Housing and Economic Activity Nationwide at 91% of Normal

Nationwide, metro-area markets ran at 91 percent of normal economic and housing activity in the first quarter of 2015, according to the National Association of Home Builders’ Leading Markets Index.

Markets in 68 of the 360 metro areas nationwide returned or surpassed their previous normal levels of activity in the first quarter. Sixty-eight percent of markets have shown an improvement year-over-year.

Baton Rouge, La., was the highest performing large-market area in the nation, with housing and economic activity at 43 percent better than its last normal level. At the top of the smaller metros list is Midland and Odessa, Texas, which are both experiencing activity twice as high as normal.

"The markets are continuing to make gains," said NAHB Chairman Tom Woods in a statement. "A strengthening economy and low interest rates should spur the release of pent-up demand and keep housing moving forward this year."