2019 AHS Public Use File Estimates Released on Wednesday, September 30!

On Wednesday, September 30, HUD and the Census Bureau released 2019 AHS Public Use File (PUF) microdata on the AHS website. The PUF includes data from the “core” modules as well the three 2019 AHS topical modules: Food Security, Accessibility of Housing for Persons with Disabilities, and Post-Secondary Educational Attainment.

Additionally, HUD and the Census Bureau have released an updated version of the National Sample Case History microdata file. This file details the history of all cases in the AHS national sample and metropolitan area samples from 2015 through 2019.

2019 AHS PUF Support Products Released

Accompanying the 2019 AHS PUF release, HUD and the Census Bureau released two products that support AHS PUF users. The 2019 Value Labels Package is a series of SAS programs that help assign values to PUF categorical variables. The 2019 Table Specifications show the code used to create summary table estimates from microdata. AHS users may find it helpful to use the Table Specifications code to replicate summary table estimates.

AHS Codebook Updates

Accompanying the release to the 2019 AHS PUF are major updates to the AHS web-based Codebook. First, the Codebook now included all PUF variables from every year of the AHS (1973 through 2019). Second, the Codebook has an improved interface. We hope these updates will provide for a more seamless and efficient user experience.

Major AHS Help Guide Updates

Also accompanying the release of the 2019 AHS PUF microdata, HUD and the Census Bureau revised and re-released two additional AHS Help Guides:

• Getting Started with Public Use File: 2015 and Beyond
• National Sample Case History: 2015 and Beyond

The revisions include the application of a standardized layout and format, as well as standardized language and terminology. Some Help Guides underwent major content revisions to improve clarity. By the end of October, HUD and the Census Bureau will release revised versions of all AHS Help Guides.

The AHS team is committed to making it as easy as possible to access and use AHS data. We want to hear from you. If you have questions or suggestions about future infographics we should produce, call us at 1-800-245-2691 or email us at helpdesk@huduser.gov. Thank you for your continued interest in the American Housing Survey.