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Data Dictionary: ACS 2009 (5-Year Estimates)
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Data Source: Social Explorer; U.S. Census Bureau
Universe: Renter-occupied housing units
Variable Details
A18002. Gross Rent as a Percentage of Household Income in 2009
Universe: Renter-occupied housing units
A18002_001Renter-Occupied Housing Units:
Percent base:
None - percentages not computed (variable is table universe)
Aggregation method:
Addition
Formula used to compute this variable:
Return_Value = ACS09_5yr:B25070001; if (ACS09_5yr:B25070001.IsNull) Return_Value.IsNull = true
Variables used in the formula:
ACS09_5yr:B25070001
Renter-Occupied Housing Units
Relevant Documentation:
Excerpt from: Social Explorer; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey 2005-2009 Summary File: Technical Documentation.
  ACS 2009-5yr Summary File: Technical Documentation -> Appendix A. Supplemental Documentation -> 2009 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 "Standard Distributions" section under "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
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Data on gross rent as a percentage of household income in the American Community Survey 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 ACS is "renter occupied housing units," thus comparisons cannot be made between these two data sets.