Building permits · May 2026
Iowa Building Permits
Monthly residential building permits for Iowa from the U.S. Census Building Permits Survey — 848 units authorized in May 2026, 12,780 over the last 12 months.
| Structure type | Units | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family (1-unit) | 636 | 75.0% |
| 2-unit structures | 56 | 6.6% |
| 3–4 unit structures | 21 | 2.5% |
| Multifamily (5+ units) | 135 | 15.9% |
| All units | 848 | 100% |
Building permits across the U.S.
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Iowa permits by county
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By units permitted in the last 12 months.
Iowa building permits — FAQ
How many building permits were issued in Iowa?+
848 new residential housing units were authorized in Iowa in May 2026, and 12,780 over the trailing 12 months, per the U.S. Census Building Permits Survey.
Is homebuilding rising or falling in Iowa?+
In May 2026, Iowa permitted units were down 10.9% versus the same month a year earlier. Over the trailing 12 months, 12,780 units were authorized.
What share is multifamily?+
25.0% of Iowa's May 2026 permitted units were in multifamily (2+ unit) structures; 75.0% were single-family.