housing "9 Metro Areas Covered in '95 AHS" (02-06-95)

             EMBARGOED UNTIL:  Feb. 6, 1995 (Monday)

Public Information Office                         CB95-26
301-457-2794
301-457-4067 (TDD)

Ed Montfort
301-763-8068

            NINE METROPOLITAN AREAS TO BE COVERED IN 
                  1995 AMERICAN HOUSING SURVEY

     The Commerce Department's Census Bureau today announced that
nine metropolitan areas will be included in the American Housing
Survey's 1995 metropolitan sample, which begins in early March
and extends through October. 

     The survey consists of a biennial national sample, which
begins this summer, and the metropolitan sample, with about a
quarter of the 44 largest metropolitan areas participating each
year on a rotating basis.  Because of budget cuts, the Department
of Housing and Urban Development, which sponsors the survey, has
cut back the number of metro areas this year from the norm of 11
to nine.  It also has reduced the sample size for the
metropolitan area portion from 58,000 to 38,000 housing units and
the data collection period by one month.

     Results of the survey provide vital housing information to
federal policy makers, as well as city planners, real estate
agents, and neighborhood organizers.  

     Included in this year's survey are:

          Pittsburgh, Pa.               Denver, Colo.
          Columbus, Ohio                San Antonio, Texas
          Kansas City, Mo.-Kan.         Portland, Ore.-Wash.
          Charlotte, N.C.-S.C.          New Orleans, La. 
          Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.    
     
     Results of the survey will be published in early 1997. 

     The survey covers the number and types of housing units, and
changes in the number of housing units resulting from losses and
new construction.  It will permit comparisons of the percentage
of units owned or rented, frequency of mechanical and utility
breakdowns, and other indicators of the physical characteristics
of residential structures.  The survey also provides data on 
housing costs, such as rent and fuel costs, mortgage payments,
and characteristics of the occupants.

     The sample of addresses was selected from decennial census
records and has been updated to include new construction.

     Census Bureau representatives obtain information about
housing units from the occupants.  Data for unoccupied units are
obtained from owners, rental and real estate agents, or
knowledgeable neighbors.  Most units to be surveyed are mailed a
letter in advance.

     Information collected in the American Housing Survey is
confidential by law (Title 13, United States Code) and will be
used only to compile statistical totals in which no person or
housing unit is identified.

       Data will be published for the metropolitan areas, their
central city or cities, and selected counties.

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