Building permits · May 2026

Washington Building Permits

Monthly residential building permits for Washington from the U.S. Census Building Permits Survey — 4,442 units authorized in May 2026, 38,359 over the last 12 months.

4,442
Units (latest month)
1,584
Single-family units
2,712
Multifamily (5+) units
$1,162,932,000
Reported value
Trailing 12 months: 38,359 units permitted · latest month +59.5% vs. a year earlier.
Total units permitted, by monthDec 2024May 2026
Dec 2024May 2026
Structure typeUnitsShare
Single-family (1-unit)1,58435.7%
2-unit structures1242.8%
3–4 unit structures220.5%
Multifamily (5+ units)2,71261.1%
All units4,442100%

Building permits across the U.S.

Total housing units permittedMay 2026 · by state
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By units permitted in the last 12 months.

Washington building permits — FAQ

How many building permits were issued in Washington?+

4,442 new residential housing units were authorized in Washington in May 2026, and 38,359 over the trailing 12 months, per the U.S. Census Building Permits Survey.

Is homebuilding rising or falling in Washington?+

In May 2026, Washington permitted units were up 59.5% versus the same month a year earlier. Over the trailing 12 months, 38,359 units were authorized.

What share is multifamily?+

64.3% of Washington's May 2026 permitted units were in multifamily (2+ unit) structures; 35.7% were single-family.

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