant. Owner-occupied housing units made up 57.6 percent of total housing units, 

while renter-occupied units made up 30.9 percent of the inventory in the fourth quarter 2019. Vacant yearround units comprised 8.9 percent of total housing units, while 2.6 percent were for seasonal use.

Approximately 2.1 percent of the total units were for rent, 0.8 percent were for sale only and 0.7 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, 0.9 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: Fourth Quarter 2018 and 2019a

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

Type

Fourth

Quarter

2018 (r)

Fourth

Quarter

2019

Difference 

Between 

Estimates

Margins of Errorb

Percent of

total

(2019)

of 2019

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

138,921

122,524

79,396

43,128

16,396

12,516

3,099

1,184 

1,061

 7,172

 2,020

 1,368

 3,784

 3,880

140,074

123,952

80,676

43,275

16,122

12,421

3,001

1,146

981

7,293

2,156

 1,262

 3,874

 3,701

1,153

1,428

 1,280

 147

 -274

 -95

 -98

 -38

 -80

 121

 136

 -106

 90

 -179

X

284

506

574

340

299

116

70

58

236

167

 123

 151

 224

X

370

697

776

431

359

155

89

78

278

179

148 

183

247

100.0

88.5

57.6

30.9

11.5

8.9

2.1

0.8

0.7

5.2

1.5

0.9

2.8

2.6

 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 2018 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 2019, the housing inventory estimates are based on vintage 2018 housing unit controls that are projected forward through the 

fourth quarter 2019. The fourth quarter 2019 housing inventory estimates, shown above, reflect vintage 2018 housing unit controls, benchmarked to the 2010 

Census. The CPS/HVS historical table series, from the first quarter 2010 through the first quarter 2019, has also been revised based on vintage 2018 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, January 30, 2020. 
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The homeownership rate of 65.1 percent was not significantly different from the rate in the fourth quarter 2018

(64.8 percent) nor from the rate in the third quarter 2019 (also 64.8 percent). 

Table 4. Homeownership Rates for the United States: 1997 to 2019 

Year

Homeownership Rates (percent)

First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter

Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa

 

2019........

2018........

2017........

2016........

2015........

2014........

2013........

2012........

64.2

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

0.5

64.1

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

0.5

64.8

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

0.5

65.1

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

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........

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

 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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, January 30, 2020. 

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019

Percent

Recession Homeownership Rate Seasonally Adjusted Homeownership Rate

Quarterly Homeownership Rates and Seasonally Adjusted Homeownership Rates Figure 4

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020, 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 1997 through the fourth

quarter 2019. (Research has shown that seasonality for homeownership rates is present.) When adjusted for 

seasonal variation, the fourth quarter 2019 homeownership rate was not statistically different from the rate in the 

fourth quarter 2018 nor the rate in the third quarter 2019. 

Table 4SA. Homeownership Rates for the United States: 1997 to 2019, Seasonally Adjusteda

Year

Homeownership Rates (percent), Seasonally Adjusted

First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter

Rate MOEb Rate MOEb Rate MOEb Rate MOEb

2019........

2018........

2017........

2016........

2015........

2014........

2013........

2012........

64.3

64.3

63.7

63.5

63.8

64.9

65.2

65.6

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

64.3

64.5

63.9

63.1

63.6

64.8

65.1

65.6

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

64.7

64.4

63.9

63.4

63.6

64.3

65.2

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

64.8

64.5

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

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........

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

 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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, January 30, 2020. 
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The fourth quarter 2019 homeownership rate was highest in the Midwest (69.5 percent), followed by the 

South (66.7 percent), the Northeast (62.3 percent) and the West (60.3 percent). The homeownership rates in 

each region were not statistically different from the rates in the fourth quarter 2018. 

Table 5. Homeownership Rates for the United States and Regions: 2014 to 2019

Homeownership Rates (percent)

Year/Quarter United States Northeast Midwest South West

Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa

2019

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

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

65.1

64.8

64.1

64.2

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

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

62.3

61.7

61.2

60.7

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

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

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

69.5

69.0

68.0

68.2

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

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

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

66.7

66.2

66.0

66.2

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

0.5

0.6

0.6

0.6

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

60.3

60.6

59.3

59.8

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

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

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

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, January 30, 2020. 
Data Inquiries Media Inquiries

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

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

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

The fourth quarter 2019 homeownership rate was highest for those householders ages 65 years and over (79.0

percent) and lowest for those householders under 35 years of age (37.6 percent). The homeownership rate for

householders less than 35 years old was higher than in the fourth quarter 2018, while rates for the other age 

categories were not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2018 rates.

Table 6. Homeownership Rates by Age of Householder: 2014 to 2019

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

2019

Fourth Quarter 

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter 

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

65.1

64.8

64.1

64.2

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

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

37.6

37.5

36.4

35.4

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

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.9

0.9

0.9

60.4

60.3

59.4

60.3

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

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

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

70.6

70.1

70.1

69.5

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 

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

75.6

75.1

74.8

75.4

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

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

79.0

78.9

78.0

78.5

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

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

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

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, January 30, 2020. 
Data Inquiries Media Inquiries

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

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

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

For homeownership rates by race, the fourth quarter 2019 homeownership rate for non-Hispanic White Alone 

householders reporting a single race was highest at 73.7 percent. The rate for Asian, Native Hawaiian and 

Pacific Islander Alone householders was second at 57.6 percent and Black Alone householders was lowest at 

44.0 percent. The homeownership rate for non-Hispanic White Alone households; Asian, Native Hawaiian, and 

Pacific Islander Alone; and Black Alone householders were not statistically different from the fourth quarter 

2018 rates. 

The homeownership rate for Hispanic householders (who can be of any race), 48.1 percent, was not 

statistically different from the fourth quarter 2018 rate. 

Table 7. Homeownership Rates by Race and Ethnicity of Householder: 2016 to 2019

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

2019

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

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

65.1

64.8

64.1

64.2

64.8

64.4

64.3

64.2

64.2

63.9

63.7

63.6

63.7

63.5

62.9

63.5

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

73.7

73.4

73.1

73.2

73.6

73.1

72.9

72.4

72.7

72.5

72.2

71.8

72.2

71.9

71.5

72.1

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

44.0

42.7

40.6

41.1

42.9

41.7

41.6

42.2

42.1

42.0

42.3

42.7

41.7

41.3

41.7

41.5

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

55.7

56.0

55.0

53.9

55.6

56.6

55.7

54.8

55.4

54.7

54.3

53.6

53.7

53.3

51.2

53.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

57.6

58.5

57.7

56.9

58.1

58.2

58.0

57.3

58.2

57.1

56.5

56.8

56.6

55.6

53.7

55.7

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

48.1

47.8

46.6

47.4

46.9

46.3

46.6

48.4

46.6

46.1

45.5

46.6

46.3

47.0

45.1

45.3

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

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. 

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020. 
Data Inquiries Media Inquiries

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

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

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

The fourth quarter 2019 homeownership rate for households with family income greater than or equal to the 

median family income was not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2018 rate. The rate for those 

households with family income less than the median family income (51.4 percent) was higher than the fourth

quarter 2018 rate (50.7 percent). 

 

Table 8. Homeownership Rates by Family Income: 2014 to 2019

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

2019

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

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

65.1

64.8

64.1

64.2

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

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

78.8

78.7

78.2

78.0

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

0.5

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

51.4

50.9

50.0

50.5

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

0.6

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. 

. 

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2020. 
Data Inquiries Media Inquiries

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

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

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

The first quarter 2020 data are scheduled for release on April 28, 2020. 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 6.4 percent is 0.1473

percentage points. The margin of error, at the 90 percent confidence interval, is calculated as 1.645 x 0.1473

percent, or 0.2 percentage points. Thus the 90 percent confidence interval is from 6.2 percent to 6.6 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 Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey (CPS/HVS) sample following a decennial census. 

The current sample has been fully phased-in since July 2015. 

Since the first quarter 2003, the 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 2019, 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 2018 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 2018 housing 

unit estimates that are projected forward through the fourth quarter 2019. The vintage 2018 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 / Patricia Holley 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 2018 means that all of the estimates in 

this time series are identified as belonging to "vintage 2018." The 2010 data are from the 2018 vintage, the 2011 

data are from the 2018 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/qtr419/source_19q4.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 aa 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 aa oo

� + �

VV 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 / Patricia Holley 301-763-3030

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

HH HH h RR (%) = � 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.

###