MADISON — The Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) reports that single-family home construction across the state showed modest growth through the third quarter of 2025, according to data compiled from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
From July through September 2025, 3,439 new single-family housing permits were issued statewide — a 4.8% increase from the same period in 2024. Year-to-date, Wisconsin communities have issued 10,399 permits, up 1.9% from 2024 levels.
“This steady growth is an encouraging sign that Wisconsin’s housing market is stabilizing,” said Mike Derrick, President of the Wisconsin Builders Association. “While some areas continue to experience challenges with labor, development costs, and local regulations, the overall increase shows that builders are responding to strong housing demand across the state.”
Several counties experienced significant increases in permit activity compared to last year, including:
Racine County (+153.3%)
Portage County (+147.1%)
Price County (+160.0%)
Calumet County (+75.0%)
Door County (+74.8%)
Other growth hotspots include St. Croix, Waukesha, Marathon, and Outagamie Counties, all posting double-digit increases year-to-date.
Despite statewide gains, some regions saw slower activity or declines — most notably Milwaukee County, which saw a 54.8% decrease year-to-date, and Oneida and Vilas Counties, which also experienced sharp drops.
While these fluctuations reflect local market conditions, the overall upward trend reinforces the need to continue addressing barriers to housing affordability, including zoning restrictions, infrastructure costs, and the availability of buildable lots.
The WBA is encouraged by a package of bipartisan housing bills currently making their way through the Wisconsin Legislature, each designed to help increase housing supply and affordability across the state. These proposals — supported by WBA and industry stakeholders — include:
AB 194 (WHEDA Loan Programs): Expands loan programs through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) to support workforce and affordable housing projects.
AB 450 (Building Code Update): Delays effective date of the commercial building code to April 1, 2026.
AB 451 (Workforce Housing TIF): Provides local governments greater flexibility in financing housing-related infrastructure through pay-as-you-go tax increment financing.
AB 452 (Platting Reforms): Streamlines the subdivision approval process and increases predictability for developers, reducing delays in bringing new lots to market.
AB 453 (Truth in Planning): Improves transparency in local planning processes and ensures comprehensive plans reflect realistic housing and growth needs.
AB 449 (Accessory Dwelling Units): Allows for the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), such as in-law suites, to expand housing options within existing neighborhoods.
AB 454 (New WHEDA Loan Program): Establishes a new WHEDA-administered loan fund to assist individuals who are purchasing workforce homes.
“These bills work together to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our housing market — from financing and lot development to regulatory barriers,” said Brad Boycks, WBA Executive Director. “If enacted, this legislative package will help Wisconsin communities deliver the types of homes families need at prices they can afford.”
About the Wisconsin Builders Association
The Wisconsin Builders Association is a professional trade association comprised of 20 local associations dedicated to helping members build communities around the state. We advocate the interests of 4,000 home building industry members to keep housing affordable and accessible for Wisconsin families, Protecting the American Dream for over 75 years.
