16 Counties in the California Housing Market Post Double-Digit Sales Gains

It's always fascinating to dive into the specifics of California's housing market, and the latest numbers are painting a really interesting picture. While we often talk about the state as a whole, a closer look reveals that a significant number of counties—specifically 16 of the 53 tracked by C.A.R.—have actually seen double-digit sales gains in November. This isn't just a general uptick; these are strong, localized surges that suggest pockets of serious real estate activity across the Golden State.

The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) data for November shows that while statewide sales reached a three-year high, these individual county performances are a really exciting story in themselves. It highlights that the California housing market isn't a single entity but a collection of dynamic local economies, each with its own momentum. For anyone looking to understand where the real energy is, focusing on these high-growth counties is key.

16 Counties in the California Housing Market Post Double-Digit Sales Gains

Key Takeaways:

• Significant Growth Pockets: 16 California counties experienced double-digit sales gains in November, outpacing statewide averages.
• Top Performers: Counties like Trinity, Imperial, and Mendocino saw remarkable surges in home sales.
• Price vs. Volume: Sales growth doesn't always equate to immediate price hikes; affordability can be a key driver in some booming markets, while others see both sales and prices rise.
• Local Drivers: Factors like affordability, job growth, and quality of life are crucial for understanding county-level market performance.
• Market Diversity: The California housing market is highly varied, with distinct trends in different regions and counties.

The Power of Double-Digit Growth: What It Means

When we talk about “double-digit sales gains” in real estate, we're talking about a substantial increase in the number of homes sold compared to the previous year. For these 16 counties, this means there was likely increased buyer interest, more homes moving off the market, and a general buzz of activity that stands out even in a generally improving statewide market.

In November, the overall California housing market saw existing, single-family home sales reach 287,940 on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate. This was up 2.6 percent from November 2024. However, within that state figure, these 16 counties were performing significantly better. For context, C.A.R. reported that more than half of the counties showing year-over-year sales improvements (25 in total) recorded double-digit increases. This is a powerful indicator of localized economic health and buyer demand.

Where Are These Hotspots?

The report highlights some remarkable performances. While the data often focuses on broader regions, drilling down to the county level showcases the true vibrancy in certain areas.

For instance, the Far North region, which saw a 2.0 percent overall sales gain year-over-year, contained some of the standout performers. Trinity County was a star, leading the gains with a staggering 60.0 percent surge in sales! Imperial County wasn't far behind with a 46.7 percent increase, and Mendocino County also posted a strong 43.3 percent gain. These aren't small numbers; they represent a significant acceleration in home transactions.

Other counties showing impressive year-over-year sales growth include:

• Glenn: 30.0 percent
• Kings: 38.6 percent
• Yuba: 34.0 percent
• Plumas: 31.8 percent
• Yolo: 4.2 percent (While not double-digit, it's a positive indicator in a region that can be competitive)
• San Joaquin: 3.5 percent (Likewise, showing positive movement)

It's also worth noting that even in regions that saw slight year-over-year declines in overall sales—like Southern California (-3.1 percent)— individual counties within those regions could be thriving. For example, Imperial County, geographically part of Southern California, is listed with a huge sales jump. This emphasizes the importance of looking beyond broad regional trends.

Price Performance in High-Growth Areas

While sales volume is one metric, it's also crucial to look at how prices are behaving in these high-growth counties. Sometimes, a surge in sales can lead to rapid price appreciation, while other times, increased inventory or specific market dynamics might keep prices more stable.

In November, the statewide median home price was virtually flat year-over-year at $852,680. However, looking at the counties with strong sales growth, we see a mixed picture:

• Trinity County: Saw a year-over-year price decline of 10.3 percent, despite its massive sales surge. This suggests that increased affordability may be driving the sales growth, rather than a spike in demand pushing prices up dramatically.
• Imperial County: Experienced a significant 11.6 percent price increase alongside its sales surge. This indicates a market where demand is strong enough to drive both volume and prices upward.
• Mendocino County: Saw a modest 1.5 percent price increase.
• Glenn County: Posted a 3.1 percent price increase.
• Kings County: Saw a slight 0.7 percent price decrease.
• Yuba County: Showed a positive 4.7 percent price increase.

This divergence in price performance is fascinating. It tells us that a sales surge isn't always tied to an immediate and dramatic price hike. Factors like affordability, inventory levels, and local economic drivers play a huge role in how sales volume translates into price changes. In some of these high-growth areas, increased sales might be driven by more accessible price points, allowing more buyers to enter the market.

What's Driving These County-Level Booms?

So, what's happening in these 16 counties that's leading to such impressive sales figures? It's rarely one single reason, but here are some factors I consider:

• Affordability: Often, counties that are not the most expensive in the state offer a more attractive entry point for buyers priced out of major metropolitan areas. This can be especially true for first-time homebuyers or those looking for more value.
• Job Growth and Economic Development: Localized job growth, new industries moving in, or expansion of existing businesses can significantly boost demand for housing.
• Quality of Life: For some, especially with the continued trend of remote or hybrid work, counties offering a more relaxed lifestyle, access to nature, or a strong sense of community can become highly desirable.
• Investment Opportunities: Some areas might be attracting investors who see potential for growth or rental income.
• Interest Rate Sensitivity: As mortgage rates fluctuate, more affordable markets can become particularly sensitive to even small drops, leading to a surge in buyer activity.

My Perspective: Local Nuances Matter

Having worked in real estate for some time, I've learned that the California market is best understood by looking at the micro-level. The statewide data gives us a broad picture, but the real stories are in the counties. These 16 counties with double-digit sales gains are telling us where the active demand is right now.

It’s important for buyers and sellers to recognize these localized strengths. If you're in one of these booming counties, it might mean more competition as a buyer or a stronger negotiating position as a seller. Conversely, if you're in a county that saw sales decline, understanding why is key—is it high prices, limited inventory, or a weaker local economy?

The C.A.R. data for November provides a fantastic snapshot. It shows that the California housing market is not just recovering; it's showing vibrant pockets of growth. These double-digit sales increases in 16 counties are a powerful testament to the diverse and dynamic nature of real estate across our state.