Value of private nonresidential construction

Between 2020 and 2025, the private non-residential construction sector in the United States rebounded from pandemic-era disruptions and tracked a moderate upward trend. In 2020, expenditures stood at $584.60 billion. Activity contracted by 2.7% to $568.60 billion in 2021, largely reflecting the lingering effects of shutdowns, reduced business confidence, and hesitance around major capital projects as uncertainty remained high. However, the sector quickly regained momentum in 2022, growing by 3.4% to $588.20 billion as businesses adapted to new conditions, remote work fueled the development of distribution and warehousing, and consumer-facing industries resumed expansion.

The most dramatic shift emerged in 2023, with a substantial 16.7% jump to $686.40 billion. This surge was driven primarily by pent-up demand, a recovery in retail and entertainment construction, and robust investment in life sciences, data centers, and logistics infrastructure. Commercial real estate received a boost as the economy rebounded, companies pursued new business models, and capital availability increased through both private and public sector support. Public incentives for reshoring manufacturing and tech sector expansion also contributed to increased construction activity during this time.

Growth continued into 2024, albeit at a slower pace, with value rising by just 1.1% to $694.00 billion as the post-pandemic boom tapered off and interest rates began to climb. In 2025, activity declined by 3.9% to $667.28 billion, influenced by tighter financial conditions, high construction costs, and a more cautious approach from businesses facing economic headwinds. Over the entire period from 2020 to 2025, private non-residential construction increased by 14.1%, or $82.68 billion, marking a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%. The trajectory reflects a sector still recovering from major shocks but resilient in adapting to technological change and shifting business needs.

For context, these years did not reach the historic peak of $666.00 billion recorded in 2008 prior to the financial crisis but did far exceed the trough of $454.80 billion in 2010, when the industry suffered a dramatic contraction of nearly 32%. The recent years are notable for the rapid rise and fall of certain segments, especially those supporting e-commerce, logistics, and the digital economy, as brick-and-mortar retail construction has faced ongoing pressure.