America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers

For the first time, the U.S. Census Bureau has created an interactive map of national, state and county building permit data.

The recently released tool allows quick access and insight into the dynamics of permits issued for new residential construction.

Why does it matter? Because markets for new housing can vary — hotter in some states, colder in others — and understanding trends in new residential permits is crucial to those following the market.

The tool also provides new data for every one of the 3,143 U.S. counties and shows how many single family, multi-family, and total housing units were authorized in each.

Continue reading to learn more about:

• The reasons building permits are important
• The new interactive building permit tool

Related Data Visualization

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The U.S. Census Bureau is phasing in improvements, including satellite imaging, to improve construction data products that are key federal economic indicators.

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America Counts features stories on various topics including: 

• Families, Housing, Employment, Business, Education, Economy 
• Emergency Management, Health, Population, Income and Poverty

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