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California

Learn about the people, housing, costs and businesses across California

Median Home$813,870
Median Rent$2,196/month
Population39,287,377
Leading IndustriesProfessional Services · Healthcare · Arts, Food & Hospitality3% professional services
Home Value Growth⬆⬆+11.7% over 2 years
Young Adults31% of residentsabove average nationally
Homeowners56% of occupied units
NotableHigh Incomes$108k/year · top 10% nationally
California

Frequently Asked Questions

What are today's mortgage rates in California?

As of today, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate for California is approximately 6.570% (6.623% APR). Rates vary based on your credit score, loan type, down payment, and other factors. Safe Rate updates rates daily using live investor pricing.

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What is the median home price in California?

The median home value in California is $814k. The median monthly rent is $2,196. Annual property taxes average $5k. Home values are based on U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates.

Are home values rising in California?

Home values in California have increased 11.7% over the past two years. This indicates a strong appreciation trend. This data is sourced from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) House Price Index.

How much income do you need to buy a home in California?

Based on a typical all-in ownership cost of $2,239/month (mortgage, taxes, insurance), you'd generally need a household income of approximately $96k/year to keep housing costs at or below 28% of gross income — a common lender guideline. The median household income in California is $108k/year.

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What industries drive the economy in California?

The largest employment sectors in California are public administration (22%) and healthcare (14%) of the local workforce. Industry data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey.