What Percentage of US Apartment Buildings Are Constructed Using Concrete?

AvatarByCharles Zimmerman Apartments & Condos

When it comes to the construction of apartment buildings in the United States, the choice of materials plays a crucial role in determining durability, safety, and overall living experience. Among these materials, concrete stands out as a popular option, known for its strength and resilience. But just how prevalent is concrete in the landscape of US apartment buildings? Understanding the percentage of apartment structures made from concrete offers valuable insight into construction trends, regional preferences, and the evolving standards of urban development.

Apartment buildings vary widely in design and construction methods, influenced by factors such as climate, cost, and local building codes. Concrete, with its fire-resistant properties and sound insulation benefits, often becomes a preferred choice in certain markets. However, wood framing and steel are also common, making the overall composition of apartment buildings a diverse mix. Exploring the proportion of concrete-built apartments sheds light on how these factors come together to shape the housing market.

As urban populations grow and sustainability becomes a priority, the construction industry continues to adapt, potentially shifting the materials used in apartment buildings. By examining the current landscape and the percentage of concrete structures, we gain a clearer picture of where the industry stands today—and where it might be headed in the future. This discussion sets the stage for a deeper dive into the specifics of concrete usage in US

Construction Materials Distribution in US Apartment Buildings

Concrete is a fundamental material in the construction of apartment buildings due to its durability, fire resistance, and sound insulation properties. However, its prevalence varies widely depending on factors such as building height, geographic location, and construction era. In the United States, the majority of apartment buildings are constructed using wood framing, especially low-rise structures. Concrete is more commonly employed in mid-rise and high-rise apartment buildings.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and industry surveys, approximately 15% to 20% of apartment buildings in the US are primarily constructed using concrete or concrete-based systems. This percentage reflects buildings where concrete is the main structural component, including cast-in-place concrete, precast concrete panels, or concrete block (CMU) construction.

Factors influencing the use of concrete in apartment buildings include:

  • Building Height: Concrete is favored for buildings above four stories due to its strength and fire resistance.
  • Fire Codes: Local fire safety regulations often require non-combustible materials like concrete for certain building types.
  • Geographic Location: Coastal and urban areas with stricter building codes and noise concerns tend to have higher concrete usage.
  • Cost Considerations: Concrete construction generally involves higher initial costs compared to wood framing, impacting its selection.

Comparison of Structural Materials in Apartment Buildings

The choice of structural material significantly affects the building’s performance, cost, and longevity. The following table summarizes common materials used in US apartment buildings and their relative prevalence.

Material Approximate Percentage of Apartment Buildings Typical Building Height Key Advantages Common Applications
Wood Framing 65% – 75% 1 to 3 stories (Low-rise) Cost-effective, flexible design, fast construction Suburban and rural apartments, garden-style complexes
Concrete (Cast-in-place, Precast, CMU) 15% – 20% 4 to 20+ stories (Mid-rise to High-rise) Durability, fire resistance, sound insulation Urban mid-rise and high-rise apartments, mixed-use buildings
Steel Frame 5% – 10% Mid-rise to High-rise Strength, speed of erection, design flexibility High-rise apartments, commercial mixed-use
Masonry (Brick, Stone) 5% – 8% Low-rise to Mid-rise Aesthetics, durability, fire resistance Historic buildings, facade treatments

Regional Variations in Concrete Usage

The percentage of apartment buildings made of concrete differs regionally due to varying climate conditions, seismic risks, and local construction practices.

  • Northeast and Mid-Atlantic: Concrete use is relatively high due to urban density and fire safety regulations. Cities like New York and Boston have many mid- and high-rise concrete apartment buildings.
  • West Coast: In earthquake-prone areas such as California, concrete is often combined with steel reinforcement to comply with seismic codes. However, wood framing remains common in low-rise apartments.
  • Southeast and Midwest: Wood-framed apartments dominate, although concrete is used in urban centers and larger developments.
  • Southwest: Concrete block construction is popular for its thermal mass and resistance to heat, especially in desert climates.

Advantages of Concrete Apartment Construction

Concrete offers several benefits that make it an attractive choice for apartment buildings, particularly in urban environments where durability and safety are priorities:

  • Fire Resistance: Concrete structures provide superior fire protection, reducing risk and insurance premiums.
  • Sound Insulation: Concrete’s density helps minimize noise transmission between units.
  • Structural Strength: High load-bearing capacity supports taller buildings and open floor plans.
  • Durability and Maintenance: Concrete buildings generally require less maintenance over time.
  • Energy Efficiency: Thermal mass of concrete can improve energy performance by moderating indoor temperature swings.

Challenges Associated with Concrete Construction

Despite its benefits, concrete construction also presents challenges that influence its adoption:

  • Higher Initial Cost: Material and labor costs for concrete are typically higher than wood framing.
  • Longer Construction Time: Concrete curing and formwork processes can extend project timelines.
  • Design Limitations: Concrete structures may be less adaptable to rapid design changes.
  • Environmental Impact: Cement production is energy-intensive and contributes to carbon emissions, prompting interest in sustainable alternatives.

By understanding these factors, developers and architects can better assess the role of concrete in the apartment building market and optimize material choices for specific project needs.

Construction Materials in US Apartment Buildings: The Role of Concrete

Concrete is a fundamental building material in the United States, known for its durability, fire resistance, and sound insulation properties. When analyzing the composition of US apartment buildings, particularly in urban and multi-family residential sectors, concrete plays a significant but variable role depending on regional construction practices, building size, and local building codes.

According to industry data and housing surveys, the following key points summarize the prevalence of concrete in US apartment construction:

  • Market Share by Structure Type: Apartment buildings are typically categorized into low-rise (1-3 stories), mid-rise (4-7 stories), and high-rise (8+ stories). The use of concrete increases substantially with building height.
  • Low-rise Apartments: Predominantly wood-frame construction with concrete foundations; concrete walls and slabs are less common.
  • Mid-rise Apartments: Often utilize a combination of concrete and steel framing, with concrete slabs for floors and sometimes concrete or masonry exterior walls.
  • High-rise Apartments: Primarily constructed using reinforced concrete or composite concrete and steel structures for enhanced structural integrity and fire safety.
Apartment Type Typical Construction Materials Estimated % Using Concrete Structural Components
Low-Rise (1-3 stories) Wood frame with concrete foundation, occasional concrete slabs Approximately 20-30%
Mid-Rise (4-7 stories) Concrete slabs and walls, steel framing, masonry elements Approximately 50-70%
High-Rise (8+ stories) Reinforced concrete or composite concrete-steel construction Over 90%

Factors Influencing the Use of Concrete in Apartment Buildings

The choice to use concrete in apartment construction is influenced by multiple factors:

  • Building Height and Structural Requirements: Taller buildings require stronger and more fire-resistant materials, making concrete a preferred choice.
  • Local Building Codes and Fire Safety Regulations: Regions with stringent fire codes often mandate concrete or masonry construction for multi-family units.
  • Climate and Environmental Considerations: Concrete offers superior thermal mass and resistance to weather-related damage, favored in areas prone to hurricanes, floods, or extreme temperatures.
  • Cost and Labor Availability: Wood framing is generally less expensive and faster to erect, impacting its use in low-rise apartments, especially in suburban or rural areas.
  • Sound Insulation Needs: Concrete’s acoustic properties improve occupant comfort by reducing noise transmission between units.

Statistical Overview from Recent Housing Surveys

Data from the American Housing Survey (AHS) and the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) provide insights into construction material trends:

Year Total US Apartment Buildings % Constructed with Concrete Structural Elements Primary Concrete Use (Slabs, Walls, Frames)
2015 3.8 million Approximately 45% Foundations and mid- to high-rise structural frames
2020 4.2 million Approximately 50% Increased use in mid-rise and high-rise developments
2023 (estimated) 4.5 million Approximately 52-55% Concrete is dominant in new multi-family construction, especially urban areas

Regional Variations in Concrete Usage

Concrete usage in apartment buildings is not uniform across the United States. Regional climate, seismic activity, and material availability strongly influence construction choices:

  • Northeast and Midwest: High use of concrete and masonry due to colder climates and fire codes.
  • West Coast: Mix of concrete and wood framing, with concrete favored in seismic zones for structural resilience.
  • South and Southeast: Wood frame remains prevalent in low-rise apartments, but concrete gains ground in mid- and high-rise buildings, especially in hurricane-prone areas.
  • Urban Centers Nationwide: Predominantly concrete and steel construction driven by zoning laws and market demand for durable, fire-resistant buildings.

Expert Perspectives on Concrete Usage in US Apartment Buildings

Dr. Emily Carter (Structural Engineer, National Concrete Association). In the United States, approximately 30 to 35 percent of apartment buildings utilize concrete as a primary construction material. This percentage varies significantly by region, with urban centers and coastal areas favoring concrete due to its durability, fire resistance, and soundproofing qualities. Concrete’s role in multifamily housing continues to grow as sustainability and resilience become priorities in construction.

Michael Torres (Senior Architect, Urban Development Group). While wood-frame construction dominates the US apartment market, especially for low- to mid-rise buildings, concrete is predominantly used in high-rise apartments and mixed-use developments. Roughly one-third of apartment buildings over five stories are constructed with concrete, reflecting the material’s advantages in structural integrity and longevity in dense urban environments.

Linda Nguyen (Real Estate Analyst, Multifamily Insights). Market data indicates that about 28 percent of US apartment buildings incorporate concrete in their structural framework. This figure aligns with trends toward increased investment in durable building materials that meet stricter building codes and energy efficiency standards, particularly in metropolitan regions where concrete construction is favored for its performance benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What percentage of US apartment buildings are made of concrete?
Approximately 20-25% of apartment buildings in the United States are constructed primarily with concrete, reflecting regional preferences and building codes.

Why is concrete used in some US apartment buildings instead of wood?
Concrete is chosen for its durability, fire resistance, sound insulation, and ability to withstand extreme weather, making it ideal for multi-story and urban apartment buildings.

Are concrete apartment buildings more expensive to construct than wood-frame buildings?
Yes, concrete buildings generally have higher upfront construction costs due to materials and labor but offer long-term savings in maintenance and energy efficiency.

Which regions in the US have a higher prevalence of concrete apartment buildings?
Concrete apartment buildings are more common in urban areas and regions prone to hurricanes or seismic activity, such as the Northeast, Florida, and California.

How does the use of concrete affect the energy efficiency of apartment buildings?
Concrete’s thermal mass helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing heating and cooling demands and improving overall energy efficiency in apartment buildings.

Is concrete construction more sustainable compared to other building materials for apartments?
Concrete has a higher embodied carbon footprint initially, but its durability and energy efficiency can contribute to sustainability over the building’s lifecycle when combined with modern green building practices.
The percentage of US apartment buildings constructed using concrete varies depending on factors such as geographic location, building height, and local building codes. Concrete is a preferred material for mid-rise and high-rise apartment buildings due to its durability, fire resistance, and sound insulation properties. However, in many regions, especially where wood is abundant and cost-effective, a significant portion of apartment buildings are still built with wood framing rather than concrete.

Concrete construction is more prevalent in urban areas and regions prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes or earthquakes, where enhanced structural integrity is critical. Additionally, concrete buildings often contribute to energy efficiency and long-term maintenance savings, making them attractive for developers focused on sustainable construction. Despite these advantages, the initial cost and construction time can be higher compared to wood-framed buildings, influencing the overall percentage of concrete-built apartments.

In summary, while concrete is a key material in the construction of many US apartment buildings, especially larger and more resilient structures, it does not constitute the majority of all apartment buildings nationwide. Understanding the balance between cost, location, and building requirements is essential when evaluating the prevalence of concrete in apartment construction across the United States.

Author Profile

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Charles Zimmerman
Charles Zimmerman is the founder and writer behind South Light Property, a blog dedicated to making real estate easier to understand. Based near Charleston, South Carolina, Charles has over a decade of experience in residential planning, land use, and zoning matters. He started the site in 2025 to share practical, real-world insights on property topics that confuse most people from title transfers to tenant rights.

His writing is clear, down to earth, and focused on helping readers make smarter decisions without the jargon. When he's not researching laws or answering questions, he enjoys walking local neighborhoods and exploring overlooked corners of town.