Calculate vacancy rate as a percentage from vacant and total rental units or open job positions, plus occupancy rate and optional rental income loss.
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Vacancy Rate Formula
Vacancy Rate (%) = (Vacant / Total) × 100
- Vacant = number of empty rental units, or number of unfilled approved positions
- Total = total rentable units, or total approved positions (filled + open)
If you only have two of the three counts, the calculator derives the third. For rentals, Total = Vacant + Occupied. For staffing, Total = Open + Filled. The result assumes a single point-in-time snapshot. For a period-based rate (such as unit-days vacant divided by unit-days available), multiply each unit by the days it sat empty before dividing.
Reference Tables
These are illustrative bands, not universal vacancy targets or validated healthy ranges. Interpret actual rental and staffing vacancy using local market data, industry context and your reporting policy.
| Rental Vacancy Rate | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Below 3% | Tight market, very low turnover |
| 3% to 8% | Illustrative middle band |
| 8% to 12% | Soft market or above-average turnover |
| Above 12% | High vacancy, revenue concern |
| Staffing Vacancy Rate | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 0% to 5% | Low, most positions filled |
| 5% to 10% | Moderate, watch hiring pipeline |
| Above 10% | High, workload and recruitment risk |
Example
A 120-unit apartment property has 9 vacant units.
Vacancy Rate = (9 / 120) * 100 = 7.5%
Occupancy Rate = 100% – 7.5% = 92.5%
FAQ
Is occupancy rate the opposite of vacancy rate?
Yes. They sum to 100%. If vacancy is 6%, occupancy is 94%.
Should I include units under renovation?
That depends on your reporting standard. Physical vacancy measures empty units within the inventory you include. Economic vacancy measures rental income lost, which can also reflect concessions and bad debt.
What counts as an “approved position” for staffing?
Use your reporting policy for budgeted positions, including how contractors and temporary roles are counted. Keep the total and open/filled counts on the same basis.
