Cautionary Notes about the 2008 Housing and Vacancy Survey

From the US Census Bureau website section on the 2008 HVS:

1. The 2008 NYCHVS used the same sample as in 2005 and 2002, drawn from Census 2000 andupdated by including newly created housing units. The 1991 NYCHVS sample was selected from the 1990 census and updated for the 1993, 1996, and 1999 NYCHVSs.

2. The 2008, 2005, and 2002 NYCHVSs were weighted based on the results from Census 2000 , while the 1991, 1993, 1996, and 1999 NYCHVSs were all weighted based on results from the 1990 decennial census. Since surveys based on different censuses produce different results, it may be difficult to compare data from the 2008, 2005, and 2002 NYCHVS to the 1999 NYCHVS and earlier years.

Cautionary Notes about the 2002 and 2005 Housing and Vacancy Surveys

From the US Census Bureau website section on the HVS:

1. After reviewing all major issues concerning reweighting earlier data, the US Census Bureau has decided not to reweight any prior (1999 or earlier) NYC HVS surveys for the following reasons:

• The NYC HVS surveys from the 1990s and from 2002/2005 are from different samples and are weighted based on different decennial censuses (1990 and 2000). We know that Census 2000 had a better coverage of population and housing in the United States and in New York City than did the 1990 census. Comparing estimates from the 1999 and previous NYC HVSs with the 2002 NYC HVS reflects this improved coverage. Simply reweighting earlier data would likely not solve inconsistencies in housing unit and population estimates between the two survey years.
  
  
• In Census 2000, there was a major change in the way race data was collected in the decennial census. Respondents were allowed to choose more than one race, whereas prior to Census 2000, respondents could only select one race. This was an important difference in the Census 2000 from earlier censuses. All current surveys had to make this change in data collection. So, for the 2002/2005 NYC HVS, respondents were allowed to select more than one race, whereas in the 1999 NYC HVS and earlier surveys, only one race could be selected. Since race is an important part of the weighting process and because of this change in data collection, we don’t believe there is any way to make data for the 2002/2005 NYC HVSs consistent with earlier NYC HVSs.
  
  
• If the 1999 NYC HVS data were reweighted, the 2002 NYC HVS data would also have to be reweighted. Reweighting the 2002 NYC HVS data would necessitate revising estimates of the components of inventory change from 1999 to 2002 and from 2002 to 2005. Therefore, reweighting the 1999 NYC HVS data would cause a chain reaction for three or more NYC HVSs: 1999, 2002, 2005, and probably beyond. In the year following each NYC HVS survey, we release the best data that we have at that time. Once these estimates are officially released, we believe they should be considered final. The NYC HVS survey results are ratio estimated to match independent housing unit estimates by borough AND independent population estimates by borough, age, race, and sex. As time goes on, these independent housing and population estimates may change as more updated data become available. We don’t believe these changes warrant reissuing the NYC HVS data every time this occurs.
  

2. In comparing data from 1999 and previous NYC HVSs with data from 2002 and 2005 NYCHVSs data users should compare percentages, means, and medians, rather than absolute numbers of housing units, households, and/or persons from survey to survey.

What's available in the Housing and Vacancy Survey?

The NYC Housing and Vacancy Survey (HVS) is conducted triennially and provides data for New York City's five boroughs: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island; and defined sub-borough areas within each borough on the characteristics of housing units and their occupants. Statistics are available on household income, poverty income levels, monthly rent, monthly mortgage payments, utility costs, routine maintenance fees, and real estate taxes. Data are shown for labor force characteristics for all household members 15 years and over.

Data are also presented on the condition of the building, the occupancy status of the unit, the year the building was built, whether the unit is owner or renter occupied, and the condominium or cooperative status of the building. Additional data focus on number of stories, units, and rooms in the unit; the type of heating fuel; the existence of cracks or holes in walls or floors; and the occurrences of heating equipment break downs.

Data for vacant units include data on the number of stories and rooms, the presence of an elevator, and the principal type of heating fuel. In addition, data are presented on the duration of vacancy, the occupancy status before vacancy, whether the unit is available for rent or sale, the reason the unit is not available for sale or for rent, and if for rent the monthly asking rent.

NOTE: The NYC Housing and Vacancy Survey (HVS) is a triennial survey performed in New York City by the U.S. Census Bureau. The HVS contains comprehensive data on housing, neighborhoods and tenant demographics. Three series of data are produced from each HVS: Person, Vacant, and Occupied Housing.

Although the RGB has reproduced hundreds of tables prepared by the Census Bureau, much more data is available. Rent Guidelines Board researchers can provide additional tables or run limited custom data as schedules permit.

Alternatively, you may purchase the HVS on CD-ROM or tape file from the Census Bureau. For further questions about obtaining HVS data files or other matters relating to HVS data, call the HHES division of the Census Bureau at: (301) 763-3199.

*Summary findings from the 2002, 2005 and 2008 HVS's are in PDF format and require the Adobe Reader or an alternate program that can display PDF files. If you don't already have the Adobe Reader on your computer, click here to download it for free. If you are having trouble installing or using the Adobe Reader, please see their troubleshooting page.

RGB Page Updated 12/11/09