The numbers that follow were compiled from statewide data, which include large and vibrant regions outside the Eighth District. The map on the back cover of this publication shows the seven states and the regions of those states that make up the District.
2
Nonresidential real estate includes commercial, industrial, educational, hospital, dormitory, religious and public buildings.
3
See Zaretsky (2000a,b) for a description of recent economic conditions in the District and the nation. The data pages at the back of this publication present
a snapshot of both the District and national economies.
4
According to current Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) underwriting guidelines, the monthly mortgage payment on a standard loan can be as much as 28 percent of monthly income. The annual income stated is based on this figure. Other financial and credit information, however, is also used when lenders underwrite mortgages.
5
Because of size and sampling problems, the Little Rock area has been dropped from the Housing Opportunity Index. Therefore, the table shows only the other three major metropolitan areas in the District.
REFERENCES
Zaretsky, Adam M. "The District Economy: Still the Front Runner or Just Part of the Pack?" The Regional Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (October 2000a), pp. 12-13.
__________. "Was That a Soft Landing, or Have We Not Touched Down Yet?" The Regional Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (October 2000b), p. 19.