<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM MDC
HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN ITS FORM 10-K FOR
THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE
TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                          11,304
<SECURITIES>                                     5,159
<RECEIVABLES>                                   10,218
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    434,812
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                     0
<PP&E>                                           9,411
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 617,303
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                0
<BONDS>                                        253,346
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           231
<OTHER-SE>                                     213,616
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   617,303
<SALES>                                        890,536
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               922,595
<CGS>                                        (862,569)
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                (889,841)
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             (3,773)
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 32,754
<INCOME-TAX>                                  (11,995)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             20,799
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                  (421)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    20,378
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.06
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .96