Graduate Capstone Project

Population & Economic Dynamics in Puerto Rico

A graduate research project examining demographic shifts, out-migration, and sustainable development strategies through linked data analysis and policy synthesis.

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Housing Unit details

Municipio: Puerto Rico
Centroid: —
Housing Units (Vintage 2023):
  • 2023: —
  • Change since 2013: —
  • 2022→2023: —
Open on data.census.gov ↗

Housing Unit trend (2013–2023)

Annual % Change (2013–2023)

Analysis and Supporting Resources

Housing Market Contraction & Resilience 🏠

The trajectory of housing units in Puerto Rico reflects the complex interplay between demographic shifts and the physical toll of natural disasters. The data from 2013 to 2023 illustrates how external shocks have impacted the island's habitable stock.

The Post-Maria Landscape:

  • The data frequently shows fluctuations corresponding to the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Maria (2017) and the 2020 Earthquakes (particularly in the southwest). These events permanently removed thousands of units from the active housing stock.
  • Reconstruction efforts often face delays, meaning the "recovery" in housing numbers can lag significantly behind the actual need or funding allocation.

Vacancy vs. Availability:

A critical paradox in Puerto Rico's housing market is the high rate of vacancy amidst a shortage of affordable, formal housing. While population decline has technically created a surplus of units, many of these are:

  • In disrepair or abandoned due to out-migration.
  • Located in flood-prone areas or built informally without clear title, complicating federal aid.
  • Converted into short-term rentals (Airbnbs), removing them from the long-term rental market for locals.

Research References:

Metrics Overview