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FOR RELEASE AT 10:00 AM EDT, Tuesday, October 29, 2019 

QUARTERLY RESIDENTIAL VACANCIES AND HOMEOWNERSHIP,  

THIRD QUARTER 2019  

Release Number: CB19‐157 

October 29, 2019 — The U.S. Census Bureau announced the following residential vacancies and homeownership 

statistics for the third quarter 2019: 

National vacancy rates in the third quarter 2019 were 6.8 percent for rental housing and 1.4 percent for  

homeowner housing. The rental vacancy rate of 6.8 percent was not statistically different from the rate in the third 

quarter 2018 (7.1 percent) and virtually unchanged from the rate in the second quarter 2019.  The homeowner 

vacancy rate of 1.4 percent was 0.2 percentage points lower than the rate in the third quarter 

2018 (1.6 percent) and was 0.1 percentage points higher than the rate in the second quarter 2019 (1.3 percent). 

The homeownership rate of 64.8 percent was not statistically different from the rate in the third quarter 2018 (64.4 

percent), but was 0.7 percentage points higher than the rate in the second quarter 2019 (64.1 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 

6.6 

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 

1.5 

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, October 29, 2019.  

RESIDENTIAL VACANCIES 

 AND HOMEOWNERSHIP 

THIRD QUARTER 2019

Rental Vacancy Rate 6.8% 

Homeowner Vacancy Rate 1.4% 

Homeownership Rate 64.8% 

Next release: January 30, 2020

Data are not adjusted for seasonality. 

Source: U.S. Census Bureau,  

Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, October 29, 2019 
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In the third quarter 2019, the median asking rent for vacant for rent units was $1,002. 

In the third quarter 2019, the median asking sales price for vacant for sale units was $220,700. 

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. 

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, October 29, 2019

Recession data: National Bureau of Economic Research, <www.nber.org>
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The third quarter 2019 rental vacancy rate outside Metropolitan Statistical Areas (7.7 percent) was higher than 

in the suburbs (6.1 percent), but not statistically different from the rate in principal cities (7.1 percent). The 

rental vacancy rate outside MSAs was lower than in the third quarter 2018 (9.2 percent), while rates in 

principal cities and in the suburbs were not statistically different from third quarter 2018 rates.

The homeowner vacancy rate in the suburbs (1.4 percent) was 0.3 percentage points lower than outside MSAs 

(1.7 percent). The homeowner vacancy rate in principal cities (1.5 percent) was not statistically different from

outside MSAs (1.7 percent) or in the suburbs (1.4 percent). The homeowner vacancy rate in principle cities, in 

the suburbs, and outside MSAs were not statistically different from their third quarter 2018 rates. 

The third quarter 2019 rental vacancy rate was highest in the South (8.7 percent), followed by the Midwest 

(7.0 percent). The rental vacancy rates in Northeast (5.4 percent) and the West (4.8 percent) were not 

statistically different from each other. The rental vacancy rate for the Midwest, Northeast, South, and West

were not statistically different from their third quarter 2018 rates. 

The homeowner vacancy rate was highest in the South (1.7 percent). The homeowner vacancy rate in the 

Northeast (1.4 percent) was 0.3 percentage points lower than in the South (1.7 percent). Homeowner vacancy 

rates in the Midwest (1.3 percent) and West (1.2 percent) were not statistically different from each other. The 

homeowner vacancy rates for the Midwest, Northeast, South, and West were not statistically different from 

their third quarter 2018 rates.

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

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

Area/Region Third

Quarter

2018

Third

Quarter

2019

Margins of Errora

Third

Quarter

2018

Third

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

7.1

 

6.8

 7.0

 6.6

 9.2

 

6.0

 7.6

 8.7

 5.1

 6.8

 

 

6.7

 7.1

 6.1

 7.7

 

5.4

 7.0

 8.7

 4.8

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.4

 0.8

0.5

0.7

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.5

 1.0

0.7

1.0

0.6

0.6

1.6

1.5

1.7

 1.4

 2.0

1.5

1.5

1.7

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.5

 1.4

 1.7

1.4

1.3

1.7

1.2

0.1

0.1

0.2

0.1

 0.3

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.1

0.1

0.3

0.1 

 0.3

0.3

0.3

0.2

0.2

a

A margin of error is a measure of an estimate’s reliability. The larger the margin of error in relation to the size of the estimate, the less reliable the estimate. This 

number, when added to and subtracted from the estimate, forms the 90 percent confidence interval. 

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, October 29, 2019. 
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Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch Public Information Office

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Approximately 87.8 percent of the housing units in the United States in the third quarter 2019 were occupied 

and 12.2 percent were vacant. Owner-occupied housing units made up 56.9 percent of total housing units, 

while renter-occupied units made up 30.9 percent of the inventory in the third quarter of 2019. Vacant yearround units comprised 9.4 percent of total housing units, while 2.8 percent were for seasonal use.

Approximately 2.3 percent of the total units were for rent, 0.8 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 5.5 percent of the 

total housing stock -- 1.6 percent were for occasional use, 1.0 percent were temporarily occupied by persons 

with usual residence elsewhere (URE), and 2.9 percent were vacant for other reasons.

 Table 3. Estimates of the Total Housing Inventory for the United States: Third Quarter 2018 and 2019a

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

Type

Third

Quarter

2018 (r)

Third

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

138,633

121,396

78,120

43,276

17,237

13,225

3,345

1,256 

1,154

 7,470

 2,101

 1,406

 3,964

 4,013

139,785

122,735

79,492

43,243

17,050

13,169

3,183

1,178

1,178

7,630

2,219

 1,369

 4,041

 3,882

1,152

1,339

 1,372

 -33

 -187

 -56

 -162

 -78

 24

 160

 118

 -37

 77

 -131

X

290

513

574

347

306

119

70

63

241

169

 128

 152

 229

X

376

708

776

440

367

160

90

83

283

182

152 

184

252

100.0

87.8

56.9

30.9

12.2

9.4

2.3

0.8

0.8

5.5

1.6

1.0

2.9

2.8

 a

The housing inventory estimates are benchmarked to 2010 Census. bA margin of error is a measure of an estimate’s reliability. The larger the margin of error in relation to the size of the estimate, the less reliable the estimate. This 

 number, when added to and subtracted from the estimate, forms the 90 percent confidence interval. 

 c

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

 (r) Revised using vintage 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 

third quarter 2019. The third 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, October 29, 2019. 
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

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The homeownership rate of 64.8 percent was not significantly different from the rate in the third quarter 2018 (64.4

percent), but was 0.7 percentage points higher than the second quarter rate in 2019 (64.1 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

64.8

64.2

63.7

63.8

64.0

65.2

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

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

2010........

2009........

2008........

2007........

2006........

2005........

2004........

2003........

2002b.......

2001........

2000........

1999........

1998........

1997........

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, October 29, 2019. 

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, October 29, 2019. Recession data: National Bureau of Economic Research, <www.nber.org>
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Table 4SA shows the seasonally adjusted homeownership rates for the United States, from 1997 through the third

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

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

third quarter 2018 nor the rate in the second 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

63.5

64.8

65.1

65.6

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

64.7

64.3

63.8

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

64.5

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

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, October 29, 2019. 
Data Inquiries Media Inquiries

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

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The third quarter 2019 homeownership rate was highest in the Midwest (69.0 percent), followed by the South 

(66.2 percent), the Northeast (61.7 percent), and the West (60.6 percent). The homeownership rate in the 

South was 0.8 percentage points higher than in the third quarter of 2018. The homeownership rates in the 

Midwest, Northeast, and West were not statistically different from their rates in the third 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

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

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

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

0.8

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

69.0

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

0.7

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

66.2

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

0.6

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

60.6

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

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, October 29, 2019. 
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 third quarter 2019 homeownership rate was highest for those householders ages 65 years and over (78.9

percent) and lowest for those householders under 35 years of age (37.5 percent). The homeownership rates for 

each age group of householders were not statistically different from the third 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

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

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

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

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.9

0.9

0.9

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

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

70.1

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

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

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

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

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

0.6

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, October 29, 2019. 
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 third quarter 2019 homeownership rate for non-Hispanic White Alone 

householders reporting a single race was highest at 73.4 percent. The rate for Asian, Native Hawaiian, and 

Pacific Islander Alone householders was second at 58.5 percent, and Black Alone householders was lowest at 

42.7 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 their third quarter 

2018 rates. 

The homeownership rate for Hispanic householders (who can be of any race) was 47.8 percent, which is 1.5 

percentage points higher the third 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

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

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

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

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

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

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

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

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

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

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, October 29, 2019. 
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 third quarter 2019 homeownership rate for households with family income greater than or equal to the 

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

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

third quarter 2018 rate. 

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

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

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

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

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

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

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5 a

Based on family or primary individual income.

bA margin of error is a measure of an estimate’s reliability. The larger the margin of error in relation to the size of the estimate, the less reliable the estimate. This 

number, when added to and subtracted from the estimate, forms the 90 percent confidence interval. 

NOTE: Beginning in 2010, the Census Bureau began imputing missing values for the family income question, which is used in the homeownership table above. Data 

users should keep this in mind when comparing data from 2010 and later to earlier data. 

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, October 29, 2019. 
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 data are scheduled for release on January 30, 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 6.8 percent is 0.1504

percentage points. The margin of error, at the 90 percent confidence interval, is calculated as 1.645 x 0.1504

percent, or 0.2 percent. Thus the 90 percent confidence interval is from 6.6 percent to 7.0 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 third 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/qtr319/source_19q3.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

uuuu

uu uu

� + �

VV VV yy − rrrr rr

uu uu rr bb

aa aa

� + �

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

uu uu

� + �

VV VV yy − rrrr rr

uu uu bb

aa aa

� + �

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 RRRRRRRR (%) = � 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 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.

###