Sonoma County Real Estate and Livability Trends
Sonoma County, California, has experienced substantial economic growth, with average taxable income per tax return rising significantly from $66,261.19 in 2013 to $111,091.66 in 2021, particularly after 2017. The real estate market shows median home values climbing from $436,400 in 2015 to $748,500 in 2022, outperforming both state and national growth rates. Real estate taxes have nearly doubled,... Read more
Sonoma County Market Trends
Sonoma County, California has seen median home values soar from $436,400 in 2015 to $748,500 in 2022, outpacing both state and national growth rates and highlighting its appeal to investors and developers. The county also reflects an increasing focus on energy efficiency, with residential energy tax credits per tax return peaking at $5,362.00 in 2018, though averaging around $4,219.17 by 2021.... Read more
Median Value of Occupied Housing Units in Sonoma County, California Over the Last 8 Years
Over the past eight years, Sonoma County, California has experienced a significant rise in median home values, jumping from $436,400 in 2015 to $748,500 in 2022. This trend outpaces both the state and national increases, highlighting a local market that may attract investors, buyers, or developers interested in a rapidly appreciating area. In comparison, California's median home value increased from $385,500 to $659,300 during the same period, while the national median value went from $125,500 to $179,400. This considerable appreciation suggests a robust demand and potentially lucrative opportunities for property investments in Sonoma County.
Residential Energy Tax Credit Per Tax Return in Sonoma County, CA Over the Last 9 Years
Sonoma County, California has seen significant fluctuations in residential energy tax credits per tax return over the past nine years. The credits started at $1,514.63 in 2013 and surged to $5,362.00 by 2018, highlighting a growing focus on energy efficiency. Although there was a slight dip in subsequent years, the average still hovered around $4,219.17 by 2021. This upward trend in energy tax credits suggests a continuous investment in sustainable living, making Sonoma County an attractive place for eco-conscious investors and residents.
Average Real Estate Taxes Per Tax Return in Sonoma County, CA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the last decade, Sonoma County, California has seen a consistent rise in average real estate taxes per tax return. Starting at approximately $4,347.47 in 2012, these amounts have steadily increased, reaching around $8,101.25 by 2021. This trend suggests that property costs in the area may be climbing, possibly indicating a surge in real estate value or an uptick in funding requirements for local services. For potential investors, property developers, and residents, this could imply higher carrying costs and might be a sign of the county's growing desirability and economic development.
Percentage of Farm Returns in Sonoma County, CA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the last decade, Sonoma County, California has experienced a general decline in the percentage of farm tax returns, dropping from nearly 1.00% in 2012 to approximately 0.76% in 2021. Farm tax returns essentially refer to the proportion of tax filings that are attributed to farming activities, reflecting the economic contribution of the agricultural sector in the region. This trend may suggest a shift in the local economy, potentially impacting those interested in investing or building property in Sonoma County's agricultural landscape.
Number of Mortgages by Occupancy Type in Sonoma County, CA Over the Last 5 Years in Sonoma County
In Sonoma County, California, the mortgage data over the last five years suggests fluctuating trends across different occupancy types. Although mortgages for principal residences have shown a consistent demand, peaking in 2020, there's been a notable decline by 2022. Investment properties saw a substantial uptick in 2021 before dropping significantly the following year. Second residences remain a smaller segment but similarly experienced a minor increase in 2020. Changes in occupancy type are important because they signal shifts in market dynamics: higher investment properties could indicate a more landlord-friendly environment, whereas a drop in principal residences might suggest affordability or interest rate issues. Understanding these trends can help investors, appraisers, insurance agents, and real estate professionals make better-informed decisions about the region's market viability.
Economic Outlook
Sonoma County, California has experienced a notable rise in average taxable income per tax return, climbing from $66,261.19 in 2013 to $111,091.66 in 2021, with the most significant growth post-2017. Over the same period, state and local income taxes per tax return nearly tripled, indicating broader economic changes and higher tax rates. The county's average total tax liability per tax return also increased to $20,877.65 by 2021, reflecting a strong economy. Fluctuations in the poverty rate,... Read more
Average Taxable Income per Tax Return in Sonoma County, CA over the last 9 years
Over the last nine years, Sonoma County, CA has seen a significant upward trend in average taxable income per tax return, rising from $66,261.19 in 2013 to $111,091.66 in 2021. Notably, the most substantial increases occurred post-2017, suggesting an economic boost or demographic shift. The steady growth, particularly the spike reaching six figures in 2021, highlights the region's increasing affluence and makes it an attractive market for investors and individuals looking to relocate or build property.
Average State and Local Income Taxes Per Tax Return in Sonoma County, CA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the past decade in Sonoma County, CA, average state and local income taxes per tax return have steadily increased, nearly tripling from $9,959.32 in 2012 to $25,415.20 in 2021. This sharp rise reflects broader economic trends, including income growth and higher tax rates, impacting both existing residents and potential newcomers who need to consider these escalating costs when planning their finances.
Average Total Tax Liability Per Tax Return in Sonoma County, CA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the past decade, the average total tax liability per tax return in Sonoma County, California has seen a significant rise, peaking at $20,877.65 in 2021, up from $11,436.46 in 2012. Noteworthy is a consistent upward trend with only minor dips, indicating a robust economic environment. For potential investors, property builders, and new residents, these figures suggest a growing financial obligation but also reflect possible income growth and thriving local economic conditions.
Cost of Living in Sonoma County
| Family Size | Housing | Food | Heath Care | Child Care | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 adults 4 children | $3,101 | $1,854 | $2,196 | $2,642 | $3,177 |
| 1 adult 4 children | $3,101 | $1,514 | $1,695 | $2,642 | $3,265 |
| 2 adults 3 children | $3,101 | $1,515 | $1,898 | $2,642 | $2,866 |
| 1 adult 3 children | $3,101 | $1,236 | $1,397 | $2,642 | $2,921 |
| 2 adults 2 children | $2,252 | $1,240 | $1,599 | $2,293 | $2,080 |
| 1 adult 2 children | $2,252 | $926 | $1,098 | $2,293 | $2,221 |
| 2 adults 1 child | $2,252 | $980 | $1,300 | $1,158 | $1,541 |
| 1 adult 1 child | $2,252 | $633 | $799 | $1,158 | $1,533 |
| 2 adults | $1,711 | $787 | $1,002 | $0 | $957 |
| 1 adult | $1,525 | $429 | $501 | $0 | $931 |
Safety trends & Data
Sonoma County, California, has seen notable declines in burglary, dropping from 508 in 2018 to 181 in 2022, and larceny-theft, which dipped significantly in 2020 before rebounding to 329 cases in 2022. Motor vehicle theft remained relatively stable, peaking at 71 incidents in both 2018 and 2020. Fraud displayed an inconsistent pattern, with a peak of 143 cases in 2020, followed by a decline. This fluctuating landscape in property crime could be crucial for investors, real estate professionals,... Read more
Property Crime Trends in Sonoma County, CA Over the Last 5 Years
Sonoma County, California, has experienced fluctuations in property crime over the last five years, with notable declines in key categories such as burglary and larceny-theft. Burglary incidents dropped from 508 in 2018 to 181 in 2022, while larceny-theft saw a significant dip in 2020 but rebounded to 329 cases in 2022. Motor vehicle theft has remained relatively stable with slight variations, peaking at 71 incidents in both 2018 and 2020. Fraud has shown an inconsistent pattern, peaking at 143 cases in 2020 and then declining. This data suggests a dynamic landscape for property crime in Sonoma County, crucial for investors, real estate professionals, and residents to monitor for informed decision-making.
Demographics
Sonoma County, California, shows a slight female majority in its adult population. The educational attainment in the area is varied, with a significant number of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree or higher. The age distribution reveals a relatively balanced demographic, though there's a noticeable increase in those aged 55 and over. Racially, the county is predominantly White, with a smaller representation from other racial groups, including Hispanic or Latinos and Asians. This... Read more
Race Distribution in Sonoma County, California (2022)
Educational Attainment in Sonoma County, California (2022)
Age Distribution in Sonoma County, California
Citizen Population in Sonoma County, California (2022)
Political Trends & Data
Sonoma County, California, leans heavily Democratic, with nearly 75% of votes potentially favoring the Democratic candidate. Meanwhile, around 23% might align with the Republican Party, and third parties, including Libertarian and Green, make up a very small portion of the vote. This political trend could influence future local policies and community... Read more
Percentage of Votes in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election by Party
Sonoma County, California, displays a strong Democratic leaning, with nearly three-quarters of the vote potentially going to the Democratic candidate. This suggests a significant preference for the Democratic party in local political dynamics. The Republican vote share, around 23%, indicates that there's still a notable minority supporting the GOP. Other parties, including Libertarian, Green, and others, collectively gather a small fraction, reflecting minimal impact on the county's overall political landscape.
23.04% of voters voted for the Republican party in the 2020 Presidential Election
74.52% of voters voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential Election
1.27% of voters voted for the Livertarian party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.56% of voters voted for the Green party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.61% of voters voted for the Other party in the 2020 Presidential Election
School Data
Over the past nine years, Sonoma County's student-to-teacher ratio has generally been just above 20 students per teacher, but a sharp decrease to around 18 students per teacher in 2022 was followed by an unexpected spike to over 32 students per teacher in 2023, significantly exceeding the US national average of 14 students per teacher. This surge can signal overcrowded schools, impacting the quality of education—an essential consideration for homebuyers and investors that influences real... Read more
Student-to-teacher ratio in Sonoma County, California over the last 9 years
Over the past nine years, Sonoma County's student-to-teacher ratio has experienced fluctuations, generally hovering just above 20 students per teacher until a more pronounced decrease began in 2021, dropping to around 19 students per teacher and further to 18 students per teacher in 2022. However, 2023 saw an unexpected spike to over 32 students per teacher. This noteworthy increase significantly surpasses the US national average of 14 students per teacher. These shifts are crucial for potential homebuyers, investors, and developers considering the area; a higher student-to-teacher ratio may indicate overcrowded schools and could affect the quality of education, which is a key factor in real estate values and appraisals. Additionally, insurance agents and real estate agents should be aware of these trends, as they directly impact community planning, property desirability, and subsequently, market dynamics.
