This report presents the findings of a windshield survey of a sample of 3,511 residential properties located on blocks severely affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Overall, there were 312,463 such properties. As of when these data were gathered early in 2010, the report estimates that 74.6 percent of these properties were in good condition, 14.6 percent of the properties still had substantial repair needs, and 10.9 percent of the properties no longer contained a permanent residential structure. The report also explores factors related to rebuilding.

The study has three main data collection components:

• Windshield observations of a sample of hurricane-damaged properties in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas to provide estimates of housing recovery.
• Collection of administrative data from the CDBG programs in each of the three states.
• Telephone interviews with the people who owned these properties at the time of the 2005 hurricanes to discuss their decisions about whether or not to rebuild.

This report is the first of two reports that will be prepared for the study.

Housing Recovery on the Gulf Coast: Summary Report

Housing Recovery on the Gulf Coast Phase II: Results of Property Owner Survey in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas