Housing Stock Characteristics

The analysis of housing stock characteristics must include an estimate of the number of substandard units in need of rehabilitation and/or replacement. This information will assist local governments in developing appropriate housing policies and prioritizing housing resources.

Government Code

Contractors working on building house

Government Code Section 65583(a) requires an analysis and documentation of household characteristics, including level of payment compared to ability to pay, housing characteristics, including overcrowding, and housing stock condition, (Section 65583 (a)(2)).

Requisite Analysis

Housing Conditions

Estimate the total number of substandard units — e.g. those in need of rehabilitation (repair) and those in need of replacement (demolition). The number of units to be rehabilitated and/or replaced may be estimated from a recent (e.g., the last five years) windshield survey or sampling, estimates from the local building department, knowledgeable builders/developers in the community, or nonprofit housing developers or organizations. Estimates can also be derived from U.S. Census data, such as percentage of units built before 1980. However, U.S. Census data only serves as an estimate of the maximum rehabilitation need and should be supplemented by local estimates.

Sample Housing Condition Surveys

Sample housing condition survey (PDF) from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program

Sample Tables

Housing Condition Survey
Housing Type Sound Minor Moderate Substantial Dilapidated Total
Single            
Mobile            
Duplex            
Multifamily            
Total            
Percent            
Source: City staff survey            

Year Structure Built
Year Built Number
Built 1999 through 2012  
Built 1995 through 1998  
Built 1990 through 1994  
Built 1980 through 1989  
Built 1970 through 1979  
Built 1960 through 1969  
Built 1950 through 1959  
Built 1940 through 1949  
Built 1939 or earlier  
Total  

Source: U.S. Census American Community Survey Year Structure Built (Table: B25034)

Year Structure Built: U.S. Census Tracts
Census Tract # Built 1999 to Current 1970 through 1999 Before 1970 Total Housing Units
         
         

Source: U.S. Census American Community Survey, Year Structure Built (Table: B25034)

Housing Stock Characteristics

The housing element should include a description and analysis of current housing stock characteristics. This information can be used to assist jurisdictions in identifying specific housing needs and tailoring housing programs to fit those needs. Where available, information on tenure (rental or ownership) should be included. This information can be useful because tenure affects the nature of housing problems encountered, as well as the programs or resources that have the potential to address them. The housing element should include information regarding:

Housing costs and affordability

  • U.S. Census American Community Survey, B25075, Value (Universe: Owner-occupied housing units)
  • U.S. Census American Community Survey, B25077, Median value (dollars) (Universe: Owner-occupied housing units)
  • U.S. Census 2000, Summary File 3, H76, Median value (dollars), specified owner-occupied housing units, Summary File 3, H63, Median gross rent (dollars)
  • U.S. Census American Community Survey, B25058, Median contract rent (dollars) (Universe: renter-occupied housing units paying cash rent B25077. Median value (dollars) (Universe: Owner-occupied housing units)

Housing construction prices and trends

  • Construction Industry Research Board, Building Permit Summary, California Cities and Counties Data, Calendar Years 1999-2006.
  • Press releases from the California Association of Realtors can provide information on housing prices.
  • Current market rents can be collected through a phone survey of properties within the jurisdictions, surveying rental magazines or online searches for rent information, and/or through a survey of property management companies.

Housing units by type

  • American Community Survey, B25024, Units in structure

Vacancy rates

  • American Community Survey, B25004, Vacancy Status (Universe: Vacant housing units)
  • Census 2000 Summary File 3, H6 Occupancy status, H8 Vacancy status
  • 2006 U.S. Census American Community Survey,* B25002, Occupancy status, B25004, Vacancy status

*Data from the American Community Survey are available for geographic areas with a population of 65,000 or more for yearly survey; all areas are counted in the five-year estimates.

Sample Tables

Median Value/Rent 1990-2000
Value/Rent 2000 2012 2000-2012 Percent Change ACS 2007 ACS Margin of Error 2000-2012 Percent Change
Median Home Value            
Median Gross Rent            

Sources:

U.S. Census 2000

  • Summary File 3, H76, Median value (dollars) for specified owner-occupied housing units
  • Summary File 3, H63, Median gross rent (dollars)

U.S. Census 1990

  • Summary File 3, H061A, Median value - specified owner-occupied housing units
  • H043A, Median gross rent - specified renter-occupied housing units paying cash rent

U.S. Census American Community Survey 

  • B25058, Median contract rent (dollars) - renter-occupied housing units paying cash rent
  • B25077, Median value (dollars) - owner-occupied housing units

Current Median Rents
Bedroom Type Median Market Rents
Studio  
One-Bedroom  
Two-Bedroom  
Three-Bedroom  
Four-Bedroom  

Note: Current market rents can be collected through a phone survey of properties within the jurisdictions, surveying rental magazines, or online searches for rent information, and/or through a survey of property management companies.

Regional Median Home Values
City Median Value Percent Change
Aug-09 Aug-10
City B      
City R      

Source: California Association of Realtors

Housing Units by Type
  2000 2010 Change
Unit Type Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Single-Family            
Duplex            
3-4 Units            
5+ Units            
Mobilehome and Other            
Totals            

Source: 
U.S. Census American Community Survey, B25024, Units in structure
U.S. Census 2000 Summary File 3, H30, Units in structure
U.S. Census 1990 Summary Tape File 3, H020, Units in structure

Housing Units by Type
  2010 Current Year Change
Unit Type Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Single-Family            
Duplex            
3-4 Units            
5+ Units            
Mobilehome and Other            
Totals            

Source: California Department of Finance E-5 County/State Population and Housing Estimates

Housing Permits Issued (2006 – CURRENT)
  Single-Family 2-4 units 5+ Units TOTAL
2006        
2007        
2008        
2009        
2010        
2011        
2012        
2013        
2014        

Source: Construction Industry Research Board, Building Permit Summary, California Cities and Counties Data

Pending Housing Developments
Developer/Development Name Number/Type of Units Unit Size (sq. ft.) Price Range Status
         
         
Status: C = Complete, UC = Under Construction, A = Approved (Tentative or Final Map)

Sources: City, and discussions with developers

Vacancy Rates
  2012 American Community Survey
Total:  
Occupied  
Vacant  
For rent  
Rented, not occupied  
For sale only  
Sold, not occupied  
For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use  
For migrant workers  
    Other vacant  

Source: U.S. Census American Community Survey, B25002, Occupancy status, B25004, Vacancy Status