What type of data does the American Housing Survey (AHS) collect?

The American Housing Survey (AHS) is specifically designed to collect comprehensive data on the characteristics of housing and the conditions in which American households live. It gathers a range of information including the physical structure of homes, the types of utilities available, the level of housing costs, and the overall satisfaction of the residents. This detailed data helps policymakers, researchers, and housing advocates understand the living conditions across different demographics and geographic areas in the United States.

In contrast, while economic trends and local zoning regulations are important aspects of housing studies, they fall outside the primary focus of the AHS, which is predominantly aimed at understanding housing characteristics and conditions. Demographics of housing developers are also not part of the AHS’s scope, as the survey emphasizes inhabited homes and their residents rather than the builders or developers of these housing units.