Home Sales Surge in 40 Counties in the California Housing Market

The California housing market rebounds in September, and while the statewide numbers are encouraging, the real excitement is unfolding at the county level. I've spent years navigating these diverse markets, and what I saw in September tells a story of robust recovery, with incredible growth bubbling up from various corners of the state.

Home Sales Surge in 40 Counties in the California Housing Market

The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) report painted a clear picture: 40 out of the 53 counties tracked experienced year-over-year sales gains. But it’s not just about modest increases; a significant chunk of these, more than half (25 counties to be exact), saw double-digit growth. This isn't just a rebound; it's a powerful surge in many areas, showing that the desire for California homes is alive and well, even if it's manifesting differently in each locale.

The Unsung Heroes: Counties Leading the Charge

When we talk about the California housing market rebounds in September, we need to give a shout-out to the counties that are truly leading the charge. These are the places where the market is performing exceptionally well, showcasing strong buyer interest and seller activity.

Leading the pack, and frankly, causing quite a stir, is Kings County. Imagine this: a 46.3 percent increase in year-over-year sales! That's a phenomenal leap, far outpacing the state average and highlighting a region that's clearly hit a sweet spot for buyers.

Hot on its heels is Calaveras County, which recorded an impressive 42 percent jump in sales. This is another gem in the Sierra Nevada foothills, proving that attractive locations and perhaps more accessible price points can drive significant market momentum.

And let's not forget Santa Cruz County. With a 37.9 percent increase in sales, this coastal beauty is showing that even in high-demand, picturesque areas, buyers are finding their way to the market and making deals.

These are just the top three, but the fact that 25 counties achieved double-digit growth tells us this isn't an isolated phenomenon. This broad-based strength is what makes this September rebound so compelling. It suggests a fundamental demand for California living, being met by a willingness to transact across a wide spectrum of communities.

A Deeper Dive: What's Driving This County-Level Excitement?

From my experience, this type of widespread, strong growth in specific counties often points to a few key factors.

• Affordability and Value: While California is known for its high prices, many of these leading counties likely offer comparatively better value. Kings County, for example, with its agricultural roots and more suburban feel, can provide more home for the money compared to bustling metro areas. Buyers squeezed out of more expensive regions are likely looking to these areas for their first step onto the property ladder or for a more spacious home.
• Lifestyle Appeal: Counties like Santa Cruz offer a unique blend of coastal living, access to nature, and a vibrant community. For many, the allure of this lifestyle, combined with a market that's moving, becomes irresistible.
• Improved Inventory: In some of these high-growth counties, there may have been a release of pent-up inventory. When buyers see more options, and these options are priced attractively, sales naturally follow.
• Remote Work Flexibility: The ongoing trend of remote and hybrid work continues to empower people to choose where they live based on lifestyle and cost rather than strict commute requirements. Counties that offer a desirable lifestyle away from major urban centers are prime beneficiaries.

The Other Side of the Coin: Counties Facing Challenges

It's always important to remember that the real estate market is never uniform. While many counties are thriving, some are still navigating choppy waters. The C.A.R. report also highlights ten counties that experienced annual sales declines in September. Among these, six saw drops of more than 10 percent.

• Trinity County faced a particularly steep decline, with sales dropping by a significant 50 percent. This type of sharp decrease often points to very specific local economic conditions, a lack of desirable inventory, or perhaps a market that was overvalued previously and is now recalibrating.
• San Benito County saw a reduction of 23.9 percent in sales.
• Mono County, known for its stunning natural beauty and proximity to popular tourist destinations, experienced a 22.2 percent decrease in sales.

The Median Sale Price and Sales table from C.A.R. shows some interesting dynamics within these slower markets. For instance, Mono County had a very sharp 53.4% increase in median price, which, when combined with a sales decline, could indicate that a few very high-priced sales might have skewed the median, or that inventory has shifted towards higher-end properties, making it harder to move units. Conversely, Trinity County showed a 15.2% median price decrease.

Understanding these disparities is key. It’s not just about the statewide numbers; it’s about being aware of the granular details that impact specific communities.

What Does This County-Level Data Mean for You?

For anyone involved in the California housing market, this breakout of county-level data offers invaluable insights:

• For Buyers: If you're looking for opportunities, focus on the counties experiencing strong sales growth. These areas often have energetic markets where well-priced homes sell quickly, but they also indicate demand. Research the specific drivers behind the growth in counties like Kings, Calaveras, and Santa Cruz. Conversely, if you're looking for negotiation power, you might find it in counties still experiencing sales declines, but be sure to understand the reasons behind it.
• For Sellers: If you're in one of the booming counties, you're likely in a strong position. However, don't get complacent! The increased time on market (32 days statewide, up from 24 last September) means that quality and competitive pricing are still vital. If you're in a county with slower sales, it’s even more critical to price your home strategically and present it impeccably.
• For Investors: The high growth rates in certain counties present compelling opportunities for investors looking for appreciation and rental income potential. The median price per square foot is another metric to watch closely here. While the statewide median price per square foot was $427 in September (up slightly from $424 a year ago), specific county data will reveal much more localized trends.

The Bigger Picture: A Market Finding Its Footing

While the statewide median price saw a modest 1.8 percent year-over-year gain to $883,640, it's the county-level data that reveals the true dynamism. The fact that sales are climbing so significantly in 40 counties indicates a broad return of buyer confidence and a willingness to engage in the market.

This isn't a uniform recovery, but rather a series of localized successes. The California housing market rebounds in September with energy that's clearly palpable in many communities. As a seasoned observer, I see this as a positive sign. It suggests that the market isn't simply relying on one or two major hubs but is being driven by a more distributed, multifaceted demand across the state.

The key takeaways from September are clear: California's housing market is showing resilience, and its strength is being powered by incredible activity in dozens of its counties. Understanding these local nuances is more critical than ever for making smart real estate decisions.