Our 2024 Area Median Income of $119,100  is significantly lower than other California high cost coastal housing areas such as San Francisco ($186,600) and Ventura County ($125,600) (State HCD). Since we have comparable housing costs, we experience a greater affordability gap.

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Things have changed from the last generation; owning a home has become more difficult for working families. For example, in 1983 the median priced home in South Santa Barbara County was 4 times the median family income, but in 2024 the median home price is 19 times the median income, creating a large “affordability gap”—the differential between current median home sale prices and the price that families can reasonably afford.”

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In Q1 of 2024, only 11% of County households could afford the median priced single-family home of $1,050,000. This figure is significantly low as contrasted with 31% of County households being able to afford the median home price in July 2020 (CA Association of Realtors). Additionally, the South County median home price is even higher. As of June 2024, the South County median home price was $2,250,000, with the average sale price being even higher at $3,714,928. (Knight Real Estate Group).

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A major identified obstacle to homeownership is the lack of adequate down payment resources. A 2015 Coastal Housing Coalition (CHC) survey found that many local employees wish to put down roots in the community but are unable to afford to purchase a home. The CHC survey also found that lack of affordable housing was a primary concern of both employees and employers and negatively impacts the ability of local firms to retain high quality staff and expand operations. A significant number of firms indicated they might expand elsewhere or relocate outside our region entirely. These trends indicate severe community need and high demand for our Workforce Homebuyer assistance program.

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As the affordability gap increases, more and more individuals and families pay more than 30% towards housing or can no longer afford to live in the community where they work, leading to excessive personal debt, anxiety, long commutes, more hours at work, and fewer hours with family and friends. In short, our workforce has been priced out of the communities they serve.