Private Nonfarm New Housing Units for United States

A0281AUSA398NNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

3,300.00

Year-over-Year Change

768.42%

Date Range

1/1/1915 - 1/1/1946

Summary

The Private Nonfarm New Housing Units for United States metric tracks the number of new privately-owned housing units started in the U.S. It is an important indicator of residential construction activity and economic growth.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

This data series represents the volume of new single-family and multi-family housing units that have begun construction, excluding government-owned projects. It is closely watched by policymakers, investors, and economists as a leading indicator of the housing market and broader economic conditions.

Methodology

The data is collected through surveys of residential construction firms by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Historical Context

Trends in new housing starts are used to assess the health of the real estate and construction sectors, as well as provide insights into consumer demand and overall economic momentum.

Key Facts

  • New housing starts peaked in 2005 at over 2 million units.
  • Housing starts fell sharply during the 2008 financial crisis.
  • Multi-family housing has accounted for a growing share of new construction in recent years.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This metric tracks the number of new privately-owned housing units that have begun construction in the United States, including both single-family and multi-family dwellings.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: New housing starts are a leading indicator of residential construction activity and broader economic conditions, providing insights into consumer demand, business investment, and the health of the real estate market.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of residential construction firms conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Trends in new housing starts are closely monitored by policymakers, economists, and investors as a key barometer of the housing market and overall economic performance, informing decisions on interest rates, housing policy, and investments.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is released monthly with a lag of around 1 month, and may be subject to revisions as additional information becomes available.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Private Nonfarm New Housing Units for United States (A0281AUSA398NNBR), retrieved from FRED.