A nationwide survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2003 found that the country’s households spent a median of $684 monthly on housing costs. The respective figures for homeowners and renters were $718 and $651.

     Beginning April 25, Census Bureau field representatives will visit 59,000 randomly selected housing units to update these figures as well as other important housing information. The questions they will ask are part of the biennial American Housing Survey (AHS), the most comprehensive survey of U.S. housing conducted between censuses. The Census Bureau has been conducting the AHS since 1973 for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

     The field representatives will gather information about the size, composition and condition of the nation’s housing, as well as the financial and demographic characteristics of the residents. Specific questions will ask about the lot size, the year the structure was built, plumbing facilities, the type of mortgage, source of water, the frequency of equipment failures, the neighborhood’s condition and residents’ overall opinions of their neighborhoods.

     By law, the Census Bureau protects the confidentiality of all identifying information about survey respondents and their housing units. Prior to the survey, local households selected in the nationwide sample receive a letter from Census Bureau Director Louis Kincannon. In the letter, it states that residents will be interviewed by a field representative carrying a photo identification card. Besides visiting occupied housing units, the field representatives obtain data on unoccupied units from landlords, rental agents or neighbors.

     Joint HUD-Census Bureau reports on the survey’s findings for the United States and regions are issued about 10 months after the interviews are completed.

     Data in the reports answer such questions as:

• How many people find it difficult to purchase affordable housing?

• What kinds of problems and situations do people have with their homes and neighborhoods that affect their living environment?

• How well is rent control working?

• What type of fuel do people use to heat their homes?

• Why do people move to other housing?

• How much time does it take people to travel to work, and what means of transportation do they use?

     The AHS provides analysts in government and business with up-to-date housing statistics — those vital for planning purposes, decision-making, market research and various kinds of program development.

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