Data Methodology & FAQs
Which one is used, ZIP Code or ZCTA?
The ZCTA (ZIP Code Tabulation Area) is used in Census data, so Liforico is based on ZCTAs. For simplicity, we refer to them as “ZIP Codes” to avoid confusion. In most cases, the ZCTA matches the ZIP Code, but to be sure which area it refers to, check the map — sometimes there can be small differences in boundaries.
Why are some ZIP Codes, cities, counties, or metro areas not available on Liforico?
Liforico includes only areas that meet minimum population and data reliability thresholds. Smaller areas are excluded because Census estimates can have higher margins of error.
- ZIP Codes (ZCTAs): population over 30,000
- Cities & Counties: population over 50,000
- Metro Areas: population over 250,000
How often is the data on Liforico updated?
Liforico updates its data when new releases from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) become available.
All Census data on Liforico comes from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates and becomes available 6 to 12 months after the end of each year, once the Census has completed processing and released the final data.
Unemployment data is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and is aligned to the same reference year as the Census data shown.
Are utilities included in the rent figures shown on Liforico?
Yes. The rent values shown on Liforico are based on the Census definition of
gross rent, which includes contract rent plus estimated utility costs
(such as electricity, gas, water, and heating), even when utilities are paid separately.
Could I find rent lower than the value shown on Liforico?
Yes. The rent shown represents the median rent, meaning that half of renters pay less and half pay more.
Cheaper options may exist depending on the area, housing type, and availability.
Does the rent estimate include all bills?
Estimated Monthly Rent (Median Gross Rent)
✅ Included: base rent, electricity, gas, water/sewer, and heating fuels.
❌ Not included: internet, cable TV, renter’s insurance, parking, furniture rental, or other optional fees.
Note: The rent estimate includes essential utilities, even when renters pay them separately, and does not depend on how many people live in the home.
✅ Included: base rent, electricity, gas, water/sewer, and heating fuels.
❌ Not included: internet, cable TV, renter’s insurance, parking, furniture rental, or other optional fees.
Note: The rent estimate includes essential utilities, even when renters pay them separately, and does not depend on how many people live in the home.
Can one-person and four-person households have the same rent in this data?
Yes. Rent is measured per housing unit, not per person,
which is why households of different sizes can have the same rent.
Why is rent in my neighborhood lower or higher than this number?
This is a statistical median for the entire area shown.
Rents can vary by neighborhood, building, and housing type,
so individual listings may be higher or lower than this value.
What other housing costs do renters have besides rent?
In addition to rent, renters may pay for services not included in the rent estimate,
such as internet, cable TV, renter’s insurance, parking, and sometimes amenity or service fees.
These costs vary by building and location.
What does Household Income mean?
Definition:
The median household income for the area shown — meaning half of households earn less and half earn more.
Includes: wages, salaries, self-employment income, Social Security, pensions, investment income, unemployment benefits, public assistance, and rental income.
Does NOT include: most capital gains, non-cash benefits (such as food assistance), or tax refunds.
Household = any group of people (or a single person) living in the same housing unit.
Example: A couple earning $40,000 and $30,000 together has a household income of $70,000. If that amount falls at the median of local incomes, it is the value shown here.
Includes: wages, salaries, self-employment income, Social Security, pensions, investment income, unemployment benefits, public assistance, and rental income.
Does NOT include: most capital gains, non-cash benefits (such as food assistance), or tax refunds.
Household = any group of people (or a single person) living in the same housing unit.
Example: A couple earning $40,000 and $30,000 together has a household income of $70,000. If that amount falls at the median of local incomes, it is the value shown here.
What does it mean when renters spend over 30% of their income on housing?
Renters who spend more than 30% of their household income on housing costs
(rent and basic utilities) are considered cost-burdened.
Those spending over 50% are considered severely cost-burdened.
High shares of cost-burdened renters suggest that housing may be unaffordable locally
or that lower-income residents are under significant financial pressure.
What does Poverty Rate mean?
Definition:
The percentage of people in the area shown whose income is below the federal poverty threshold.
Based on: age, family size, and annual income, using thresholds set by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Formula: (Number of people below the poverty threshold ÷ Population for whom poverty status is determined) × 100.
Example: If 2,000 people are below the poverty threshold out of 10,000, the poverty rate is 20%.
Based on: age, family size, and annual income, using thresholds set by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Formula: (Number of people below the poverty threshold ÷ Population for whom poverty status is determined) × 100.
Example: If 2,000 people are below the poverty threshold out of 10,000, the poverty rate is 20%.
What does Unemployment Rate mean?
Definition:
The share of the labor force (age 16+) who do not have a job,
are available for work, and are actively looking for one.
Labor force = employed + unemployed (actively seeking).
Formula: (Unemployed ÷ Labor force) × 100.
Not included: people not seeking work (e.g., many students, retirees, homemakers).
Example: If the labor force is 1,000 and 80 are unemployed, the unemployment rate is 8%.
Labor force = employed + unemployed (actively seeking).
Formula: (Unemployed ÷ Labor force) × 100.
Not included: people not seeking work (e.g., many students, retirees, homemakers).
Example: If the labor force is 1,000 and 80 are unemployed, the unemployment rate is 8%.
Why does it show 2.4 rooms per housing unit? Can a home have a partial room?
It’s an average. Individual homes always have whole rooms,
but averaging room counts across many homes can result in a number like 2.4.
This provides a simple indicator of typical home size in the area.
Were all the homes in this area built in the same year?
No. The year shown is the median year built,
meaning about half of homes were built before that year and half after.
Homes in the area were likely constructed across many different decades.