Update: On 5/14/2013, HUD posted new CHAS data based on the 2006-2010 and 2008-2010 ACS. The 2006-2010 ACS was used for all CHAS tables except Table 6. Table 6 provides information on disability status, which is not available in the 2006-2010 ACS. Table 6 was produced from the 2008-2010 ACS instead. These data are available in the data download tool. CHAS data from the 2006-2010 ACS are available for a variety of summary levels, from states down to split census tracts. CHAS data from the 2008-2010 ACS are available for states, counties, minor civil divisions, and places.

On 5/15/2013, HUD also posted a working paper presenting some analysis of CHAS data on affordability. That paper is available here.

About the CHAS
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) periodically receives "custom tabulations" of data from the U.S. Census Bureau that are largely not available through standard Census products. These data, known as the "CHAS" data (Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy), demonstrate the extent of housing problems and housing needs, particularly for low income households. The CHAS data are used by local governments to plan how to spend HUD funds, and may also be used by HUD to distribute grant funds. For more background and general information on the CHAS data, click here: Background.

Access the Data
Data users who are comfortable working with large datasets and have appropriate data management software (such as SAS or SPSS) should download the raw data files here: Data download tool. The data download tool includes data from 2006-2008, 2005-2009, 2006-2010, and 2008-2010. Data files are formated as csv files (comma delimited).

HUD has also created new analytical tools to support HUD grantees preparing their Consolidated Plans. The eCon Planning Suite and CPD Maps are pre-loaded with CHAS data. Access to the eCon Planning Suite is limited to CPD grantees, but CPD Maps is available to the general public.

Older versions of CHAS data, from the 2000 Census and the 2005-2007 ACS, are available below. These data are different from more recent versions, and are not in the data download tool.
CHAS 2000
CHAS 2005-2007

Data Documentation
The CHAS data are derived from Census data according to HUD’s specifications. For explanation of the raw data’s format, and a list of the variables used and their definitions, click here: Data Documentation.

Updates
HUD expects to post new CHAS tabs, for new years of ACS data, as they are obtained. The data and data documentation for these updated files will be clearly marked in the Data Download and Data Documentation pages. If any previously posted data or data documentation needs to be corrected or clarified, an explanation will be posted here, on the Update page.

Comments and suggestions should be sent to helpdesk@huduser.org with "CHAS feedback" as the subject line.