Indiana single-family permits edge up in May but stay below 2025 pace

Indiana issued 1,913 single-family building permits in May 2026, a 1% increase from April but 7% below May 2025, according to statewide Census Bureau totals. The state still led the Midwest in single-family permits, even as affordability pressures continued to weigh on housing activity.

Why it matters: - Indiana’s single-family housing market is holding steady month to month, but permit totals still trail last year. - The gap points to continued affordability pressure in the state’s housing pipeline. - Indiana remains a regional leader in residential construction, which matters for housing supply across the Midwest.

What happened: - The U.S. Census Bureau reported 1,913 single-family permits in Indiana in May 2026. - That total was up 1% from 1,900 permits in April 2026. - The May figure was down 7% from 2,048 permits in May 2025. - Indiana Builders Association President Marcy DeShong said permit activity stayed relatively steady from April to May. - DeShong said ongoing affordability challenges continue to affect Indiana’s housing market.

The details: - Indiana’s single-family permits totaled 8,107 for the first five months of 2026. - That was down 5% from 8,508 permits in the first five months of 2025. - Indiana led neighboring states in May with 1,913 single-family permits. - Michigan posted 1,562 permits. - Ohio posted 1,552 permits. - Illinois posted 918 permits. - Kentucky posted 782 permits. - The Indiana Builders Association is a statewide trade group for home building, remodeling and light commercial construction. - The association was established in 1952 and has 20 local affiliates across Indiana. - The Indiana Builders Association is associated with the National Association of Home Builders in Washington, D.C. - The group says it works on legislative, regulatory and legal issues tied to housing affordability. - More information is available in the association’s announcement. - The release also listed the association’s LinkedIn, Facebook and X accounts.

Between the lines: - Indiana’s month-over-month gain suggests demand did not weaken further in May, but the year-over-year decline shows the market has not fully recovered. - Leading the Midwest on permits suggests Indiana is still outperforming nearby states on single-family construction, even with softer totals than last year. - The association is framing housing affordability as the main constraint, signaling that policy changes may be needed to keep permit activity from slipping further.

What's next: - The Indiana Builders Association plans to keep pushing policymakers to reduce barriers to housing development. - The industry says it wants more Hoosiers to have access to safe, attainable homes. - Future permit reports will show whether the May uptick was a short-term pause or the start of a steadier trend.