107.5FM WCCN The Rock - The Coolest Station in the Nation
ESPN 92.3FM WOSQ
92.7FM WPKG
Memories 1370AM 98.5FM
98.7FM / 1450AM WDLB - Timeless Classics
Listen Live: 107.5 THE ROCK • 92.7 FM
Family owned radio stations serving all of Central Wisconsin

Wisconsin Builders Association Reports an 8.7% Increase in Single-Family Housing Permits

Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 -- 11:00 AM

The Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) reports 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 through June 2025, a total of 3,512 permits were issued, up from 3,231 during the same months in 2024. 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.

“This data is an encouraging sign that builders across the state are responding to demand,” said WBA Executive Director Brad Boycks. “While growth isn’t uniform across all counties, we’re seeing strong gains in several key areas that indicate ongoing consumer interest in single-family homes.”

Adams County led all counties in growth percentage for Q2, surging by 187.5%, issuing 46 permits compared to just 16 last year. Other counties with notable gains include:

  • Jefferson County (+119%)
  • Racine County (+71.7%)
  • Burnett County (+70%)
  • Polk County (+58.7%)

Waukesha County, a historically high-permitting area, rose by 50.6%, issuing 244 permits this quarter. Door County nearly doubled its activity (+48.8%), and Sheboygan County saw a healthy 43.6% increase.

While overall trends are positive, several counties experienced downturns. Vilas County saw the steepest decline, dropping 94% from 67 permits last year to just 4 in Q2 2025.

Other significant drops include:

  • Oneida County (-77.9%)
  • Iron County (-100%)
  • Taylor County (-34.8%)

Notably, Milwaukee County, despite a 15.4% increase in Q2, remains down 62.1% year-to-date, highlighting a sharp pullback in urban building activity compared to suburban and rural counterparts.

Year-to-Date Summary

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% YTD.
  • Brown County ranks third with 368 permits, though that's a 9.4% decrease year-over-year.
  • Many rural counties continue to show volatility due to small base numbers, but several like Columbia (+33.9%), Marathon (+33.1%), and Polk (+36.5%) showed meaningful increases YTD.

“The permitting data is a strong pulse-check for the state’s housing health,” said Mike Derrick, WBA President. “These numbers show resilience amid a challenging market influenced by material costs, labor availability, and interest rate fluctuations. Builders remain cautiously optimistic.”

The WBA will continue to monitor trends and advocate for policies that promote sustainable growth in housing across all regions of Wisconsin.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.