According to Rider Levett Bucknall’s (RLB) latest crane index report, the total number of cranes on commercial projects in North American cities has decreased by 10%, or by 51 cranes, from the first quarter to the third quarter of 2023. 

Out of the fourteen cities surveyed, six experienced a decrease in the number of cranes by greater than 20%, two saw an increase, and six remained the same. RLB attributes the decline to the amount of projects approaching completion during this period. Additionally, as interest rates continue to rise, private-sector construction is showing signs of slowing down. 

Toronto continues to feature the most cranes, with 240 cranes, over nearly 200 more than any U.S. city measured. Boston experienced a 122% increase in cranes, joining Toronto as the only cities that saw an increase in crane counts. Seattle led cities in the U.S. with 45 cranes, followed by Los Angeles with 30. 

As noted by RLB, despite the dip in crane numbers, the residential sector continues to see the most consistent growth, along with mixed-use projects, which account for 72% of the overall count. The crane count is expected to remain steady for the remainder of 2023.