Rural counties have highest growth, urban areas have most starts

MADISON — The latest new home construction numbers released by the Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) shows new home construction is up 36% statewide. 

The data, submitted by all municipalities across Wisconsin, shows 3,692 new home permits were pulled statewide between Jan. 1 and March 31, about 980 more permits than in quarter one of 2023. 

“Wisconsin is showing numbers that are on par with both Midwest and national numbers, which are 36% and 43%, respectively,” said WBA President Jim Doering. “In February alone, we saw a 50% increase in permits pulled throughout the state.”

The counties that saw the highest growth year-over-year in Quarter One — more than 130% — were Barron, Florence, Iron, Marinette, Milwaukee, Pierce, Sawyer, and Sheboygan counties. Metropolitan areas of the state saw the highest numbers of permits pulled in quarter one with Brown County; 177, Dane County; 396, Milwaukee County; 275, and Waukesha County; 193.  

“Lack of existing inventory continues to fuel the homebuilding industry” said WBA Executive Director Brad Boycks. “Coupled with a relatively mild winter, we are very pleased with the stable increase in single family permits compared to quarter one last year.”