The construction of senior housing across the United States has reached its lowest point in over a decade, coinciding with a growing population of seniors.
According to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care, only 0.4% inventory growth was recorded in the first quarter of 2026, a stark contrast to previous years where growth averaged around 1.5% for independent living and 3.2% for assisted living.
In North Texas, the older population is projected to increase significantly. The North Central Texas Council of Governments estimated that residents aged 60 and over would grow from 573,265 in 2019 to 765,329 by 2024, marking a 33.5% rise in just five years.
This demographic shift highlights the urgent need for more senior housing options, especially as occupancy rates have been rising for 19 consecutive quarters, reaching 89.5% in early 2026.
Despite the increasing demand, construction has slowed due to high costs associated with labor and materials. Lisa McCracken from NIC noted that many developers are hesitant to initiate new projects under current financial conditions. As a result, the industry is now delivering more units than it is starting, indicating a significant gap between supply and demand in the senior housing market.
