Housing starts in September were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 590,000, 0.5% above August, but 28.2% below September 2008, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Single-family starts were at a rate of 501,000, 3.9% above August. The September rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 78,000.
By region:
- The Northeast saw a decrease of 38.4% in housing starts from September 2008 to September 2009. Housing starts fell 54% year-to-date.
- Midwest housing starts fell 22.5% from September 2008. Year-to-date, housing starts were down 32.5%
- South housing starts declined 26.5% from September 2008; year-to-date, housing starts declined 42.2%.
- In the West, housing starts fell 30.5% from September 2008; year-to-date, housing starts fell 43.2%.
Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in September were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 573,000, 1.2% below August, and 28.9% below September 2008.
Single-family authorizations in September were at a rate of 450,000, 3% below August. Authorizations of units in buildings with five units or more were at a rate of 104,000 in September.
Housing completions were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 693,000, 10.2% below August and 39.6% below September 2008. Single-family completions were at a rate of 464,000, 8.3% below August. The September rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 210,000.
For more details on construction in September, download the pdf below.
