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FOR RELEASE AT 10:00 AM EDT, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

QUARTERLY RESIDENTIAL VACANCIES AND HOMEOWNERSHIP, 

THIRD QUARTER 2016

Release Number: CB16-172

October 27, 2016 — The U.S. Census Bureau announced the following residential vacancies and 

homeownership statistics for third quarter 2016:

National vacancy rates in the third quarter 2016 were 6.8 percent for rental housing and 1.8 percent for 

homeowner housing. The rental vacancy rate of 6.8 percent was 0.5 percentage points (+/-0.4 percentage points) 

lower than the rate in the third quarter 2015 and not statistically different from the rate in the second quarter 

2016. The homeowner vacancy rate of 1.8 percent was not statistically different from the third quarter 2015 or 

second quarter 2016 rates. 

The homeownership rate of 63.5 percent was not statistically different from the rate in the third quarter 

2015 (63.7 percent) and 0.6 percentage points (+/-0.4 percentage points) higher than the rate in the second 

quarter 2016. 

Table 1. Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates for the United States: 2010 to 2016

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

Year First

Quarter

Second

Quarter

Third

Quarter

Fourth

Quarter

First

Quarter

Second

Quarter

Third

Quarter

Fourth

Quarter

 

 2016.......

 2015......

 2014......

 2013......

 2012......

7.0

 7.1

 8.3

 8.6

 8.8

6.7 

 6.8

7.5

 8.2

 8.6

6.8 

 7.3 

 7.4

 8.3

 8.6

 

 7.0 

 7.0

 8.2 

 8.7

1.7

1.9

2.0

2.1

2.2

1.7

1.8

1.9

1.9

2.1

1.8

1.9

1.8

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

2.1

1.9

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

 2010...... 10.6 10.6 10.3 9.4 2.6 2.5 2.5 2.7

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. 

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

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

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

Percent

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

Rental Vacancy Rate

Homeowner Vacancy Rate

Recession

Figure 1

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

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

 

Rental Vacancy Rate 6.8%

Homeowner Vacancy Rate 1.8%

Homeownership Rate 63.5%

 Next release: January 31, 2017

RESDIENTIAL VACANCIES

AND HOMEOWNERSHIP

THIRD QUARTER 2016

Data are not adjusted for seasonality

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 

Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey
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In the third quarter 2016, the median asking rent for vacant for rent units was $842. 

In the third quarter 2016, the median asking sales price for vacant for sale units was $157,500. 

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

2. The historical figures in the graphs are not adjusted for inflation. 

400

450

500

550

600

650

700

750

800

850

900

1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 20152016

Recession Dollars ($)

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

Figure 2

50,000

75,000

100,000

125,000

150,000

175,000

200,000

225,000

1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 20152016

Recession Dollars ($)

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

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

Median Asking Sales Price for Vacant for Sale Units: 1995-2016 Figure 3

(Current Dollars)

(Current Dollars)

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

Recession data: National Bureau of Economic Research, <www.nber.org>
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For rental housing by area, the third quarter 2016 vacancy rates were highest outside Metropolitan Statistical 

Areas (9.6 percent), followed by inside principal cities (6.9 percent) and in the suburbs (6.0 percent). The rental 

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

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

The homeowner vacancy rate was highest outside MSAs (2.5 percent), followed by inside principal cities (1.9 

percent) and in the suburbs (1.5 percent). The homeowner vacancy rate in the suburbs was lower than the third 

quarter 2015 rate, while the rates outside MSAs and inside principal cities were not statistically different from 

the corresponding third quarter 2015 rates. 

For the third quarter 2016, the rental vacancy rate in the South (8.7 percent) was higher than the rates in the 

Northeast (5.2 percent) and West (4.4 percent), but not statistically different from the rate in the Midwest (7.8

percent). The rate was lowest in the West. The rental vacancy rate in the West was lower than the third quarter 

2015 rate, while the rates in the Northeast, Midwest and South were not statistically different from the third

quarter 2015 rates. 

The homeowner vacancy rate in the South (2.1 percent) was higher than the rates in the Midwest and West (1.5 

percent each), but not statistically different from the rate in the Northeast (1.8 percent). The homeowner 

vacancy rate in the Midwest was lower than the third quarter 2015 rate, while the rates in the Northeast, South 

and West were not statistically different from the corresponding third quarter 2015 rates. 

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

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

Area/Region Third

Quarter

2015

Third

Quarter

2016

Margins of Errora

Third

Quarter

2015

Third

Quarter

2016

Margins of Errora

of

2016 rate

of

difference

of

2016 rate

of

difference

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

Inside Metropolitan 

Statistical Areasb.........

 In principal cities......

 Not in principal

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

Outside Metropolitan 

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

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

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

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

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

 7.3

 

7.0

 7.7

 6.2

 9.2

 

5.6

 7.8

 9.3

 5.2

 6.8

 

 6.5

 6.9

 6.0

 9.6

 

5.2

 7.8

 8.7

 4.4

0.3

0.3

0.5

0.5

 1.4

0.6

0.7

0.7

0.5

0.4

0.4

0.5

0.5

 1.5

0.7

0.8

0.8

0.7

1.9

1.7

1.9

 1.7

 2.5

2.0

1.7

2.1

1.5

1.8

1.6

1.9

 1.5

 2.5

1.8

1.5

2.1

1.5

0.1

0.1

0.3

0.1

 0.3

0.3

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.2 

 0.4

0.4

0.3

0.3

0.3

a

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

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

b

Caution should be used when comparing Metropolitan Statistical Area data for 2015 to earlier data. In first quarter 2015, the Current Population Survey/Housing 

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

February 2013, and were based on the application of the 2010 standards to Census 2010 data. In this report, outside Metropolitan Statistical Areas includes micropolitan 

and non-metropolitan statistical areas. The February 2013 definitions are available at: <www.census.gov/population/metro/>

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey
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Approximately 87.4 percent of the housing units in the United States in the third quarter 2016 were occupied 

and 12.6 percent were vacant. Owner-occupied housing units made up 55.5 percent of total housing units, while 

renter-occupied units made up 31.9 percent of the inventory in the third quarter 2016. Vacant year-round units 

comprised 9.5 percent of total housing units, while 3.1 percent were for seasonal use. Approximately 2.4 percent 

of the total units were for rent, 1.0 percent were for sale only, and 0.9 percent were rented or sold but not yet 

occupied. Vacant units that were held off market comprised 5.3 percent of the total housing stock. Of these 

units, 1.5 percent were for occasional use, 1.0 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: Third Quarter 2015 and 2016a

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

Type

Third

Quarter

2015 (r)

Third

Quarter

2016

Difference 

Between 

Estimates

Margins of Errorb

Percent of

total

(2016)

of 2016

estimate

of

difference

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 For Occ’l Use........

 Temp Occ by URE...

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

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

134,857

117,406

74,778

42,628

17,452

13,146

3,393

1,422 

1,190

 7,141

 2,086

 1,266

 3,791

 4,304

135,679

118,596

75,339

43,256

17,084

12,870

3,216

1,353

1,177

7,125

2,046

 1,317

 3,762

 4,213

822

1,190

 561

 628

 -368

 -276

 -177

 -69

 -13

 -16

 -40

 51

 -29

 -91

X

173

629

571

363

356

160

88

75

272

149

 120

 200

 236

X

167

430

440

325

309

181

113

106

236

130

103 

175

207

100.0

87.4

55.5

31.9

12.6

9.5

2.4

1.0

0.9

5.3

1.5

1.0

2.8

3.1

 a

The housing inventory estimates are benchmarked to 2010 Census. b

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

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

 (r) Revised using vintage 2015 housing unit controls. See note below.

 X Not Applicable. Since the number of housing units is set equal to an independent national measure, there is no sampling error, and hence no 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 2016, the housing inventory estimates are based on vintage 2015 housing unit controls that are projected forward through 2016.

 The third quarter 2016 housing inventory estimates, shown above, reflect vintage 2015 housing unit controls, benchmarked to the 2010 Census. The CPS/HVS 

 historical table series, from the first quarter 2010 through the first quarter 2016, has also been revised based on vintage 2015 housing unit controls. These revised 

 estimates 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’s

 website: <www.census.gov/popest/methodology/>

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey
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The homeownership rate of 63.5 percent was not statistically different from the rate in the third quarter 2015 (63.7 

percent) and 0.6 percentage points (+/-0.4 percentage points) higher than the rate in the second quarter 2016. 

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

Year

Homeownership Rates (percent)

First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter

Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa

 

2016........

2015........

2014........

2013........

2012........

63.5

63.7

64.8

65.0

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

62.9

63.4

64.7

65.0

65.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

63.5

63.7

64.4

65.3

65.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

63.8

64.0

65.2

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

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

2010........

2009........

2008........

2007........

2006........

2005........

2004........

2003........

2002b

.......

2001........

2000........

1999........

1998........

1997........

1996........

1995........

67.1

67.3

67.8

68.4

68.5

69.1

68.6

68.0

67.8

67.5

67.1

66.7

65.9

65.4

65.1

64.2

 0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

66.9

67.4

68.1

68.2

68.7

68.6

69.2

68.0

67.6

67.7

67.2

66.6

66.0

65.7

65.4

64.7

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.2

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

66.9

67.6

67.9

68.2

69.0

68.8

69.0

68.4

68.0

68.1

67.7

67.0

66.8

66.0

65.6

65.0

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.2

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

66.5

67.2

67.5

67.8

68.9

69.0

69.2

68.6

68.3

68.0

67.5

66.9

66.4

65.7

65.4

65.1

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.3

a

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

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

b

Revised in 2002 to incorporate information collected in Census 2000. 

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

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

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

Percent

Recession Homeownership Rate Seasonally Adjusted Homeownership Rate

Quarterly Homeownership Rates and Seasonally Adjusted Homeownership Rates

for the United States: 1995-2016

Figure 4

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

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

variation, the third quarter 2016 homeownership rate was not statistically different from the third quarter 2015

rate or the second quarter 2016 rate.

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

Year

Homeownership Rates (percent), Seasonally Adjusted

First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter

Rate MOEb Rate MOEb Rate MOEb Rate MOEb

2016........

2015........

2014........

2013........

2012........

63.5

63.8

64.9

65.2

65.6

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

63.1

63.6

64.8

65.1

65.6

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

63.4

63.6

64.3

65.2

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

63.7

63.9

65.1

65.3

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

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

2010........

2009........

2008........

2007........

2006........

2005........

2004........

2003........

2002b

.......

2001........

2000........

1999........

1998........

1997........

1996........

1995........

67.2

67.4

67.9

68.5

68.6

69.2

68.7

68.1

67.9

67.6

67.1

66.7

66.0

65.5

65.3

64.4

 0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

66.9

67.4

68.1

68.3

68.8

68.7

69.4

68.2

67.8

67.9

67.3

66.7

66.1

65.7

65.4

64.7

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.1

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

66.7

67.4

67.7

68.0

68.9

68.7

68.9

68.3

67.9

67.9

67.5

66.8

66.6

65.8

65.4

64.8

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.1

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

66.5

67.2

67.5

67.8

68.8

68.9

69.1

68.5

68.2

67.9

67.5

66.9

66.5

65.8

65.4

65.1

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

a

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

A margin of error 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
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The third quarter 2016 homeownership rates were highest in the Midwest (68.6 percent) and lowest in the West 

(58.2 percent). The homeownership rates in all four regions were not statistically different from the rates in the 

third quarter 2015. 

Table 5. Homeownership Rates for the United States and Regions: 2010 to 2016

Homeownership Rates (percent)

Year/Quarter United States Northeast Midwest South West

Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa

2016

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2015

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2014

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2013

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2012

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2011

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2010

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

63.5

62.9

63.5

63.8

63.7

63.4

63.7

64.0

64.4

64.7

64.8

65.2

65.3

65.0

65.0

65.4

65.5

65.5

65.4

66.0

66.3

65.9

66.4

66.5

66.9

66.9

67.1

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

60.8

59.2

60.4

61.6

60.8

60.2

61.1

61.9

62.3

62.1

62.4

62.8

63.6

63.2

62.5

63.9

63.9

63.7

62.5

63.7

63.7

63.0

63.9

64.1

63.9

64.2

64.4

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

68.6

67.7

68.9

68.1

68.1

68.4

68.6

68.3

68.8

69.6

69.3

69.8

69.6

69.4

70.0

69.7

69.6

69.6

69.5

70.0

70.3

70.0

70.4

70.5

71.1

70.8

70.9

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

65.0

64.8

64.8

65.3

65.4

64.9

65.1

65.5

65.7

65.9

66.5

67.1

66.9

66.5

66.5

67.0

66.9

67.4

67.5

68.3

68.4

68.2

68.4

68.5

69.1

69.1

69.2

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

58.2

57.9

58.7

59.0

58.7

58.5

58.5

58.6

59.4

59.6

59.4

59.3

59.5

59.4

59.4

59.5

60.1

59.7

59.9

60.1

60.7

60.3

60.9

61.0

61.3

61.4

61.9

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

a

A margin of error 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
Data Inquiries Media Inquiries

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

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

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

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

(79.0 percent) and lowest for the under 35 years of age group (35.2 percent). None of the rates by age group 

were statistically different from the third quarter 2015 rates.

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

Year/Quarter

Homeownership Rates (percent)

United States Under 35 years 35 to 44 years 45 to 54 years 55 to 64 years 65 years and over

Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa

2016

Third Quarter 

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2015

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2014

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2013

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2012

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2011

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2010

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

63.5

62.9

63.5

63.8

63.7

63.4

63.7

64.0

64.4

64.7

64.8

65.2

65.3

65.0

65.0

65.4

65.5

65.5

65.4

66.0

66.3

65.9

66.4

66.5

66.9

66.9

67.1

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

35.2

34.1

34.2

34.7

35.8

34.8

34.6

35.3

36.0

35.9

36.2

36.8

36.8

36.7

36.8

37.1

36.3

36.5

36.8

37.6

38.0

37.5

37.9

39.2

39.2

39.0

38.9

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

58.4

58.3

58.9

59.3

58.1

58.0

58.4

58.8

59.1

60.2

60.7

60.9

61.1

60.3

60.1

60.4

61.8

62.2

61.4

62.3

63.4

63.8

64.4

63.9

65.2

65.6

65.3

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

0.9

0.9

69.1

69.1

69.2

70.1

69.9

69.9

70.1

70.5

70.1

70.7

71.4

71.4

71.3

70.9

71.3

72.1

72.0

71.4

71.3

72.7

72.7

72.3

73.1

72.7

73.0

73.6

74.8

 

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

74.9

74.7

75.7

75.2

75.3

75.4

75.8

75.8

76.6

76.4

76.4

76.5

76.2

76.7

77.0

77.6

76.9

77.1

77.8

79.0

78.6

77.8

78.6

79.0

79.2

78.7

79.1

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

79.0

77.9

78.8

79.3

78.7

78.5

79.0

79.5

80.0

80.1

79.9

80.7

81.2

80.9

80.4

80.7

81.4

81.6

80.9

80.9

81.1

80.8

81.0

80.5

80.6

80.4

80.6

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

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
Data Inquiries Media Inquiries

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

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

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

For the racial categories shown below, the homeownership rate for the third quarter 2016 for non-Hispanic 

White householders reporting a single race was highest at 71.9 percent. The rate for Asian or Native Hawaiian 

and Pacific Islander Alone households was second at 55.6 percent and Black Alone householders was lowest at 

41.3 percent. The homeownership rate for Black Alone householders was lower than the third quarter 2015 rate, 

while the rate for non-Hispanic White householders was not statistically different from the third quarter 2015 

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

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

The homeownership rate for Hispanic householders (who can be of any race), 47.0 percent, was higher than the 

third quarter 2015 rate.

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

Homeownership Rates (percent)

Year/Quarter

United

States

Non-Hispanic

White Alone

Black

Alone

All Other Races

Hispanic

Total (of any race) a

Asian or Native

Hawaiian/

Pacific Islander

Alone

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

2016

Third Quarter 

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2015

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2014

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2013

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2012

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter 

63.5

62.9

63.5

63.8

63.7

63.4

63.7

64.0

64.4

64.7

64.8

65.2

65.3

65.0

65.0

65.4

65.5

65.5

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

71.9

71.5

72.1

72.2

71.9

71.6

72.0

72.3

72.6

72.9

72.9

73.4

73.3

73.3

73.4

73.6

73.6

73.5

73.5

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

41.3

41.7

41.5

41.9

42.4

43.0

41.9

42.1

42.9

43.5

43.3

43.2

43.1

42.9

43.1

44.5

44.1

43.8

43.1

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

53.3

51.2

53.0

53.3

53.7

52.6

55.4

55.3

54.2

54.7

55.8

56.0

55.2

54.5

54.6

55.2

54.6

55.0

55.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

55.6

53.7

55.7

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

1.3

1.3

1.3

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

47.0

45.1

45.3

46.7

46.1

45.4

44.1

44.5

45.6

45.8

45.8

45.5

47.6

45.9

45.3

45.0

46.7

46.5

46.3

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

a

Includes people who reported Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, or American Indian or Alaska Native regardless of whether they reported any other race, 

as well as all other combinations of two or more races.

b

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

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

(X) Not Applicable. Beginning in the first quarter 2016, homeownership rates for Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander householders were tabulated separately 

from the ‘All Other Races’ category. Data prior to 2016 are not available. 

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

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

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

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

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

median family income was lower than the third quarter 2015 rate. The rate for those households with family 

incomes less than the median family income was not statistically different from the third quarter 2015 rate. 

 

Table 8. Homeownership Rates by Family Income: 2011 to 2016

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

2016

Third Quarter 

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2015

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2014

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2013

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2012

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2011

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

63.5

62.9

63.5

63.8

63.7

63.4

63.7

64.0

64.4

64.7

64.8

65.2

65.3

65.0

65.0

65.4

65.5

65.5

65.4

66.0

66.3

65.9

66.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

77.8

77.8

78.1

78.5

78.4

78.3

78.4

79.0

79.3

79.5

79.8

80.2

79.9

79.7

80.0

80.4

80.3

80.5

80.3

80.8

81.3

81.2

81.5

0.4

0.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

49.2

48.0

48.9

49.2

49.0

48.6

48.9

49.0

49.5

49.8

49.8

50.2

50.6

50.3

50.0

50.3

50.6

50.6

50.4

51.3

51.3

50.6

51.4

0.6

0.6

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

a

Based on family or primary individual income.

b

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

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

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
Data Inquiries Media Inquiries

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

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

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

The fourth quarter 2016 data are scheduled for release on January 31, 2017. View the full schedule in the Economic 

Briefing Room: <www.census.gov/economic-indicators/>.

EXPLANATORY NOTES 

The estimates in this release are based on a sample survey and therefore are subject to both sampling 

and non-sampling error. Sampling error is a result of not surveying the entire population. Non-sampling error

occurs because accurate information cannot always be obtained. 

The sample estimate and its standard error enable one to construct a confidence interval. A confidence 

interval is a measure of an estimate’s reliability. The larger a confidence interval is in relation to the size of 

the estimate, the less reliable the estimate. For example, the standard error on the estimated rental vacancy 

rate of 6.8 percent is 0.201 percentage points. Then the 90-percent confidence interval is calculated as

6.8 + (1.645 x 0.201) percent, or 6.8 + 0.3 percent, or from 6.5 percent to 7.1 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 6.5 percent to 7.1 percent.

Since the first quarter 2003, the Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey housing inventory 

estimates have been controlled to independent housing unit estimates based upon Census 2000 (2000-2009 data) 

and Census 2010 (2010-present data) and updated with building permit data, estimates of housing loss, and 

other administrative records data. In the second quarter 2016, the CPS/HVS revised the series of housing 

inventory estimates back to the first quarter 2010, based on the latest series of independent housing controls, the 

vintage 2015 time series. Housing inventory estimates from the second quarter 2000 through the fourth quarter 

2009 are revised based on the vintage 2010 time series. Housing inventory estimates, prior to the second quarter 

2000, have not been revised. The CPS/HVS housing inventory data series are based on the independently 

produced vintage 2015 housing unit estimates that are projected forward through the first quarter 2016. The 

vintage 2015 estimates are benchmarked to the 2010 Census. The same general procedure will be followed each 

year in revising housing inventory estimates with the most up-to-date independent housing estimates available. 

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

see: <www.census.gov/popest/methodology>

Note: This time series is by the latest "vintage" year. For example, vintage 2015 means that all of the estimates in 

this time series are identified as belonging to "vintage 2015." The 2010 data are from the 2015 vintage, the 2011 

data are from the 2015 vintage, and so on.

The CPS/HVS also began computing first-stage factors (used for weighting purposes) based on 

year-round and seasonal counts of housing units from Census 2000 for the first quarter 2003. From 1980 

to 2002, the CPS/HVS first-stage factors were based on year-round estimates only. The effect on the data is 

slight and the change should improve the counts of year-round and seasonal units. For more information 

on the effects of these changes, please see Source and Accuracy Statement at:

<www.census.gov/housing/hvs/files/qtr316/source_16q3.pdf>
Data Inquiries Media Inquiries

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

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

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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. 

 (%) * 100















































 













































 −

+

−

+

−

=

units for rent

Vacant year round

awaiting occupancy

units rented but

Vacant year round

units

occupied

Renter

units for rent

Vacant year round

Rental Vacancy Rate

The homeowner vacancy rate is the proportion of the homeowner inventory that is vacant for sale. In tables 1 and 2 

the rates are computed using the following formula.

(%) * 100































































































 − +

−

+

−

=

units for sale only

Vacant year round

awaiting occupancy

units sold but

Vacant year round

units

occupied

Owner

units for sale only

Vacant year round

Homeowner Vacancy Rate

The homeownership rate is the proportion of households that is owner-occupied. It is computed by dividing the 

number of households that are occupied by owners by the total number of occupied households 

(tables 4, 4SA, and 5).

(%)  * 100



 



 = Total occupied housing units

Owner occupied housing units Homeownership Rate

For the homeownership rate for a specific characteristic (tables 6-8), use the owner and total number of units for 

that characteristic. For example, for the West region, 

( ) * 100

( )

( ) ( ) % 



 



 = Total occupied housing units West

Owner occupied housing units West Homeownership Rate West
Data Inquiries Media Inquiries

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

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

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America’s Economy Mobile App

The America’s Economy app provides real-time updates for 19 key economic indicators released from the Census 

Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Bureau of Economic Analysis. 

<www.census.gov/mobile/economy/>

API

The URL for the economic indicators data in the Census Bureau API (Application Programming Interface) has been 

updated to add /timeseries/. Examples can be found on the Developers' webpage. The old URL will be discontinued 

on December 31, 2016.

-X-