Consumer Price Index for All Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers: Housing in U.S. City Average

CWSR0000SAH • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

343.03

Year-over-Year Change

4.10%

Date Range

1/1/1967 - 6/1/2025

Summary

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers: Housing in U.S. City Average tracks changes in housing costs for urban consumers. It's a key metric for understanding inflation and the cost of living.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

This index measures the prices paid for a basket of housing-related goods and services, including rent, utilities, furnishings, and household operations. It is a subcomponent of the broader Consumer Price Index and provides important insights into housing market dynamics.

Methodology

The data is collected through surveys of urban households and calculated using a weighted average of price changes.

Historical Context

Policymakers and analysts use this index to monitor inflationary pressures and evaluate the impact of housing costs on consumer budgets.

Key Facts

  • The index has a base year of 1982-84 = 100.
  • Housing accounts for about 42% of the overall Consumer Price Index.
  • The index is released monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This index measures changes in the prices paid by urban consumers for a variety of housing-related goods and services, including rent, utilities, furniture, and household operations.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: The housing component of the Consumer Price Index is a critical indicator for understanding inflationary pressures and the cost of living for urban consumers.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through surveys of urban households and calculated using a weighted average of price changes for the housing-related items in the consumer basket.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and analysts use this index to monitor housing-driven inflation and evaluate the impact of housing costs on consumer budgets, which informs decisions on monetary policy and other economic interventions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The index is released monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a short publication delay. The data may not fully capture regional variations in housing costs.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Consumer Price Index for All Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers: Housing in U.S. City Average (CWSR0000SAH), retrieved from FRED.