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FOR RELEASE AT 10:00 AM EST, TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2018

QUARTERLY RESIDENTIAL VACANCIES AND HOMEOWNERSHIP, 

FOURTH QUARTER 2017

Release Number: CB18-08

January 30, 2018 — The U.S. Census Bureau announced the following residential vacancies and homeownership 

statistics for the fourth quarter 2017:

National vacancy rates in the fourth quarter 2017 were 6.9 percent for rental housing and 1.6 percent for homeowner 

housing. The rental vacancy rate of 6.9 percent was virtually unchanged from the rate in the fourth quarter 

2016 (6.9 percent) and 0.6 percentage points lower than the rate in the third quarter 2017 (7.5 percent). The 

homeowner vacancy rate of 1.6 percent was 0.2 percentage points lower than the rate in the fourth quarter 2016

(1.8 percent) and virtually unchanged from the rate in the third quarter 2017 (1.6 percent).

The homeownership rate of 64.2 percent was not statistically different from the rates in the fourth quarter 2016

(63.7 percent) or the third quarter 2017 (63.9 percent). 

Table 1. Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates for the United States: 2010 to 2017

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

 

 2017......

 2016.......

 2015......

 2014......

 2013......

 2012......

7.0

7.0

 7.1

 8.3

 8.6

 8.8

7.3

6.7 

 6.8

7.5

 8.2

 8.6

7.5

6.8 

 7.3 

 7.4

 8.3

 8.6

6.9

6.9 

 7.0 

 7.0

 8.2 

 8.7

1.7

1.7

1.9

2.0

2.1

2.2

1.5

1.7

1.8

1.9

1.9

2.1

1.6

1.8

1.9

1.8

1.9

1.9

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

 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. 

Explanations of confidence intervals and sampling variability can be found on the CPS/HVS website at: <www.census.gov/housing/hvs>

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2018. 

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017

Percent

Quarterly Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates for the United States: 1995-2017

Rental Vacancy Rate

Homeowner Vacancy Rate

Recession

Figure 1

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2018

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

RESIDENTIAL VACANCIES

AND HOMEOWNERSHIP

FOURTH QUARTER 2017 

Rental Vacancy Rate 6.9%

Homeowner Vacancy Rate 1.6%

Homeownership Rate 64.2%

Next release: April 26, 2018

Data are not adjusted for seasonality.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 

Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey,

January 30, 2018
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In the fourth quarter 2017, the median asking rent for vacant for rent units was $910. 

In the fourth quarter 2017, the median asking sales price for vacant for sale units was $197,000. 

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.html>

2. The data in figures 2 and 3 are not adjusted for price changes. 

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017

Recession Dollars ($)

Median Asking Rent for Vacant for Rent Units: 1995-2017 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 2015 2017

Recession Dollars ($)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2018

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

Median Asking Sales Price for Vacant for Sale Units: 1995-2017 Figure 3

(Current Dollars)

(Current Dollars)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2018

Recession data: National Bureau of Economic Research, <www.nber.org>
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The fourth quarter 2017 rental vacancy rate was higher outside Metropolitan Statistical Areas (7.9 percent) than 

in the suburbs (6.2 percent), but not statistically different from the rate inside principal cities (7.3 percent). The 

rate was lowest in the suburbs. The rental vacancy rates inside principal cities, in the suburbs and outside MSAs 

were not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2016 rates. 

The homeowner vacancy rate was higher outside Metropolitan Statistical Areas (2.0 percent) than in the suburbs 

(1.5 percent), but not statistically different from that rate inside principal cities (1.6 percent). The rates in the 

suburbs and inside principal cities were not statistically different from each other. The homeowner vacancy 

rates inside principal cities and outside MSAs were lower than the fourth quarter 2016 rates, while the rate in 

the suburbs was not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2016 rate. 

The fourth quarter 2017 rental vacancy rate was highest in the South (8.8 percent), followed by the Midwest

(7.6 percent), Northeast (5.5 percent) and West (4.5 percent). The rental vacancy rates in the Northeast, 

Midwest, South and West were not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2016 rates. 

The homeowner vacancy rate was higher in the Northeast (2.0 percent) than in the Midwest (1.5 percent) and 

West (1.1 percent), but not statistically different from the rate in the South (1.7 percent). The rate was lowest in 

the West. The homeowner vacancy rate in the South was lower than the fourth quarter 2016 rate, while the rates 

in the Northeast, Midwest and West were not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2016 rates. 

 Table 2. Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates by Area and Region: Fourth Quarter 2016 and 2017

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

Area/Region Fourth

Quarter

2016

Fourth

Quarter

2017

Margins of Errora

Fourth

Quarter

2016

Fourth

Quarter

2017

Margins of Errora

of

2017 rate

of

difference

of

2017 rate

of

difference

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

Inside Metropolitan 

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

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

...Not in principal

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

Outside Metropolitan 

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

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

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

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

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

 6.9

 

6.7

 7.0

 6.4

 8.5

 

5.5

 7.2

 9.2

 4.2

 6.9

 

 6.8

 7.3

 6.2

 7.9

 

5.5

 7.6

 8.8

 4.5

0.3

0.3

0.4

0.4

 0.9

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

1.8

1.6

2.0

 1.5

 2.7

1.8

1.6

2.2

1.3

1.6

1.5

1.6

 1.5

 2.0

2.0

1.5

1.7

1.1

0.1

0.1

0.2

0.1

 0.3

0.3

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.1

0.1

0.3

0.2 

 0.3

0.3

0.3

0.2

0.2

a

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

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

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2018. 
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Approximately 87.8 percent of the housing units in the United States in the fourth quarter 2017 were occupied 

and 12.2 percent were vacant. Owner-occupied housing units made up 56.4 percent of total housing units, while 

renter-occupied units made up 31.4 percent of the inventory in the fourth quarter 2017. Vacant year-round units 

comprised 9.3 percent of total housing units, while 2.9 percent were for seasonal use. Approximately 2.3 percent 

of the total units were for rent, 0.9 percent were for sale only and 0.7 percent were rented or sold but not yet 

occupied. Vacant units that were held off market comprised 5.3 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 2.8 percent were vacant for a variety of other reasons.

 Table 3. Estimates of the Total Housing Inventory for the United States: Fourth Quarter 2016 and 2017a

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

Type

Fourth

Quarter

2016 (r)

Fourth

Quarter

2017

Difference 

Between 

Estimates

Margins of Errorb

Percent of

total

(2017)

of 2017

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

136,002

118,744

75,667

43,076

17,258

12,952

3,218

1,401 

994

 7,338

 2,172

 1,473

 3,692

 4,307

136,912

120,185

77,185

43,000

16,727

12,785

3,216

1,261

1,000

7,308

2,176

 1,348

 3,785

 3,942

910

1,441

 1,518

 -76

 -531

 -167

 -2

 -140

 6

 -30

 4

 -125

 93

 -365

X

317

526

573

344

302

120

73

58

236

167

 127

 147

 231

X

410

726

776

438

363

159

94

77

279

183

153 

178

257

100.0

87.8

56.4

31.4

12.2

9.3

2.3

0.9

0.7

5.3

1.6

1.0

2.8

2.9

 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. 

 c

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

 (r) Revised using vintage 2016 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 2017, the housing inventory estimates are based on vintage 2016 housing unit controls that are projected forward through the first 

 quarter 2017. The fourth quarter 2017 housing inventory estimates, shown above, reflect vintage 2016 housing unit controls, benchmarked to the 2010 Census. The

CPS/HVS historical table series, from the first quarter 2010 through the first quarter 2017, has also been revised based on vintage 2016 housing unit controls. These 

 revised estimates and additional information on terms and definitions can be found at: <www.census.gov/housing/hvs/data/histtabs.html>

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

 website: <www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html>

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2018. 
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Social, Economic & Housing Statistics Division, Financial & Market Characteristics Branch Public Information Office

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The homeownership rate of 64.2 percent was not statistically different from the rates in the fourth quarter 2016

(63.7 percent) or the third quarter 2017 (63.9 percent). 

Table 4. Homeownership Rates for the United States: 1996 to 2017 

Year

Homeownership Rates (percent)

First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter

Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa

 

2017........

2016........

2015........

2014........

2013........

2012........

63.6

63.5

63.7

64.8

65.0

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

63.7

62.9

63.4

64.7

65.0

65.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

63.9

63.5

63.7

64.4

65.3

65.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

64.2

63.7

63.8

64.0

65.2

65.4

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........

1996........

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

 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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, January 30, 2018. 

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017

Percent

Recession Homeownership Rate Seasonally Adjusted Homeownership Rate

Quarterly Homeownership Rates and Seasonally Adjusted Homeownership Rates

for the United States: 1995-2017

Figure 4

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, Jan 30, 2018, 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 1996 to present. 

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

the fourth quarter 2017 homeownership rate was not statistically different from the rates in the fourth quarter 2016

or the third quarter 2017. 

Table 4SA. Homeownership Rates for the United States: 1996 to 2017, Seasonally Adjusteda

Year

Homeownership Rates (percent), Seasonally Adjusted

First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter

Rate MOEb Rate MOEb Rate MOEb Rate MOEb

2017........

2016........

2015........

2014........

2013........

2012........

63.7

63.6

63.8

64.9

65.2

65.6

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

63.9

63.1

63.6

64.8

65.1

65.6

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

63.9

63.4

63.6

64.3

65.2

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

64.0

63.5

63.6

63.9

65.1

65.3

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........

1996........

67.2

67.4

67.9

68.5

68.6

69.2

68.7

68.1

67.9

67.6

67.1

66.8

66.0

65.5

65.3

 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

67.0

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

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

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

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

66.5

67.2

67.5

67.8

68.8

68.9

69.1

68.5

68.2

67.9

67.5

67.0

66.5

65.8

65.4

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

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, January 30, 2018. 
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The fourth quarter 2017 homeownership rate was highest in the Midwest (68.7 percent), followed by the South 

(65.8 percent). The rates in the Northeast (60.6 percent) and West (60.0 percent) were not statistically different 

from each other. The homeownership rate in the West was higher than the fourth quarter 2016 rate, while the 

rates in the Northeast, Midwest and South were not statistically different from the rates in the fourth quarter 

2016. 

Table 5. Homeownership Rates for the United States and Regions: 2011 to 2017

Homeownership Rates (percent)

Year/Quarter United States Northeast Midwest South West

Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa

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

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

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

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

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

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

62.8

63.6

63.2

62.5

63.9

63.9

63.7

62.5

63.7

63.7

63.0

63.9

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

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

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

69.8

69.6

69.4

70.0

69.7

69.6

69.6

69.5

70.0

70.3

70.0

70.4

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

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

65.8

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

67.1

66.9

66.5

66.5

67.0

66.9

67.4

67.5

68.3

68.4

68.2

68.4

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

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

60.0

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

59.3

59.5

59.4

59.4

59.5

60.1

59.7

59.9

60.1

60.7

60.3

60.9

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

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, January 30, 2018. 
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 2017 homeownership rate was highest for those householders ages 65 years and over (79.2

percent) and lowest for the under 35 years of age group (36.0 percent). The homeownership rate for householders 

under 35 years of age was higher than the fourth quarter 2016 rate, while the rates for householders 35 to 44, 45 to 

54, 55 to 64 and 65 years and over were not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2016 rates.

Table 6. Homeownership Rates by Age of Householder: 2011 to 2017

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

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

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

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

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

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

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

36.8

36.8

36.7

36.8

37.1

36.3

36.5

36.8

37.6

38.0

37.5

37.9

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

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

58.9

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

60.9

61.1

60.3

60.1

60.4

61.8

62.2

61.4

62.3

63.4

63.8

64.4

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

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

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

71.4

71.3

70.9

71.3

72.1

72.0

71.4

71.3

72.7

72.7

72.3

73.1

 

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

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

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

76.5

76.2

76.7

77.0

77.6

76.9

77.1

77.8

79.0

78.6

77.8

78.6

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

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

79.2

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

80.7

81.2

80.9

80.4

80.7

81.4

81.6

80.9

80.9

81.1

80.8

81.0

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

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

a

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

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

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, January 30, 2018. 
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 homeownership rates by race, the fourth quarter 2017 homeownership rate for non-Hispanic White Alone 

householders reporting a single race was highest at 72.7 percent. The rate for Asian, Native Hawaiian and 

Pacific Islander Alone householders was second at 58.2 percent and Black Alone householders was lowest at 

42.1 percent. The homeownership rates for non-Hispanic White Alone, Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific 

Islander Alone and Black Alone householders were not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2016 rates.

The homeownership rate for Hispanic householders (who can be of any race), 46.6 percent, was not statistically 

different from the fourth quarter 2016 rate.

Table 7. Homeownership Rates by Race and Ethnicity of Householder: 2013 to 2017

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

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

2013

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

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

65.2

65.3

65.0

65.0

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

72.7

72.5

72.2

71.8

72.2

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

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

0.4

42.1

42.0

42.3

42.7

41.7

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

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

55.4

54.7

54.3

53.6

53.7

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

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.0

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

58.2

57.1

56.5

56.8

56.6

55.6

53.7

55.7

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

46.6

46.1

45.5

46.6

46.3

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

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

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 and 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, January 30, 2018. 
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 2017 homeownership rate for households with family incomes greater than or equal to the 

median family income was not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2016 rate. The rate for those 

households with family incomes less than the median family income was higher than the fourth quarter 2016 

rate. 

 

Table 8. Homeownership Rates by Family Income: 2012 to 2017

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

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

2013

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2012

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

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

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

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

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

80.2

79.9

79.7

80.0

80.4

80.3

80.5

80.3

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

0.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

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

50.2

50.6

50.3

50.0

50.3

50.6

50.6

50.4

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

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, January 30, 2018. 
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 first quarter 2018 data are scheduled for release on April 26, 2018. View the full schedule in the Economic 

Briefing Room: <www.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 6.9 percent is 0.152 percentage 

points. The margin of error, at the 90 percent confidence interval, is calculated as 1.645 x 0.152 percent, or 0.3 

percent. Thus the 90 percent confidence interval is from 6.6 percent to 7.2 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 CPS/HVS sample following a decennial census. The current sample has been fully phased-in since July 2015. 

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 2017, 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 2016 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 2016 housing unit estimates that are projected forward through the first quarter 2017. The 

vintage 2016 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>

Note: This time series is by the latest "vintage" year. For example, vintage 2016 means that all of the estimates in 

this time series are identified as belonging to "vintage 2016." The 2010 data are from the 2016 vintage, the 2011 

data are from the 2016 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 
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

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

<www.census.gov/housing/hvs/files/qtr417/source_17q4.pdf>

Beginning in the first quarter 2012, the population controls reflect the results of the 2010 Decennial Census. This 

change has virtually no effect on vacancy and homeownership rates. Research has shown that the new 2010-based 

controls increased the rental vacancy rate in April 2010 from 10.43 percent to 10.45 percent---a difference of less 

than 1/10 of one percent. The homeowner vacancy rate remained the same at 2.63 percent, while the homeownership 

rate was up from 66.67 percent to 66.74 percent.

The question on race on the CPS was modified beginning in the first quarter 2003 to comply with new standards for 

federal statistical agencies. Respondents are now allowed to report one or more races. The question on Hispanic 

origin is asked separately, and is asked before the question on race.

First stage factors for year-round vacant units have been corrected as of the second quarter 2004. Research has 

shown that this correction had no significant effect on the vacancy rates or homeownership rates.

The rental vacancy rate is the proportion of the rental inventory that is vacant for rent. In tables 1 and 2, the rates are 

computed using the following formula. 

RRRRRRRRRRRR VV VV VVVV RRRRRRRR (%) =

⎣

⎢

⎢

⎢

⎢

⎡ VV VV yy − rrrr rr

uu uu ff

�

RRRRRRRRRR

oo

uu uu

� + �

VV VV yy − rrrr rr

uu uu rr bb

aa gg oo

� + �

VV VV yy − rrrr rr

uu uu ff �

⎦

⎥

⎥

⎥

⎥

⎤

∗ 100

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

the rates are computed using the following formula.

HH HH VV VV VVVV RRRRRRRR (%) =

⎣

⎢

⎢

⎢

⎢

⎡ VV VV yy − rrrr rr

uu uu ff

�

OO

oo

uu uu

� + �

VV VV yy − rrrr rr

uu uu bb

aa oo

� + �

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).

HH HH h RRRRRRRR (%) = � OO oo h uu uu

TT OO h uu uu � ∗ 100

For the homeownership rate for a specific characteristic (tables 6, 7 and 8), use the owner and total number of units 

for that characteristic. For example, for the West region: 

HH HH h RRRRRRRR (WW ) (%) = � OO oo h uu uu (WW )

TT OO h uu uu (WW ) � ∗ 100
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

2017 data collection note

Due to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, September 2017 CPS/HVS data collection was conducted under special 

guidance in affected areas. If a field representative arrived at an unoccupied sample unit that appeared damaged 

and/or unlivable, field representatives were instructed to classify the sample unit in a manner that the unit remained 

in the sample the next month. 

In October 2017, guidance for handling hurricane affected housing units reverted back to normal (for more 

information, see the CPS/HVS Interviewing Manual). 

API

The Census Bureau’s application programming interface lets developers create custom apps to reach new

users and makes key demographic, socio-economic and housing statistics more accessible than ever before.

 <www.census.gov/developers/>

###