Ohio Adds 4,600 Construction Jobs as Multifamily Starts Drop 23%
Construction employment rose in 31 states, led by Ohio, while multifamily housing starts fell sharply in August.
Key points
- Ohio added 4,600 construction jobs in August, the largest numerical gain among all US states.
- Multifamily housing starts dropped 23 percent month-over-month, while single-family starts rose 2.6 percent.
- 138 Ohio municipalities have active data center moratoriums, supported by 78 percent of state residents.
Seasonally adjusted construction employment increased in 31 states between July and August 2026. Ohio recorded the largest numerical gain with 4,600 new jobs, representing a 1.7 percent rise. This growth outpaced all other states in absolute terms.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows a mixed national picture. Sixteen states and the District of Columbia saw declines in employment. Mississippi posted the largest percentage increase at 2.6 percent, adding 1,400 positions.
Housing Starts Show Sharp Multifamily Decline
Census Bureau data reveals a significant drop in multifamily construction activity. Starts for buildings with five or more units fell 23 percent from July. This monthly decline marks a sharp reversal in the multifamily sector.
Single-family starts moved in the opposite direction during the same period. They increased 2.6 percent month-over-month and rose 5.2 percent year-over-year. This divergence highlights a split in the residential market.
Residential building permits also reflected this uneven trend. Total permits declined 2.7 percent from July but remained up 3.5 percent year-over-year. Multifamily permits specifically slid 3.1 percent for the month.
Local Opposition to Data Centers Grows
Resistance to data center construction is accelerating in Ohio. At least 138 municipalities and townships have active moratoriums as of September 17. This represents a rapid shift in local government policy.
Public sentiment strongly supports these restrictions according to recent polling. Seventy-eight percent of Ohioans favor moratoriums until more information is gathered. Seventy-five percent oppose construction in their immediate communities.
Year-to-Date Permit Trends Diverge by State
National Association of Home Builders data shows varied permit trends. Thirty states and the District of Columbia recorded multifamily permit increases from January to July. The District of Columbia posted the largest percentage rise at 109 percent.
Nevada experienced the steepest decline in multifamily permits during the same period. Permits fell 42 percent from 3,916 to 2,271 units. Texas, the state with the highest permit volume, saw a 20.5 percent drop.
