The U.S. Census Bureau recently released its report of housing vacancy survey statistics for 2011. The statistics provide vacancy rates and characteristics of units available for occupancy at the national level, as well as for regions, states and the 75 largest metropolitan areas. The state and metropolitan statistics are available annually, while national and regional statistics are available quarterly. The data is used by public and private sector organizations, as well as government agencies and economists to evaluate the need for new housing programs and initiatives, and to gauge the economic climate.

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