San Francisco reports 61,473 residential vacancies amid rising housing crisis
October 20, 2022 | San Francisco County, California
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San Francisco County officials gathered on July 4, 2025, to discuss a pressing issue affecting the local housing market: the alarming rise in residential vacancies. An updated report from the Budget and Legislative Analyst (BLA) revealed that nearly 15% of all homes in San Francisco are currently vacant, a significant increase from previous years.
The report, which draws on data from the American Community Survey, indicates that the number of vacant homes has surged from approximately 40,500 in 2019 to over 61,400 in 2021—an increase of 51.6%. This trend is particularly concerning in a city where housing affordability is a critical issue, with many residents struggling to find suitable living conditions.
During the meeting, Supervisor Preston highlighted the stark contrast between the growing number of empty homes and the thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness in the city. He emphasized the moral implications of having tens of thousands of homes sitting vacant while many residents are without shelter. The data presented paints a troubling picture, suggesting an urgent need for policy interventions to convert these empty units into livable spaces.
The report also noted a dramatic 142% increase in units available for rent that remain unoccupied, reflecting a shift in the rental market amid a declining population. The BLA's analysis pointed out that while the overall number of vacant units has risen, the market for homes for sale has remained relatively stable, indicating a faster turnover for those properties.
In addition to the increase in rental vacancies, the report identified a significant number of homes categorized as "seasonal, recreational, or occasional use," which includes vacation homes. This category alone accounts for over 10,000 units, further complicating the housing crisis.
As the meeting concluded, officials recognized the need for immediate action to address the growing vacancy rates and their impact on the community. The findings from the BLA serve as a call to action for policymakers to explore solutions that can help alleviate the housing crisis and ensure that all residents have access to safe and affordable housing.
The report, which draws on data from the American Community Survey, indicates that the number of vacant homes has surged from approximately 40,500 in 2019 to over 61,400 in 2021—an increase of 51.6%. This trend is particularly concerning in a city where housing affordability is a critical issue, with many residents struggling to find suitable living conditions.
During the meeting, Supervisor Preston highlighted the stark contrast between the growing number of empty homes and the thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness in the city. He emphasized the moral implications of having tens of thousands of homes sitting vacant while many residents are without shelter. The data presented paints a troubling picture, suggesting an urgent need for policy interventions to convert these empty units into livable spaces.
The report also noted a dramatic 142% increase in units available for rent that remain unoccupied, reflecting a shift in the rental market amid a declining population. The BLA's analysis pointed out that while the overall number of vacant units has risen, the market for homes for sale has remained relatively stable, indicating a faster turnover for those properties.
In addition to the increase in rental vacancies, the report identified a significant number of homes categorized as "seasonal, recreational, or occasional use," which includes vacation homes. This category alone accounts for over 10,000 units, further complicating the housing crisis.
As the meeting concluded, officials recognized the need for immediate action to address the growing vacancy rates and their impact on the community. The findings from the BLA serve as a call to action for policymakers to explore solutions that can help alleviate the housing crisis and ensure that all residents have access to safe and affordable housing.
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