New Housing Starts In Johnston County Up More Than 10 Percent In 2025
Commercial, Townhome permits down slightly
JOHNSTON COUNTY — New housing starts in Johnston County increased more than 10 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, according to year-end statistics from the Johnston County Inspections Department.
In 2025, 2,200 new single‑family home permits were issued, a 10.7 percent increase from the 1,987 issued in 2024.
At the same time, townhome permits edged down. In 2025, 304 townhomes were permitted, a 4.7 percent decrease from 319 in 2024.
Permits for new duplexes also declined, falling from 11 in 2024 to 7 in 2025, a 36.4 percent drop.
Doublewide manufactured home permits fell 8.8 percent, from 102 to 93, while singlewide manufactured home permits were unchanged at 57 both years.
Commercial permits declined modestly, with 170 issued in 2025 compared with 179 in 2024, a 5 percent decrease.
Valuation / Fees Collected
In total construction valuation, the department issued $3.93 billion in permits in 2025, up from $1.34 billion in 2024 — a 193 percent increase in construction value. Inspection and permit fees collected rose 35.9 percent, from $5.75 million to $7.80 million.
Home Inventory Levels
More housing inventory in 2025 compared with 2024 gave buyers greater choice and some negotiating leverage, helping moderate price pressures. However, inventory levels continue to lag balanced market conditions – commonly defined as about 6 months of supply – meaning the market remains tighter than normal even with the increase in new home listings.
What This Means for Johnston County
Johnston County’s strong growth in single-family housing starts — outpacing both statewide and national trends in some categories — reflects continued local demand. The statistics indicate sustained homeowner and investor confidence, even as higher construction costs and fluctuating interest rates present challenges locally and nationwide. Overall, the county’s housing market remains resilient and shows signs of steady expansion in the coming year.
The Johnston County Inspections Department handles inspections for unincorporated areas of Johnston County and some municipalities.
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Over development will be the downfall of Johnston county.
Absolutely agree. Most of these single family homes are row houses with zero curb appeal as well. Pack ’em in like sardines I guess is the times philosophy. This county use to be pretty, now its just taking on the form of the same over developed sprawl. Not to mention traffic flow is a complete nightmare especially on Hwy. 70.
Single family homes are so wasteful. They cause more bottlenecks with all the isolated neighborhoods, funneling traffic to fewer access roads. Plus it causes more sprawl, driving up the cost of even more road maintenance. Plus it means less people getting out of the car and walking or biking.