Come out come out wherever you are

Remember way back in 2010 when a HUGE deal was made about census participation? Results may seem dubious, but methods seriously suspect.

NYC? Despite setting a record for its population, the Big Apple feels under counted. So New York.

Nationally, the neon sign outside check-in blazes VACANCY at (mostly secondary) homes all over this land. Overall, 13% of US homes are vacant, with the states of Vermont (20.5%), Florida (17.5%), Arizona (16.3%) and Alaska (15.9%) propping up that average.

Crushingly for TCD, Maine lead all states with a vacancy rate of 22.8%. However, that figure is misleading, as are many in the final results. The census lumps together second/summer/ski/beach homes with all others, including homes that have been sold but not occupied, empty homes for sale or rent, and homes used by migrant workers. Basically, anything other than a primary residence is considered vacant and thus counted in the same way, regardless of the difference between a foreclosed property and one that simply isn't someone's permanent residence.

When the second home phenomenon is adjusted for, Maine is reasonably on par with the least vacant state (Connecticut at 6.1%) at 7% vacancy. The left tail is comprised of California, Iowa, Illinois, Virginia and Washington, all at 9.2% or lower.

Interesting article on it all here. And if you think Maine has it bad, check out the story from a little place called Asssssspen.