New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units in the Northeast Census Region

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

Latest Value

182.00

Year-over-Year Change

52.94%

Date Range

1/1/1959 - 6/1/2025

Summary

The 'New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units in the Northeast Census Region' metric tracks the number of new residential construction projects launched in the northeastern United States. This data point is a key indicator of housing market activity and economic growth in the region.

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

This series measures the number of new single-family homes, townhouses, and apartment buildings that began construction in the Northeast, which includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. It is a leading economic indicator used to assess the health of the regional housing sector and broader economy.

Methodology

The U.S. Census Bureau collects this data through surveys of homebuilders and residential construction companies.

Historical Context

Policymakers and analysts closely monitor this metric to understand consumer demand, labor market conditions, and overall economic trends in the Northeast.

Key Facts

  • New home construction in the Northeast reached a high of 290,000 units in 2005.
  • Housing starts fell sharply during the 2008 financial crisis, dropping to just 85,000 units.
  • The Northeast region accounts for around 20% of total U.S. housing starts.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This metric tracks the number of new privately-owned residential construction projects that began in the Northeast census region of the United States.

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

A: Housing starts are a key leading indicator of economic activity, providing insights into consumer demand, labor market conditions, and broader economic trends in the Northeast.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The U.S. Census Bureau collects this data through monthly surveys of homebuilders and residential construction companies.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and analysts monitor this metric to assess the health of the regional housing sector and make informed decisions about monetary and fiscal policies.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is published monthly by the Census Bureau, with a typical release lag of around 4-6 weeks.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units in the Northeast Census Region (HOUSTNE), retrieved from FRED.