The Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) reported an 8.7% increase in single-family housing permits statewide for the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, signaling cautious but continued momentum in the residential construction sector.
From April-June, a total of 3,512 permits were issued, up from 3,231 during the same months last year. Year-to-date, the increase is more modest, with 6,960 total permits so far in 2025, a 0.5% rise over the 6,923 permits issued at the same point last year.
Dane County continues to lead the state in total volume with 711 permits, a slight 1.6% increase from last year. Waukesha County is close behind at 442 permits, up 24.5% year-to-date.
While overall trends are positive, several Wisconsin counties experienced downturns. Notably, Milwaukee County, despite a 15.4% increase in the second quarter, remains down 62.1% year-to-date, highlighting a sharp pullback in urban building activity compared to suburban and rural counterparts.
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