BUILDER Magazine has released its ranking of the best and worst builder markets in the U.S. and the Greater Springfield, Missouri market ranks as the healthiest building market in Missouri, at #67 in the ranking’s top 100 U.S. markets.
Other Missouri builder markets appearing in the top 100 included Kansas City (#71) and St. Louis (#94). The Little Rock/North Little Rock/Conway, Arkansas market scored the highest in the immediate area, at number 16. Fayetteville/Rogers/Springdale, Arkansas was ranked 18th healthiest in the U.S.
The Builder Market Heatlh Index is a comprehensive measure of economic conditions that contribute to a healthy environment for increased residential construction. Rising unemployment, coupled with falling home prices and family incomes, conspired to add to the deterioration of housing market conditions throughout the country during the first nine months of 2009. With the possible exception of Austin, Texas, virtually no housing market in the country is “healthy” by historical standards. In a classically healthy market, employment would be rising, along with home prices and incomes.
Still, some markets are faring better than others, and the Greater Springfield, Missouri area appears to be weathering the storm better than most U.S. markets. For the full article and a list of the top 100 markets in the U.S., visit BUILDER Magazine online.