3 Counties in California See Triple-Digit Growth in Home Sales in January 2026

In a surprising turn of events within the broader California housing market which saw a general dip in sales, three specific counties have reported absolutely explosive sales growth, with figures jumping by over 100%. This remarkable surge in Mariposa, Tehama, and Trinity counties offers a fascinating counterpoint to the statewide trends and highlights localized market dynamics at play.

3 Counties in California See Triple-Digit Growth in Home Sales in January 2026

It appears that while the larger California housing market is experiencing a cool-down, with overall sales dipping slightly compared to last year, certain less-expected locales are seeing home sales more than double. This is a significant development that savvy buyers and sellers should absolutely pay attention to.

As a real estate enthusiast and observer of the California market for years, these numbers from the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) for January 2026 caught my eye immediately. While the statewide picture might seem a bit muted, with overall existing, single-family home sales down 1.3% year-over-year, and the median home price hitting a 23-month low, these three counties are clearly charting their own path.

Decoding the Triple-Digit Surge: Mariposa, Tehama, and Trinity Lead the Pack

Let’s dive into the specifics. According to C.A.R., the numbers for January 2026 are as follows:

• Mariposa County: Saw an incredible 200.0% increase in sales compared to January 2025.
• Tehama County: Experienced a robust 128.6% surge in sales year-over-year.
• Trinity County: Also joined the triple-digit club with a 166.7% jump in sales.

To put this into perspective, the statewide median price for existing single-family homes in January 2026 was $823,180. While Mariposa County saw its median sold price drop significantly by -43.1% year-over-year to $369,750, its sales volume more than compensated. Tehama County, on the other hand, saw a modest price increase of 2.8% to $347,000, alongside its booming sales. Trinity County experienced a price decrease of -34.5% to $290,000, but again, its sales volume tells a different story.

Why Are These Counties Beating the Trend? My Thoughts

From my experience, when you see sales volumes explode like this, especially in counties that aren't typically in the headlines for major market shifts, you have to look beyond just the headline numbers. Here’s what I suspect is going on:

• Affordability as a Magnet: My first thought immediately goes to affordability. Looking at the median sold prices, Mariposa ($369,750) and Trinity ($290,000) are significantly below the statewide median of $823,180. Tehama ($347,000) is also considerably more accessible. When prices in more popular, expensive areas become prohibitive, buyers, especially those from outside the immediate region or looking for a second home or investment, start exploring more affordable pockets. These counties likely represent a sweet spot where buyers can get more for their money.
• Lifestyle & Remote Work Appeal: The ongoing trend of remote work continues to influence where people choose to live. Counties like Mariposa, Tehama, and Trinity often offer a more rural lifestyle, closer to nature, with lower population density. For individuals and families looking to escape crowded urban environments, these areas can be incredibly appealing. The ability to work from anywhere makes these once-remote locations much more viable primary residences.
• Impact of Economic Shifts: Sometimes, dramatic sales growth can also be a reflection of specific local economic developments or a rebound effect. While the C.A.R. report mentions broader economic stabilization and easing mortgage rates as positive factors for February, these counties might have experienced unique local drivers that boosted their January sales. Perhaps there was a significant release of pent-up demand, or a specific type of development or amenity that suddenly made them more desirable.
• Inventory Plays a Role: While statewide inventory is up, the type of inventory and its availability in these specific counties is crucial. If there was a sudden influx of desirable, well-priced properties in these areas, it could easily lead to a rapid sales pace, especially if the number of active listings was relatively low compared to buyer interest in previous months. The data shows that Mariposa had a 9.1% increase in sales month-over-month, which, combined with its year-over-year jump, suggests a very active period.

Looking Deeper: The Nuances of County-Level Data

It’s important to remember that when we look at county-level data, especially for smaller counties, median prices can fluctuate quite a bit based on the mix of homes sold. For example, C.A.R. noted that Mono County (not one of our triple-digit counties) saw a massive median price increase, largely due to shifts in the mix of homes sold that skewed the median upward. Conversely, a large percentage of the price drops in Mariposa and Trinity might indicate that a higher volume of more affordable, smaller homes or properties needing significant updates were sold in January of 2026 compared to January of 2025. This doesn't negate the sales boom, but it's an important detail to consider when analyzing price trends.

Here's a summary of the sales data:

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers, these counties present an opportunity for more affordable entry into the California market. However, with such rapid sales growth, competition can also increase quickly. It's crucial to be prepared with financing and to act decisively when the right property appears.

For sellers in these areas, this period of high demand is incredibly favorable. If you've been thinking about selling, now could be an excellent time to capitalize on this surge. However, pricing strategy remains key; while demand is high, overpricing can still deter buyers.

The Bigger Picture: A Fragmented Market

What these three counties demonstrate is that the California housing market isn't a single, monolithic entity. It's a complex ecosystem of diverse micro-markets. While the statewide trends reported by C.A.R. provide essential context, looking at individual county data, and even neighborhood-level data, is vital for anyone actively participating in real estate.

The overall softening of the statewide market, with sales down and prices at a 23-month low, could be seen as a natural market correction or a response to economic uncertainties and interest rate volatility. However, the strength shown by Mariposa, Tehama, and Trinity suggests resilience and a pull towards different lifestyle and affordability factors. This divergence is what makes the California housing market so dynamic and interesting to track. I'm certainly keen to see if this trend continues into the spring homebuying season!