<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from M.D.C.
Holdings, Inc. consolidated financial statements included in its Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended September 30, 2000 and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 18,939
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 10,657
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 823,262
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 0
<PP&E> 2,946
<DEPRECIATION> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,059,305
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 0
<BONDS> 384,245
0
0
<COMMON> 285
<OTHER-SE> 440,323
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 1,059,305
<SALES> 1,191,769
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 1,213,044
<CGS> (1,032,745)
<TOTAL-COSTS> (1,071,690)
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<INCOME-PRETAX> 141,354
<INCOME-TAX> (57,264)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 84,090
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 84,090
<EPS-BASIC> 3.90
<EPS-DILUTED> 3.83
</TABLE>