Housing Value Appreciation

.. U.S. housing prices rose nationwide in August, up 1.5% from the previous month, based on the FHFA Housing Price Index (HPI). Housing prices rose 8.0% from August 2019 to August 2020.

If you purchased a housing unit in 2019Q2 at $260,200 (the ACS 2019 median housing value), the value of the unit in 2020Q2 would be $271,000, an increase of 4.2%. A good deal in this era of low interest rates.

U.S. housing prices posted a strong increase in August .. the 1.5% increase is the largest one-month price increase observed since the start of the HPI measurement in 1991. This large month-over-month gain contributes to an already strong increase in prices over the summer. These price gains can be attributed to the historically low interest rates, rebounding housing demand and continued supply constraints.

The HPI has various limitations as a measure to assess the housing market. One important limitation is that it a measure in isolation; other related demographic-economic measures are not included. This is unlike the American Community Survey (ACS) estimates of the median housing value ($MHV), used as an annual, year-over-year measure of housing value appreciation.

Median Housing Value
The U.S. ACS 1-year estimate of median housing value ($MHV) increased from $229,700 in 2018 to $240,500 in 2019. The ACS 2020 estimate, which will be impacted by the pandemic, will not be available until September 2021. The ProximityOne 2020 estimate of $MHV is $270,500.

Click this API link to view a CSV-like file showing the 2019 median household income and median housing value by state. Join me in a Data Analytics Web Session (see below) to integrate these data into a map view like shown below. Add other data.

Patterns of Median Housing Value by State

– view developed using ProximityOne CV XE GIS
– click graphic for larger view

An advantage of using the ACS or ACS-like $MHV data is that this measure is synchronized with other related measures, like total population, total housing units, housing units by tenure and age built and so on. Though a popular measure to assess geographically comparable housing values, the $MHV has many limitations. A key limitation is that few survey responders really know the value of their home. Other limitations have to do with the definition itself and how the data are collected/developed. ACS $MHV measures value of only occupied housing units and excludes houses on 10 or more acres and housing units in multi-unit structures. See more. While there are other Federal sources of $MHV, it remains that the usabilty aspects of the ACS or ACS-like measures are second to none.

Learn more — Join me in the Situation & Outlook Web Sessions
Join me in a Situation & Outlook Web Session where we discuss topics relating to measuring and interpreting the where, what, when, how and how much demographic-economic change is occurring and it’s impact.

About the Author
— Warren Glimpse is former senior Census Bureau statistician responsible for national scope statistical programs and innovative data access and use operations. He is also the former associate director of the U.S. Office of Federal Statistical Policy and Standards for data access and use. He has more than 20 years of experience in the private sector developing data resources and tools for integration and analysis of geographic, demographic, economic and business data. Contact Warren. Join Warren on LinkedIn.

Using GIS & GeoDemographics

.. join us in the GIS & GeoDemographics self-paced, online course.

Visual representation, maps, of demographic data by geographic area can be exciting and rewarding. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can bring maps alive. Creativity is boundless. The banner at the top of the corresponding Web section presents a static view of a map rendered using GIS. This map shows the Los Angeles area by census tract. For the analyst or stakeholder, it shows something more — the percent Asian citizen voting age population by tract, overlayed with Congressional District boundaries and codes. It shows relationships, patterns. Using the power of GIS, the zoom level, colors, legend, and labeling can all be changed immediately. You, the GIS user, are at once analyst, artist and storyteller. In control of your medium, canvas, you further your benefits from use these software and data by making dynamic presentations in collaborations. Make compelling arguments. Capture your views and blend them with words and charts into documents. Welcome to the world of GIS and geodemographics.

Mapping census block demographics
The graphic shown below illustrates use of GIS software with the TIGER digital map database census block shapefile to show census blocks for two Ohio counties in context of 2018 CBSAs/Metros. Clicking on a census block (see pointer) shows a mini profile for that block.

– view developed using ProximityOne CV XE GIS and related GIS project.

Using GIS & GeoDemographics .. about the course
Examining geographic-demographic-economic characteristics, patterns and trends … researchers, policymakers, journalists, administrators, students among others. How can you most benefit from using the TIGER geographic data to meet your objectives? These data are available at no cost. Join us in the Using GIS Tools & GeoDemographics online, self-paced course. Learn all aspects of using the Census Bureau TIGER files and related Census-sourced and other Federal statistical data. Augment your professional skills; participants receive all required data, methods and tools. Your personal session is developed and coordinated by Warren Glimpse. You receive the GIS course certificate upon completion. The course may be started at any time and includes requisite Windows-based CV XE GIS software. The course assumes the participant has basic familiarity with a Windows computer, Internet and spreadsheet operations. No GIS related experience is required. Experienced GIS professionals also benefit by learning about the use and nuances of Census-sourced data and integrating these with other data. The structure includes four segments that typically require 2.5 hours each. It is feasible to complete the course in a day or two though we suggest two weeks.

Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with TIGER … integrate/analyze data from American Community Survey (ACS) or the decennial census (Census 2010) (Census 2020) into TIGER files to make thematic maps. Merge data from other statistical programs. Geocode your address-based data and add the geocoded data to a GIS project/map view; examine patterns. View your market/service areas and assess competitive position, unmet opportunities. Learn about procedures and strategies to develop GIS projects that meet your needs. Acquire the tools and data to perform these tasks without spending more — provided as a part of our course.

The course is not just about TIGER and demographic-economic data. It provides a well-rounded framework for how to use GIS. While TIGER is a focus, we review procedures to access and use thousands of public use shapefiles and GIS files that may be useful to you. It provides a well-rounded framework for how to use GIS.

Enroll today …
Click the enrollment button/link (opens new page) to enroll now ($395). We will contact you and provide next step information.   Questions? Call us at (800)364-7656.

Data Analytics Web Sessions
Join me in a Demographics Analytics Lab session to discuss more details about accessing and using wide-ranging demographic-economic data and data analytics. Learn more about using these data for areas and applications of interest.

About the Author
— Warren Glimpse is former senior Census Bureau statistician responsible for innovative data access and use operations. He is also the former associate director of the U.S. Office of Federal Statistical Policy and Standards for data access and use. He has more than 20 years of experience in the private sector developing data resources and tools for integration and analysis of geographic, demographic, economic and business data. Contact Warren. Join Warren on LinkedIn.

Examining America’s Cities: Demographic-Economic Updates

.. of the approximate 29,500 U.S. cities and places — geographic areas of population concentration — 301 had an ACS 2016 5-year estimated population of 100,000 or more. The median household income among these places, one measure of economic prosperity, ranged from $26,249 (Detroit, MI) to $117,642 (Frisco, TX).

What are the demographic-economic characteristics of your cities/places of interest? How do these compare to peer groups or a metro/state of interest. Learn more using the new city/place demographic interactive tables. Its about more than economic prosperity — using these data provide otherwise unknowable attributes about the demographic, social, economic and housing characteristics of individual cities/places.

Visual Analysis of City/Place Population Dynamics
The following view shows patterns of population percent change by city in the Charlotte, NC/SC metro area.

… view developed using the CV XE GIS software.
… more about above view in City/Place Economic Characteristics section.

Patterns of Economic Prosperity ($MHI) by City/Place
— Northern Virginia, DC, Maryland; part of the Washington, DC metro.

… view developed using the CV XE GIS software.
… click graphic for larger view with places labeled by name and $MHI.

Interactive Tables — new January 2018
Use these interactive tables to get answers, build insights:
• General Demographics
• Social Characteristics
• Economic Characteristics — used to develop data at top of section
• Housing Characteristics
Related:
• City/Place GeoDemographics Main Section
• Annual City/Place Population Estimates & Trends
• Similar ACS tables: Census Tracts | ZIP Codes | State, Metro & County

More About City/Place GeoStatistical Data and Data Analytics
The term “places” as used here refers to incorporated places and Census Designated Places (CDPs). Incorporated places are political areas having certain governmental powers designated by the corresponding state. Unincorporated places, or Census Designated Places (CDPs), are statistical areas having no official standing and no governmental powers but are recognized as being areas of population concentration. Wide-ranging demographic-economic estimates are developed annually for the approximate 29,500 incorporated cities and CDPs based on the American Community Survey 5-year estimates. See more about the ACS 2016 5-year estimates.

Many cities have planning and data development operations that develop important local data including tax parcel data, building permit data, transportation and infrastructure data … bit generally not the data reviewed in this section. Many cities have no planning department to develop, organize and analyze geographic, demographic, economic data … making these data even more essential.

Increasingly in core sections of metropolitan areas, as shown in the above graphics, a large number of cities/places are contiguous. Many retain their own character evolving over many years. Having the detailed ACS demographic-economic data makes it possible to compare places side by side. Use the same data for related drill down geography such as census tracts and block groups to examine neighborhoods and market areas.

Data Analytics Web Sessions
Join me in a Data Analytics Lab session to discuss more details about accessing and using wide-ranging demographic-economic data and data analytics. Learn more about using these data for areas and applications of interest.

About the Author
— Warren Glimpse is former senior Census Bureau statistician responsible for innovative data access and use operations. He is also the former associate director of the U.S. Office of Federal Statistical Policy and Standards for data access and use. He has more than 20 years of experience in the private sector developing data resources and tools for integration and analysis of geographic, demographic, economic and business data. Contact Warren. Join Warren on LinkedIn.

Accessing & Using ZIP Code Demographics

.. tip of the day .. a continuing weekly or more frequent tip on developing, integrating, accessing and using geographic, demographic, economic and statistical data. Join in .. tip of the day posts are added to the Data Analytics Blog on an irregular basis, normally weekly. Follow the blog to receive updates as they occur.

… February 2017 updates .. 5 ways to access/analyze the most recent estimates of median housing value and other subject matter by ZIP Code area .. updates on accessing/downloading/using American Community Survey (ACS1115) 5-year estimates. See more detail in related Web section.

Site analysis (Option 5 below)
– create site analysis profiles from a location/ZIP code.

Contents
Five data access and use options, listed in the links below, are reviewed. Each method illustrates how ZIP code demographic-economic data can be accessed/ analyzed/used in different contexts. The most basic data access/data download is illustrated in Option 3. The following links open new windows that take you to the related section with more detail.
• Option 1 – View the data as a thematic pattern map.
• Option 2 – View, compare, rank query data in interactive tables.
• Option 3 – Access data using API Tools; create datasets.
.. Option 3a – Extended ZIP Code subject matter access.
.. Option 3b – ZIP code urban/rural data access.
.. Option 3c – Additional API ACS data access resources.
• Option 4 – View $MHI in structured profile in context of related data.
• Option 5 – Site analysis – view circular area profile from a location.

Related ZIP Code Data Access & Use sections
• Interactive access to demographics based on an address
• Summary of ZIP Code Data Resources & Tools
• 10 Reasons to use Census Tracts Versus ZIP Codes
• Analyzing Census Tract Demographics by ZIP Code Area
• ZIP Code to Census Tract Equivalence Table
• ZIP Code Urban/Rural Geography & Demographics
• Mapping ZIP Code Demograhics
• Housing Price Index by 5-digit ZIP Code – time series; annual updates
• Housing Price Index by 3-digit ZIP Code – time series; quarterly updates
• ZIP Code Business Establishment, Employment & Earnings by industry
• ZIP Code Retail Trade Establishment & Sales by industry
• ZIP Code Equivalence Tables — ZIP Code to School District

Join me in a Data Analytics Lab session to discuss more details about accessing and using wide-ranging demographic-economic data and data analytics. Learn more about using these data for areas and applications of interest.

About the Author
— Warren Glimpse is former senior Census Bureau statistician responsible for innovative data access and use operations. He is also the former associate director of the U.S. Office of Federal Statistical Policy and Standards for data access and use. He has more than 20 years of experience in the private sector developing data resources and tools for integration and analysis of geographic, demographic, economic and business data. Contact Warren. Join Warren on LinkedIn.

Using CVXEGIS dBase Script Tool

.. shapefiles are the most widely used type of vector-based geodata file type used Geographic Information Systems GIS. The shapefile structure, comprised of a .shp (geometry), .dbf (dBase-subject matter), ,shx (index file associating shp and dbf records) and .prj (projection), is in the public domain, well documented and used by many mapping GIS tools.

Persistent Need to Process & Restructure dBase Files
Many shapefiles, such as the wide ranging political, statistical and topographic Census Bureau TIGER/Line shapefiles, become available with no subject matter content or limited scope content. There is a persistent need to process the dBase files (.dbf) associated with shapefiles … adding data, computing data, linking data, updating data, etc.

dBase, or dBASE or dbf, files have wide ranging appeal and use well beyond mapping and GIS applications. The simple and transportable structure makes them ideal for any type of textual or statistical data that is of conventional text or numeric form associated with data records with associated ID fields (social security number, member number, customer number, geocode, and many others) — where the need to support queries or develop relational data files structures is great. Compared to Excel, dBase files provide a smaller footprint, can be processed faster with some dBase application software and can support a larger number of records.

This section briefly outlines use of the CVXEGIS Script feature. The Script feature includes the ability to develop programming-like code to process dBase files.

There is no fee for the basic version of the Script feature. It can be used with any dBase file. The learning curve is almost nil. Install CVXEGIS and start using the tool.

Script Tool User Interface
Create, manage code interactively; run the script as a batch file.
Top section shows code; lower section shows selected output.

Join me in a Data Analytics Lab session to discuss more details about accessing and using wide-ranging demographic-economic data and data analytics. Learn more about using these data for areas and applications of interest.

About the Author
— Warren Glimpse is former senior Census Bureau statistician responsible for innovative data access and use operations. He is also the former associate director of the U.S. Office of Federal Statistical Policy and Standards for data access and use. He has more than 20 years of experience in the private sector developing data resources and tools for integration and analysis of geographic, demographic, economic and business data. Contact Warren. Join Warren on LinkedIn.