Where are Single-Family and Multifamily Permits Rising?

All 50 states experienced an increase in single-family permits in April compared to one year prior, but multifamily permits were much less stable. During the first quarter of 2021, the total number of single-family issued permits reached 384,196–a 35.6% increase compared to 2020. The Midwest posted the strongest increase in single-family permits, says the National Association of Home Builders, while the South posted the smallest increase. On the other end, multifamily permits were most robust in the Northeast and least in the Midwest. Just 36 states posted an increase in multifamily permits while 14 and the District of Columbia decreased.

Between April 2020 YTD and April 2021 YTD, all 50 states and the District of Columbia saw growth in single-family permits issued. The District of Columbia recorded the highest growth rate during this time at 332.1% from 28 to 121. The 10 states issuing the highest number of single-family permits combined accounted for 62.0% of the total single-family permits issued.

Year-to-date, ending in April 2021, the total number of multifamily permits issued nationwide reached 183,248. This is 28.0% ahead over the April 2020 level of 143,194.

Between April 2020 YTD and April 2021 YTD, 36 states recorded growth while 14 states and the District of Columbia recorded a decline in multifamily permits. New Mexico led the way with a sharp rise (786.2%) in multifamily permits from 123 to 1,090, while Nebraska had the largest decline of 39.1% from 1,055 to 643. The 10 states issuing the highest number of multifamily permits combined accounted for 63.5% of the multifamily permits issued.