Demonstrating the Use of American Housing Survey Data in Cross-Sectional Studies

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the use of the American Housing Survey so that more researchers will be inclined to use the AHS data in studies concerning urban housing patterns, real estate finance, appraisal, property management, and marketing. The American Housing Survey—conducted by the Census Bureau as agent for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development—is designed to provide a current series of information on the size and composition of the housing inventory, including information about household demographics and neighborhood quality. The AHS consists of a national survey about of 60,000 households taken every other year and a metropolitan survey conducted on a rotating basis every year among 11 out of 44 urban areas. Sample sizes range from 2,000 to 4,000 per metro area. The AHS contains a wealth of information available at low cost to all who wish to make use of it.