Housing Data by ZIP Code: Owners, Renters, and Values
ZIP-level housing data reveals owner-renter ratios, median home values, and vacancy rates that shape neighborhood character.
## Housing at the ZIP Level
The Census Bureau's American Community Survey tracks detailed housing data at the ZCTA level, providing a window into neighborhood stability, affordability, and character.
## Key Housing Metrics
| Metric | National Avg | Range |
|--------|-------------|-------|
| Owner-occupied rate | 65.4% | 5% - 98% |
| Median home value | $281,900 | $25,000 - $3,000,000+ |
| Median rent | $1,163/mo | $400 - $3,500+ |
| Vacancy rate | 10.3% | 0% - 85% |
| Housing units per ZCTA | ~3,000 | 10 - 40,000+ |
*Source: ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2018-2022*
## Owner vs. Renter Geography
The owner-renter split varies dramatically by ZIP:
- **Highest ownership** — Rural and suburban ZIPs often exceed 85% owner-occupied
- **Lowest ownership** — Manhattan ZIPs are 75-80% renter-occupied
- **College towns** — High renter rates due to student populations
- **Military bases** — High renter rates due to transient population
- **Retirement communities** — Often high ownership despite older demographics
## Home Value Extremes
Median home values span three orders of magnitude:
| ZIP | Location | Median Home Value |
|-----|----------|-------------------|
| 94027 | Atherton, CA | $7,100,000 |
| 90210 | Beverly Hills, CA | $3,800,000 |
| 10007 | New York, NY (FiDi) | $2,900,000 |
| 48209 | Detroit, MI | $45,000 |
| 38702 | Greenville, MS | $38,000 |
## Vacancy Patterns
High vacancy rates tell different stories:
- **Seasonal** — Beach towns and ski resorts (30-60% vacant seasonally)
- **Declining** — Rust Belt cities with population loss
- **Transitional** — Neighborhoods undergoing rapid change
- **New construction** — Recently built developments not yet occupied
## Using Housing Data
Housing data by ZIP code serves multiple purposes:
- **Real estate investment** — Identifying undervalued or growing markets
- **Lending** — Banks use ZIP-level data for CRA compliance
- **Urban planning** — Targeting affordable housing investments
- **Insurance** — Homeowner insurance rates correlate with home values
Key Terms
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