The Central Valley continues to be among the most affordable places in California to purchase a home — and has become even more so compared to the same time last year.

The California Association of Realtors released its second-quarter 2025 housing affordability data this week, showing that only 15% of California households could afford to purchase a median-priced home — now priced at $905,680. That’s a decline from 17% in Q1 2025 and slightly up from 14% a year ago.

The picture is significantly brighter in the Central Valley:

Fresno County

• 30% of households could afford the median-priced home of $435,000.

• That’s up from 29% in Q1 and 28% a year ago.

• Minimum qualifying income: $111,600

• Estimated monthly payment: $2,790

Tulare County

• Affordability remained steady at 30%, unchanged from both the previous quarter and year.

• Median home price: $385,000

• Minimum qualifying income: $98,800

• Monthly payment: $2,470

Kings County

• The most affordable county in the Central Valley, with 34% of households able to purchase a median-priced home of $365,000.

• That’s up from 33% in Q1 and 29% a year ago.

• Minimum qualifying income: $93,600

• Monthly payment: $2,340

Madera County

• Affordability improved to 31%, up from 29% in both Q1 and a year ago.

• Median home price: $440,000

• Minimum qualifying income: $112,800

• Monthly payment: $2,820

 

Most and Least Affordable Counties in California

Statewide, Lassen County remained the most affordable, with 46% of households able to afford a median-priced home. It also had the lowest qualifying income requirement at $73,200.

Following Lassen were:

• Glenn County – 39% affordability

• Tuolumne County – 38%

On the other end of the spectrum, Mono County was the least affordable, with only 8% of households able to afford a home. Close behind were:

• Monterey County – 10%

• Santa Barbara County – 10%
  
  Each of these counties required an annual income of at least $232,800 to qualify for a median-priced home.

San Mateo County required the highest income in the state, with buyers needing at least $564,800 annually to purchase a home. Only 16% of households there could afford one.

Other high-income counties included:

• Santa Clara County – 17% affordability; $504,000 minimum income

• San Francisco County – 19% affordability; $459,200 minimum income