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FOR RELEASE AT 10:00 AM EST, Tuesday, February 2, 2021

QUARTERLY RESIDENTIAL VACANCIES AND HOMEOWNERSHIP, 

FOURTH QUARTER 2020

Release Number: CB21-15

February 2, 2021 — The U.S. Census Bureau announced the following residential vacancies and homeownership 

statistics for the fourth quarter 2020:

National vacancy rates in the fourth quarter 2020 were 6.5 percent for rental housing and 1.0 percent for 

homeowner housing. The rental vacancy rate of 6.5 percent was not statistically different from the rate in the 

fourth quarter 2019 (6.4 percent) and not statistically different from the rate in the third quarter 2020 (6.4

percent). The homeowner vacancy rate of 1.0 percent was 0.4 percentage points lower than the rate in the 

fourth quarter 2019 (1.4 percent) and not statistically different from the rate in the third quarter 2020 (0.9

percent).

The homeownership rate of 65.8 percent was 0.7 percentage points higher than the rate in the fourth quarter 

2019 (65.1 percent) and 1.6 percentage points lower than the rate in the third quarter 2020 (67.4 percent). 

Table 1. Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates for the United States: 2017 to 2020

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

 2020...... 6.6 5.7 6.4 6.5 1.1 0.9 0.9 1.0

 2019......

 2018......

7.0

7.0

6.8

6.8

6.8

7.1

6.4

6.6

1.4

1.5

1.3

1.5

1.4

1.6

1.4

1.5

 2017...... 7.0 7.3 7.5 6.9 1.7 1.5 1.6 1.6

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, February 2, 2021. 

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

1997 1999 2002 2005 2008 2011 2014 2017 2020

Percent

Quarterly Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates for the United States: 1997-2020

Rental Vacancy Rate

Homeowner Vacancy Rate

Recession

Figure 1

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, February 2, 2021

RESIDENTIAL VACANCIES

AND HOMEOWNERSHIP

FOURTH QUARTER 2020 

Rental Vacancy Rate 6.5%

Homeowner Vacancy Rate 1.0%

Homeownership Rate 65.8%

Next release: April 27, 2021

Data are not adjusted for seasonality.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 

Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, February 2, 2021

Announcement: Due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), data collection operations for the CPS/HVS were 

affected during the fourth quarter of 2020, as in-person interviews were only allowed for portions of the 

sample in October (100 percent), November (98 percent), and December (84 percent). If the Field 

Representative was unable to get contact information on the sample unit, the unit was made a Type A 

noninterview (no one home, refusal, etc). We are unable to determine the extent to which this data collection 

change affected our estimates. See the FAQ for more information.
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In the fourth quarter 2020, the median asking rent for vacant for rent units was $1,190. 

In the fourth quarter 2020, the median asking sales price for vacant for sale units was $214,600. 

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

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

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

1100

1200

1997 1999 2002 2005 2008 2011 2014 2017 2020

Recession Dollars ($)

Figure 2 Median Asking Rent for Vacant for Rent Units: 1997-2020

50,000

75,000

100,000

125,000

150,000

175,000

200,000

225,000

250,000

1997 1999 2002 2005 2008 2011 2014 2017 2020

Recession Dollars ($)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, February 2, 2021

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

Figure 3 Median Asking Sales Price for Vacant for Sale Units: 1997-2020

(Current Dollars)

(Current Dollars)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, February 2, 2021

Recession data: National Bureau of Economic Research, <www.nber.org>
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The rental vacancy rate in principal cities (7.0 percent) was virtually the same as the rate outside Metropolitan 

Statistical Areas (7.0 percent). The rental vacancy rate in the suburbs (5.6 percent) was 1.4 percentage points 

lower than the rate outside MSAs (7.0 percent) and the rate in principal cities (7.0 percent). The rental 

vacancy rates in the suburbs, inside principal cities, and outside MSAs were not statistically different from 

fourth quarter 2019.

The homeowner vacancy rate in principal cities (1.1 percent) was 0.2 percentage points higher than the rate in 

suburbs (0.9 percent) and not statistically different from the rate outside MSAs (1.0 percent). The homeowner 

vacancy rate in suburbs (0.9) was not statistically different from the rate outside MSAs (1.0 percent). The 

homeowner vacancy rates in the suburbs, in principal cities, and outside MSAs were lower than the fourth

quarter 2019 rates. 

The fourth quarter 2020 rental vacancy rate was lowest in the West (4.7 percent), followed by the Northeast 

(5.7 percent). Rates were higher in the Midwest (7.8 percent) and South (7.4 percent), but not significantly 

different from each other. The rental vacancy rate in the South was lower than the fourth quarter 2019 rate, 

while the rental vacancy rates for the Northeast, Midwest, and West were not statistically different from the 

fourth quarter 2019 rates. 

The homeowner vacancy rate was lowest in the West (0.6 percent). Rates in the Northeast, Midwest, and 

South were not statistically different from each other. The homeowner vacancy rates in the Midwest, South, 

and West were lower than the fourth quarter 2019 rates, while the rate in the Northeast was not statistically 

different.

 Table 2. Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates by Area and Region: Fourth Quarter 2019 and 2020

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

Area/Region Fourth

Quarter

2019

Fourth

Quarter

2020

Margins of Errora

Fourth

Quarter

2019

Fourth

Quarter

2020

Margins of Errora

of

2020 rate

of

difference

of

2020 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............................

6.4

 

6.3

 6.7

 5.9

7.4

 

5.2

6.8

 8.2

 4.4

6.5

 

 

6.4

 7.0

 5.6

 7.0

 

5.7

 7.8

 7.4

 4.7

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.4

 0.8

0.5

0.8

0.4

0.4

0.3

0.3

0.5

0.5

 1.0

0.7

1.0

0.6

0.6

1.4

1.3

1.5

 1.3

 1.6

1.3

1.3

1.6

1.2

1.0

1.0

1.1

0.9

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

0.6

0.1

0.1

0.2

0.1

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.2

0.1

0.3

0.2

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, February 2, 2021. 
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Approximately 89.1 percent of the housing units in the United States in the fourth quarter 2020 were occupied 

and 10.9 percent were vacant. Owner-occupied housing units made up 58.6 percent of total housing units, 

while renter-occupied units made up 30.4 percent of the inventory in the fourth quarter 2020. Vacant yearround units comprised 8.3 percent of total housing units, while 2.6 percent were vacant for seasonal use. 

Approximately 2.1 percent of the total units were vacant for rent, 0.6 percent were vacant for sale only and 

0.7 percent were rented or sold but not yet occupied. Vacant units that were held off market comprised 4.9

percent of the total housing stock – 1.5 percent were for occasional use, 0.9 percent were temporarily 

occupied by persons with usual residence elsewhere (URE) and 2.5 percent were vacant for a variety of other 

reasons.

 Table 3. Estimates of the Total Housing Inventory for the United States: Fourth Quarter 2019 and 2020a

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

Type

Fourth

Quarter

2019 (r)

Fourth

Quarter

2020

Difference 

Between 

Estimates

Margins of Errorb

Percent of

total

(2020)

of 2020

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

140,074

123,951

80,676

43,275

16,123

12,422

3,002

1,146

981

7,293

2,157

1,262

3,874

3,701

141,241 

125,805 

82,808 

42,997 

15,437 

11,791 

3,005 

841

1,021 

6,924 

2,070 

1,264 

3,590 

3,646

1,167

1,854

2,132

-278

-686

-631

3

-305

40

-369

-87

2

-284

 -55

X

260

491

573

333

292

116

60

59

231

163

 123

 145

 222

X

345

682

776

426

354

154

82

78

276

180

145 

181

243

100.0

89.1

58.6

30.4

10.9

8.3

2.1

0.6

0.7

4.9

1.5

0.9

2.5

2.6

 a

The housing inventory estimates are benchmarked to 2010 Census. 

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

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

 c

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

 (r) Revised using vintage 2019 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 2020, the housing inventory estimates are based on vintage 2019 housing unit controls that are projected forward through the 

current quarter 2020. The fourth quarter 2020 housing inventory estimates, shown above, reflect vintage 2019 housing unit controls, benchmarked to the 2010 

Census. The CPS/HVS historical table series, from the first quarter 2010 through the second quarter 2020, has also been revised based on vintage 2019 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, February 2, 2021. 
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The homeownership rate of 65.8 percent was higher than the rate in the fourth quarter 2019 (65.1 percent) 

and lower than the rate in the third quarter 2020 (67.4 percent). 

Table 4. Homeownership Rates for the United States: 2000 to 2020 

Year

Homeownership Rates (percent)

First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter

Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa

2020........

 

65.3 0.5 67.9 0.5 67.4 0.5 65.8 0.5

2019........

2018........

2017........

2016........

2015........

2014........

2013........

2012........

64.2

64.2

63.6

63.5

63.7

64.8

65.0

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

64.1

64.3

63.7

62.9

63.4

64.7

65.0

65.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

64.8

64.4

63.9

63.5

63.7

64.4

65.3

65.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

65.1

64.8

64.2

63.7

63.8

64.0

65.2

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

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

2010........

2009........

2008........

2007........

2006........

2005........

2004........

2003........

2002b.......

2001........

2000........

67.1

67.3

67.8

68.4

68.5

69.1

68.6

68.0

67.8

67.5

67.1

 0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

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

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.2

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

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.2

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

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

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, February 2, 2021. 

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

1997 1999 2002 2005 2008 2011 2014 2017 2020

Percent

Recession Homeownership Rate Seasonally Adjusted Homeownership Rate

Quarterly Homeownership Rates and Seasonally Adjusted Homeownership Rates

for the United States: 1997-2020

Figure 4

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, February 2, 2021, 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 2000 through the 

fourth quarter 2020. (Research has shown that seasonality for homeownership rates is present.) When 

adjusted for seasonal variation, the fourth quarter 2020 homeownership rate was higher than the rate in the 

fourth quarter 2019 and lower than the rate in the third quarter 2020. 

Table 4SA. Homeownership Rates for the United States: 2000 to 2020, Seasonally Adjusteda

Year

Homeownership Rates (percent), Seasonally Adjusted

First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter

Rate MOEb Rate MOEb Rate MOEb Rate MOEb

2020........ 65.3 0.5 68.1 0.5 67.3 0.5 65.6 0.5

2019........

2018........

2017........

2016........

2015........

2014........

2013........

2012........

64.2

64.2

63.6

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

64.4

63.9

63.4

63.6

64.3

65.2

65.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

64.9

64.6

64.0

63.5

63.7

63.9

65.1

65.3

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

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

2010........

2009........

2008........

2007........

2006........

2005........

2004........

2003........

2002c

.......

2001........

2000........

67.2

67.4

67.9

68.5

68.6

69.2

68.7

68.1

67.9

67.6

67.1

 0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

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

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.1

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

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.1

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

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

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, February 2, 2021. 
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The fourth quarter 2020 homeownership rate was highest in the Midwest (70.8 percent), followed by the 

South (67.7 percent), Northeast (62.6 percent), and West (60.4 percent). The homeownership rates in the 

Midwest and South were higher than the rates in the fourth quarter 2019, while the rates in the Northeast

and West were not statistically different. 

Table 5. Homeownership Rates for the United States and Regions: 2015 to 2020

Homeownership Rates (percent)

Year/Quarter United States Northeast Midwest South West

Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa Rate MOEa

2020

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2019

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2018

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter 

2017

Fourth Quarter 

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter 

2016

Fourth Quarter 

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2015

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

65.8

67.4

67.9

65.3

65.1

64.8

64.1

64.2

64.8

64.4

64.3

64.2

64.2

63.9

63.7

63.6

63.7

63.5

62.9

63.5

63.8

63.7

63.4

63.7

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

62.6

62.0

63.3

62.4

62.3

61.7

61.2

60.7

61.3

61.5

61.3

60.5

60.6

60.4

60.4

60.6

60.4

60.8

59.2

60.4

61.6

60.8

60.2

61.1

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

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

70.8

71.2

71.4

69.2

69.5

69.0

68.0

68.2

69.3

69.0

68.3

67.9

68.7

69.1

68.0

67.6

68.4

68.6

67.7

68.9

68.1

68.1

68.4

68.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.7

0.6

0.6

0.7

0.7

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

67.7

70.8

71.1

67.6

66.7

66.2

66.0

66.2

66.0

65.4

65.9

66.3

65.8

65.5

65.5

65.4

65.3

65.0

64.8

64.8

65.3

65.4

64.9

65.1

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

60.4

62.1

62.6

60.1

60.3

60.6

59.3

59.8

60.9

60.2

59.7

59.7

60.0

58.9

58.9

59.0

59.0

58.2

57.9

58.7

59.0

58.7

58.5

58.5

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

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

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, February 2, 2021. 
Data Inquiries Media Inquiries

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

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

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

The fourth quarter 2020 homeownership rate was highest for those householders aged 65 years and over 

(80.2 percent) and lowest for those householders under 35 years of age (38.5 percent). The homeownership 

rate for those 65 and over was higher than the rate in fourth quarter 2019. The fourth quarter 2020 rates of all 

other age groups were not statistically different from the rates in fourth quarter 2019.

Table 6. Homeownership Rates by Age of Householder: 2015 to 2020

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

2020

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2019

Fourth Quarter 

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter 

2018

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter 

2017

Fourth Quarter 

Third Quarter 

Second Quarter

First Quarter 

2016

Fourth Quarter 

Third Quarter 

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2015

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

65.8

67.4

67.9

65.3

65.1

64.8

64.1

64.2

64.8

64.4

64.3

64.2

64.2

63.9

63.7

63.6

63.7

63.5

62.9

63.5

63.8

63.7

63.4

63.7

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

38.5

40.2

40.6

37.3

37.6

37.5

36.4

35.4

36.5

36.8

36.5

35.3

36.0

35.6

35.3

34.3

34.7

35.2

34.1

34.2

34.7

35.8

34.8

34.6

0.7

0.8

0.8

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

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

61.0

63.9

64.3

61.5

60.4

60.3

59.4

60.3

61.1

59.5

60.0

59.8

58.9

59.3

58.8

59.0

58.7

58.4

58.3

58.9

59.3

58.1

58.0

58.4

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

69.8

72.0

72.2

70.3

70.6

70.1

70.1

69.5

70.1

69.7

70.6

70.0

69.5

69.1

69.3

69.4

69.8

69.1

69.1

69.2

70.1

69.9

69.9

70.1

 

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

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

76.0

76.4

77.4

76.3

75.6

75.1

74.8

75.4

75.5

75.6

75.1

75.4

75.3

75.0

75.4

75.6

74.8

74.9

74.7

75.7

75.2

75.3

75.4

75.8

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

80.2

80.7

80.4

78.7

79.0

78.9

78.0

78.5

78.8

78.6

78.0

78.5

79.2

78.9

78.2

78.6

79.5

79.0

77.9

78.8

79.3

78.7

78.5

79.0

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

0.6

0.5

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, February 2, 2021. 
Data Inquiries Media Inquiries

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

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

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

For homeownership rates by race, the fourth quarter 2020 homeownership rate for non-Hispanic White Alone 

householders reporting a single race was highest at 74.5 percent. The rate for Asian, Native Hawaiian and 

Pacific Islander Alone householders was second at 59.5 percent and the rate for Black Alone householders was 

lowest at 44.1 percent. The homeownership rate for non-Hispanic White Alone householders reporting a 

single race was higher than the rate in the fourth quarter 2019 while all other categories were not statistically 

different.

Table 7. Homeownership Rates by Race and Ethnicity of Householder: 2016 to 2020

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

2020

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2019

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2018

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2017

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter 

Second Quarter

First Quarter 

2016

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter 

Second Quarter

First Quarter

65.8

67.4

67.9

65.3

65.1

64.8

64.1

64.2

64.8

64.4

64.3

64.2

64.2

63.9

63.7

63.6

63.7

63.5

62.9

63.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

74.5

75.8

76.0

73.7

73.7

73.4

73.1

73.2

73.6

73.1

72.9

72.4

72.7

72.5

72.2

71.8

72.2

71.9

71.5

72.1

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

44.1

46.4

47.0

44.0

44.0

42.7

40.6

41.1

42.9

41.7

41.6

42.2

42.1

42.0

42.3

42.7

41.7

41.3

41.7

41.5

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

56.3

58.0

59.3

55.9

55.7

56.0

55.0

53.9

55.6

56.6

55.7

54.8

55.4

54.7

54.3

53.6

53.7

53.3

51.2

53.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

59.5

61.0

61.4

59.1

57.6

58.5

57.7

56.9

58.1

58.2

58.0

57.3

58.2

57.1

56.5

56.8

56.6

55.6

53.7

55.7

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

49.1

50.9

51.4

48.9

48.1

47.8

46.6

47.4

46.9

46.3

46.6

48.4

46.6

46.1

45.5

46.6

46.3

47.0

45.1

45.3

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.9

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, February 2, 2021. 
Data Inquiries Media Inquiries

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

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

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

The fourth quarter 2020 homeownership rate for households with family income greater than or equal to the 

median family income (79.4 percent) was not statistically different from the fourth quarter 2019 rate (78.8

percent). The rate for those households with family income less than the median family income (52.3 percent)

was higher than the fourth quarter 2019 rate (51.4 percent). 

 

Table 8. Homeownership Rates by Family Income: 2015 to 2020

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

2020

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2019

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2018

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2017

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter 

Second Quarter

First Quarter 

2016

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter 

Second Quarter

First Quarter

2015

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

65.8

67.4

67.9

65.3

65.1

64.8

64.1

64.2

64.8

64.4

64.3

64.2

64.2

63.9

63.7

63.6

63.7

63.5

62.9

63.5

63.8

63.7

63.4

63.7

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

79.4

80.2

80.5

78.8

78.8

78.7

78.2

78.0

78.9

78.2

78.3

78.3

78.2

78.4

77.9

77.9

78.0

77.8

77.8

78.1

78.5

78.4

78.3

78.4

0.5

0.4

0.4

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

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

52.3

54.7

55.2

51.8

51.4

50.9

50.0

50.5

50.7

50.5

50.2

50.0

50.2

49.5

49.5

49.3

49.5

49.2

48.0

48.9

49.2

49.0

48.6

48.9

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

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

a

Based on family or primary individual income.

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

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

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, February 2, 2021. 
Data Inquiries Media Inquiries

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

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

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

The first quarter 2021 data are scheduled for release on April 27, 2021. 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>.

Note: Impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on Housing Vacancies and Homeownership data 

collection for the Fourth Quarter 2020

On March 20, the Census Bureau suspended in-person interviews, and this continued through June 2020. 

Beginning in July, parts of the country began reopening for personal interviewing. Personal interviewing was 

allowed for 100 percent of sample cases in October, 98 percent of sample cases in November, and 84 percent 

of sample cases in December. The Census Bureau continued to conduct the remaining CPS/HVS interviews by 

telephone and made efforts to collect telephone interviews for households and vacant units that would 

normally have been personal interviews. In addition, interviewers were allowed to drive by units in areas 

where personal visits were not allowed to try to determine vacancy status. Households are in the survey’s 

sample for a total of 8 months, meaning that Field Representatives attempt to interview someone in the 

household each of those 8 months. Generally, households entering the sample for their first month and fifth 

month are interviewed through a personal visit. Interviews for other months could also be conducted by 

phone under certain conditions.

Data are generally collected the week of the 19th and the reference period is the time of interview. The 

response rate for October was 81 percent, 80 percent for November, and 77 percent for December. For 

comparison, the average response rate for October, November, and December 2019 was 84 percent. 

The estimation methodology was not changed in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The lower response 

rate is addressed by the weights. We likely cannot fully understand or quantify the effects of the pandemic on 

the CPS/HVS data and estimates. This note is intended only to document the changes to data collection 

operations made in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

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 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 6.5 percent 

is 0.148 percentage points. The margin of error, at the 90 percent confidence interval, is calculated as 1.645 x 

0.148 percent, or 0.243 percentage points. Thus, the 90 percent confidence interval is from 6.3 percent to 6.7

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 
Data Inquiries Media Inquiries

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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 2020, 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 2019 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 2019 housing 

unit estimates that are projected forward through the first quarter 2021. The vintage 2019 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 2019 means that all of the 

estimates in this time series are identified as belonging to "vintage 2019." The 2010 data are from the 2019

vintage, the 2011 data are from the 2019 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/qtr420/source_20q4.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. 
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RRRRRRRRRRRR VV VV VVVV RRRRRRRR (%) =

⎣

⎢

⎢

⎢

⎢

⎡ VV VV yy − rrrr rr

uu uu ff

�

RRRRRRRRRR

oo

uu uu

� + �

VV VV yy − rrrr rr

uu uu rr bb

aa aa oo

� + �

VV VV yy − rrrr rr

uu uu ff �

⎦

⎥

⎥

⎥

⎥

⎤

∗ 100

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

and 2 the rates are computed using the following formula.

HH HH VV VV VVVV RRRRRRRR (%) =

⎣

⎢

⎢

⎢

⎢

⎡ VV VV yy − rrrr rr

uu uu ff

�

OO

oo

uu uu

� + �

VV VV yy − rrrr rr

uu uu bb

aa aa oo

� + �

VV VV yy − rrrr rr

uu uu ff �

⎦

⎥

⎥

⎥

⎥

⎤

∗ 100

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

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

(tables 4, 4SA and 5).

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

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.

###