Limitations of data collection mean many questions about housing consumption simply cannot be answered.
"Housing demographers are often frustrated by data that range from inconsistent to totally unavailable when attempting to research demographic and housing trends. The inconsistencies between various data sources on estimates of household numbers and household growth, vacancy rates, and homeownership rates are well documented and continue to be dissected and discussed, but there are other metrics that have been even more elusive to pin down that would help enormously to better understand today’s demographic/economic trends and their housing implications," according to a post by George Masnick for the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies.
Masnick notes two "broad areas" of housing consumption that have proven particularly obstinate in resisting quantification: "The first concerns the doubling up of generations living in a single residence. The second is the opposite – when a single household lives in more than one housing unit on a regular basis."
The article goes on to detail more about the many avenues of research available if better data available were available in these areas. Also mentioned are the limitations of the current study mechanisms that begin to scratch the surface of the important questions still out of the reach of researchers.
FULL STORY: For Housing Demographers It’s All About the Data – But Sometimes the Data Come Up Woefully Short
Study: It's Not Hard to Connect Anonymous Data to Specific Individuals
People have had to take it on faith that data anoymization was adequate to the task of protecting privacy of individuals. Recent research suggests such faith was misplaced.
Census Bureau Serves Both Sides of the Housing Debate
The Census Bureau wants to be a friend to YIMBYs and NIMBYs alike.
Is a Universal Metric for Gentrification Possible?
The Guardian’s new "Gentrified World" series tackles a fundamental—but tricky—question: How can we measure gentrification?
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)