By: Brian Dean Nibley  Feb. 02, 2018 

Gavop's analysis of Census Bureau data shows San Mateo County and Santa Clara County had the highest median rent in 2016 at over $2,000.  Both of these counties also saw the greatest increase in rent – over 45% between 2009 and 2016.  San Francisco County and San Mateo County had the highest median home values in 2016, both in excess of $1,000,000.  This may come as no surprise as these areas are some of the most notoriously expensive in the country.

Imperial County, Kings County, and Tulare County had the lowest median home values, all under $200,000. Merced County, Santa Clara County, San Joaquin County, Alameda County, and Yuba County all saw home value increases in excess of 40% between 2009 – 2016. Imperial County had the lowest rent at under $800.  Tulare County, Lake County, Merced County, and Yuba County were not much higher between $800 and $900.

In California, the median price for rent in 2016 was $1,375, compared to the national median of $981. That represents a 28% higher rent than the national median.  As far as home prices are concerned, the differences were even more extreme.  In 2016, the national median home value was $205,000, compared to $477,500 for California.  Homes in California cost over 57% more than the national median.  In 2009, the median rent in California was $1,155.  In 2016, it was $1,375, marking a 19% increase during those seven years. By comparison, the national median rent only increased by 16.5%, from $842 in 2009 to $981 in 2016.

Overall, rents and home prices have dramatic differences across the state. The general trend for these prices has been upward over the seven-year period examined. The most expensive rents were found in the Silicon Valley and other coastal counties while the lowest rents appeared in more inland areas.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR