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Methodology and Quality Update

Latest Update on Methodology and Quality

2026/05/21

Statistical Presentation

Data description

The Housing Statistics Publication presents detailed and comprehensive data on the demographic and housing characteristics of occupied dwellings in Saudi Arabia.
They are part of the Population Characteristics Survey, which is conducted to collect data on the main characteristics as follows:
•    Age, sex, nationality, administrative regions, relationship to the head of household.
•    Educational status, employment status, marital status, household income, internal migration, difficulties.
•    Type of dwelling, building material of the dwelling, and availability of services.
Data is also used to estimates:
•    Number of households.
•    Occupied dwellings by households according to several variables.

Classifications

The following classifications are applied in the Housing Statistics Publication.
•    Classification of housing by type:
Such as: (Traditional house, villa, floor, apartment, or other types of housing).
•    Classification of housing by building material:
Such as: (Reinforced concrete, block/brick, clay, stone, or other building materials).
National Code of Countries and Nationalities (3166 ISO – codes Country):
A statistical classification based on the international standard  (ISO 3166_Country codes), which is a standard issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO of the UN), and this classification gives numeric and literal codes for the world’s (248) countries, based on the classification of countries. 
The classification is used to classify individuals into Saudis and non-Saudis.
Metadata is collected through interviews so that outputs can be produced in accordance with all relevant classifications.
The classifications are available on the GASTAT’s website  www.stats.gov.sa

Statistical concepts and definitions

Concepts and Terminology of the Services Statistics Publication:

•    Administrative region:
It is a part of Saudi Arabia administered by a government entity directly affiliated with the Ministry of Interior, such as Riyadh Region and Makkah Region. etc., and each administrative region has a city that serves as its headquarters.
•    Dwelling:
A building or part of a building consisting of one or more rooms, originally intended for the residence of a single household, with one or more separate entrances. It may be occupied by a household, vacant, used for work, used as a collective dwelling, or under construction. More than one household may reside in a dwelling, and it may be occupied by one or more establishments or by both a household and an establishment at the same time. Any inhabited place is considered a dwelling, even if it was not originally intended for habitation, such as shops, workshops, and schools, etc. Types of dwellings include villas, traditional houses, and apartments.
•    Building:
Any standalone structure permanently or temporarily fixed to the ground, consisting of one or more floors and containing one or more rooms, with one or more entrances leading to all or most of its components. The building may be inhabited or uninhabited and may be intended for residential purposes or for practicing any type of economic, social, or religious activity, etc. or for both residence and work, such as  complexes, buildings, palaces, villas, traditional houses, government offices, shops, mosques, etc. It should be noted that building annexes such as garages, shops, and villa extensions are not considered separate buildings. Bridges, electricity rooms, engine rooms, and water pump rooms are also not considered buildings.
•     Household:
It is an individual or a group of individuals, whether related or not, who share a residence and meals and live in the same dwelling at the time of the survey. The following individuals are considered part of the household:
-    Saudi citizens who usually reside with their family but were absent during the survey due to being temporarily outside Saudi Arabia, such as: Businessmen, travelers for medical treatment or tourism, and students studying abroad.
-    Individuals who usually reside with the household but were absent during the survey due to being at evening work shifts, such as: Doctors, nurses, fishermen, airport workers, and guards, etc. 
    Servants, drivers, and those in similar positions who reside with the family.
    Household members traveling within Saudi Arabia. It does not include individuals residing in collective dwellings and labor camps.

•    Head of the household:
The person recognized by the household as its head among the household members residing with it. He is usually responsible for the household’s livelihood and is approximately 15 years of age or older. If the household consists of children and their mother, and a relative takes care of their affairs without residing with them, then that relative is not considered the head of the household, as he is considered part of his own household, and the mother is considered the head of the household.
•    Nationality:
The legal affiliation of an individual to a specific state, which they represent and by whose name they are known. It is usually determined by the passport held by the individual or the passport they are eligible to obtain.
•    Dwelling occupied by a Saudi family:
It is a dwelling occupied by a Saudi head of household, whether living alone or with others.
•    Dwelling occupied by a non-Saudi family:
It is a dwelling occupied by a non-Saudi head of household, whether living alone or with others.
•    Connection to the Public Network:
The connection of the building to branch pipes linked to the central water distribution network, as well as its connection to branch wires or a dedicated branch cable linking it to the main wires or the main electricity distribution cable. It also includes the connection to dedicated drainage pipes linked to the public sewage network.

Data sources

The main source of the Housing Statistics Publication data is the Population Characteristics Survey.
The main published variables of the Housing Statistics Publication data are:
•    Household. Such as: (Number of households and household size).
•    Type of housing unit. Such as: (Villa or apartment).
•    Tenure Type. Such as: (Owned or rented).
•    The numerical distribution of dwellings across administrative regions. Such as: (Number of dwellings in Riyadh region).
•    Dwellings by connection to public services.

Designing the data collection tool

Data were collected using a questionnaire prepared and designed by specialists at GASTAT. The data collection instrument was designed in an electronic format (CAPI) to ensure ease of use by field researchers. International recommendations, standards, and definitions were taken into account in its design. The questionnaire was also reviewed by relevant stakeholders to obtain their views and feedback. Furthermore, the questions were formulated clearly and scientifically to standardize the wording and guidance of the questions. 
Sections of the questionnaire:
•    Geographic data.
•    Basic data.
•    Demographic characteristics of household members.
•    Difficulties.
•    Volunteering.
•    Lifestyle and quality of life.
Method of calculating the indicators:

Review and validation rules:
Audit and control rules have been established in the form to ensure that the data collected is consistent, accurate, and logical. These rules are designed to establish a logical relationship between answers and different questions and variables to help the researcher detect any errors directly when filling out the data with the household.
To ensure the quality of the Population Characteristics Survey data, three types of review and correction rules were established, as follows:
•    Navigation rules between sections and fields:
Special rules were programmed to regulate automatic navigation between sections and fields, based on the respondent’s input, totaling 63 rules.
•    Error rules:
These are rules that cannot be bypassed during the data entry process. The field researcher must correct the data by referring back to the respondent to verify its accuracy. The total number of these rules exceeds 107.
•    Warning rules:
These rules are designed to verify the correctness of the data entered by the researcher. The field researcher may override them if the data accuracy is confirmed, with a total of approximately 10 rules.

Questionnaire test (cognitive test)

Cognitive testing was conducted on a number of questionnaire items. The interview sample consisted of a random sample of households distributed across the regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 
During the cognitive testing process, the following evaluation pillars were taken into consideration: (including the overall concept of the question, clarity of question wording, clarity of the terms used in the question, and the appropriateness of response options, in addition to assessing the participant’s ability to answer the questions effectively and their willingness to disclose responses), leading to the preparation of a report providing a comprehensive summary of the cognitive testing results.
Cognitive testing was conducted on several questionnaire items based on the cognitive testing pillars. Several observations were identified related to the following aspects (wording, comprehension, response options, and technical terms). Accordingly, the final questionnaire was redesigned.

Statistical population

The statistical population of the Housing Statistics Publication consists of households (Saudi and non-Saudi) who usually reside in Saudi Arabia.

Sample Design

The sample was designed using a stratified cluster random sampling method. The total sample size amounted to 192,729 private housing units and 7,239 public dwellings. The distribution of the sample by administrative regions is as follows:  
Table1: Distribution of the sample at the level of administrative regions:

Sample type:
The sample was designed using a two-stage stratified cluster systematic random sampling method. In the first stage, a random sample of primary sampling units was selected within each stratum of the adopted sampling design. In the second stage, a systematic random sample of 25 housing units was selected within each selected primary sampling unit. 
Stratification:
To increase the efficiency of the sample and enhance its representation of the target population, the primary sampling units in the sample frame were classified into homogeneous strata as follows: In order to obtain more accurate results compared to a simple random sample of the same size, and to ensure a sufficient number of households at publishable levels with acceptable precision, stratification was conducted as follows:
•    Governorates were used as actual strata to meet the need to produce survey indicators separately for each governorate.
•    The level of urbanization was used to define the actual strata as follows:
-    Urban.
-    Rural.
Size of sample:
The sample size was calculated at the kingdom level and then allocated to the administrative regions using exponential allocation (Using λ=0.4  ). Subsequently, the administrative region sample was allocated to its governorates using probability proportional to size. The resulting sample size at the stratum level (governorate × level of urbanization) was adjusted so that it was not less than 120 housing units. The sample size amounted to approximately 192,729 private housing units and 7,239 public dwellings. 
Sample size estimation formula:

The sample size of the target units for the survey in each stratum h (domain of study) is calculated as follows:  

Whereas:

•    : Sample size for each stratum   (study domain).
•     : Estimated design effect for each stratum  (study domain).
•    :  Estimated response rate for each stratum  (study domain).
•    :   Allowed relative error in estimating the indicator for each stratum (study domain). It should be noted that the allowable error is calculated by multiplying the relative error by the value of the proportion to be estimated from the survey .
•    : The most important proportion to be estimated from the survey for each stratum (domain of study). 
•    : It is the confidence level coefficient for the proportion for each stratum (domain of study).

Sample allocation to strata:
In this survey, the total sample size was calculated at the level of Saudi Arabia and then allocated to the thirteen administrative regions using Power Allocation with a power of λ=0.4 Subsequently, the sample of each administrative region was allocated to its strata (governorates and levels of urbanization) using proportional allocation. This allocation improves the precision of estimates by enhancing the design effect as a result of reducing the variability of weights. 

Statistical unit

The statistical unit in the Housing Statistics Publication is the real estate unit designated for residence or for both residence and work, in addition to the individuals residing in it.

Data collection

Data collection from the survey:
Data is collected through Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI).
The data are stored in GASTAT’s databases after undergoing validation and review processes in accordance with approved statistical methods and recognized quality standards. The data source is referred back to in the event that errors are detected or observations are identified in the data.

Data collection frequency 

The Population Characteristics Survey is conducted periodically between the General Population and Housing Censuses.

Reference area

The Housing Statistics Publication covers 13 administrative regions in Saudi Arabia.

Reference period (time reference)

Reference period of the variables or dataset is as follows:
•    Data on the number of household members and their demographic characteristics are based on the date of contact with the household and interviews conducted with its members.
•    Age is calculated with reference to the survey launch date (27 April 2025).

Base period

Not applicable, as the publication provides housing statistics data periodically to measure changes over time and is not compared to a fixed base period.

Measurement unit

•    Absolute numbers such as: (Number of dwellings occupied by households).
•    Percentages such as: (Percentage of occupied and owned dwellings).
•    Average household size, such as: (Average size of Saudi households).

Time coverage

The data are available from 2017 to 2025.

Publication frequency

The results of the Housing Statistics Publication are published periodically between the General Population and Housing Censuses.

Statistical processing

Error detection

Accurate processes were carried out to detect errors in the data collected from the field using automated and manual methods aimed at ensuring quality and accuracy.
These included the following:
•    Identification of illogical or out-of-range values (such as impossible ages or contradictory data).
•    Detecting missing or incomplete data and handling them according to established policies.
•    Reviewing internal consistency among questionnaire responses.

Data integration and matching from multiple sources 

Not applicable, as the data are based on a single primary source only.

Imputation and calibration

Calculation of sampling weights:
The sample weights were calculated by computing the design weight, which reflects the probability of selecting a sampling unit into the sample, such that the weight of the selected unit (individual) in the sample is as follows:

Where  represents the probability of selecting the individual i from stratum  
Adjustment of weights for non-response: 
Weight adjustment to compensate for non-response or missing data in order to ensure proper representation of the sample. This adjustment is made after data collection and identification of response cases and is calculated using the following formula:

Where 
 represents the non-response adjusted weight in the stratum (or adjustment class)   , and the adjustment factor for each stratum (or adjustment class) )     is calculated as follows:

Where    denotes response cases and     denotes non-response cases. 
Final adjustment (weight calibration)
The weights are calibrated (adjusted) to align with the population distribution based on known characteristics such as age, sex, nationality, and administrative region, as follows:

•    Adjustment classes, called post-strata, are created using a combination of the variables mentioned above. Updated population totals for each adjustment class are obtained from the population projections.    
•    The totals of the non-response adjusted weights are calculated within each adjustment class.
•    The weight calibration factor is calculated by dividing the population totals by the total weights within each adjustment category (post-stratum).  
The following equation illustrates the weight calibration mechanism.

Whereas:
•     : Represents the final weight of individual i in the adjustment class  ps after weight calibration.
•      :  Represents the non-response adjusted weight of individual i in the adjustment class ps.
•    : Represents the total number of individuals according to the population projections in the adjustment class  .
•       : Represents the sum of the non-response adjusted weights in the adjustment class .

Seasonal adjustments

Not applicable, only final results will be published.

Adjustment of preliminary results 

Not applicable, only final results will be published. 

Resources used

Quality dimensions

Suitability

A criterion that indicates the extent to which the product meets users’ needs.

User needs 

Internal users at GASTAT of the Housing Statistics Publication data:
•    Departments under the General Directorate of Social Statistics.
•    Partnerships and Customer Support Department.
•    Statistical database.
Several external users significantly benefit from the data of the Housing Statistics Publication, including:
•    Government entities.
•    Regional and international organizations.
•    Research institutions.
•    Media.
•    Individuals.
Key variables that external users benefit from:

Completeness 

The data of the Housing Statistics Publication is based on a main source in order to provide comprehensive information on housing dwellings, and the data status is complete.

Accuracy and reliability 

A measure of the extent to which calculations or estimates are close to the accurate or actual values that reflect reality.

Overall accuracy 

•    Data quality is enhanced through the selection of researchers based on a set of practical and objective criteria related to the nature of the work, as well as their qualification and training.
•    Alert, prevention, and correction rules are applied during the data collection process on the electronic questionnaire of the survey to improve data quality
•    The data is examined against previous years to identify any significant changes.
•    The internal consistency of the data is checked before it is finalized.
•    The links between variables are checked and coherence between different data series is confirmed.

Timeliness and punctuality 

Timeliness A standard that indicates the length of time between the availability of information and the occurrence of the event.
Punctuality It reflects the time lag between the data publication date and the target date when publication actually occurs.

Timeliness 

GASTAT is committed to applying internationally recognized standards regarding the announcement, clarification of the time of publishing statistics on its official website, as outlined in the statistical calendar, as well as adhering to the announced time of publication. In the event of any delay, updates will be provided accordingly.

Punctuality 

It is published according to the publication dates specified in the Statistical Calendar of the Housing Statistics Publication published on GASTAT’s website.
The data are available at the expected time, as scheduled in the statistical release calendar, If the publication is delayed, reasons shall be provided.

Coherence and comparability

A standard that refers to the necessity of internal and temporal consistency of statistics, their logical coherence, and their comparability and integration across different regions and sources.

Comparability - geographical

Statistical data related to the Housing Statistics Publication are fully geographically comparable across the administrative regions of Saudi Arabia, as well as at the regional and international levels.

Comparability - over time 

The survey began in 2017 as a separate annual survey based on the requests of the relevant entities. In 2024, the survey periodicity was changed to once every three years. The following are the main changes that have occurred in recent years:
•    2017:
The first survey was carried out with a previous inclusion in demographic surveys.
•    2018:
The second survey was conducted with the development of the form. 
•    2019:
Many housing-related indicators were added, such as self-built housing and benefits from government support. 
•    2020:
It was not implemented due to the census.
•    2022:
Housing Survey indicators were included in the Saudi Census 2022.
•    2024:
The survey form was developed and adapted with the relevant authorities to know their requirements. 
•    2025:
The indicators of the Housing Statistics Publication were incorporated into the 2025 Population Characteristics Survey.

Coherence- Cross domain

Housing Statistics Publication data is subject to standardized validation and processing procedures. Its consistency is verified through comparison with data published in other publications, such as the Population Characteristics Survey, ensuring the coherence of indicators and preventing inconsistencies across different statistical publications.

Coherence- Sub-annual and annual statistics 

Not applicable, since the Housing Statistics Publication is published periodically between the General Population and Housing Censuses, and no sub-annual publications are issued.

Coherence- National Accounts 

Not applicable, as the Housing Statistics Publication is not linked to the national accounts since it targets housing.

Coherence- Internal 

The estimates of the Housing Statistics Publication for the reference period are fully internally consistent, as they are all based on the same detailed dataset and are calculated using the same estimation methods.

Accessibility and clarity

It refers to users’ access to data, the availability of detailed and aggregate data, and the availability of the Methodology and Quality Report.

Press releases

The announcements for each publication are available on the statistical calendar as mentioned in 10.1. The press releases can be viewed on the website of GASTAT on the link: 
Press release

Publications

GASTAT issues the publications and reports of the Housing Statistics Publication regularly according to a pre-prepared dissemination plan, and they are published on GASTAT’s website. GASTAT is keen to publish its publications in a way that serves all users of different types, including publications in different formats that contain (publication tables, data graphs, indicators, methodology and quality report, and used questionnaires) in both English and Arabic.
The results of the Housing Statistics Publication are available at:
Housing Statistics

Online database

Not available.

Microdata accessibility

Accurate data is unit-level disaggregated data obtained from multiple sources such as sample statistical surveys, general population and housing censuses, and administrative systems, providing detailed information about the characteristics of individuals, families, business entities, and geographical areas, supporting the construction and development of statistical indicators and scientific research.
Different types of microdata files are available to meet diverse information needs.
•    Public use: 
It consists of sets of records containing information on individuals, households, or business entities anonymized in such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly, such as by name, address, contact number, identity number, etc., or indirectly (by combining different – especially rare – characteristics of respondents), such as age, occupation, education, etc.
•    Scientific use:
These datasets are created in accordance with specific methodologies upon request of data users to extract datasets with defined characteristics for use in strategic studies, decision-making, and scientific research for individuals, households, and enterprises, while ensuring that they do not contain any direct identifiers and are subject to confidentiality protection controls.
Qualified users who meet the standards and procedures of confidentiality protection can access the files of scientific use of accurate data through the platform "ITAHA" of the General Authority for Statistics, while the most sensitive data for use is shared by visiting the accurate data laboratory within a secure environment managed by the Authority.

References and standards

Standards of the Housing Statistics Publication:
GASTAT carries out all its statistical activities in accordance with a unified methodology that is consistent with the nature of each statistical product. In doing so, it relies on the Statistical Business Process Manual, which is aligned with the procedures adopted by international organizations in coordination with the relevant entities.
•    For more details, you can refer to the attachment.
Generic Statistical Business Process Model(GSBPM)
•    The Housing Statistics Publication relies on data from the Population Characteristics Survey, where GASTAT follows international best practices adopted by the relevant international organizations:

https://unstats.un.org/unsd/publication/SeriesM/Series_M67Rev4en.pdf

 https://unece.org/statistics/press/unece-publishes-new-recommendations-population-and-housing-censu…

https://unhabitat.org/sites/default/files/2022/06/wcr_2022.pdf

Quality assurance

GASTAT ensures that the following principles are taken into account: Impartiality; ensuring that the statistical product is user-oriented; quality of processes and outputs; effectiveness of statistical operations; and reduction of the burden on respondents. 
Data is validated through procedures and quality controls that are applied during the process at various stages, such as data entry, data collection, and other final controls.

Quality assessment

GASTAT carries out all statistical activities in accordance with the National Version of the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM). During the comprehensive evaluation stage, which is the final stage of the GSBPM, information collected across all stages and sub-processes is used to prepare an evaluation report that summarizes all challenges related to the quality of each statistical process and serves as input for improvement and development actions.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality - Policy

According to Royal Decree No. 23 dated 07/12/1379, data must always be kept confidential and must be used by GASTAT for statistical purposes only.
Therefore, the data is protected in the data servers of GASTAT.

Confidentiality - Data Treatment

Data of SMEs survey are presented in right tables in order to summarize, understand, as well as extract their results. Moreover, to compare them with other data, and to obtain statistical significance about the selected study population. However, referring to such data indicated in tables is much easier than going back to check the original questionnaire that may include some data like names and addresses of individuals, and names of data providers, which violates data confidentiality of statistical data.
“Anonymity of data” is one of the most important procedures. To keep data confidential,

GASTAT removed information on individual persons, households, or business entities in such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly, such as by name, address, contact number, identity number, etc., or indirectly by combining different, especially rare, characteristics of respondents, such as age, occupation, education, etc.

Dissemination policy

Statistical calendar

 The Housing Statistics Publication has been included in the Statistical Calendar.
Statistical Calendar

User access

One of GASTAT’s objectives is to better meet its clients’ needs; therefore, it immediately provides them with the results of the Housing Statistics Publication once it is released.
Customer questions and inquiries regarding the publication and its results are also received through various communication channels, such as:
•    GASTAT official website:  www.stats.gov.sa
•    GASTAT official email address:  info@stats.gov.sa
•    Official visits to GASTAT’s official head office in Riyadh or one of its branches in Saudi Arabia.
•    Official letters.
•    Statistical telephone: (199009).

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