Gross rent is calculated for renter-occupied units rented for cash rent (with the exclusions noted above for rent). It represents the contract rent plus the average monthly cost of utilities (water, electricity, gas, ) and fuels, to extent that these are paid for by the renter (or paid for by a relative, welfare agency, or friend) in addition to the rent. Gross rent thus eliminates differentials which result from varying practices with respect to the inclusion of utilities and fuel in contract rent.
In 1960, respondents were to indicate if they paid for electricity, gas, water or fuels (oil, coal wood, kerosene) in addition to rent; and if yes, to indicate the estimated average monthly dollar cost for electricity, gas, water, and the total yearly cost for fuel. In 1970, respondents were to answer similarly but further specify if they did not use particular utilities or fuels.

Gross rent is calculated from this information. Gross rent is tabulated by several distributions; for example, less than $30, $30-39... $90-99, $100-119, $120-149, $150-199, $200-249, $250-299, $300 or more. (Census basic records carry dollar amounts ' of gross rent up to $999.)
Total, median, and average gross rent are calculated.

Housing units comprise houses, apartments, groups of rooms, or single rooms, which are occupied, or vacant but intended for occupancy, as separate living quarters. Specifically, there is a housing unit when the occupants live and eat separately from any other persons in the structure and there is either (1) direct access to the unit from the outside or through a common hall, or (2) in 1960, a kitchen or cooking equipment for the occupants exclusive use: in 1970, complete kitchen facilities for the occupants exclusive use.
Structures intended primarily for business or other non-residential use may contain housing units; for example, the living quarters of a merchant in back of his shop. Separate living quarters occupied by staff personnel (but not inmates) in institutions which meet the definitional criteria constitute housing units; as do separate living quarters of supervisory staff in dormitories, nursing homes, etc. Any separate living quarters, which meet the above criteria, in rooming or boarding houses are classified as housing units, as are entire rooming or boarding houses where there are four or fewer roomers unrelated to the person in charge. Trailers, tents, boats, railroad cars, hotel and motels occupied by usual residents which meet the definitional criteria constitute housing units; as do vacant rooms or suites in hotels where 75 percent or more of the accommodations are occupied by usual residents.

Rent was asked only for renter occupied housing units rented for cash rent and vacant units, for rent, excluding one-family houses on places of 10 or more acres. Respondents were to indicate rent only for the housing unit being enumerated and to exclude any rent paid for additional units or for business premises.