Data Collection

The CPS/HVS is administered by the Census Bureau using a probability selected sample of about 72,000 housing units, both occupied and vacant. The fieldwork is conducted during the calendar week that includes the 19th of the month. The questions refer to activities during the prior week; that is, the week that includes the 12th of the month. Households from all 50 states and the District of Columbia are in the survey for 4 consecutive months, out for 8, and then return for another 4 months before leaving the sample permanently. This design ensures a high degree of continuity from one month to the next (as well as over the year). The 4-8-4 sampling scheme has the added benefit of allowing the constant replenishment of the sample without excessive burden to respondents.

The CPS/HVS questionnaire is a completely computerized document that is administered by Census Bureau field representatives across the country through both personal and telephone interviews.

CPS/HVS Interviewing Manual [PDF]

CPS/HVS Design and Methodological Technical Paper 77 (2019) [PDF]

CPS/HVS Design and Methodology Technical Paper 66 (2006) [PDF]

Housing Survey Comparisons

• Differences between the Homeownership Rate Estimates from the American Community Survey, the Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, and the American Housing Survey.
• Differences between the Vacancy Rate Estimates from the American Community Survey, the Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, and the American Housing Survey.
• Homeownership Rates by Region: 2016 Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey and 2016 American Community Survey [XLSX - 15 KB] [CSV - 1 KB]
• Homeownership Rates by Family Status: 2016 Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey and 2016 American Community Survey [XLSX - 14 KB] [CSV - 2 KB]
• Homeownership Rates by Age of Householder: 2016 Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey and 2016 American Community Survey [XLSX - 15 KB] [CSV - 2 KB]

Disclosure Limitation
A disclosure of data occurs when an individual can use published statistical information to identify either an individual or firm that has provided information under a pledge of confidentiality. Disclosure limitation is the process used to protect the confidentiality of the survey data provided by an individual or firm. The Census Bureau has reviewed this data product for unauthorized disclosure of confidential information and has approved the disclosure limitation practices applied. (Approval ID:CBDRB‑FY24‑0094)