Through its partnership with the Virginia Center for Housing Research, Commission staff have now participated in two housing data trainings. Using data sources such as American Community Survey, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data, Commission staff learned how to tabulate this data, test for its reliability, and cross-reference multiple data sources to provide a more three-dimensional view of the story the data is telling.
For example, when wages are broken out by occupation and analyzed in conjunction with median housing costs for owners and renters, a locality can begin to see which jobs offer wages that allow employees to afford the housing in their jurisdiction.
For more information on the study, please visit https://nrvrc.org/NRVhousingstudy/. The site will continue to be updated as the study progresses. The 18-month study is funded by VHDA, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and local match commitment.