Construction crane count dips 44% across 16 major North American cities

The number of cranes in 16 major North American cities fell 44%, or by 8 cranes collectively, as compared to the previous report in the first quarter of the year, according to a biannual report by Rider Levett Bucknall.

“While economic uncertainty influences development decisions, the overall market remains cautiously active,” the report says. Seven of the cities surveyed experienced a decline in crane activity, six held steady, and four saw an increase.

“This distribution suggests a hesitancy in large-scale construction, though signs of growth persist in select markets such as education, federal, and transportation,” the report says. “The balance between declining and rising crane counts points to a transitional phase, where developers are weighing opportunities against ongoing financial pressures.”

Seven cities declined more than 20% from their previous count. New York City’s count dropped from nine to six between the first quarter and third quarter of 2025. Los Angeles’s count decreased from 42 to 26. The change was due to major commercial and cultural projects wrapping up, but transportation activity has picked up modestly in L.A.

Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, and Calgary, Alberta, had crane count increases.