Housing Indicator
Housing Starts (Annualized)
Updated 2026-03-18 · Monthly · Source: U.S. Census Bureau · Next release: 2026-04-17
Historical Trend
| Date | Value |
|---|---|
| 2026-03 | 1,501K |
| 2026-02 | 1,350K |
| 2026-01 | 1,366K |
| 2025-12 | 1,499K |
| 2025-11 | 1,289K |
| 2025-10 | 1,311K |
| 2025-09 | 1,354K |
| 2025-08 | 1,361K |
| 2025-07 | 1,238K |
What This Means for Business
Housing starts jumped to 1.50 million annualized, a strong reading. For executives, residential construction is a multiplier: each new home generates demand for lumber, appliances, furnishings, landscaping, and financial services. Strong starts signal builder confidence despite elevated mortgage rates, likely driven by the severe shortage of existing homes for sale.
About Housing Starts
Housing starts measures the number of new residential construction projects begun during a given month, expressed as a seasonally adjusted annual rate. It is a leading indicator of economic activity because construction generates employment and demand for materials.
Methodology
The Census Bureau and HUD survey local building permit offices and conduct field counts. A 'start' is defined as the beginning of excavation for the foundation. Data is seasonally adjusted because construction is heavily weather-dependent. Single-family and multi-family starts are reported separately.
Related Indicators
Frequently Asked Questions
How many housing starts does the U.S. need?
Estimates vary, but most housing economists believe the U.S. needs approximately 1.5-1.6 million new housing units per year to keep pace with population growth, household formation, and replacement of aging stock. The chronic underbuilding since 2008 has created a housing deficit estimated at 3-5 million units.