Rental vacancy rates across the United States showed significant regional differences in 2024, with the South experiencing the highest rate at 8.7 percent. This disparity reflects broader demographic shifts and economic factors influencing the rental market. The regional variations in vacancy rates have persisted despite an overall decline since 2014, highlighting the complex dynamics of the U.S. housing landscape. Rental demand and affordability challenges The rental market continues to face pressure from high demand, particularly among younger demographics. People under 30 comprise the largest share of American renters, with approximately 42 million in this age group. Despite softening rents in some areas, affordability remains a significant issue. In 2023, 42.5 percent of renters paid gross rent exceeding 35 percent of their income, indicating widespread financial strain among tenants. Regional disparities and market trends The Northeast and West regions, which include many large urban areas, have consistently lower vacancy rates compared to the Midwest and South. This trend aligns with population shifts towards these regions, fueling higher home prices growth. The rental market has shown signs of stabilization in 2023, with the number of vacant homes for rent slightly picking up after two years of record-low vacancy.

Graph and download economic data for Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States (RRVRUSQ156N) from Q1 1956 to Q2 2025 about vacancy, rent, rate, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Rental Vacancy Rate for the United States (USRVAC) from 1986 to 2024 about vacancy, rent, rate, and USA.

The rental vacancy rate represents the percentage of US residential rental properties that are without tenants. The rate is positively correlated with homeownership rates, and a high vacancy rate is indicative of low demand for renting. Data is sourced from the US Census Bureau's Housing Vacancy Survey.

View quarterly updates and historical trends for US Rental Vacancy Rate. from United States. Source: Census Bureau. Track economic data with YCharts analy…

Revenue for apartment lessors has expanded through the end of 2025. Apartment lessors collect rental income from rental properties, where market forces largely determine their rates. The supply of apartment rentals has grown more slowly than demand, which has elevated rental rates for lessors' benefit. As the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates 11 times between March 2022 and January 2024, homeownership was pushed beyond the reach of many, resulting in a tighter supply and increased demand for rental properties. Despite three interest rate cuts in 2024, mortgage rates have remained stubbornly high in 2025, encouraging consumers to rent. Revenue has climbed at a CAGR of 2.6% over the past five years and is expected to reach $295.3 billion by the end of 2025. This includes an anticipated 1.4% gain in 2025 alone. The increasing unaffordability of housing is caused by the steady climb of mortgage rates and high prices maintained by a low supply. Supply has been held down as buyers who locked in low rates stay put, and investment groups hold a strategic number of their properties empty as investments. Industry profit has remained elevated because of solid demand for apartment rentals. Through the end of 2030, the apartment rental industry's future performance will be shaped by varying factors. The apartment supply in the US, which hit a record in 2024, is expected to taper off, which will push rental prices and occupancy rates up to the lessors' benefit. Other factors, such as interest rate cuts, decreasing financial barriers to homeownership and a high rate of urbanization, will also significantly impact the industry. With an estimated 80.7% of the US population living in urban areas, demand for apartment rentals will strengthen, although rising rental prices could force potential renters to cheaper suburbs. Demand will continue to outpace supply growth, prompting a climb in revenue. Revenue is expected to swell at a CAGR of 1.7% over the next five years, reaching an estimated $321.9 billion in 2030.

Almost two years after the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the occupancy rate of rental properties around college campuses in the United States has not fully recovered. In the period between 2014 and 2019, the average occupancy rate for properties within *** mile reach of the campus was close to ** percent, while in 2020 and 2021, it was about ** percent. For properties further away from the campus, the occupancy rate was even lower.

Graph and download economic data for Rental Vacancy Rate for California (CARVAC) from 1986 to 2024 about vacancy, rent, CA, rate, and USA.

In June 2025, the Australian city of Melbourne had a rental property vacancy rate of *** percent. In contrast, the rental property vacancy rate in Darwin was estimated at *** percent in the same month.

Graph and download economic data for Home Vacancy Rate for the United States (USHVAC) from 1986 to 2024 about vacancy, housing, rate, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Rental Vacancy Rate for Texas (TXRVAC) from 1986 to 2024 about vacancy, rent, TX, rate, and USA.

SOURCEFNSB Community Research Center Rental Survey, 1995 - 2019.FNSB Community Planning Rental Survey, 2020 -NOTEVacancy rates are based on a sample of 3,000 to 4,000 rental units and include data for apartments, duplexes, tri-plexes and larger multi-plex rental properties. They do not include single-family houses, mobile homes or cabins.Possible influences that could affect the vacancy rate include military deployment, housing additions on military bases and population shifts (moving / migration).Changes in seasonal apartment availability may also factor into the Fall and Winter figures.Starting March 2020 data could show fluctuations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, State of Alaska mandates, shut downs & supply chain interruptions.Data is subject to revision.

This table contains data described by the following dimensions (Not all combinations are available): Geography (37 items: Census metropolitan areas; Saguenay; Quebec; Calgary; Alberta; Edmonton; Alberta ...).

United States Housing Vacancy Rate: Rental data was reported at 6.800 % in Jun 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 7.000 % for Mar 2018. United States Housing Vacancy Rate: Rental data is updated quarterly, averaging 7.400 % from Mar 1956 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 250 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 11.100 % in Sep 2009 and a record low of 5.000 % in Dec 1981. United States Housing Vacancy Rate: Rental data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by US Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.EB008: Housing Vacancy and Home Ownership Rate.

The homeowner vacancy rate in the United States reached its lowest value in 2022, followed by an increase in the next two years. The rate shows what share of owner-occupied housing units were vacant and for sale. That figure peaked in 2008, when nearly three percent of homes were vacant, and gradually fell below one percent after the 2020 housing boom. Homeownership is a form of living arrangement where the owner of the inhabited property, whether apartment, house, or type of real estate, lives on the premises. Due to usually high costs associated with owning a property and perceived advantages or disadvantages associated with such a long-term investment, homeownership rates differ greatly around the world, based on both cultural and economic factors. Homeownership attitude in the U.S. Individuals may have unique opportunities or inclinations to become homeowners based on nationality, age, financial status, social status, occupation, marital status, education, or even ethnicity and whether one is local-born or foreign-born. In 2024, the homeownership rate among older Americans was higher than for younger Americans. In the U.S., homeownership is generally believed to be a good investment, in terms of security (no risk of eviction) and financial aspect (owning a valuable real estate property). In 2023, there were approximately 86 million owner-occupied housing units, a stark increase compared to four decades prior. Why is homeownership sentiment low? The housing market has been suffering chronic undersupply, leading to a surge in prices and eroding affordability. In 2023, the housing affordability index plummeted, reflecting the growing challenge that homeowners face when looking for property. Insufficient income, savings, and high home prices are some of the major obstacles that come in the way of a property purchase. Though affordability varied widely across different metros, just about 15 percent of U.S. renters could afford to buy the median-priced home in their area.

What is Rental Data?

Rental data encompasses detailed information about residential rental properties, including single-family homes, multifamily units, and large apartment complexes. This data often includes key metrics such as rental prices, occupancy rates, property amenities, and detailed property descriptions. Advanced rental datasets integrate listings directly sourced from property management software systems, ensuring real-time accuracy and eliminating reliance on outdated or scraped information.

Additional Rental Data Details

The rental data is sourced from over 20,000 property managers via direct feeds and property management platforms, covering over 30 percent of the national rental housing market for diverse and broad representation. Real-time updates ensure data remains current, while verified listings enhance accuracy, avoiding errors typical of survey-based or scraped datasets. The dataset includes 14+ million rental units with detailed descriptions, rich photography, and amenities, offering address-level granularity for precise market analysis. Its extensive coverage of small multifamily and single-family rentals sets it apart from competitors focused on premium multifamily properties.

Rental Data Includes:

• Property Types
• Single-Family Rentals
• Small Multi-family Units
• Premium Apartments
• 16,000+ ZIP Codes
• 800+ MSAs
• Pricing Trends
• Lease Terms Amenities

Rental vacancy rates across the United States showed significant regional differences in 2024, with the South experiencing the highest rate at 8.7 percent. This disparity reflects broader demographic shifts and economic factors influencing the rental market. The regional variations in vacancy rates have persisted despite an overall decline since 2014, highlighting the complex dynamics of the U.S. housing landscape. Rental demand and affordability challenges The rental market continues to face pressure from high demand, particularly among younger demographics. People under 30 comprise the largest share of American renters, with approximately 42 million in this age group. Despite softening rents in some areas, affordability remains a significant issue. In 2023, 42.5 percent of renters paid gross rent exceeding 35 percent of their income, indicating widespread financial strain among tenants. Regional disparities and market trends The Northeast and West regions, which include many large urban areas, have consistently lower vacancy rates compared to the Midwest and South. This trend aligns with population shifts towards these regions, fueling higher home prices growth. The rental market has shown signs of stabilization in 2023, with the number of vacant homes for rent slightly picking up after two years of record-low vacancy.

Graph and download economic data for Rental Vacancy Rate for Florida (FLRVAC) from 1986 to 2024 about vacancy, rent, FL, rate, and USA.

Displacement risk indicator classifying community reporting areas according to apartment vacancy rates. Vacancy rates are calculated at the Community Reporting Area level, which are a combination of one or more census tracts. We visualize them as census tracts here, but columns should not be summed to make a total. We include both vacancy rates and change in year over year vacancy rates.Note: Vacancy rate calculations include market-rate and mixed-income multifamily apartment properties with 5 or more rental units in Seattle, excluding special types like student, senior, corporate or military housing.Source: Data from CoStar Group, www.costar.com, prepared by City of Seattle, Office of Planning and Community Development

Graph and download economic data for Rental Vacancy Rate for Massachusetts (MARVAC) from 1986 to 2024 about vacancy, MA, rent, rate, and USA.