Strong Single-Family Permit Gains to Start the Year

The total number of single-family permits issued year-to-date (YTD) nationwide reached 164,901— a 16.6% increase over February 2020. Single-family permits increased in all four regions, with the Midwest reporting the strongest increase (24%) and the West reporting the smallest increase (13.6%).

Growth in single-family permits occurred in 44 states and the District of Columbia, while six states registered a decline. The District of Columbia recorded the highest growth rate (308.3%), with an increase from 12 to 49, while single-family permits in Vermont declined by 17.7%, from 124 in 2020 to 102 in 2021. The 10 states issuing the highest number of single-family permits combined accounted for 63.8% of the total single-family permits issued.

Here are top 10 metro areas that issued the highest number of single-family permits:

Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, NAHB assistant vice president for forecasting and analysis, provides more in this Eye on Housing post.

*Note: All articles have been redistributed from NAHBnow.com*