U.S. Housing Starts Data [2023]: Historical Charts & Statistics (2023)

Last Updated: December 20, 2022

Highlights. New house starts in 2022 are 27.6% higher than their previous 120-month average.

• In the last 12 months, there have been 1.482 million nonseasonally adjusted new house starts; seasonally adjusted housing starts total 1.427 million.*
• There were 1.601 million nonseasonally adjusted new house starts in 2021, which was the highest number of starts within one calendar year since 2006.
• 70.4% of new house starts were single family housing.
• In 2021, the ratio of new house starts to housing permits was 92.2%.

*All data are not adjusted unless otherwise noted. Nonadjusted statistics represent true data; seasonal adjustment compensates for annual peaks and valleys in the real estate construction market and more accurately reflects market health.

New Housing Starts by Year

Last year saw the most new privately owned residential construction starts since 2006.

• 1.60 million total new privately owned housing starts began in 2021, up 16.0% from 2020.
• 1.74 million total housing permits were issued in 2021, up 18.1% from 2020.
• 28.9% of housing starts in 2021 were buildings of 5-or-more units.
• 70.4% of new housing was single family homes.
• New house starts increased 6.9% between 2019 and 2020.
• An average of 1.12 million housing units have gone up each year since 2011.
• New starts in 2021 were up 189.0% from 2009, the industry’s lowest point since 1959.
• The most dramatic annual decrease in housing starts was in 2009, when new house starts fell 35.6% from the previous year.
• 2008 itself was the second-most dramatic plunge with new house starts down 35.3% from 2007.
• 1.43 million is the average annual new house starts since 1959.

New Housing Starts in 2021

New house starts or new housing starts refer to residential construction projects that have broken ground. Most of the data in this report has not been seasonally adjusted.

• The busiest month (June) saw 51.1% more house starts than the slowest month (February).
• In seasonally adjusted statistics, the busiest month (December) had a 23.5% higher annual monthly average than the slowest time of year (February).
• The annual monthly average among seasonally adjusted measurements was 133,750 new house starts.
• Among non-adjusted data, the monthly average number of housing starts was 121,758; this is 8.97% lower than the seasonally adjusted monthly average.

New Housing Starts in 2020

The 2020 construction season was affected by the onset of a global pandemic and subsequent economic downturn.

• The busiest month (July) saw 63.5% more house starts than the slowest time of year (April).
• In seasonally adjusted data, the busiest month (December) saw 79.6%% more house starts than the slowest month (April).
• The monthly average among seasonally adjusted measurements was 115,083 new house starts.
• Among non-adjusted data, the monthly average number of housing starts was 139,833; this is 21.5% higher than the seasonally adjusted monthly average.

Historical Housing Starts

Some public statistics for building starts and permits date to the 1950s.

• New privately owned housing starts average 115,000 monthly.
• An average of 121,800 new housing permits are authorized monthly.
• Housing units are completed at an average rate of 107,600 per month.

Housing Starts by Location

Among regional housing starts, the South produces the highest rate of single family homes.

• In 2021, 53.0% of all housing starts were in the South.
• The number of housing starts in the South was up 15.3% from 2020.
• 75.9% of Southern housing starts were single family.
• 8.5% of new housing starts in 2021 were in the Northeast.
• The number of housing starts in the Northeast was up 22.4% from 2020.
• 49.5% of Northeastern homes were single family, giving it the lowest rate of single family home builds.
• 13.5% of all housing starts were in the Midwest.
• The number of housing starts in the Midwest was up 12.5% from 2020.
• 68.8% of Midwestern new housing starts were single family homes.
• 25.0% of all new housing starts are in the West.
• The number of housing starts in the West was up 17.5% from 2020.
• 66.8% of new Western homes are single family.

Housing Permits by State

Statistics indicate that most states and territories have steady real estate and construction industries. While data on housing starts is unavailable, build authorizations are useful for comparative purposes.

• In Alaska, there was a 1,109% difference between the number of building permits in 2014 and the number of permits authorized in 2019.
• In North Dakota, the difference between 2014 starts and 2019 permits is -80.2%.
• 79.2% of markets changed by less than 1.00% between 2004 and 2014.
• Alaska’s market saw the most dramatic change among all states and territories with the rate of new housing construction starts dropping by 8.63% over 10 years.

Alabama Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Alabama represented 1.27% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were lower than the average among states.

• 22,100 new housing units were authorized in Alabama in 2021.
• 17,879 or 80.9% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.22 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 24.7 units per building.
• 98.6% of buildings authorized in Alabama were single family homes while 0.88% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Alabama was $241,828.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $117,268.

Alaska Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Alaska represented 0.09% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were higher than the average among states.

• 1,552 new housing units were authorized in Alaska in 2021.
• 1,158 or 74.6% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.26 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 10.7 units per building.
• 94.3% of buildings authorized in Alaska were single family homes while 1.95% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Alaska was $305,333.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $150,839.

Arizona Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Arizona represented 3.76% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were lower than the average among states for single family homes but higher for units in shared buildings.

• 65,334 new housing units were authorized in Arizona in 2021.
• 46,691 or 71.5% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.36 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 23.5 units per building.
• 97.2% of buildings authorized in Arizona were single family homes while 1.51% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Arizona was $271,274.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $142,145.

Arkansas Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Arkansas represented 0.82% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were much lower than the average among states.

• 14,198 new housing units were authorized in Arkansas in 2021.
• 10,563 or 74.4% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.27 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 19.5 units per building.
• 94.7% of buildings authorized in Arkansas were single family homes while 1.13% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Arkansas was $237,636.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $86,198.

California Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in California represented 6.88% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were higher than the average among states.

• 119,436 new housing units were authorized in California in 2021.
• 65,890 or 55.2% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.72 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 28.1 units per building.
• 95.0% of buildings authorized in California were single family homes while 2.54% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in California was $285,018.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $182,997.

Colorado Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Colorado represented 3.25% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were higher than the average among states.

• 56,524 new housing units were authorized in Colorado in 2021.
• 30,246 or 53.5% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.78 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 36.6 units per building.
• 95.3% of buildings authorized in Colorado were single family homes while 2.09% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Colorado was $325,679.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $144,947.

Connecticut Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Connecticut represented 0.27%% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were much higher than the average among states for single family homes but lower than the average cost for units in large, shared buildings.

• 4,651 new housing units were authorized in Connecticut in 2021.
• 2,941 or 63.2% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.48 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 12.8 units per building.
• 93.3% of buildings authorized in Connecticut were single family homes while 3.68% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Connecticut was $354,586.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $103,026.

Delaware Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Delaware represented 0.49% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were significantly lower than the average among states.

• 8,500 new housing units were authorized in Delaware in 2021.
• 7,261 or 85.4% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.14 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 37.3 units per building.
• 97.6% of buildings authorized in Delaware were single family homes while 0.34% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Delaware was $114,303.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $101,432.

District of Columbia Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in D.C. represented % of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were lower than the average among states.

• 4,740 new housing units were authorized in D.C. in 2021.
• 376 or 7.9% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 10.8 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 86.7 units per building.
• 85.5% of buildings authorized in D.C. were single family homes while 11.36% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in D.C. was $237,941.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $122,867.

Florida Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Florida represented 12.29% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per single family home were below the average among states but housing in buildings with 5+ units was more expensive to build.

• 213,494 new housing units were authorized in Florida in 2021.
• 148,735 or 69.7% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.40 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 36.5 units per building.
• 97.6% of buildings authorized in Florida were single family homes while 1.08% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Florida was $268,527.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $144,758.

Georgia Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Georgia represented 3.87% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per single family home were below the average among states while units in larger buildings are more expensive to build.

• 67,223 new housing units were authorized in Georgia in 2021.
• 53,419 or 79.5% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.24 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 22.9 units per building.
• 98.3% of buildings authorized in Georgia were single family homes while 1.03% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Georgia was $235,944.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $132,585.

Hawaii Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Hawaii represented 0.20% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were much higher than the average among states.

• 3,459 new housing units were authorized in Hawaii in 2021.
• 2,445 or 70.7% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.34 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 12.0 units per building.
• 95.0% of buildings authorized in Hawaii were single family homes while 2.91% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Hawaii was $438,113.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $293,865.

Idaho Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Idaho represented 1.25% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were on par with the average among states.

• 21,732 new housing units were authorized in Idaho in 2021.
• 16,154 or 74.3% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.29 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 16.9 units per building.
• 96.2% of buildings authorized in Idaho were single family homes while 1.52% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Idaho was $260,854.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $129,803.

Illinois Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Illinois represented 1.13% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per single family home were more expensive than the average among states while units in large buildings were less expensive.

• 19,658 new housing units were authorized in Illinois in 2021.
• 10,937 or 55.6% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.68 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 26.1 units per building.
• 93.6% of buildings authorized in Illinois were single family homes while 2.45% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Illinois was $293,363.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $113,183.

Indiana Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Indiana represented 1.72% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per single family home were more expensive than the average among states while units in large buildings were less expensive.

• 29,860 new housing units were authorized in Indiana in 2021.
• 22,225 or 74.4% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.31 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 30.4 units per building.
• 97.3% of buildings authorized in Indiana were single family homes while 0.98% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Indiana was $301,145.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $109,529.

Iowa Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Iowa represented 0.79% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were on par with the average among states.

• 13,686 new housing units were authorized in Iowa in 2021.
• 9,158 or 66.9% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.43 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 31.5 units per building.
• 95.5% of buildings authorized in Iowa were single family homes while 1.25% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Iowa was $278,723.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $133,060.

Kansas Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Kansas represented 0.55% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per single family home were more expensive while units in large buildings were on par with the average among states.

• 9,538 new housing units were authorized in Kansas in 2021.
• 6,569 or 68.9% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.33 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 35.2 units per building.
• 91.7% of buildings authorized in Kansas were single family homes while 0.73% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Kansas was $336,250.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $126,199.

Kentucky Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Kentucky represented 0.85% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were lower than the average among states.

• 14,841 new housing units were authorized in Kentucky in 2021.
• 10,087 or 68.0% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.41 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 15.3 units per building.
• 95.6% of buildings authorized in Kentucky were single family homes while 2.66% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Kentucky was $240,861.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $99,305.

Louisiana Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Louisiana represented 1.10% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per single family home were much less expensive while the cost to build units in a large building was on par with the average among states.

• 19,147 new housing units were authorized in Louisiana in 2021.
• 16,937 or 88.5% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.11 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 33.0 units per building.
• 98.2% of buildings authorized in Louisiana were single family homes while 0.29% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Louisiana was $223,415.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $129,512.

Maine Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Maine represented 0.38% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were on par with the average among states.

• 6,530 new housing units were authorized in Maine in 2021.
• 5,238 or 80.2% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.20 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 18.1 units per building.
• 96.4% of buildings authorized in Maine were single family homes while 0.99% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Maine was $268,277.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $135,500.

Maryland Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Maryland represented 1.06% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were on par with the average among states.

• 18,486 new housing units were authorized in Maryland in 2021.
• 12,520 or 67.7% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.45 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 31.7 units per building.
• 98.2% of buildings authorized in Maryland were single family homes while 1.45% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Maryland was $255,677.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $135,077.

Massachusetts Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Massachusetts represented 1.14% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were much higher than the average among states, especially for single family homes.

• 19,853 new housing units were authorized in Massachusetts in 2021.
• 7,231 or 36.4% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 2.40 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 19.5 units per building.
• 87.4% of buildings authorized in Massachusetts were single family homes while 7.18% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Massachusetts was $392,741.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $162,673.

Michigan Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Michigan represented 1.25% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were higher than the average among states, especially for units in larger buildings.

• 21,732 new housing units were authorized in Michigan in 2021.
• 16,760 or 77.1% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.26 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 19.9 units per building.
• 96.9% of buildings authorized in Michigan were single family homes while 1.20% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Michigan was $284,417.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $186,216.

Minnesota Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Minnesota represented 1.94% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were higher than the average among states.

• 33,652 new housing units were authorized in Minnesota in 2021.
• 16,704 or 49.6% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.95 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 54.6 units per building.
• 96.8% of buildings authorized in Minnesota were single family homes while 1.73% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Minnesota was $308,053.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $150,130.

Mississippi Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Mississippi represented 0.46% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were much lower than the average among states.

• 7,988 new housing units were authorized in Mississippi in 2021.
• 7,384 or 92.4% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.07 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 8.2 units per building.
• 98.6% of buildings authorized in Mississippi were single family homes while 0.75% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Mississippi was $203,373.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $54,470.

Missouri Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Missouri represented 1.23% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per single family home were on par with the average among states while units in larger buildings were less expensive to build.

• 21,372 new housing units were authorized in Missouri in 2021.
• 13,941 or 65.2% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.47 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 26.7 units per building.
• 95.7% of buildings authorized in Missouri were single family homes while 1.63% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Missouri was $281,249.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $106,201.

Montana Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Montana represented 0.42% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were on par with the average among states.

• 7,272 new housing units were authorized in Montana in 2021.
• 3,169 or 43.6% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 2.05 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 26.0 units per building.
• 89.3% of buildings authorized in Montana were single family homes while 3.77% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Montana was $273,800.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $124,398.

Nebraska Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Nebraska represented 0.62% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were significantly lower than the average among states.

• 10,723 new housing units were authorized in Nebraska in 2021.
• 6,328 or 59.0% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.62 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 24.3 units per building.
• 95.8% of buildings authorized in Nebraska were single family homes while 2.56% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Nebraska was $243,739.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $105,587.

Nevada Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Nevada represented 1.35% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were slightly below the average among states.

• 23,406 new housing units were authorized in Nevada in 2021.
• 16,295 or 69.6% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.38 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 17.1 units per building.
• 96.0% of buildings authorized in Nevada were single family homes while 2.15% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Nevada was $274,687.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $111,330.

New Hampshire Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in New Hampshire represented 0.28% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were higher than the average among states.

• 4,892 new housing units were authorized in New Hampshire in 2021.
• 3,426 or 70.0% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.36 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 20.2 units per building.
• 95.4% of buildings authorized in New Hampshire were single family homes while 1.64% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in New Hampshire was $303,817.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $141,758.

New Jersey Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in New Jersey represented 2.14% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were significantly lower than the average among states.

• 37,094 new housing units were authorized in New Jersey in 2021.
• 13,913 or 37.5% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 2.36 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 20.7 units per building.
• 88.4% of buildings authorized in New Jersey were single family homes while 6.55% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in New Jersey was $208,849.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $98,812.

New Mexico Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in New Mexico represented 0.45% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were lower than the average among states, particularly for units in larger buildings.

• 7,753 new housing units were authorized in New Mexico in 2021.
• 5,465 or 70.5% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.38 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 19.0 units per building.
• 97.3% of buildings authorized in New Mexico were single family homes while 2.07% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in New Mexico was $258,612.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $88,828.

New York Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in New York represented 2.31% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per single family home were more expensive while units in larger buildings were on par with the average cost among states.

• 40,135 new housing units were authorized in New York in 2021.
• 11,099 or 27.7% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 3.21 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 36.2 units per building.
• 88.8% of buildings authorized in New York were single family homes while 6.08% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in New York was $354,605.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $126,379.

North Carolina Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in North Carolina represented 5.46% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were slightly lower than the average among states.

• 94,874 new housing units were authorized in North Carolina in 2021.
• 68,636 or 72.3% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.36 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 34.3 units per building.
• 98.5% of buildings authorized in North Carolina were single family homes while 1.07% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in North Carolina was $251,510.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $121,679.

North Dakota Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in North Dakota represented 0.21% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were slightly higher than the average among states.

• 3,600 new housing units were authorized in North Dakota in 2021.
• 2,266 or 62.9% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.49 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 39.6 units per building.
• 93.5% of buildings authorized in North Dakota were single family homes while 1.11% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in North Dakota was $294,299.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $139,646.

Ohio Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Ohio represented 1.75% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per single family home were higher than the average among states while units in larger buildings were less expensive.

• 30,418 new housing units were authorized in Ohio in 2021.
• 20,506 or 67.4% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.43 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 19.2 units per building.
• 96.2% of buildings authorized in Ohio were single family homes while 2.18% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Ohio was $308,468.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $99,087.

Oklahoma Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Oklahoma represented 0.85% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were lower than the average among states.

• 14,733 new housing units were authorized in Oklahoma in 2021.
• 13,315 or 90.4% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.08 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 11.1 units per building.
• 97.5% of buildings authorized in Oklahoma were single family homes while 0.56% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Oklahoma was $248,864.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $98,865.

Oregon Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Oregon represented 1.26% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were higher than the average among states, especially buildings with 5+ units.

• 21,916 new housing units were authorized in Oregon in 2021.
• 13,185 or 60.2% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.59 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 26.2 units per building.
• 95.7% of buildings authorized in Oregon were single family homes while 2.23% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Oregon was $284,288.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $158,487.

Pennsylvania Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Pennsylvania represented 2.76% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per single family home were less expensive but units in larger buildings were more costly than in the average state.

• 47,894 new housing units were authorized in Pennsylvania in 2021.
• 18,764 or 39.2% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 2.35 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 40.1 units per building.
• 92.0% of buildings authorized in Pennsylvania were single family homes while 3.25% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Pennsylvania was $260,422.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $152,703.

Rhode Island Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Rhode Island represented 0.08% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per single family home were on par with the average among states while units in larger buildings were much less expensive to build.

• 1,392 new housing units were authorized in Rhode Island in 2021.
• 1,033 or 74.2% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.22 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 14.0 units per building.
• 90.8% of buildings authorized in Rhode Island were single family homes while 0.79% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Rhode Island was $278,090.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $86,976.

South Carolina Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in South Carolina represented 2.92% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were lower than the average among states.

• 50,680 new housing units were authorized in South Carolina in 2021.
• 43,264 or 85.4% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.16 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 25.6 units per building.
• 98.9% of buildings authorized in South Carolina were single family homes while 0.62% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in South Carolina was $248,948.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $118,730.

South Dakota Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in South Dakota represented 0.46% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were lower than the average among states.

• 7,917 new housing units were authorized in South Dakota in 2021.
• 4,324 or 54.6% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.71 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 18.5 units per building.
• 93.1% of buildings authorized in South Dakota were single family homes while 3.71% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in South Dakota was $260,540.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $118,878.

Tennessee Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Tennessee represented 3.31% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were lower than the average among states, especially units in larger buildings.

• 57,484 new housing units were authorized in Tennessee in 2021.
• 36,986 or 64.3% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.52 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 31.3 units per building.
• 97.6% of buildings authorized in Tennessee were single family homes while 1.66% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Tennessee was $259,490.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $90,435.

Texas Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Texas represented 15.31% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were much lower than the average among states.

• 265,955 new housing units were authorized in Texas in 2021.
• 179,620 or 67.5% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.44 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 37.1 units per building.
• 97.3% of buildings authorized in Texas were single family homes while 1.17% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Texas was $236,092.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $115,199.

Utah Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Utah represented 2.25% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were higher than the average among states.

• 39,058 new housing units were authorized in Utah in 2021.
• 24,423 or 62.5% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.53 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 23.2 units per building.
• 95.8% of buildings authorized in Utah were single family homes while 2.25% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Utah was $288,459.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $144,615.

Vermont Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Vermont represented 0.13% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were on par with the average among states.

• 2,319 new housing units were authorized in Vermont in 2021.
• 1,361 or 58.7% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.56 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 14.7 units per building.
• 91.5% of buildings authorized in Vermont were single family homes while 3.70% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Vermont was $283,451.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $111,129.

Virginia Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Virginia represented 2.27% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were much lower than the average among states.

• 39,388 new housing units were authorized in Virginia in 2021.
• 25,118 or 63.8% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.53 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 44.1 units per building.
• 97.6% of buildings authorized in Virginia were single family homes while 1.20% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Virginia was $247,251.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $107,476.

Washington Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Washington represented 3.28% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per unit were much higher than the average among states.

• 56,941 new housing units were authorized in Washington in 2021.
• 25,076 or 44.0% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 2.11 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 38.8 units per building.
• 92.8% of buildings authorized in Washington were single family homes while 2.75% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Washington was $300,746.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $151,595.

West Virginia Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in West Virginia represented 0.21% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per single family home were more expensive while the cost per unit in larger buildings was on par with the average among states.

• 3,692 new housing units were authorized in West Virginia in 2021.
• 3,112 or 84.3% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.16 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 22.8 units per building.
• 97.9% of buildings authorized in West Virginia were single family homes while 0.66% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in West Virginia was $225,429.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $132,561.

Wisconsin Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Wisconsin represented 1.46% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per single family home were much more expensive while the cost per unit in larger buildings was slightly below the average among states.

• 25,444 new housing units were authorized in Wisconsin in 2021.
• 13,199 or 51.9% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.77 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 25.6 units per building.
• 91.9% of buildings authorized in Wisconsin were single family homes while 2.91% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Wisconsin was $330,957.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $121,959.

Wyoming Housing & Build Permits

New housing authorizations in Wyoming represented 0.16% of nationwide permits issued in 2021; construction costs per single family home were extremely expensive while the cost per unit in larger buildings was slightly below the average among states.

• 2,706 new housing units were authorized in Wyoming in 2021.
• 2,158 or 79.7% of units were single family homes.
• The average permit for buildings included 1.19 housing units each.
• Buildings with five (5) units or more averaged 12.0 units per building.
• 94.9% of buildings authorized in Wyoming were single family homes while 1.06% were buildings with 5+ units.
• The valuation for the average single family home build in Wyoming was $458,301.
• In buildings with 5+ units, the valuation per unit was $128,805.

Housing Starts by Building Type

Rental property trends, such as rental vacancy rates and interstate migration statistics indicate larger complexes may be falling out of favor with renters.1598000

• In 2021, single family homes made up 70.5% of new housing starts.
• Multi-family homes or those with 2 to 4 units make up 0.75% of new housing.
• Homes with 5 units or more make up 28.8% of new housing starts.

Other New Housing Statistics

The annual number of single family housing starts has increased every year since 2011. In 2021, there were 1.126 million single family house starts.

• 86.9% of single family homes are detached.
• 77.1% are built with the intent to sell.
• Among multi-unit residential buildings, 5.72% are built with the intent to sell.
• The average single family home has more than twice the floor space of the average apartment.
• 87.7% of new apartment housing is in buildings with 20 units or more.
• 5.24% of single family homes are built by the owner.

New Pending Housing

A building may be listed as “pending” indefinitely, making it difficult to gauge the efficiency of the construction industry based on the number of projects alone.

• 80% of single family housing projects begin within 8 weeks of authorization.
• 43% of single family projects break ground within a month of authorization.
• 6.1% don’t break ground for 4 months or more.
• In buildings with 2 units or more, 19% don’t break ground for 4 months or more.
• Buildings with 10 or more units are the most likely to take longer; 22% don’t break ground within 4 months of authorization.
• Buildings that take longer to break ground are more likely to be owner-built.

*Housing permits have been authorized but projects have not broken ground.

Sources

1. Census Bureau, New Residential Construction
2. U.S. Census Bureau, State Population Totals and Components of Change
3. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Housing Market Conditions: National Housing Market Summary and Data