Statistics for Builders: U.S. Census

Besides keeping track of how many of us live in the U.S. (281,421,906 as of April 1, 2000), the U.S. Census Bureau also tracks, on a monthly basis, a wealth of construction and housing statistics.

Specifically, the Bureau measures the number of housing units authorized by permits, started, sold or completed, and the dollar value of all construction put in place that month. It also tracks residential construction in 30 metropolitan areas across the country each quarter and the sales of new single-family homes in those areas each year; and keeps tabs on the dollar value of residential improvement and repair work each quarter.

In addition, the Bureau’s Census of Construction Industries, taken every five years, gives a comprehensive overview of the construction industry. For more information and links to other industry-related resources, log on to: http://www.census.gov/const/www/index.html.

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