Builders obtained permits to construct 13 multifamily housing units for every 10,000 people in the U.S. so far in 2024, down nearly 30% from an average of 18 during the same periods in 2021-23, according to data from technology-powered real estate brokerage Redfin. The report is based on analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data covering building permits for multifamily units in buildings with five or more units during the first five months of 2024 and the same periods in 2021-23. In Cape Coral, builders received permits to construct 27 multifamily units per 10,000 people this year, the highest level among the 79 metros Redfin analyzed. Next came Austin, Texas (21); Greensboro, North Carolina (20); North Port (18); Omaha, Nebraska (17); Nashville, Tennessee (15); Tampa (14); Orlando (13); Dallas (13) and Columbus, Ohio (12).