BOSTON — Dodge Construction Network estimates that U.S. construction spending remained relatively flat in February 2026, highlighting continued market stability even as official federal data remains delayed.
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With the U.S. Census Bureau still working through reporting delays caused by the recent government shutdown, Dodge’s economics team has stepped in to provide independent projections based on its long-standing data collection and forecasting capabilities.
According to Dodge, total construction put-in-place spending for February reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2.19 trillion, representing a slight 0.1% decline from January’s estimated $2.19 trillion. On a year-over-year basis, spending rose approximately 1% compared to February 2025, signaling modest growth across the sector.
The temporary absence of timely federal reporting has increased reliance on private-sector data providers like Dodge. The firm noted that its methodology closely aligns with federal standards, particularly for single-family construction, and draws on decades of project-level tracking.
Dodge’s dataset spans construction activity from early planning stages through groundbreaking, offering visibility into project pipelines and spending patterns. The company emphasized that its estimates follow Census conventions to ensure consistency during the reporting gap.
“Dodge supplies some of the inputs used in the Census’ own construction spending calculations and has collected detailed construction starts data for decades,” the report stated.
The firm also highlighted that its historical database, which dates back to 1967, provides a strong foundation for forecasting construction starts, spending and overall building activity across more than 20 sectors.
Despite the slight monthly dip, the year-over-year increase suggests the construction industry continues to show resilience. The relatively stable spending levels indicate that project pipelines remain active, even amid broader economic uncertainties and administrative disruptions.
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Dodge’s estimates point to a market that is neither overheating nor contracting sharply, but instead maintaining a steady pace of activity. This trend is particularly important for contractors, developers and suppliers seeking predictability in planning and resource allocation.
The firm’s analysis also underscores the importance of reliable data in guiding decision-making across the construction industry. With official figures delayed, access to credible interim estimates allows stakeholders to monitor trends and adjust strategies accordingly.
While the federal government has resumed operations, Dodge expects continued delays in Census data releases in the near term. As a result, industry participants may continue to depend on alternative data sources to track construction spending and market performance.
Dodge’s role as both a contributor to federal data inputs and an independent analytics provider positions it as a key resource during periods of uncertainty.
Originally reported by Eric Gaus, Dodge Chief Economist, and Sarah Martin, Associate Director of Forecasting in Construction.
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