Housing Starts

Source: FRED (HOUST) | Frequency: monthly | Last updated: April 9, 2026

What This Means for You

Housing starts at 1487K (thousands, annualized) indicate the pace of new residential construction. More housing starts typically mean more construction jobs, demand for building materials, and future housing supply. A rate above 1,500K is generally considered healthy, while levels below 900K have historically coincided with housing downturns. (Source: Census Bureau via FRED)

10-Year History

Historical Context

Over the past 10 years, the Housing Starts has ranged from a low of 936K in April 2020 to a high of 1,820K in April 2022, with an average of approximately 1,370K. The current value of 1,487K is in the upper portion of its 10-year range. (Source: FRED via FRED)

Related Housing Indicators

The Housing Starts is part of the housing category. Related indicators include: Building Permits (currently 1,386K), Case-Shiller Home Price Index (currently 332.2), Existing Home Sales (currently $4,090,000M). Housing starts and building permits are leading indicators, showing what builders expect for future demand. Existing home sales measure current market activity. The Case-Shiller index tracks price changes over time across major metros. Together, these indicators reveal supply (construction), demand (sales volume), and price trends. Permits typically lead starts by 1-2 months, making them a useful forward-looking signal. (Source: Census Bureau, S&P via FRED)

What to Watch

Economists watch housing starts alongside building permits (a leading indicator) for signs of housing market direction. A sustained decline in starts may signal weakening demand or tighter lending conditions. Seasonal adjustments can introduce volatility in monthly readings, so 3-month trends are typically more informative than single-month changes. Historical patterns do not guarantee future outcomes. (Source: Census Bureau via FRED)

Limitations of This Data

This data is released monthly and reflects conditions as of the most recent reporting period. Economic data is frequently revised as more complete information becomes available; initial releases may differ significantly from final figures. This indicator measures one dimension of the economy and should be considered alongside other data for a more complete picture. (Source: FRED)

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