U.S. Census Bureau News 

U.S. Department of Commerce  Washington D.C. 20233

 

Robert R. Callis For Release 10:00 am EST, February 2, 2010 

Linda B. Cavanaugh CB10-07 

(301) 763-3199 

 

CENSUS BUREAU REPORTS ON RESIDENTIAL VACANCIES AND HOMEOWNERSHIP 

National vacancy rates in the fourth quarter 2009 were 10.7 (+ 0.4) percent for rental housing and 

2.7 (+ 0.1) percent for homeowner housing, the Department of Commerce’s Census Bureau announced today. 

The Census Bureau said the rental vacancy rate was higher than the fourth quarter 2008 rate (10.1 percent) 

and not statistically different from the rate last quarter (11.1 percent). For homeowner vacancies, the 

current rate was not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2008 rate (2.9 percent) or from the rate 

last quarter (2.6 percent). The homeownership rate at 67.2 (+ 0.5) percent for the current quarter was not 

statistically different from the fourth quarter 2008 rate (67.5 percent), but it was lower than last quarter’s rate 

(67.6 percent). 

Table 1. Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates for the United States: 1996 to 2009 (in percent)

Rental vacancy rate Homeowner vacancy rate 

Year 

First 

Quarter 

Second 

Quarter 

Third 

Quarter 

Fourth 

Quarter 

First 

Quarter 

Second 

Quarter 

Third 

Quarter 

Fourth 

Quarter 

  

 2009.... 

 2008.... 

 2007.... 

 2006.... 

 2005.... 

 2004.... 

 2003.... 

 2002a

 .. 

 2002.... 

2001.... 

2000..... 

1999..... 

1998..... 

1997..... 

1996..... 

 10.1 

 10.1 

 10.1 

 9.5 

 10.1 

 10.4 

 9.4 

 9.1 

 9.1 

 8.2 

 7.9 

 8.2 

 7.7 

 7.5 

 7.9 

 10.6 

 10.0 

 9.5 

 9.6 

 9.8 

 10.2 

9.6 

8.4 

8.5 

8.3 

8.0 

8.1 

8.0 

7.9 

7.8 

 11.1 

 9.9 

 9.8 

 9.9 

 9.9 

 10.1 

 9.9 

 9.0 

 9.1 

 8.4 

8.2 

8.2 

8.2 

7.9 

8.0 

 10.7 

 10.1 

 9.6 

 9.8 

 9.6 

 10.0 

 10.2 

9.3 

9.4 

8.8 

7.8 

7.9 

7.8 

7.7 

7.7 

 2.7 

2.9 

2.8 

2.1 

1.8 

1.7 

1.7 

1.7 

1.7 

1.5 

1.6 

1.8 

1.7 

1.7 

1.6 

2.5 

 2.8 

2.6 

2.2 

1.8 

1.7 

1.7 

1.7 

1.7 

1.8 

1.5 

1.6 

1.7 

1.6 

1.5 

 2.6 

 2.8 

 2.7 

 2.5 

 1.9 

 1.7 

 1.9 

1.7 

1.7 

1.9 

1.6 

1.6 

1.7 

1.5 

1.7 

 2.7 

 2.9 

2.8 

2.7 

 2.0 

 1.8 

 1.8 

1.7 

1.7 

1.8 

1.6 

1.6 

1.8 

1.7 

1.7 

 aRevised in 2002 to incorporate information collected in Census 2000. 

 NOTE: The estimates in this report are based on responses from a sample of the population and may differ from actual values because of 

 sampling variability or other factors. As a result, apparent differences between the estimates for two or more groups may not be 

statistically significant. All comparative statements have undergone statistical testing, and when significant, they are significant at the 90-percent 

confidence level unless otherwise noted. The data in this report are from the monthly samples of the Housing Vacancy Survey, which is a supplement 

to the Current Population Survey. The populations represented (the population universe) are all housing units (vacancy rates) and the civilian noninstitutional population of the United States (homeownership rate). For an explanation of how the rates are calculated, please see pages 11-12. 
2

 

For rental housing by area, the fourth quarter 2009 vacancy rate inside principal cities (11.2 percent) was higher 

than in the suburbs (10.2 percent), but not statistically different from outside Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA’s), 

10.8 percent. The rental vacancy rate inside principal cities was higher than a year ago, while the rates in the suburbs 

and outside MSA’s showed no statistical change from the fourth quarter 2008 rates respectively. 

 The homeowner vacancy rate in principal cities (3.1 percent) was higher than in the suburbs (2.5 percent), but not 

statistically different from the rate outside MSA’s (2.8 percent). The homeowner vacancy rates by area were not 

statistically different from their corresponding rates a year ago. 

Among regions, the rental vacancy rate was highest in the South (13.7 percent) and lowest in the Northeast 

 (7.2 percent). When compared to fourth quarter 2008, the rental vacancy rate was higher in the Northeast, while rates 

in the Midwest, South, and West were not statistically different from their respective rates. 

For fourth quarter 2009, the regional homeowner vacancy rate was lowest in the Northeast (1.9 percent), while 

rates in other regions were not statistically different from each other. The homeowner vacancy rates in the four regions 

were not statistically different from their respective rates last year. 

Table 2. Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates by Area and Region: Fourth Quarter 2008 and 2009 

 (in percent) 

 Rental vacancy rates Homeowner vacancy rates 

90-Percent 

Confidence Interval ( + ) a

90-Percent 

Confidence Interval ( + ) a

Area/Region 

Fourth 

Quarter 

2008 

Fourth 

Quarter 

2009

of 

2009 rate 

of 

difference 

Fourth 

Quarter 

2008 

Fourth 

Quarter 

2009 

of 

2009 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........................ 

 10.1 

 

10.1 

 10.3 

 

 9.9 

 

 9.8 

 6.3 

 10.5 

 13.1 

 8.4 

 10.7 

 10.7 

 11.2 

 10.2 

 

 10.8 

 7.2 

 11.2 

 13.7 

 8.9 

0.4 

0.5 

0.6 

0.7 

 1.5 

0.7 

0.8 

0.9 

0.8 

0.5 

0.5 

0.6 

0.7 

 1.6 

0.8 

1.0 

1.0 

0.9 

2.9 

2.9 

3.5 

2.6 

 2.6 

2.2 

3.0 

3.1 

2.8 

2.7 

2.7 

3.1 

 2.5 

 2.8 

1.9 

2.8 

2.9 

2.7 

0.1 

0.2 

0.3 

0.2 

 0.3 

0.3 

0.3 

0.2 

0.3 

0.2 

0.2 

0.4 

0.2 

 0.4 

0.4 

0.3 

0.3 

0.4 

a

A 90-percent confidence interval is a measure of an estimate’s reliability. The larger the confidence interval is, in relation to the size of the estimate, the less reliable 

the estimate. For more information, see page 10. 

NOTE: Metropolitan Statistical Area data for 2005 and later are not comparable to earlier data. Beginning in first quarter 2005, the Current Population Survey/Housing 

Vacancy Survey is using the new metropolitan and micropolitan statistical definitions that were announced by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in June 

2003, and were based on the application of the 2000 standards to Census 2000 data. The OMB announced updates as of December 2003, based on application of the 

2000 standards to more recent Census Bureau estimates. In this report, outside Metropolitan Statistical Areas includes micropolitan and non-metropolitan statistical 

areas. The December 2003 definitions are available at: http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metrodef.html and 

http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/aboutmetro.html. 
3

 Approximately 85.5 percent of the housing units in the United States in the fourth quarter 2009 were 

occupied and 14.5 percent were vacant. The owner-occupied housing units were 57.5 percent of total housing 

units and renter-occupied units made up 28.1 percent of total housing units in fourth quarter 2009. Vacant 

year-round units comprised 10.9 percent of total housing units, while 3.5 percent were for seasonal use. 

Approximately 3.4 percent of the total units were for rent, 1.6 percent were for sale only, and 5.9 percent were 

vacant for a variety of other reasons. 

 Table 3. Estimates of the Total Housing Inventory for the United States: 

 Fourth Quarter 2008 and 2009 

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

90-Percent 

Confidence Interval ( + ) a 

 

Type 

Fourth 

Quarter 

2008/r 

Fourth 

Quarter 

2009

of 2009 

estimate 

of

difference 

Percent of 

total 

(2009) 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

129,448 

110,668 

74,704 

35,964 

18,780 

14,034 

4,095 

2,206 

 7,733 

4,746 

130,587

111,711

75,038

36,673

18,876

14,249

4,474

2,087

7,688

4,626

(X)

292

630

548

379

372

187

109

278

246

(X) 

 

265 

430 

423 

337 

321 

205 

140 

246 

 217 

 

 

100

85.5

57.5

28.1

14.5

10.9

3.4

1.6

5.9

3.5

 aA 90-percent confidence interval is a measure of an estimate’s reliability. The larger the confidence interval is, in relation to the 

 size of the estimate, the less reliable the estimate. For more information, see page 10. 

 (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. 

 r/Revised using Vintage 2008 housing unit controls. See note below. 

 NOTE: 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 Population Division from Census 2000 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. 

 Beginning in the third quarter 2009, the housing inventory estimates are based on vintage 2008 housing unit controls that are projected 

 forward through 2009. The fourth quarter 2008 housing inventory estimates shown above have been revised, also based on vintage 2008 

 housing unit controls. The CPS/HVS historical table series from second quarter 2000 through the second quarter 2009 has also been 

 revised based on vintage 2008 housing unit controls. These revised estimates and additional information on terms and definitions 

 can be found at: http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/housing/hvs/historic/index.html

 For the methodology used in developing the housing unit estimates used for controls in the CPS/HVS, please see Population Division’s 

 website: http://www.census.gov/popest/topics/methodology/2008-hu-meth.pdf
4

 

The homeownership rate (67.2 percent) for the current quarter was not statistically different 

from fourth quarter 2008 (67.5 percent), but it was lower than the rate last quarter (67.6 percent). 

Table 4. Homeownership Rates for the United States: 1982 to 2009 (in percent) 

Year Homeownership Ratesa

First 

Quarter 

Second 

Quarter 

Third 

Quarter 

Fourth 

Quarter 

 

2009................................. 

2008................................. 

2007................................ 

2006................................ 

2005................................ 

2004................................ 

2003................................ 

2002b

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

2002................................ 

2001................................ 

2000.......................................... 

1999.......................................... 

1998.......................................... 

1997.......................................... 

1996.......................................... 

1995.......................................... 

1994.......................................... 

1993b

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

1993.......................................... 

1992.......................................... 

1991.......................................... 

1990.......................................... 

1989c

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

1989......................................... 

1988......................................... 

1987......................................... 

1986......................................... 

1985......................................... 

1984......................................... 

1983......................................... 

1982......................................... 

67.3 

67.8 

68.4 

68.5 

69.1 

68.6 

68.0 

67.8 

67.8 

67.5 

67.1 

66.7 

65.9 

65.4 

65.1 

64.2 

63.8 

63.7 

64.2 

64.0 

63.9 

64.0 

63.9 

63.9 

63.7 

63.8 

63.6 

64.1 

64.6 

64.7 

64.8 

 67.4 

 68.1 

 68.2 

 68.7 

 68.6 

 69.2 

68.0 

67.6 

67.6 

67.7 

67.2 

66.6 

66.0 

 65.7 

65.4 

64.7 

63.8 

63.9 

64.4 

63.9 

63.9 

63.7 

63.8 

63.9 

63.7 

63.8 

63.8 

64.1 

64.6 

64.7 

64.9 

67.6 

67.9 

68.2 

69.0 

68.8 

69.0 

68.4 

68.0 

68.0 

68.1 

67.7 

67.0 

66.8 

66.0 

65.6 

65.0 

64.1 

64.2 

64.7 

64.3 

64.2 

64.0 

64.1 

64.0 

64.0 

64.2 

63.8 

63.9 

64.6 

64.8 

64.9 

67.2 

67.5 

67.8 

68.9 

69.0 

69.2 

68.6 

68.3 

68.3 

68.0 

67.5 

66.9 

66.4 

65.7 

65.4 

65.1 

64.2 

64.2 

64.6 

64.4 

64.2 

64.1 

63.8 

63.8 

63.8 

64.1 

63.9 

63.5 

64.1 

64.4 

64.5 a

Standard errors for quarterly homeownership rates for the United States generally are 0.3 percent. bRevised in 2002 to incorporate information collected in Census 2000, and in 1993 to reflect the results of the 1990 decennial census. 

 c

Revised to reflect edit changes implemented in 1990. 
5

Table 4SA shows the seasonally adjusted homeownership rates for the United States, from 

1982 to the present. (Research has shown that seasonality for homeownership rates is present.) When 

adjusted for seasonal variation, the current homeownership rate (67.3 percent) was not statistically 

different from the rate in fourth quarter 2008 (67.6 percent), or the rate last quarter (67.4 percent). 

Table 4SA. Homeownership Rates for the United States: 1982 to 2009

 Seasonally Adjusted (in percent) 

 Year Homeownership Ratesa

 (Seasonally Adjusted) 

 First 

Quarter 

Second 

Quarter 

Third 

Quarter 

Fourth 

Quarter 

 

2009................................. 

2008................................. 

2007................................. 

2006................................. 

2005................................. 

2004................................. 

2003................................. 

2002b

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

2001................................ 

2000.......................................... 

1999.......................................... 

1998.......................................... 

1997.......................................... 

1996.......................................... 

1995.......................................... 

1994.......................................... 

1993b.........................................

1992.......................................... 

1991.......................................... 

1990.......................................... 

1989c

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

1988......................................... 

1987......................................... 

1986......................................... 

1985......................................... 

1984......................................... 

1983......................................... 

1982......................................... 

 67.4d

 68.0 

 68.5d

 68.6

 69.2

 68.7 

 68.1

 67.9 

 67.6 

 67.1 

 66.7 

66.0

65.5 

 65.3 

 64.4 

64.0 

63.9 

64.1 

64.0 

64.1 

64.0

63.8 

63.9 

63.7 

64.1 

64.6 

64.7 

64.8 

 67.4

 68.1 

 68.3d

 68.8

 68.8 

 

 69.4

68.2 

67.8

67.9 

 67.3 

66.7 

66.1 

65.7 

 65.4 

64.7 

63.9 

64.0

 64.1 

64.1 

63.9 

63.9

63.8 

63.9 

63.8 

64.1 

64.6 

64.7 

 65.0 

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 

63.9 

64.0

 64.1 

 64.1 

 63.9 

 63.9

 63.8 

 64.1 

 63.7 

 63.8 

64.5 

64.6 

64.7 

 67.3 

 67.6 

 67.8 

68.8 

68.9 

 69.0 

 68.5 

 68.2 

 67.9 

 67.5 

 66.9 

 66.5

 65.8 

 65.4 

 65.1 

 

 64.1 

 64.1

 64.3 

 64.1 

 64.0 

 63.7 

 63.8 

 64.1 

 63.9 

 63.6 

 64.3 

 64.6 

 64.7 aStandard errors for quarterly homeownership rates for the United States generally are 0.3 percent. 

 bRevised in 2002 to incorporate information collected in Census 2000, and in 1993 to reflect the results of the 1990 decennial census. 

 c

Revised to reflect edit changes implemented in 1990. 

 d

Revised as a result of seasonality computation for this quarter. 
6

For fourth quarter 2009, the regional homeownership rates were highest in the Midwest (71.3 percent) 

and lowest in the West (62.3 percent). The homeownership rate in the South was lower than a year ago, 

while rates in the other regions were not statistically different from their corresponding rates last year. 

 Table 5. Homeownership Rates for the United States and Regions: 2004 to 2009 (in percent) 

 Homeownership Ratesa

 Year/Quarter 

United 

States Northeast Midwest South West 

2009 

Fourth Quarter........... 

Third Quarter............ 

Second Quarter.......... 

First Quarter............. 

2008 

Fourth Quarter........... 

Third Quarter............ 

Second Quarter.......... 

First Quarter.............. 

2007 

Fourth Quarter........... 

Third Quarter............ 

Second Quarter.......... 

First Quarter............. 

2006 

Fourth Quarter........... 

Third Quarter............ 

Second Quarter.......... 

First Quarter............. 

2005 

Fourth Quarter............ 

Third Quarter............. 

Second Quarter........... 

First Quarter.............. 

2004 

Fourth Quarter............ 

Third Quarter............. 

Second Quarter........... 

First Quarter............... 

67.2 

67.6 

67.4 

67.3 

67.5 

67.9 

68.1 

67.8 

67.8 

68.2 

68.2 

68.4 

68.9 

69.0 

68.7 

68.5 

69.0 

68.8 

68.6 

69.1 

69.2 

69.0 

69.2 

68.6 

63.9 

64.0 

64.3 

63.7 

64.0 

64.4 

65.3 

64.7 

64.6 

65.2 

65.4 

64.8 

65.3 

65.5 

65.4 

64.7 

65.4 

65.1 

64.7 

65.4 

65.2 

64.4 

65.4 

65.1 

71.3 

71.6 

70.5 

70.7 

71.4 

71.9 

71.7 

72.0 

71.7 

71.9 

71.8 

72.2 

73.0 

72.8 

72.5 

72.5 

72.8 

73.3 

73.4 

73.1 

73.7 

73.8 

74.2 

73.5 

69.1 

69.7 

70.0 

69.6 

69.8 

69.9 

70.2 

69.7 

70.0 

70.1 

69.9 

70.6 

70.8 

70.6 

70.4 

70.4 

71.1 

70.6 

70.4 

71.1 

71.5 

71.0 

70.9 

70.3 

62.3 

62.7 

62.5 

62.8 

62.7 

63.5 

63.0 

62.8 

62.7 

63.5 

64.1 

63.6 

64.5 

65.3 

64.7 

64.4 

64.6 

64.2 

63.8 

64.9 

63.9 

64.7 

64.5 

63.7 

 a

Standard errors for quarterly homeownership rates by region generally are 0.6 percent. 

 

 
7

 The homeownership rates by age of householder for fourth quarter 2009 were highest for those age 

65 years and over (80.2 percent) and lowest for the under 35 years of age group (40.4 percent). The rates for 

the 35 to 44 age group and the 55 to 64 age group were lower than their respective rates a year ago, 

while the other age groups shown were not statistically different from their corresponding rates in fourth 

quarter 2008. 

Table 6. Homeownership Rates by Age of Householder: 2004 to 2009 (in percent) 

 Year/Quarter Homeownership Ratesa

 United 

States 

Under 

35 years 

35 to 44 

years 

45 to 54 

years 

55 to 64 

years 

65 years 

and over 

2009 

Fourth Quarter..... 

Third Quarter...... 

Second Quarter.... 

First Quarter....... 

2008 

Fourth Quarter..... 

Third Quarter...... 

Second Quarter.... 

First Quarter........ 

2007 

Fourth Quarter..... 

Third Quarter...... 

Second Quarter.... 

First Quarter....... 

2006 

Fourth Quarter..... 

Third Quarter...... 

Second Quarter.... 

First Quarter....... 

2005 

Fourth Quarter..... 

Third Quarter...... 

Second Quarter.... 

First Quarter....... 

2004 

Fourth Quarter..... 

Third Quarter...... 

Second Quarter.... 

First Quarter........ 

67.2 

67.6 

67.4 

67.3 

67.5 

67.9 

68.1 

67.8 

67.8 

68.2 

68.2 

68.4 

68.9 

69.0 

68.7 

68.5 

69.0 

68.8 

68.6 

69.1 

69.2 

69.0 

69.2 

68.6 

40.4 

39.8 

39.0 

39.8 

40.3 

41.0 

41.2 

41.3 

41.0 

42.0 

41.9 

41.7 

42.8 

43.0 

42.4 

42.3 

43.1 

43.0 

42.8 

43.3 

43.3 

43.1 

43.6 

42.3 

65.7 

66.5 

66.8 

65.7 

66.6 

67.2 

67.6 

66.7 

67.2 

68.1 

67.6 

68.3 

68.9 

68.8 

68.9 

68.9 

69.7 

68.6 

68.7 

70.1 

70.0 

68.6 

69.4 

68.8 

74.0 

74.5 

74.5 

74.6 

74.5 

75.2 

75.4 

75.0 

 75.1 

75.2 

75.5 

75.8 

76.4 

76.4 

76.3 

75.8 

76.7 

76.7 

76.3 

76.5 

77.4 

77.4 

77.0 

77.0 

78.9 

79.4 

79.9 

79.8 

79.7 

80.0 

80.1 

80.4 

80.4 

81.1 

80.6 

80.4 

80.7 

80.7 

81.0 

81.2 

80.6 

80.9 

81.3 

81.8 

81.6 

81.2 

82.4 

81.7 

80.2 

80.9 

80.4 

80.4 

80.4 

80.1 

80.2 

79.9 

80.3 

79.9 

80.5 

80.9 

81.2 

81.5 

80.6 

80.3 

80.6 

80.6 

80.3 

80.8 

80.5 

81.8 

81.1 

80.7 

 a

Standard errors for quarterly homeownership rates by age of householder generally are 0.5 percent. 

 
8

For the racial categories shown below, the homeownership rate for the fourth quarter 2009 for non-Hispanic 

White householders reporting a single race was highest at 74.5 percent. The rate for All Other Races householders 

was second at 58.4 percent, and single-race Black householders was lowest with a rate of 46.0 percent. When 

compared to their respective rates a year ago, the homeownership rate for single-race Black householders was 

lower, while the rates for non-Hispanic White householders and for All Other Races householders were not 

statistically different. The rate for Hispanic householders (who can be of any race), at 48.4 percent, was not 

statistically different from the rate shown a year ago. 

Table 7. Homeownership Rates by Race and Ethnicity of Householder: 2006 to 2009 (in percent) 

Year/Quarter Homeownership Ratesa

U.S. NonHispanic 

White alone

Black 

 Aloneb

 

All 

Other 

Racesc

Hispanic 

(of any race)

2009 

Fourth Quarter..... 

Third Quarter...... 

Second Quarter.... 

First Quarter........ 

2008 

Fourth Quarter..... 

Third Quarter...... 

Second Quarter.... 

First Quarter....... 

2007 

Fourth Quarter..... 

Third Quarter...... 

Second Quarter..... 

First Quarter........ 

2006 

Fourth Quarter...... 

Third Quarter....... 

Second Quarter...... 

First Quarter......... 

67.2 

67.6 

67.4 

67.3 

67.5 

67.9 

68.1 

 67.8 

67.8 

68.2 

68.2 

68.4 

68.9 

69.0 

68.7 

68.5 

74.5 

75.0 

74.9 

74.7 

74.8 

75.1 

75.2 

75.0 

74.9 

75.3 

75.4 

75.3 

76.0 

76.0 

75.9 

75.5 

 

 46.0 

 46.4 

 46.5 

 46.1 

 46.8 

 47.8 

 47.8 

 47.1 

 47.7 

 46.7 

 46.3 

48.0

48.2 

48.6 

47.2

47.3 

58.4 

57.8 

57.6 

57.4 

58.3 

59.0 

58.4 

58.1 

58.6 

60.1 

59.4 

58.6 

60.0 

60.6 

59.3 

59.6 

48.4 

48.7 

48.1 

48.6 

48.6 

49.5 

49.6 

48.9 

48.5 

50.1 

50.0 

50.1 

49.5 

49.7 

50.0 

49.4 aStandard errors for quarterly homeownership rates by race and ethnicity of householder generally are 0.3 percent for non-Hispanic White 

(single race) householders, 0.6 percent for Black (single race) householders, 0.7 percent for All Other Races householders, and 0.6 percent for 

Hispanic householders. 

 bThe homeownership rate for fourth quarter 2009 for householders who reported Black whether or not they reported any other race was also 

 46.0 percent. 

 c 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. 

 

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 populations, see reports from the Census 2000 Brief series (C2KBR/01), available on the Census 2000 Web site at 

 http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs.html.

 

 
9

In the fourth quarter 2009 the homeownership rate for households with family incomes greater than or 

equal to the median family income (81.8 percent) and the rate for those with family incomes less than the 

median family income (50.2 percent) were both lower than their respective rates shown for fourth quarter 2008. 

 

Table 8. Homeownership Rates by Family Income: 2004 to 2009 (in percent) 

Homeownership Ratesa

 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 

2009 

Fourth Quarter.......... 

Third Quarter........... 

Second Quarter......... 

First Quarter............ 

2008 

Fourth Quarter.......... 

Third Quarter........... 

Second Quarter......... 

First Quarter............. 

2007 

Fourth Quarter........... 

Third Quarter............ 

Second Quarter.......... 

First Quarter............. 

2006 

Fourth Quarter........... 

Third Quarter............ 

Second Quarter.......... 

First Quarter............. 

2005 

Fourth Quarter........... 

Third Quarter............ 

Second Quarter.......... 

First Quarter.............. 

2004 

Fourth Quarter.......... 

Third Quarter............ 

Second Quarter.......... 

First Quarter............. 

67.2 

67.6 

67.4 

67.3 

67.5 

67.9 

68.1 

67.8 

67.8 

68.2 

68.2 

68.4 

68.9 

69.0 

68.7 

68.5 

69.0 

68.8 

68.6 

69.1 

69.2 

69.0 

69.2 

68.6 

81.8 

81.9 

82.2 

82.4 

82.9 

83.0 

83.5 

82.8 

83.0 

83.7 

83.4 

83.3 

84.5 

84.4 

84.1 

83.7 

84.3 

83.7 

84.0 

84.5 

84.6 

84.0 

83.9 

83.8 

 

50.2 

51.7 

51.5 

51.0 

51.2 

52.0 

51.8 

51.2 

50.9 

51.9 

52.0 

52.1 

52.9 

53.0 

52.6 

52.4 

53.1 

52.8 

52.7 

53.0 

52.5 

52.7 

53.1 

51.5 

 aStandard errors for quarterly homeownership rates by family income generally are 0.3 percent. bBased on families or primary individuals reporting income. 

 
10

Note: This press release, along with more detailed data, is available on the Internet. Our Internet address 

is: http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/housing/hvs/hvs.html

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 10.7 percent is 0.263 percentage points. Then the 90-percent confidence interval is calculated as 

10.7+ (1.645 x 0.263) percent, or 10.7 + 0.4 percent, or from 10.3 percent to 11.1 percent. If all possible 

samples were surveyed under essentially the same general conditions and the same sample design, and an 

estimate calculated from each sample, then 90 percent of the estimates would fall within the 90 percent 

confidence interval, in this case, from 10.3 percent to 11.1 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 and updated with building permit data, estimates of housing loss, and other administrative records data. 

 In January of each year, the CPS/HVS formerly used updated housing unit controls (based on the independent 

estimates issued by the Population Division in August of the preceding year) that were projected forward 

through the current year. For example, the first and second quarter 2009 housing inventory estimates were 

based on the Vintage 2007 independent estimates time series and projected forward. In August 2009, 

Population Division released the latest series of independent housing unit estimates, the vintage 2008 time 

series. Now that this more up-to-date data are available and in order for the CPS/HVS to provide the most 

up-to-date information possible, effective in the third quarter 2009, the housing inventory estimates are based 

on vintage 2008 housing unit controls. Previous CPS/HVS estimates from second quarter 2000 through second 

quarter 2009 have been revised and are shown in the CPS/HVS historical table series. Housing inventory 

estimates, prior to the second quarter 2000, have not been revised. The 2009 estimates in the CPS/HVS 

housing inventory data series are now based on the independently produced vintage 2008 housing unit estimates 

that are projected forward through 2009. 

 Looking forward to 2010, the vintage 2009 independent housing estimates time series will be issued 

 by Population Division and will be available to use as housing controls for the CPS/HVS housing inventory 

estimates. When these new independent estimates become available, the CPS/HVS quarterly and annual 

 housing inventory estimates for all quarters of 2010, which have been published (using vintage 2008 independent 

housing estimates data), and for previous years back to 2000 will again be revised. The same general procedure 

 will be followed each year in revising housing inventory estimates with the most up-to-date data available. 

 For an explanation of the methodology used in producing the housing inventory independent estimates, 

 see the site: http://www.census.gov/popest/topics/methodology/2008-hu-meth.pdf

 The housing estimates produced by the Population Division using Census 2000 as a base and updated 

 with building permit data, estimates of housing loss, and other administrative record data to produce the Vintage 

2008 estimates are at: http://www.census.gov/popest/housing/index.html. 

Note: This time series is by the latest "vintage" year. For example, vintage 2008 means that all of the estimates in this time series 

are identified as belonging to "vintage 2008." The 2000 data are from the 2008 vintage, the 2001 data are from the 2008 vintage, 

and so on. 
11

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/hhes/www/hvs.html. 

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 asked 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. 

 

   % * 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

 
12

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