This construction data hub is updated when any of the following five industry reports is released. These charts offer a look at the construction industry's health over the past two years.
Construction spending
While often revised in subsequent months, construction spending figures each month from the U.S. Commerce Department examine the private and public construction sectors. Within the private sector, the report tracks single-family residential, multifamily residential and nonresidential.
Latest report: October 2, 2017
Next release: November 1, 2017
Related Stories
Construction Dive Construction spending inches up in August
U.S. Commerce Department Monthly construction spending, August 2017
Construction employment
The labor shortage has consistently been a major challenge for construction companies. Each month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases job gains or losses in the industry and divides the figures into residential and nonresidential sectors.
Latest report: October 6, 2017
Next release: November 3, 2017
Related Stories
Associated Builders and Contractors Nonresidential Construction Adds Jobs Despite Disruptions; September Data Very Difficult to Interpret
Architecture Billings Index
The ABI, from the American Institute of Architects, serves as an indicator of future construction spending — with a lead time of about nine to 12 months — as design services lead to new commercial projects. Any mark above 50 on the ABI indicates an increase in billings.
Latest report: October 18, 2017
Next release: November 15, 2017
Related Stories
American Institute of Architects Architecture Billings Index backslides slightly
Housing Market Index
The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index offers a monthly score of builder optimism toward the single-family market. The HMI is divided into current sales conditions, buyer traffic and sales expectations for the next six months.
Latest report: October 17, 2017
Next release: November 16, 2017
Related Stories
National Association of Home Builders Builder Confidence Rises Four Points in October
Housing starts
The U.S. Commerce Department releases monthly housing starts data — one of the most closely watched residential construction reports — one day after the HMI. Although new home construction has continued to slowly recover, housing starts still remain well below what economists consider normal levels.
Latest report: September 19, 2017
Next release: October 18, 2017
Related Stories
The Wall Street Journal U.S. Housing Starts Fell, Permits Rose in August
MarketWatch Housing starts dip in August, but permits surge in sign of optimism
