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These 20 U.S. counties have the most expensive housing markets

These 20 U.S. counties have the most expensive housing markets

Many of the most expensive markets are high-income and highly desirable, lack a sizable production builder presence, and face significant geographical and regulatory building constraints.

Lance Lambert
September 17, 2024

To better inform our audience, ResiClub would like to launch a recurring survey of real estate agents. We’re actively searching for a company that would like to sponsor the survey. Companies interested in this unique/rare opportunity should email: [email protected]

The typical home in the U.S. is valued at $362,143.

But just how much does that figure vary across the country? To find out, ResiClub took a closer look at the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI). Zillow’s index reflects the typical value for local homes in the 35th to 65th percentile range. It’s similar to a median price.

Click here for an interactive version of the county map below

These 20 U.S. counties have the highest typical home value:

Nantucket County, MA —> $2,731,555
Pitkin County, CO —> $2,394,335
Teton County, WY —> $2,209,317
Santa Clara County, CA —> $1,597,328
San Mateo County, CA —> $1,549,979
Dukes County, MA —> $1,518,343
San Miguel County, CO —> $1,498,272
Marin County, CA —> $1,451,674
Eagle County, CO —> $1,329,145
Summit County, UT —> $1,265,911
San Francisco County, CA —> $1,259,022
Santa Cruz County, CA —> $1,151,920
New York County, NY (Manhattan) —> $1,140,576
Orange County, CA —> $1,139,100
Alameda County, CA —> $1,120,141
Routt County, CO —> $1,098,121
Maui County, HI —> $1,060,873
Monroe County, FL —> $1,012,255
Summit County, CO —> $982,069
Kauai County, HI —> $980,182

Many of the housing markets where home values are the highest are located in desirable coastal areas. These markets are often higher-income, lack a sizable production builder presence, face significant geographical and regulatory building constraints, and are hotspots for knockdown-rebuild development. In the most expensive pockets of the country, land is often worth more than the property structure.

In particular, in the Western half of the country, where many analysts believe the housing shortage is more acute, home prices have soared to levels well above the national average over the past decade. This significant increase in Western home prices over the past decade has coincided with the region’s tech boom, which greatly contributed to income and wealth growth in the West.

Keep in mind that within counties, there can be massive variation in home values, especially between different school districts. ResiClub PRO members can use this link to examine typical home values at a ZIP code level.

Last week, Wells Fargo revised its forecast for the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate 👇

Q4 2024 —> 6.15%

Q1 2025 —> 5.95%

Q2 2025 —> 5.80%

Q3 2025 —> 5.65%

Q4 2025 —> 5.55%

Q1 2026 —> 5.50%

Q2 2026 —> 5.55%

Q3 2026 —> 5.60%

Q4 2026 —> 5.65%