Measuring the Crisis: Housing Data during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Timely data from both government and private sources are helping policymakers, businesses, and nonprofits understand the pandemic’s effects on homeowners, renters, and landlords. These data provide information on mortgage payments, forbearance use, rental payments, foreclosure risk, credit availability for new homeowners, and households’ housing insecurity. They also contain demographic and geographic information that demonstrates how the pandemic’s impact varies by race, income, and place. Public discussion about these data, potential pitfalls, and interpretations are critical to providing clarity and ensuring these data are not misused or misinterpreted. Two expert panels will explore the data and share insights into and examples of how these data are being used to track issues and trends emerging from this crisis and to shape effective policy responses.