MONROE - The number of new homes built within Green County in 2015 jumped to its highest since 2008, according to the zoning department's annual report.
Green County saw 57 new houses built last year. Monroe Township had the biggest jump with eight new homes. In 2014, there was just a single residence built within the township.
Other areas, such as Spring Grove, Albany and Brooklyn, all saw additions of five or more.
In the city of Monroe, there were two single-family homes built in 2015 for $187,500 while three duplexes were also constructed within the city. The average amount spent on the duplexes was $201,000. In 2014, only one single-family home and one duplex was built. The home was $140,000 while the duplex was $240,000.
Zoning administrator Adam Wiegel pointed to the economy as a likely cause behind the rise in numbers, though he was not sure there was a specific reason for the number of new homes within the county to have more than doubled their total compared to 2014.
"I don't think there is a reason," Wiegel said. "The economy is picking up. We're definitely seeing more construction for new homes."
While he noted the uptick in figures, Wiegel has also seen the average amount spent on a new home remain the same over a number of years.
This year's figure was just more than $220,000, which Wiegel said has been the average in previous years. The number is an estimate provided by the builder and is only the value of the house itself.
Wiegel said the county has also seen a willingness to invest in extra features on homes already standing. He said the number of homeowners who have put money into adding a deck or front porch has increased as well.
Green County saw 57 new houses built last year. Monroe Township had the biggest jump with eight new homes. In 2014, there was just a single residence built within the township.
Other areas, such as Spring Grove, Albany and Brooklyn, all saw additions of five or more.
In the city of Monroe, there were two single-family homes built in 2015 for $187,500 while three duplexes were also constructed within the city. The average amount spent on the duplexes was $201,000. In 2014, only one single-family home and one duplex was built. The home was $140,000 while the duplex was $240,000.
Zoning administrator Adam Wiegel pointed to the economy as a likely cause behind the rise in numbers, though he was not sure there was a specific reason for the number of new homes within the county to have more than doubled their total compared to 2014.
"I don't think there is a reason," Wiegel said. "The economy is picking up. We're definitely seeing more construction for new homes."
While he noted the uptick in figures, Wiegel has also seen the average amount spent on a new home remain the same over a number of years.
This year's figure was just more than $220,000, which Wiegel said has been the average in previous years. The number is an estimate provided by the builder and is only the value of the house itself.
Wiegel said the county has also seen a willingness to invest in extra features on homes already standing. He said the number of homeowners who have put money into adding a deck or front porch has increased as well.