New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
HOUST • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
1,321.00
Year-over-Year Change
-0.45%
Date Range
1/1/1959 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The 'New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units' trend measures the number of new residential construction projects initiated each month in the United States. This metric is an important leading economic indicator for the housing and construction sectors.
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 series tracks the number of new private housing units on which construction has been started in a given month. It is a key measure of residential construction activity and a leading indicator of broader economic trends related to consumer demand, business investment, and employment.
Methodology
The data is collected by the U.S. Census Bureau through surveys of homebuilders and contractors.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts use this metric to assess the health of the housing market and broader economy.
Key Facts
- Housing starts declined sharply during the 2008 financial crisis.
- New home construction is a major driver of economic growth.
- Housing starts data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The 'New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units' trend measures the number of new residential construction projects initiated each month in the United States.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric is an important leading economic indicator for the housing and construction sectors, providing insight into consumer demand, business investment, and employment.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected by the U.S. Census Bureau through surveys of homebuilders and contractors.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts use this metric to assess the health of the housing market and broader economy, informing decisions on interest rates, tax policies, and other economic interventions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The housing starts data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau, with a typical delay of around one month between the end of the reference period and the data release.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units (HOUST), retrieved from FRED.