U.S. Construction Industry Facts & Market Trends
The U.S. construction market is a foundational pillar of the broader economy. But exactly how large is the construction industry and how fast is it…
Category Research
Browse reports prepared by our research team on the construction industry. We use data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, among other sources, to provide readers with up-to-date data and statistics relevant to the construction industry.
U.S. States With the Worst Roads
Despite their critical role in the economy and ensuring access to jobs, schools, and health care, roadways across the U.S. are aging fast. These are the states with the most major roadways in poor condition, and the states that have seen improvements in their infrastructure.
Cities With the Largest Increase in Home Prices Over the Last Decade
The last decade of rapid home price growth has severely worsened housing affordability across the U.S. Home values surged more than 81% between 2016 and 2026, dramatically outpacing wage growth (+47%) and reshaping housing affordability nationwide. These are the states and cities with the largest increases in home prices over the last decade.
Cities Where It’s Cheaper to Buy Than Rent
Buying a home used to be the financially savvy move—but that’s no longer the case for many would-be buyers in America. With mortgage rates more than doubling since 2021 and home prices still sitting at historic highs, renting has become the more affordable choice in most markets.
The Hottest Real Estate Markets in the U.S.
While home sales are down 8.3% year-over-year and price growth has cooled to just 1.1%, certain markets—especially in the Northeast—remain highly competitive, with homes selling quickly and often above asking. These are the hottest real estate markets of 2026.
American Cities With the Oldest Homes
The median age of U.S. homes has consistently risen since the turn of the century and has now reached 43 years. Researchers calculated the median age of residential housing units based on the year each unit was built, and ranked U.S. cities and states accordingly.
Cities With the Most Women in Construction
Construction has long been a male-dominated field. And while there is still a long way to go to achieve proportional representation, the share of female employment in construction has been increasing in recent years. These are the states with the most female construction workers.
Where Are U.S. Property Taxes Highest and Lowest? A State, County, and City Analysis
Even as home price growth has slowed and now trails inflation, property tax bills are still climbing across much of the U.S. as assessments catch up to the sharp appreciation of the early 2020s. This analysis breaks down property tax rates by state, county, and city to reveal where homeowners have the greatest burden.
U.S. Cities With the Highest Rent Prices
13 states now have median market rents exceeding $2,000 per month. These are the states and metros with the highest rent prices in the nation.
The Most Stable U.S. Housing Markets
Analyzing home price trends since 2000, researchers ranked states and major metros based on the likelihood that a random homebuyer would have experienced a price drop greater than 5% following their purchase.
The Best-Paying American Cities for Carpenters
To attract and retain workers, many employers are raising wages, providing a favorable outlook for carpenters—with some locations offering more lucrative prospects than others. These are the best-paying states and metros for carpenters.
The Best-Paying U.S. Cities for Electricians
Demand for electricians will grow nearly 3X faster than the overall job growth rate in the coming years, as more of the nation's energy infrastructure transitions to renewable sources. These are the best-paying U.S. states and metros for electricians.
The Best-Paying U.S. Cities for Plumbers
Nationally, plumbers earn about 30% more than the typical worker—but more localized data shows a highly regional industry. We ranked U.S. states and metros according to the median annual wage for plumbers, adjusted for the cost of living.
Cities Where the Construction Industry Depends Most on Foreign Workers
Nationwide, over a quarter of the construction workforce is foreign-born—and in several major metros, that figure exceeds 50%. As federal immigration enforcement ramps up, these markets in particular could see crews thin out, costs climb, and key projects delayed.
Cities With the Most Construction Workers
Construction workers remain a crucial component of the American workforce, and contribute significantly to the country's economic development. Using the latest data available, researchers at Construction Coverage identified the U.S. states and metros with the largest shares of employment in the construction industry.