Household Pulse Survey shows Impact of COVID-19 Across Metro Areas

With survey data now covering six months of a global pandemic, the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey has provided ongoing insight into the COVID-19-related disruptions households across the country. This is an expansion upon our earlier coverage of the Household Pulse Survey.

By Claire Gray

Claire Gray is a research associate at the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Census Bureau began conducting their new high-frequency survey in mid-April, at the height of coronavirus uncertainty, and continued conducting through most of July. After a brief hiatus, the survey resumed in mid-August for Phase 2—with data collection covering two weeks rather than one. Although there have been several question modifications and additions as the survey has continued, the survey consistently asks respondents about their employment situation, educational disruption, food and housing security and their health. The Census releases the data on the national level, for all 50 states and the District of Columbia and for the 15 largest metropolitan areas.

At the time of this writing, there have been 16 data releases from the survey, with the most recent survey conducted from September 30 – October 12. The findings over the course of the survey have shown widespread stress on households, with some indicating increased food and housing insecurity, changes in educational plans, loss of employment income or use of alternative sources to meet their basic spending needs.

Loss of Household Employment Income

Over both phases of the Household Pulse Survey, respondents have been asked whether they or another adult in their household have lost employment income since March 13, which marks the beginning of coronavirus-related shutdowns and economic disruption. This figure has shown little variation since the beginning of the survey, revealing consistently that over half of renter respondents have experienced loss of household employment income. In the most recent iteration of the survey, 54.9 percent of renters reported loss of household employment income, which compares to 40.1 percent of owners indicating the same.
When looking at how renters have been impacted across metro areas, the story is a little more varied. There were just three metro areas where a smaller share of renters experienced household income loss than the U.S. total, including Washington, D.C., Seattle and Boston, likely supported by employment in government and technology. On the other hand, Houston, Miami and Los Angeles have been faring noticeably worse. With high concentrations in manufacturing, mining and construction, it's possible renters in Houston have seen cuts in shifts or hours in places where there wasn't full employment loss. Meanwhile, both Miami and Los Angeles are struggling to recover jobs lost in leisure and hospitality sectors over the last seven months.

Figure 1: Share of Renters Experiencing Loss of Household Income Since March 13th

Households Currently Caught Up on Rent Payments

Beginning in Phase 2, respondents have been asked if they are currently caught up on their rent payments. Previously, they were asked whether the status of the rent payment was on-time, late or the payment had been deferred. While the new question better captures those renters unable to pay entirely, rather than just paying late, it means these questions are not comparable over phases of the survey.

Metro areas are split a little more evenly on where respondents are currently caught up on rent payments, with the U.S. total among renters comes in at 83.8 percent in the most recent survey. Those metros with the highest share of renters that were current on payments include Seattle, San Francisco and Dallas. While these figures from the Household Pulse Survey represent all renters, we know that apartment occupancy in San Francisco is down compared to pre-pandemic levels, reaching 92.6 percent in September according to RealPage. So, if they can’t afford to maintain their rent in coastal metros like Seattle and San Francisco, they may be searching for a more affordable rental unit elsewhere and those that stay are able to pay. Detroit, Miami and Atlanta come in at the bottom of the list for share of renters currently caught up on rent payments. Employment or income loss could certainly still be a factor here, with these metros facing exposure in manufacturing and leisure and hospitality.

Figure 2: Share of Renters Currently Caught Up on Rent Payments

Check out our High-Frequency COVID Economic Impact Data page for regular updates from the Household Pulse Survey, as well as other data sources tracking impacts of the coronavirus across the economy.

Christopher Bruen cbruen@nmhc.org