The methodology for collecting information on new manufactured homes for 1974 through 1979 involved contacting a sample of manufactured home dealers each month within 137 geographic areas or primary sampling units. The dealers were asked to provide data on the number of manufactured homes received from manufacturers, the number placed on a site for residential use, and the number held in inventory.

The methodology used after 1979 involved a monthly sample of new manufactured homes shipped by manufacturers. The dealer to whom the sampled unit was shipped was contacted by telephone and asked about the status of the unit. This was done each month until that unit is reported as placed.  Data prior to 2014 can be found on our previous data page here.  This data is not comparable to the current data series noted below.

The methodology used beginning in August 2014 involves contacting the dealer four months after the unit was shipped to ask about the status of the unit. The dealer is asked to report a sales price if the unit is already sold and placed for residential use or to report an intended sales price if the unit is intended for sale and for residential use. The dealer is no longer contacted each month until the unit is placed. Estimates of average sales price include both actual sales prices and intended sales prices.  In January 2021, the survey was modified to identify leased units and to better distinguish units that were placed or not yet placed at time of survey.  In addition, changes to select characteristics questions were modified to align with current industry standards.   These modifications allow for more detailed characteristics and did not alter the survey methodology. Annual characteristics data prior to 2021 are based on the old survey form found here.