Where can I buy a home in CA for less than $300K? See counties with lowest prices
Are you looking to buy a home in California? You’re in luck.
According to the California Association of Realtors’ June home sales and price report, the statewide median home price has dropped.
“Amid stabilizing home prices and a greater availability of homes for sale, California’s housing market rebounded in June, but remained below year-ago levels,” the Realtors Group said in a news release on Thursday, July 17.
In June 2025, the statewide median home price dropped to $899,560.
That is a 0.1% decrease from May’s median home price and a 0.1% drop compared to June 2024.
“With more properties on the market and price growth flattening, conditions have become more favorable for prospective buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines to re-enter the market and take advantage of increased negotiating power,” Heather Ozur, California Association of Realtors president, said.
If you’re in the market for a new home in California, here’s what you need to know about current mortgage rates, home values and where to find housing prices below the statewide median.
What are current mortgage rates in California?
As of Friday, July 18, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in California was 6.88%, according to Zillow.
“With mortgage rates rising steadily in the past couple of weeks, housing demand will likely remain soft for the month of July,” the Realtors Group said.
Housing market becoming ‘more balanced,’ Realtors say
However, there is some hope for potential homebuyers.
Jordan Levine, California Association of Realtors senior vice president, said the state’s housing market hasn’t fully shifted into a buyer’s market — but it’s steadily moving in that direction and showing signs of becoming “more balanced.”
“Inventory levels continue to normalize, with active listings posting year-over-year gains and the time on market has lengthened compared to the prior year, indicating a deceleration in the pace of sales activity,” Levine said in the release.
Additionally, fewer homes are selling above asking price, according to the home sales report.
“As a result, sellers are demonstrating greater willingness to negotiate on pricing, concessions and other terms, which creates more advantageous conditions for those considering a home purchase,” Levine said.
Where can I find most affordable home prices in California?
According to the California Association of Realtors’ June home sales and price report, the most affordable home prices can largely be found in Northern California and the Central Valley.
Based on the June home sales and price report released on Thursday, July 17, these 10 California counties had home prices below the state median of $899,560:
- Lassen County — Median sold price of existing single-family homes was $286,500
- Lake County — $301,380
- Trinity County — $311,000
- Siskiyou County — $315,000
- Plumas County — $328,750
- Kings County — $365,000
- Tehama County — $380,700
- Shasta County — $382,500
- Glenn County — $385,000
- Tulare County — $389,000
Where are the most expensive homes in California?
According to the California Association of Realtors, the most expensive home prices in the state can primarily be found in the Bay Area.
In June 2025, the median sold price of a single-family home in the Bay Area averaged $1,400,000.
These five counties had the highest median sold prices for existing single-family homes, according to the most recent figures:
- San Mateo County — $2,150,000
- Santa Clara County — $2,107,500
- San Francisco County — $1,705,000
- Marin County — $1,650,000
- Orange County — $1,470,000
How much do homes cost in my California county?
Find the full list of home prices by county on the California Association of Realtors website.
This story was originally published July 21, 2025 at 10:46 AM with the headline "Where can I buy a home in CA for less than $300K? See counties with lowest prices."
