January Housing Starts Rose 7.2% from Dec., Up 9.5% YOY

Washington, DC, March 17, 2026-Privately-owned housing starts in January were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,487,000, 7.2% above the revised December estimate of 1,387,000 and 9.5% above the January 2025 rate of 1,358,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 

Single-family housing starts in January were at a rate of 935,000; this is 2.8% below the revised December figure of 962,000. The January rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 524,000.

Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in January were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,376,000. This is 5.4% below the revised December rate of 1,455,000 and is 5.8% below the January 2025 rate of 1,460,000. Single-family authorizations in January were at a rate of 873,000; this is 0.9% below the revised December figure of 881,000. Authorizations of units in buildings with five units or more were at a rate of 453,000 in January.

Privately-owned housing completions in January were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,527,000. This is 4.8% above the revised December estimate of 1,457,000 but is 7.5% below the January 2025 rate of 1,651,000. Single-family housing completions in January were at a rate of 970,000; this is 1.0% below the revised December rate of 980,000. The January rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 532,000.