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Data Dictionary: ACS 2018 (1-Year Estimates)
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Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Universe: Universe: Renter-occupied housing units
Relevant Documentation:
Excerpt from: Social Explorer; U.S. Census Bureau; 2018 ACS 1-year and 2014-2018 ACS 5-year Data Releases : Technical Documentation.
  2018 ACS 1-year and 2014-2018 ACS 5-year Data Releases: Technical Documentation -> Subject Definitions -> Housing Variables -> Gross Rent as a Percentage of Household Income
Gross Rent as a Percentage of Household Income
Gross rent as a percentage of household income is a computed ratio of monthly gross rent to monthly household income (total household income divided by 12). The ratio is computed separately for each unit and is rounded to the nearest tenth. Units for which no rent is paid and units occupied by households that reported no income or a net loss comprise the category, "Not computed."

Gross rent as a percentage of household income provides information on the monthly housing cost expenses for renters. The information offers an excellent measure of housing affordability and excessive shelter costs. The data also serve to aid in the development of housing programs to meet the needs of people at different economic levels, and to provide assistance to agencies in determining policies on fair rent.

Median Gross Rent as a Percentage of Household Income
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This measure divides the gross rent as a percentage of household income distribution into two equal parts: one-half of the cases falling below the median gross rent as a percentage of household income and one- half above the median. Median gross rent as a percentage of household income is computed on the basis of a standard distribution. (See the "Median Standard Distributions" section in Appendix A.) Median gross rent as a percentage of household income is rounded to the nearest tenth. (For more information on medians, see "Derived Measures.")

Comparability

Data on gross rent as a percentage of household income in the 2018 ACS should not be compared to Census 2000 gross rent as a percentage of household income data. For Census 2000, tables were not released for total renter-occupied units. The universe in Census 2000 was "specified renter-occupied housing units" whereas the universe in the 2018 ACS is "renter occupied housing units," thus comparisons cannot be made between these two data sets.