Orange County, CA Housing Market Report & Home Prices

Orange County, CA housing market data: median home price, year-over-year appreciation, inventory, months of supply, days on market, affordability, and what it

Orange County, CA Housing Market Report

Orange County, CA is currently a hot market. The median sale price sits near $1,285,000, up 3.6% from a year ago, with roughly 10,924 active listings and 2.2 months of supply. Homes are going under contract in about 38 days on average.

Orange County, CA by the numbers

Market analysis

Orange County, CA is currently a hot market. The median sale price sits near $1,285,000, up 3.6% from a year ago, with roughly 10,924 active listings and 2.2 months of supply. Homes are going under contract in about 38 days on average.

Affordability remains the binding constraint. At the current national average 30-year fixed rate near 6.42%, the typical payment on a median-priced home in Orange County, CA runs about $8,337 per month including taxes and insurance, against a median rent near $7,066. That gap is what determines whether purchase conversations in this market start with payment, with price, or with a buydown structure.

Supply is still tight relative to demand, which keeps competitive offers in play on well-priced inventory. Builder incentives are limited, and permits are running near 11,190 annualized units.

For originators, the practical read is this: pre-approval speed and appraisal-gap strategy still win deals here, and Realtor partnerships should emphasize how fast you can turn a fully underwritten approval.

Orange County, CA housing market questions

Is Orange County, CA a buyer's or seller's market?

Orange County, CA currently reads as a hot market with 2.2 months of supply. Balanced is generally considered four to six months, so this market still favors sellers.

What is the median home price in Orange County, CA?

The median sale price is approximately $1,285,000 as of 7/24/2026, up 3.6% from a year earlier.

Are home prices falling in Orange County, CA?

No. Median prices are up about 3.6% year over year, though the pace of appreciation has slowed considerably from the 2021 peak.

How much do I need to buy a home in Orange County, CA?

The typical down payment on a closed transaction is near $166,073, and the resulting payment at the current national average 30-year fixed rate is roughly $8,337 per month including taxes and insurance. Low-down-payment FHA, VA, and conventional 3% options can materially reduce the cash required.

What is the housing market forecast for Orange County, CA?

Our directional 12-month range is +2.0% to +5.4% on median price. Confidence is moderate; the rate path is the dominant variable.

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