Number of New Private Nonfarm Housing Units Started, One-Family for United States

M0201BUSM176NNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

48.60

Year-over-Year Change

-11.48%

Date Range

1/1/1959 - 12/1/1963

Summary

This economic indicator tracks the number of new single-family housing units that began construction in the United States. It serves as an important barometer of residential investment and broader economic activity.

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

The 'Number of New Private Nonfarm Housing Units Started, One-Family for United States' measures the number of newly constructed single-family homes that began the building process each month. This metric is closely watched by economists and policymakers as a leading indicator of housing sector health and overall 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 provide insights into consumer confidence, mortgage lending, and the state of the real estate market.

Key Facts

  • New housing starts peaked at 2.27 million units in January 2006.
  • Starts fell to a low of 478,000 units in April 2009 during the Great Recession.
  • On average, 1.2 million new single-family homes are started each year in the U.S.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This indicator tracks the number of new private single-family housing units that began construction in the United States each month.

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

A: New housing starts are a leading indicator of broader economic activity, providing insights into consumer confidence, mortgage lending, and the state of the real estate market.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through surveys of residential construction firms 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 economists and policymakers as a gauge of the health of the housing sector and the broader economy.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is released monthly with a typical delay of around 1 month from the reference period.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Number of New Private Nonfarm Housing Units Started, One-Family for United States (M0201BUSM176NNBR), retrieved from FRED.