What does this measure? The percentage of all occupied housing
units (not vacant) that are owner–occupied (not rented). Why is
this important? A home is often a family’s greatest financial
asset. Owning a home is a traditional part of the American dream
and a typical entry point into the middle class. Homeownership
is an important factor for neighborhood stability and civic
participation. How are Cayuga and Seneca counties performing? In
2006–10, the homeownership rate was 72% in Cayuga County and 77%
in Seneca County, compared to 71% at the state (excluding NYC)
level and 67% nationally. Among comparison counties,
homeownership rates were 74–76%, with the exception of Onondaga,
which had a rate of 66%. Rates have remained fairly stable since
2000, fluctuating by a point or two, with the exception of the
rate in Seneca, which increased nearly 4%. In Cayuga,
homeownership rates were highest in Fleming, Owasco and Throop,
all with rates of 95% or higher, while the lowest rate was in
Auburn (49%). In Seneca, the