Construction Trend Data

 
Construction activity rose sharply in October, up 12% from September. Total construction starts for the first 10 months of 2011 came to $355.6 billion, down 3% from the same period a year ago. From September to October, nonresidential construction jumped 36%, while residential building grew 2%, and nonbuilding construction remained flat.

The increase in nonresidential building activity was attributable in part to a 740% jump in the manufacturing plant category. Office construction was also up 58%. Meanwhile, the amusement-related category rose 98%, warehouse construction advanced 34%, and the public buildings category grew 39%. More modest gains were seen in the hotel construction (4%) and church (8%) categories, while declines were registered in educational buildings (-3%), health care facilities (-8%), and transportation terminals (-35%).

Although nonbuilding construction levels were flat in October, gains of 35% were reported in the electric utility category. The sewer and waste disposal category rose 53% and water supply construction advanced 8%, but declines were seen in the areas of highway and bridge construction (-28%) and miscellaneous public works (-11%). Single family housing construction climbed 1% between September and October, showing a slight recovery from earlier in the year.

Total new construction starts by region for the first 10 months of 2011 were as follows: South Central, down 5%; Northeast, down 12%; Midwest, down 12%; West, up 8%; and South Atlantic, up 5%.

Year-to-Date Construction Contract Value
Unadjusted Totals, in Millions

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