In 2002, the District of Columbia had an estimated 272,636 housing units, of which 242,095 were occupied. Only 39.9% were owner-occupied, ranking the District as having the least number of homeowners in the nation. About 38% of all units dated from 1939 or earlier. Only 13% of all units were single-family, detached homes. About 30% were in buildings of 20 units or more. It was estimated that about 6,046 units were without telephone service, 985 lacked complete plumbing facilities, and 543 lacked complete kitchen facilities. Most households relief on gas and electricity for heating.
In 2002, 1,591 new privately owned housing units were authorized for construction. The median home value was $212,428, placing the District as 4th in the nation for highest home values. The median monthly cost for mortgage owners was $1,549 while renters paid a median of $693 per month. During 2002, Washington, D.C., received more than $42 million in community planning and development aid from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.