Wisconsin Homebuilding Sees Modest Growth in 2024, With Major Regional Variations
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Alicia Naleid, Director of Communications
(608) 242-5151 ext. 13
Wisconsin Homebuilding Sees Modest Growth in 2024, With Major Regional Variations
March 11, 2025 – The Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) has released 2024 year-end numbers, showing a one percent increase in new home construction permits in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023, with year-end figures showing a 10% growth in home building activity. The latest data is compiled of county-specific statistics through December for building permits submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
“The data underscores the resilience and challenges of Wisconsin’s housing market,” said WBA President Mike Derrick. “While some counties are experiencing a surge in development, other face declining permit numbers which could impact housing affordability and availability in those areas.”
Major Growth Areas: Several counties experienced notable surges in new home permits, including Milwaukee (+111.8%), Racine (+618.2%), Rock (+46.9%), Winnebago (+69.2%), and Washburn (+57.6%). These increases suggest heightened demand in urban and suburban markets.
Counties with Declines: Some areas saw significant slowdowns, including Dane County (-18.6%), Marathon (-21.6%), Columbia (-25.7%), and Door (-40.9%). These decreases may be tied to economic conditions, regulatory hurdles, or local housing supply challenges.
Extreme Outliers: The most dramatic increase occurred in Racine County, which saw a staggering 618.2% jump in Q4 permits, while Dane County saw an 88.1% decline in the same period—one of the sharpest drops in the state.
Steady Growth in Rural Areas: Counties such as Sauk (+28.7%), Oconto (+16.1%), and Trempealeau (+25.6%) saw moderate and steady increases, indicating sustained demand in rural housing markets.
“We will continue to monitor homebuilding activity which will be included in ongoing discussions on regulatory impacts, affordability concerns, and the economic conditions impacting both the industry and homeowners across the state,” said WBA Executive Director Brad Boycks.
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About the Wisconsin Builders Association
The Wisconsin Builders Association is a professional trade association comprised of 21 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.