Categories of Data in the Table Rows

The row categories classify data by specific features of the households. The following, listed in alphabetical order, are explanations of some of the row categories that may require clarification.

Below Poverty Line (100 Percent and 125 Percent)--Low-income classifications to which certain households are assigned. "Below 100 percent of poverty line" includes households with incomes below the poverty level as defined by the U.S. Bureau of the Census and the Office of Management and Budget. "Below 125 percent of poverty" includes households with incomes below 125 percent of the poverty level. These groups of the poor and near-poor represent alternative levels for defining poverty. The poverty line varies with the number of family members in the household and the income of the entire family. (See Eligible for Federal Assistance below.)

Census Region--Four regions as defined by the U.S. Bureau of Census. For a map showing the four Census regions (and nine Census divisions), see Appendix F. For a listing of the States included in each Census region (and division), see the Glossary.

Climate Zone--One of five climatically distinct areas, defined by long-term weather conditions affecting the heating and cooling loads in buildings. The zones were developed by the Energy End Use and Integrated Statistics Division (EEUISD) from seven distinct climate categories originally identified by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The zones were determined according to the 30-year average (1961-1990) of the annual heating and cooling degree-days (base 65 degrees Fahrenheit). For a map, see Appendix F. For additional details, see the Glossary.

Eligible for Federal Assistance--Households are categorized as eligible for federal energy assistance if their income is below the federal maximum standard. The Federal standard is 150 percent of the poverty line or 60 percent of statewide median income, whichever is the higher income. Individual States can set the standard at a lower level than the federal maximum. (See Below Poverty Line above.)

Family Income--The total combined income (before taxes and deductions) of all members of the family from all sources, for the 12 months prior to the interview. This definition includes the total income of all family members who lived in the household during the 12 months prior to the interview, regardless of whether they were living there at the time of the interview. For additional details, see Family Income Category in the Glossary.

Heated Floorspace--The portion of floorspace that is heated during most of the winter season. Rooms that are shut off during the heating season to save fuel are not counted as heated square footage. Attached garages that are unheated and unheated areas in basements and attics are not counted as heated floorspace.

Ownership of Housing Unit describes the relationship of a housing unit's occupants to the structure itself, not the land on which the structure is sited. "Owned" means the owner or co-owner is a member of the household and the housing unit is either fully paid for or mortgaged. A household is classified "rented" even if the rent is paid by someone not living in the unit. "Rent-free" means the unit is not owned and no money is paid or contracted for rent. Such units are usually provided in exchange for services rendered or as an allowance or favor from a relative or friend not living in the unit. Unless shown separately, rent-free households are grouped with rented households.

Type of Housing Unit--"Single-Family Housing Unit" is a unit that provides living space for one household or family. The structure may be detached or attached to another unit. Attached houses are considered single-family houses as long as the house itself is not divided into more than one housing unit and has an independent outside entrance. A single-family house is contained within walls that go from the basement or the ground floor (if there is no basement) to the roof. (A mobile home with one or more rooms added is classified as a single-family home.) Townhouses, rowhouses, and duplexes are considered single-family attached housing units, as long as there is no household living above another one within the walls that go from the basement to the roof to separate the units.

"Multifamily (two to four units)" is a housing unit in a building with two to four housing units—a structure that is divided into living quarters for two, three, or four families or households and in which one household lives above another. This category also includes houses originally intended for occupancy by one family (or for some other use) that have been converted into separate dwellings for two to four families. Typical arrangements in these types of living quarters are separate apartments downstairs and upstairs or one apartment on each of three or four floors.

"Multifamily (five or more units)" is a housing unit in a building with five or more housing units—a structure that is divided into living quarters for five or more families or households and in which one household lives above another.

"Mobile Home" is a housing unit built on a movable chassis and moved to the site. It may be placed on a permanent or temporary foundation and may contain one or more rooms. If rooms are added to the structure, it is considered a single-family housing unit. A manufactured house assembled on site is a single-family housing unit, not a mobile home.