If there is one thing Texas builders know, it is that the market has a rhythm — a natural ebb and flow not unlike the state’s weather patterns. One month you’re sprinting to keep up with demand, and the next you’re wondering why the permit office suddenly feels a little less crowded. July was one of those “slightly less crowded” months.
According to HBW’s latest residential construction data, Texas recorded 5,468 new residential permits in July, representing nearly $1.8 billion in total construction value; that’s a noticeable dip from June’s 7,071 permits and $2.3 billion in value. But before anyone starts sounding alarms or blaming the heat, it is important to remember: markets breathe. They expand, contract, and recalibrate — especially in a state as large and economically diverse as Texas.
In other words, July didn’t signal a slowdown so much as a normal fluctuation. Think of it as the construction industry’s version of taking a water break — a brief pause before the next surge of activity.
Earlier this week, we used HBW’s construction data reports to identify the leading home builders across the four major metros of Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas. Today, we are digging deeper into the where, how many, and at what value — the kind of granular permit intelligence that construction professionals rely on to stay proactive in their marketing, bidding, and business development strategies.
Houston
Total Permits: 2,484 Total Value: $740,095,704 Average Value: $297,945
Top Counties for Total Permits:
- Harris County: 783 permits |Total Value: $257,919,506
- Montgomery County: 759 permits | Total Value: $190,361,480
Houston once again led the state in sheer volume, accounting for 45.4% of all new permits statewide; that’s nearly half of Texas’ residential construction activity happening in one metro—an impressive concentration that underscores Houston’s continued dominance as a growth engine. At the same time, it is worth noting that the average value of construction in the Houston area landed as the lowest in comparison to all other Texas metros reviewed; the average value of construction (just under $300K) positions Houston as a mid‑range market in terms of project valuation, but its scale is unmatched.
When looking at the leading counties in the area, Harris County, unsurprisingly, topped the list with the highest number of permits in the metro, but Montgomery County was close behind, and together the two counties represent 62% of Houston’s total permit activity.
Dallas
Total Permits: 1,764 Total Value: $658,829,859 Average Value: $373,486
Top Counties for Total Permits:
- Tarrant County: 706 permits | Total Value: $271,610,363
- Collin County: 378 permits | Total Value: $134,112,042
Dallas may not match Houston’s volume, but it certainly flexes its muscles in project value. With an average construction value of $373K, Dallas led all four metros in per‑permit valuation. As one may expect, this suggests a market leaning toward larger homes, higher‑end builds, or more complex residential projects.
Tarrant County accounted for 40% of the metro’s total permits, making it the epicenter of Dallas‑area residential growth. Collin County, while smaller in volume, still contributed significantly and remains one of the most desirable suburban markets in the state.
Austin
Total Permits: 707 Total Value: $235,919,454 Average Value: $333,691
Top Counties for Total Permits:
- Travis County: 422 permits | Total Value: $141,044,704
- Williamson County: 206 permits | Total Value: $69,025,750
Austin continues to behave like Austin—smaller in volume but strong in value. With an average construction value of $333K, the metro sits comfortably between Dallas and Houston in terms of project valuation.
Travis County accounted for 59.7% of all Austin permits, reinforcing its role as the region’s residential construction nucleus. Williamson County remains a powerful secondary market, especially for builders targeting master‑planned communities and suburban expansion.
San Antonio
Total Permits: 513 Total Value: $155,430,987 Average Value: $302,984
Top County for Total Permits:
- Bexar County: 361 permits | $113,469,387
San Antonio rounds out the four metros with a modest but meaningful 513 permits, and an average value just over $302K. Bexar County alone represented 70% of all permits in the metro, making it one of the most concentrated county‑level markets in the entire state.
While San Antonio doesn’t match the explosive volume of Houston or the high‑value builds of Dallas, its consistency and balanced valuation make it a stable and predictable market, something construction professionals often appreciate more than volatility.
Key Insights:
1. Houston dominates statewide activity – With 45% of all Texas permits, Houston remains the most fertile ground for builders, suppliers, and service providers looking to scale quickly.
2. Dallas leads in average construction value – At $373K per permit, Dallas is the go‑to market for higher‑value residential projects. If your business thrives on premium materials, custom builds, or specialized trades, this metro should be on your radar.
3. Austin remains value‑strong despite lower volume – Austin’s average value of $333K reflects a market that prioritizes quality and design—consistent with its reputation for architectural innovation and higher‑end residential demand.
4. San Antonio offers stability and concentration – With 70% of permits in Bexar County, San Antonio provides a tightly focused market where targeted outreach can yield strong returns.
5. County‑level concentration matters – For marketing and business development, knowing where permits cluster is just as important as knowing how many exist. As of last month, Harris, Tarrant, Travis, and Bexar counties proved to be the top hotspots, while Montgomery and Williamson counties offer strong secondary opportunities.
Whether you are a builder, subcontractor, supplier, or industry consultant, the figures for July paint a clear picture of how each Texas metro is currently positioned. Houston continues to be the prime place for volume‑driven growth, offering the kind of permit density that supports aggressive expansion strategies. Dallas, with its notably higher average project values, stands out as the ideal market for targeting more upscale or complex residential builds. Austin, true to form, rewards specialized, design‑forward offerings and remains a stronghold for companies that thrive on architectural nuance and higher‑end customization. Meanwhile, San Antonio offers a pattern of steady, predictable expansion which can be an appealing environment for professionals who value consistency and long‑term market stability.
In other words: Texas is big enough for every strategy—just make sure you are playing in the right sandbox.
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.