Wisconsin Is Struggling in Affordability and Homebuilding: Can Gov. Evers Close the Gap?

Wiaconsin’s housing market remains relatively affordable by national standards, but a shortage of new construction is starting to strain that stability.

The Realtor.com® State-by-State Housing Report Card gave the Badger State a C+, signaling moderate affordability but sluggish homebuilding activity. The report—part of the Let America Build campaign—grades each state on how well it balances housing costs and construction momentum.

President Donald Trump recently put pressure on homebuilders to increase construction nationwide, given the issues with construction in the country. In a post on his Truth Social platform in early October, he accused major builders of hoarding lots to prop up prices—likening them to OPEC, which restricts oil output to maintain high prices...

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Leo’s notes: Wisconsin earned a “C+” on Realtor.com’s new state housing report card—an average grade that reflects a troubling imbalance: homes remain relatively affordable compared to the coasts, but new construction continues to lag behind demand. With the state producing far fewer permits than its population share, and new homes priced nearly 40% above existing ones, Wisconsin risks slipping further behind as national shortages deepen. Governor Evers’ recent bipartisan housing reforms are a step toward closing a statewide deficit of 120,000 rental units, yet without meaningful zoning updates and faster permitting, affordability will continue to erode. The message is clear: Wisconsin must accelerate housing production now, or today’s “C+” will quickly become tomorrow’s “D.”...