America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers

Heat Risks and Cooling Problems in America’s Households

About 10% of the nation’s 133.2 million households reported being uncomfortably hot for 24 hours or more at least once in the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Housing Survey (AHS).

The AHS asks respondents if they experienced uncomfortably hot conditions for a day or more at least once in the 12 months prior and 13.2 million households said they did.

The share of housing units affected by extreme heat was higher in urban areas (10.6%) than in rural ones (7.3%).

This is key given long exposure to heat can make people ill and even cause death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Continue reading to find out:  

• Who felt the heat more
• Why households were uncomfortably hot
• If homes can stay cool without air conditioning

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