Total Public Construction Spending: Transportation in the United States

Millions of Dollars, Not Seasonally Adjusted

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

Latest Value

4,402.00

Year-over-Year Change

7.47%

Date Range

1/1/2002 - 6/1/2025

Summary

This economic trend measures the total value of private building construction put in place in the United States, not adjusted for seasonal variations. It serves as an important indicator of economic activity and investment in the construction sector.

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

The Millions of Dollars, Not Seasonally Adjusted trend represents the total dollar value of private construction projects completed during a given period, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. This metric is widely used by economists and policymakers to gauge the health and momentum of the construction industry.

Methodology

The data is collected through surveys of construction firms and project owners by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Historical Context

This trend is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other institutions to assess the broader state of the economy and make informed policy decisions.

Key Facts

  • Private construction spending accounts for over 60% of total construction activity in the U.S.
  • The trend reached a peak of $1.2 trillion in 2006 before declining during the Great Recession.
  • Recovery in private construction has been uneven, with residential construction rebounding faster than commercial and industrial segments.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the total value of private building construction projects completed in the United States, without adjusting for seasonal variations.

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

A: The Millions of Dollars, Not Seasonally Adjusted trend is an important indicator of economic activity and investment in the construction sector, which has significant implications for employment, consumer spending, and overall economic growth.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through surveys of construction firms and project owners by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: This trend is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other institutions to assess the broader state of the economy and make informed policy decisions, particularly related to interest rates, infrastructure investment, and housing market regulation.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is published monthly by the Census Bureau, with a typical release lag of around one month. The not seasonally adjusted nature of the data may limit its use for short-term analysis, as seasonal factors can significantly impact construction activity.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Millions of Dollars, Not Seasonally Adjusted (PBTRANSCON), retrieved from FRED.