Wisconsin Sees Stable Single-Family Housing Permit Activity Through First Half of 2026; Walworth County Down

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin's single-family housing market remained steady through the first half of 2026, with new home construction permits edging up 1.1% statewide compared to the same period in 2025, according to data released by the Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA).

Municipalities across Wisconsin issued 7,034 single-family housing permits during the first six months of 2026, up from 6,960 permits during the same period last year. While second-quarter permit activity dipped 3.6% compared to April through June of 2025, the year-to-date numbers indicate continued demand for new housing across much of the state.

"Despite ongoing affordability challenges and economic uncertainty, Wisconsin's housing market continues to demonstrate resilience," said Andy Selner, President of the Wisconsin Builders Association. "The modest year-to-date increase is encouraging, but it also underscores that demand for housing continues to outpace supply in many communities. Wisconsin must continue advancing policies that support home construction and expand housing opportunities for families across the state."

Regional Highlights Counties with notable gains for the second quarter include:

Crawford County 83.3% (10)

Portage County 77.1% (27)

Sheboygan County 71.4% (40)

Racine County 40.5% (32)

St. Croix County 37.9% (55)

Door County 36.1% (22)

Fond du Lac County 34.1% (14)

Year to Date Summary

Several counties experienced particularly strong year-to-date growth, including:

Barron County (+63.2%)

Racine County (+58.7%)

Fond du Lac County (+47.0%)

Sheboygan County (+48.9%)

Bayfield County (+44.4%)

Portage County (+38.3%)

Columbia County (+35.4%)

Green County (+34.1%)

Calumet County (+27.8%)

Meanwhile, some of Wisconsin's largest markets posted slower permit activity during the first half of the year, including Outagamie (-22.8%), Milwaukee (-38.7%), Kenosha (-48.6%), and Jefferson (-37.6%), illustrating the uneven pace of residential construction across the state.

Walworth County was up 23.5% for the second quarter with 100 permits pulled, compared to 81 pulled in Q2 2025. Year to date, Walworth County has seen a 7.7% drop with 180 permits pulled through June in 2026 and 195 for the same timeframe in 2025.

The permit data is compiled using information submitted by municipalities to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), as required under 2015 Wisconsin Act 211.

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See all Wisconsin building permit numbers.

About the Wisconsin Builders Association

The Wisconsin Builders Association continues to advocate for policies that increase housing supply by reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers, addressing workforce shortages, and improving housing affordability for Wisconsin residents.

About the Lakeland Builders Association

Lakeland Builders Associations (LBA) is local association that is part of the Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Chartered in 1979. LBA serves the building industry and their communities in and around the Lake Geneva area of Walworth County, Wisconsin.