Texas and Florida Issued the Most Single-Family Permits in 2021
Texas and Florida accounted for approximately 30% of all single-family permits issued in the United States in 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Of the 1.1 million single-family permits issued to builders last year, Texas received the highest number with 179,620, followed by Florida at 148,735 and North Carolina at 68,636.
The top 10 states issuing the highest number of single-family permits combined accounted for 62.6% of the total single-family permits issued in 2021.
Between 2021and 2022, 48 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 170.5%, going from 139 permits to 376, followed by Florida (+29.1%), and Maine (+25.3%). Maryland and Montana reported declines in single-family permits during this time.
In 2021, Idaho had the highest number of per capita single-family permits issued as a result of domestic migration due to the COVID-19 pandemic. South Carolina, Utah, Delaware, and Florida round out the top five states in 2021.
Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington provides more analysis in this Eye on Housing blog post.
Latest from NAHBNow
Regulations
Nov 21, 2025
NAHB Backs Trump Administration’s Proposed ESA ReformsIn a move strongly supported by NAHB, the U.S. Interior Department on Nov. 21 announced four proposed regulatory rules regarding reforms to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that would rescind changes made during the Biden administration that have created regulatory barriers that hinder housing development and economic activity.
Membership
Nov 21, 2025
Final Reminder to Apply for NAHB Committees and Council Boards by Nov. 23This Sunday, Nov. 23, at 11:59 p.m. ET is the deadline to apply to one of NAHB’s committees or council boards of trustees for the 2026 leadership year.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Nov 19, 2025
Affordability Impacts: Young Adults Are Once Again Moving Back HomeThe share of young adults living with parents increased in 2024, interrupting the post-pandemic trend of moving out of parental homes.
Economics
Nov 18, 2025
Location, Location, Location: How Place and Neighborhood Shape Home ValuesThe value of a single-family home depends not only on its physical features but also on its location and neighborhood context.
Economics
Nov 18, 2025
Builder Sentiment Relatively Flat in November as Market Headwinds PersistMarket uncertainty exacerbated by the government shutdown along with economic uncertainty stemming from tariffs and rising construction costs kept builder confidence firmly in negative territory in November.