According to the latest HBW residential construction permit data for Texas, last month (October) reflected a month-over-month dip in new housing development across the major metropolitan areas of Texas. While monthly figures provide only a snapshot of the market, the data highlights the continued activity in the state’s residential sector, with notable concentrations of new construction in Houston and Dallas.
Statewide Overview
- Total Permits Issued: 4,341
- Total Construction Value: $1.49 billion
Metro Area Breakdown
Houston
- Total Permits: 2,065
- Total Construction Value: $646.4 million
- Average Value per Permit: $313,045
- Top Counties:
- Harris County – 873 permits, $301.4 million in value
- Montgomery County – 685 permits, $185.6 million in value
Houston continues to dominate in terms of volume, accounting for nearly half of all permits issued in October. The concentration in Harris and Montgomery counties reflects both urban infill and suburban expansion, with average construction values suggesting a balanced mix of mid-range and higher-end projects.
Dallas
- Total Permits: 1,517
- Total Construction Value: $598.9 million
- Average Value per Permit: $394,805
- Top Counties:
- Tarrant County – 479 permits, $185.1 million in value
- Collin County – 520 permits, $212.9 million in value
Dallas registered the second-highest volume of activity, with average construction values exceeding those in Houston. Collin County’s strong performance underscores the ongoing demand for residential development in the northern suburban corridor, while Tarrant County remains a central hub for new housing starts.
Austin
- Total Permits: 391
- Total Construction Value: $135.6 million
- Average Value per Permit: $346,925
- Top Counties:
- Travis County – 184 permits, $56.4 million in value
- Williamson County – 125 permits, $51.9 million in value
Austin’s figures landed on the lower end of the scale in terms of volume in comparison to other areas reviewed. The balance between Travis and Williamson counties illustrates the dual dynamic of urban redevelopment and suburban expansion, with average values suggesting a strong presence of mid- to upper-tier residential projects.
San Antonio
- Total Permits: 368
- Total Construction Value: $106.6 million
- Average Value per Permit: $289,760
- Top County:
- Bexar County – 215 permits, $57.6 million in value
San Antonio’s activity was concentrated primarily in Bexar County, with average construction values below the statewide mean. This reflects a market characterized by affordability and accessibility, appealing to both first-time buyers and families seeking cost-effective housing solutions.
The latest data for October highlights several defining themes… Houston and Dallas continue their roles as the primary growth engines, together accounting for more than 80 percent of the statewide permit volume and underscoring their dominance in both scale and overall construction value. At the same time, counties such as Harris, Montgomery, and Collin continued to absorb substantial demand. Dallas distinguished itself with the highest average construction value, signaling a preference for larger or more customized projects, while San Antonio maintained a more cost-conscious profile that aligns with its affordability-driven market. Despite their smaller scale, Austin and San Antonio contributed meaningfully to statewide totals, reinforcing the diversified nature of residential construction across the Lone Star State.
It is important to note that monthly data offers only a limited perspective. For a comprehensive understanding of market trends (cyclical fluctuations, long-term demand drivers, and regional shifts), HBW’s quarterly and annual reports provide deeper insights into residential construction in Texas, and other regions.
To gain more information on the builders, homeowners and permits for the construction activity above, check out HBW for your copy of the latest construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.