Monthly Update: Building Permits

Dodge Data & Analytics reports that $43.8 billion in construction contracts were awarded in the Houston area in ‘24. That’s an increase of over 31 percent from the $33.3 billion awarded in ’23. January ’25 brought an additional $4.4 billion in new construction awards. While strong, January ’25 fell short of the $5.4 billion awarded in January ’24, the third-best month on record.

In January ’25, the non-building sector was among the most valuable with nearly $1.3 billion in construction awards. Highways and roads led the sector with $646 million awarded, followed by $206 million for water supply systems. Commercial and manufacturing building contracts were valued at a combined $693 million. Other non-residential projects (i.e. schools, hospitals, recreational buildings, etc.) totaled $1.1 billion, with 62.2 percent going to schools and scientific laboratories. Residential construction was valued at over $1.2 billion with 77.6 percent going to single-family homes.

Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery Counties accounted for 90 percent of all new construction activity in the region, with Harris County alone accounting for 63 percent.

Prepared by The Greater Houston Partnership Research Division

Colin Baker
Manager of Economic Research
Greater Houston Partnership
bakerc@houston.org

Clara Richardson
Analyst, Research
Greater Houston Partnership
crichardson@houston.org