2015 AHS Public Use File (PUF) Microdata Release (national and metropolitan area)

HUD and Census expect to release the 2015 AHS PUF in Spring 2017. The new PUF will be easier to use, with fewer relational files and more variables that correspond to the categories in the summary tables. There will also be an online codebook database that will be easier to query and maintain. You will be able to download custom PDF codebooks containing only the variables that you need for your work.

2015 AHS Data Coverage

Like the previous surveys, the 2015 American Housing Survey collected “core” data on subjects such as changes in the structure type and physical condition of the housing inventory, characteristics of occupants, housing costs for owners and renters, persons eligible for and beneficiaries of assisted housing, remodeling and repair frequency, reasons for moving, the number and characteristics of vacancies, and neighborhood characteristics

In addition to the “core” data, the AHS collected “topical” data using a series of topical modules.  The topics included 1) health and safety hazards in the home, 2) food insecurity, 3) the use of housing counseling services, and 4) the presence of arts and cultural opportunities in the community.

Data collection occurred in the summer and fall of 2015.  For the first time since 1985, the survey selected new national and metropolitan area longitudinal samples.  The 2015 sample is comprised of four parts with the following sample sizes:

Additional information about the 2015 survey can be found here:  https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/ahs/operations-and-administration.html