Building Permits
The number of permits issued for new residential construction, a leading indicator for housing activity. The current value of 1,386K is in the lower portion of its 10-year range, based on available data over the past 10 years. (Source: FRED)
Current Value
1,386K
Previous
1,386K
Source: FRED (PERMIT) | Frequency: monthly | Last updated: April 7, 2026
What This Means for You
The Building Permits is currently at 1,386K. Changes in this indicator can affect related areas of the economy including consumer spending, business investment, and policy decisions. (Source: FRED)
10-Year History
Historical Context
Over the past 10 years, the Building Permits has ranged from a low of 1,076K in April 2020 to a high of 1,920K in January 2022, with an average of approximately 1,460K. The current value of 1,386K is in the lower portion of its 10-year range. (Source: FRED via FRED)
Related Housing Indicators
The Building Permits is part of the housing category. Related indicators include: Case-Shiller Home Price Index (currently 332.2), Existing Home Sales (currently $4,090,000M), Housing Starts (currently 1,487K). Housing starts and building permits are leading indicators, showing what builders expect for future demand. Existing home sales measure current market activity. The Case-Shiller index tracks price changes over time across major metros. Together, these indicators reveal supply (construction), demand (sales volume), and price trends. Permits typically lead starts by 1-2 months, making them a useful forward-looking signal. (Source: Census Bureau, S&P via FRED)
What to Watch
Economists and analysts monitor the Building Permits for trend changes that may signal shifts in economic conditions. This data is released monthly and is subject to revision. Changes in this indicator can ripple through related areas of the economy. Historical patterns do not guarantee future outcomes. (Source: FRED)
Limitations of This Data
This data is released monthly and reflects conditions as of the most recent reporting period. Economic data is frequently revised as more complete information becomes available; initial releases may differ significantly from final figures. This indicator measures one dimension of the economy and should be considered alongside other data for a more complete picture. (Source: FRED)
Explore Further
Data Sources
EconGrader is not an investment advisor or financial advisor. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Economic data reflects past and present conditions and does not predict future outcomes. All data is sourced from federal government agencies and updated automatically. This site does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice.