The Rise in Multifamily Housing Construction
New duplexes and apartment builds are increasing across the country — especially in rural areas.
Get efficient waste solutions for multifamily housing jobsites:

Multifamily Housing: The Trends and Challenges of Rural Construction
As demand for affordable housing in the United States continues to rise, so does the need for construction. While only a little over a third of the U.S. rents, a majority of this new construction includes multifamily units in rural areas, where infrastructure is set to be improved under the current administration.
At Dumpsters.com, we provide essential solutions for these large-scale projects, ensuring that builders have the jobsite support they need to keep their projects safe and moving.
Let’s look at trends, challenges and our role in streamlining waste removal, with expert input from Dumpsters.com Account Executive Clay Hegarty.
Multifamily Housing FAQs
What cities are seeing the biggest boom in multifamily housing construction?
According to Construction Coverage, the top U.S. cities seeing significant growth in multifamily housing construction include:
- New York, NY
- Miami, FL
- San Diego, CA
- Boston, MA
- Hartford, CT
- San Jose, CA
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Seattle, WA
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Francisco, CA
What challenges are involved in multifamily housing construction projects?
The challenges multifamily housing construction jobs face typically vary by project. Some of these include supply chain shortages, inflation of material costs, shortages of skilled laborers, meeting waste diversion requirements and geographic constraints.
What’s the average cost to build a multifamily home?
The cost of building a multifamily home depends on the type and size of the structure. Apartment complexes might cost anywhere from $95 to $645 per square foot. Based on data compiled by SoFi, the national average cost sits at around $12.5 million per building, while the U.S. Census Bureau reports the average size of a multifamily housing unit is about 1,000 sqft. The cost of condos, duplexes and co-ops largely depends on:
- Location
- Building type
- Number of units
- Number of stories
- Access to materials
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What are the Trends in Multifamily Housing Construction?
Building affordable multifamily housing units has been a driving factor in real estate construction, along with remote work cultures, infrastructure investments and availability of land.
While cities and suburbs have traditionally dominated apartment, condo and duplex builds, new residential construction has seen recent surges in multifamily housing projects. The factors contributing to this trend include:
Housing Affordability
Higher living costs in cities and suburbs make renting multifamily units in less populated areas more attractive.
Remote Work Culture
Almost 70% of U.S. employers have flexible policies on working remotely, meaning more people are able to work from anywhere.
Infrastructure Investments
Federal, state, and local organizations advocate for rural infrastructure improvements, including multifamily housing.
Incentives & Land Availability
Land in rural areas is cheaper than suburban and urban areas due to demand and regulatory factors.
What are the Challenges of Rural Multifamily Housing Construction?
With the sector set to grow, several challenges — including supply chain disruptions, ongoing labor shortages, waste disposal requirements and regulatory compliance — could impact multifamily housing construction in rural areas in the coming years:
Supply Chain Disruptions
Tariffs and material shortages may delay multifamily projects, especially in areas with limited access.
Ongoing Labor Shortages
Hiring skilled laborers remains a nationwide challenge, impacting schedules, costs and multifamily home construction.
Waste Removal Logistics
Remote jobsites mean limited access to equipment, making an efficient dumpster rental strategy crucial.
Regulatory Hurdles
Zoning laws, regulations and permits vary, delaying projects without proper planning and expertise.
Dumpsters.com's Role in Rural Multifamily Construction
With service nationwide, we help contractors and project owners manage multifamily home construction debris efficiently, no matter the location. Our expertise includes:
- Customized Waste Management Plans: We customize dumpster rentals for multifamily projects, ensuring optimal placement and service.
- Reliable Service in Rural Areas: Our extensive network allows us to deliver and swap out dumpsters in even the most remote locations.
- Regulatory Compliance Support: We assist builders in adhering to local disposal regulations and sustainability goals.
Why Partner with a Nationwide Provider for Rural Construction?
Working with a skilled nationwide waste removal partner like Dumpsters.com offers significant advantages for rural multifamily housing projects:
Nationwide Network
No matter where or when you need service, we provide dependable dumpster rentals and timely swaps.
Data-Driven Services
Our project scoping is backed by historical data, ensuring you get the services you need to get the job done.
Tailored Tonnage
Pay for what you need with our custom tonnage estimates, resulting in the right price for your budget.
Sustainability Efforts
Recycling and rebate programs are harder to find in rural areas, but if there’s a need for it, we’ll find it.
5 Most Common Types of Debris Tossed During Multifamily Construction Jobs
1. Concrete & Masonry Debris
We provide dedicated concrete containers — even washout cans — during the initial phases of construction to keep jobsites clean and safe for workers.


2. Lumber & Drywall
After building foundations are set, crews get to work framing the structures. Our timely service keeps pace during this ongoing phase that can last multiple months.

"The framing phase of construction — when the build goes vertical— can require upwards of six swaps a day for several months.”
3. Material Packaging
Most materials come in plastic packaging or are shipped on wood pallets, which we tackle with tailored tonnage options to fit your exact needs.


"We use weight data built up from thousands of multifamily projects nationwide to provide our customers with the most comprehensive solutions and competitive rates.”

4. Roofing & Insulation
Shingles and insulation can be hard to dispose of. Our in-house experts have the knowledge to provide the safest and most effective solutions.
5. Metal Framing & Wiring
While less prevalent in housing jobs, metal waste can be recycled for rebates or to meet sustainability goals on projects requiring specific waste diversion rates.

Keeping Pace in the Housing Race
As multifamily housing construction expands into rural areas, managing construction debris efficiently is more important than ever. With the right waste management partner, developers can keep their projects on track while maintaining environmental compliance.
At Dumpsters.com, we’re committed to the evolving needs of the multifamily housing industry. Whether your jobs are in North Dakota or North Carolina, we ensure your projects run smoothly from start to finish. Reach out today to see how we can help you save time, remain within budget, and keep your housing builds moving.


