Last September, NAHB released the first edition of the Improving Markets Index, which tracks housing markets nationwide that are showing growth. The monthly index measures growth from a specific trough point in three different categories—housing permits, home prices, and employment.
The most recent index in February included 99 metro areas, its highest point yet. Markets are added to and removed from the list each month.
Here’s a look at the 10 metro areas that have been on the list longest:
Bismarck, N.D. (7 months)
• Permit growth: 33.1% (Trough date: 3/31/09)
• Home price growth: 6.6% (Trough date: 1/31/10)
• Employment growth: 9.1% (Trough date: 12/31/07)
Casper, Wyo. (7 months)
• Permit growth – 11.3% (Trough date: 11/30/10)
• Home price growth – 2.6% (Trough date: 1/31/10)
• Employment growth – 11.1% (Trough date: 12/31/09)
Midland, Texas (7 months)
• Permit growth – 3.6% (Trough date: 4/30/09)
• Home price growth – 8.8% (Trough date: 1/31/10)
• Employment growth – 16% (trough date: 8/31/09)
Pittsburgh, Pa. (7 months)
• Permit growth: 1.7% (Trough date: 2/28/09)
• Home price growth: 4.1% (Trough date: 1/31/10)
• Employment growth: 4.1% (Trough date: 2/28/10)
Amarillo, Texas (6 months)
• Permit growth: 1.4% (Trough date: 10/31/08)
• Home price growth: 0.7% (Trough date: 1/31/10)
• Employment growth: 4.4% (Trough date: 4/30/10)
Fayetteville, N.C. (6 months)
• Permit growth: 2.1% (Trough date: 12/31/08)
• Home price growth: 0.3% (Trough date: 1/31/10)
• Employment growth: 3.2% (Trough date: 10/31/10)
McAllen, Texas (6 months)
• Permit growth: 0.4% (Trough date: 1/31/09)
• Home price growth: 2.7% (Trough date: 11/30/10)
• Employment growth: 6.7% (Trough date: 12/31/07)
Odessa, Texas (6 months)
• Permit growth: 27% (Trough date: 2/28/09)
• Home price growth: 2.4% (Trough date: 10/31/10)
• Employment growth: 19.2% (Trough date: 8/31/09)
Waterloo, Iowa (6 months)
• Permit growth: 1% (Trough date: 3/31/09)
• Home price growth: 1.2% (Trough date: 11/30/10)
• Employment growth: 2.4% (Trough date: 7/31/09)
Winston-Salem, N.C. (6 months)
• Permit growth: 1.7% (Trough date: 3/31/09)
• Home price growth: 0.7% (Trough date: 11/30/10)
• Employment growth: 1.6% (Trough date: 1/31/11)
Advertisement
Related Stories
Labor + Trade Relations
Who's Earning What in Construction
Workers in construction management roles may earn a higher median wage, but on average, lower-paid occupations have experienced somewhat faster wage growth
Build to Rent
Build-to-Rent Is Booming, Particularly in These Metros
A recent report finds that the Phoenix metro leads with more than 4,000 build-to-rent units completed in 2023, and Texas is the leading state for build-to-rent development
Sustainability
Which Green Building Practices Are Home Builders Using Most?
A recent report reveals which green-building practices are most popular among single-family home builders and remodelers