In a state known for soaring real estate prices, these 21 California towns have moved at a different pace. Using the latest figures from the Zillow Home Value Index, we analyzed home value trends in small towns across California to find which places saw the slowest growth—or in some cases, a drop—in prices since 2010.
These 21 communities offer an eye-opening look at where home values have moved the least, and where they’ve fallen sharply in recent years. Some are remote desert outposts, others are former mining towns or agricultural hubs that never quite caught the wave of post-pandemic price hikes. Whether you’re looking for a bargain, interested in how the state’s housing markets vary, or just want to understand where real estate appreciation has lagged behind, this roundup tells the story in full.
Let’s start with number 21 and work our way down to the town with the lowest total price growth since 2010.
21. Needles – 192% Home Price Increase Since May 2012
- 2012: $69,178
- 2013: $75,405 (+$6,227, +9.00% from previous year)
- 2014: $81,198 (+$5,793, +7.68% from previous year)
- 2015: $91,205 (+$10,008, +12.33% from previous year)
- 2016: $91,861 (+$656, +0.72% from previous year)
- 2017: $106,083 (+$14,222, +15.48% from previous year)
- 2018: $135,563 (+$29,480, +27.79% from previous year)
- 2019: $129,530 (-$6,033, -4.45% from previous year)
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $177,589
- 2022: $222,959 (+$45,370, +25.55% from previous year)
- 2023: $215,180 (-$7,780, -3.49% from previous year)
- 2024: $203,873 (-$11,306, -5.25% from previous year)
- 2025: $201,577 (-$2,297, -1.13% from previous year)
Home prices in Needles have seen a 192% increase since 2012, but much of that growth happened in a few strong years rather than being consistent over time. The years following 2022 have marked a noticeable downturn, with three consecutive annual price drops cutting into prior gains. Despite the high-water mark in 2022, values have slowly declined since then, showing signs of stagnation in this desert community.
Needles – Riverside Town With Recent Price Declines
Needles sits on the banks of the Colorado River near the Arizona border, offering dry heat, river access, and desert scenery. It’s historically been one of the most affordable places to live in California, in part due to its isolation and scorching summer temperatures. Needles is one of the hottest towns in the U.S., which limits year-round tourism and migration.
The town experienced a burst of growth between 2017 and 2022, peaking at over $222,000. However, its remote location and limited economic activity have likely contributed to the recent cooling. In 2025, the median price hovers around $201,000—down from its peak but still well above pre-pandemic levels.
20. Maricopa – 247% Home Price Increase Since May 2012
- 2012: $56,839
- 2013: $62,353 (+$5,514, +9.70% from previous year)
- 2014: $74,398 (+$12,045, +19.32% from previous year)
- 2015: $89,630 (+$15,232, +20.47% from previous year)
- 2016: $106,262 (+$16,632, +18.56% from previous year)
- 2017: $111,212 (+$4,950, +4.66% from previous year)
- 2018: $133,636 (+$22,425, +20.16% from previous year)
- 2019: $142,162 (+$8,526, +6.38% from previous year)
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $153,260
- 2022: $180,365 (+$27,105, +17.69% from previous year)
- 2023: $180,625 (+$259, +0.14% from previous year)
- 2024: $188,018 (+$7,393, +4.09% from previous year)
- 2025: $197,167 (+$9,150, +4.87% from previous year)
Maricopa has quietly built momentum over the years, especially during the mid-2010s when home values grew by double digits annually. While growth slowed after 2022, the town avoided the sharp downturns seen in other small communities. The most recent prices show continued upward movement, albeit at a gentler pace.
Maricopa – Steady Growth in Kern County
Maricopa is located in Kern County, on the edge of California’s oil-producing region. It’s a working-class town with a history tied to energy and agriculture. With few local amenities and limited economic diversification, Maricopa hasn’t attracted major real estate investment—but its affordability remains a draw.
In 2012, the median home price was below $60,000. Today, it’s close to $200,000, thanks to strong appreciation through the 2010s and consistent (if slower) growth recently. The town remains a low-cost alternative for buyers priced out of nearby Bakersfield or the Central Coast.
19. Weldon – 130% Home Price Increase Since May 2012
- 2012: $84,796
- 2013: $93,128 (+$8,332, +9.83% from previous year)
- 2014: $101,371 (+$8,244, +8.85% from previous year)
- 2015: $106,366 (+$4,995, +4.93% from previous year)
- 2016: $112,070 (+$5,704, +5.36% from previous year)
- 2017: $118,051 (+$5,981, +5.34% from previous year)
- 2018: $127,213 (+$9,162, +7.76% from previous year)
- 2019: $132,228 (+$5,015, +3.94% from previous year)
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $165,661
- 2022: $181,752 (+$16,091, +9.71% from previous year)
- 2023: $178,503 (-$3,250, -1.79% from previous year)
- 2024: $180,805 (+$2,302, +1.29% from previous year)
- 2025: $195,443 (+$14,638, +8.10% from previous year)
Weldon’s growth story is one of gradual appreciation. After modest annual increases in the 2010s, prices surged during the pandemic but didn’t collapse afterward. The town has returned to slower, steadier growth, suggesting its housing market may be stabilizing.
Weldon – Modest Growth in the Sierra Foothills
Weldon lies near the southern end of the Sierra Nevada, on the shores of Lake Isabella. Its rural charm and recreational opportunities make it attractive to retirees and outdoor lovers. While it offers scenic beauty, Weldon’s isolation and small population limit demand and price spikes.
The housing market reflects that balance. With a 2025 median price near $195,000, Weldon remains far below California’s state average. After a small dip in 2023, prices are climbing again—but the area is unlikely to see explosive growth due to limited infrastructure and job opportunities.
18. Bodfish – 185% Home Price Increase Since May 2012
- 2012: $66,939
- 2013: $78,956 (+$12,017, +17.95% from previous year)
- 2014: $90,880 (+$11,924, +15.10% from previous year)
- 2015: $96,712 (+$5,832, +6.42% from previous year)
- 2016: $102,534 (+$5,823, +6.02% from previous year)
- 2017: $107,546 (+$5,011, +4.89% from previous year)
- 2018: $117,654 (+$10,108, +9.40% from previous year)
- 2019: $124,826 (+$7,172, +6.10% from previous year)
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $152,955
- 2022: $175,286 (+$22,331, +14.60% from previous year)
- 2023: $178,842 (+$3,557, +2.03% from previous year)
- 2024: $184,452 (+$5,610, +3.14% from previous year)
- 2025: $190,998 (+$6,545, +3.55% from previous year)
Home prices in Bodfish have shown consistent gains over the past decade. After the surge in 2021–2022, the rate of increase has cooled, but values continue to rise. The upward trajectory reflects growing interest in rural locations with good quality of life at low costs.
Bodfish – Consistent Growth in Mountain Town
Bodfish is tucked into the hills just west of Lake Isabella and the Kern River Valley. Like Weldon, it’s a favorite among retirees and people seeking affordable homes in a scenic mountain setting. Proximity to the lake and outdoor activities boosts its appeal, even without major commercial development.
Its real estate market has been one of slow and steady growth. With a current median price around $191,000, Bodfish remains affordable while offering good value. Its dependable price increases suggest buyer confidence and limited volatility compared to coastal markets.
17. Earp – 19% Home Price Decrease Since May 2012
- 2012: $154,454
- 2013: $144,767 (-$9,687, -6.27% from previous year)
- 2014: $158,660 (+$13,893, +9.60% from previous year)
- 2015: $173,218 (+$14,558, +9.18% from previous year)
- 2016: $163,641 (-$9,577, -5.53% from previous year)
- 2017: $174,788 (+$11,147, +6.81% from previous year)
- 2018: $206,862 (+$32,074, +18.35% from previous year)
- 2019: $200,884 (-$5,979, -2.89% from previous year)
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $264,195
- 2022: $289,689 (+$25,494, +9.65% from previous year)
- 2023: $241,057 (-$48,632, -16.79% from previous year)
- 2024: $196,878 (-$44,179, -18.33% from previous year)
- 2025: $184,614 (-$12,264, -6.23% from previous year)
Unlike most towns on this list, Earp has actually lost value since 2012. After peaking during the pandemic, home prices began to tumble—shedding nearly $100,000 between 2022 and 2025. This makes it one of California’s most extreme reversals in the post-boom housing market.
Earp – California’s Rare Case of Declining Prices
Located across the Colorado River from Parker, Arizona, Earp is remote and lightly populated. The town has little infrastructure or commercial activity, and its isolation is a major factor in price volatility. In Earp, market demand tends to surge briefly and then retreat just as quickly.
The post-pandemic price boom pushed Earp’s home values above $260,000 in 2021. But since then, it’s been a steep descent. By May 2025, prices had dropped 36% from their peak. Earp is one of the few places in the state where long-term real estate investment has produced net losses over more than a decade.
16. Bieber – 126% Home Price Increase Since May 2012
- 2012: $77,684
- 2013: $82,060 (+$4,376, +5.63% from previous year)
- 2014: $84,155 (+$2,095, +2.55% from previous year)
- 2015: $94,159 (+$10,004, +11.89% from previous year)
- 2016: $108,269 (+$14,110, +14.99% from previous year)
- 2017: $117,187 (+$8,917, +8.24% from previous year)
- 2018: $136,632 (+$19,445, +16.59% from previous year)
- 2019: $143,727 (+$7,096, +5.19% from previous year)
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $181,197
- 2022: $175,839 (-$5,358, -2.96% from previous year)
- 2023: $176,447 (+$609, +0.35% from previous year)
- 2024: $174,165 (-$2,283, -1.29% from previous year)
- 2025: $173,716 (-$448, -0.26% from previous year)
Bieber saw steady growth from 2012 to 2021, with particularly large increases during the mid-to-late 2010s. Since peaking around 2021, home values have plateaued. The last few years have brought small losses and minimal gains, keeping overall appreciation in check.
Bieber – Rural Growth With a Slowdown
Bieber is a small town in northeastern California, part of Lassen County’s expansive ranching and farming territory. Its remote setting means it hasn’t experienced the pressure of urban growth, but that’s also limited its real estate upside.
With a 2025 median home price under $175,000, Bieber remains affordable. Prices climbed consistently in the 2010s, and buyers looking for low-density, rural living found value here. But the market has stalled since 2022, reflecting broader trends in high-inflation, low-demand rural areas.
15. Boron – 222% Home Price Increase Since May 2012
- 2012: $31,267
- 2013: $38,799 (+$7,532, +24.09% from previous year)
- 2014: $45,117 (+$6,318, +16.28% from previous year)
- 2015: $52,175 (+$7,058, +15.64% from previous year)
- 2016: $56,083 (+$3,908, +7.49% from previous year)
- 2017: $60,850 (+$4,768, +8.50% from previous year)
- 2018: $78,551 (+$17,701, +29.09% from previous year)
- 2019: $90,535 (+$11,984, +15.26% from previous year)
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $120,988
- 2022: $142,705 (+$21,716, +17.95% from previous year)
- 2023: $149,184 (+$6,480, +4.54% from previous year)
- 2024: $158,930 (+$9,746, +6.53% from previous year)
- 2025: $171,159 (+$12,228, +7.69% from previous year)
Despite its modest beginnings, Boron has experienced substantial appreciation since 2012. The strongest gains came between 2018 and 2022, driven in part by bargain hunters and speculators. More recent years have brought continued, moderate price increases.
Boron – Growth in a Mojave Mining Town
Boron is located in the western Mojave Desert and is best known for being home to one of the largest borate mines in the world. Its economy is deeply tied to this industry, which helps support housing stability in an otherwise remote desert town.
From a starting point below $32,000 in 2012, Boron homes have increased dramatically in value, reaching $171,000 by 2025. While still a small town with limited amenities, Boron’s price growth reflects investor interest and a push for affordable property within Southern California’s broader economic orbit.
14. Alturas – 107% Home Price Increase Since May 2012
- 2012: $82,678
- 2013: $84,801 (+$2,123, +2.57% from previous year)
- 2014: $89,861 (+$5,060, +5.97% from previous year)
- 2015: $93,222 (+$3,360, +3.74% from previous year)
- 2016: $95,704 (+$2,482, +2.66% from previous year)
- 2017: $102,342 (+$6,639, +6.94% from previous year)
- 2018: $109,354 (+$7,011, +6.85% from previous year)
- 2019: $116,238 (+$6,885, +6.30% from previous year)
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $136,224
- 2022: $155,149 (+$18,925, +13.89% from previous year)
- 2023: $162,070 (+$6,921, +4.46% from previous year)
- 2024: $165,390 (+$3,320, +2.05% from previous year)
- 2025: $170,794 (+$5,404, +3.27% from previous year)
Alturas has seen moderate and steady growth over the past decade, with no major declines and a consistent rise in home prices. Its market has been among the most stable of any town on this list, with prices increasing every single year of available data since 2012.
Alturas – Stability in the Far North
Alturas is the county seat of Modoc County in northeastern California. It’s isolated, quiet, and surrounded by forests, wildlife refuges, and rangeland. While it doesn’t have a booming economy, it benefits from having a small but stable population and public sector jobs tied to local government and services.
Real estate appreciation in Alturas reflects low volatility. With a median price just over $170,000 in 2025, the town remains highly affordable while offering slow, reliable gains. For buyers seeking a safe long-term hold in a calm community, Alturas continues to make sense.
13. Hayfork – 54% Home Price Increase Since May 2012
- 2012: $109,846
- 2013: $121,968 (+$12,122, +11.04% from previous year)
- 2014: $131,172 (+$9,204, +7.55% from previous year)
- 2015: $147,112 (+$15,940, +12.15% from previous year)
- 2016: $163,266 (+$16,154, +10.98% from previous year)
- 2017: $197,341 (+$34,074, +20.87% from previous year)
- 2018: $206,691 (+$9,350, +4.74% from previous year)
- 2019: $195,044 (-$11,646, -5.63% from previous year)
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $237,921
- 2022: $254,687 (+$16,766, +7.05% from previous year)
- 2023: $228,098 (-$26,589, -10.44% from previous year)
- 2024: $188,732 (-$39,366, -17.26% from previous year)
- 2025: $169,758 (-$18,975, -10.05% from previous year)
Hayfork’s housing market is on the decline. After rising sharply through 2021, home values have dropped for three straight years. By 2025, prices have nearly returned to where they were in 2016, wiping out much of the pandemic-era gain.
Hayfork – A Boom-and-Bust Rural Market
Hayfork is deep in Trinity County, surrounded by forests and remote terrain. Once considered a potential haven for off-grid living and cannabis cultivation, the town saw rapid growth during the 2010s and especially during the pandemic. But as the industry contracted and housing demand cooled, prices began to fall.
The current median home price is around $170,000, well below its 2021 peak of nearly $255,000. Despite scenic beauty and open land, economic uncertainty and fading hype have dragged down values here. It’s now one of the few California towns to post significant losses in recent years.
12. Doyle – 99% Home Price Increase Since May 2012
- 2012: $80,318
- 2013: $77,733 (-$2,585, -3.22% from previous year)
- 2014: $73,941 (-$3,792, -4.88% from previous year)
- 2015: $79,788 (+$5,846, +7.91% from previous year)
- 2016: $92,739 (+$12,952, +16.23% from previous year)
- 2017: $109,533 (+$16,794, +18.11% from previous year)
- 2018: $135,807 (+$26,274, +23.99% from previous year)
- 2019: $141,622 (+$5,815, +4.28% from previous year)
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $170,916
- 2022: $183,949 (+$13,033, +7.63% from previous year)
- 2023: $173,067 (-$10,883, -5.92% from previous year)
- 2024: $158,795 (-$14,271, -8.25% from previous year)
- 2025: $160,261 (+$1,466, +0.92% from previous year)
Doyle’s housing prices nearly doubled since 2012, but much of that growth came in two big jumps—one in 2016 and another in 2021. Since then, values have fallen, though 2025 brought a minor uptick, hinting at potential stabilization.
Doyle – A Small Recovery After a Sharp Fall
Doyle is located in Lassen County near the Nevada border, offering wide-open space and low-cost land. It’s a small community that saw speculative interest during the early 2020s, particularly from remote workers and those looking to escape high prices in urban California.
But as the remote work trend cooled and interest rates rose, Doyle’s housing market softened. Prices dropped more than $25,000 between 2022 and 2024 before ticking upward slightly in 2025. With median prices still under $161,000, it remains one of the state’s most affordable rural housing markets.
11. Tulelake – 118% Home Price Increase Since May 2012
- 2012: $69,412
- 2013: $67,802 (-$1,610, -2.32% from previous year)
- 2014: $73,550 (+$5,749, +8.48% from previous year)
- 2015: $78,010 (+$4,460, +6.06% from previous year)
- 2016: $83,822 (+$5,812, +7.45% from previous year)
- 2017: $91,371 (+$7,548, +9.01% from previous year)
- 2018: $100,018 (+$8,647, +9.46% from previous year)
- 2019: $111,552 (+$11,534, +11.53% from previous year)
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $141,015
- 2022: $152,061 (+$11,046, +7.83% from previous year)
- 2023: $147,931 (-$4,130, -2.72% from previous year)
- 2024: $151,918 (+$3,987, +2.70% from previous year)
- 2025: $151,357 (-$561, -0.37% from previous year)
From 2012 to 2025, Tulelake’s home prices rose by over 118%, thanks to consistent growth through the 2010s and a strong push during the pandemic years. While price increases have tapered off in recent years, they’ve remained relatively stable overall, with only mild fluctuations.
Tulelake – Slow, Consistent Gains in the State’s Far North
Tulelake is situated near the Oregon border in Siskiyou County. Known for its agricultural roots and proximity to national wildlife refuges, the town is remote, peaceful, and highly affordable. Its rural charm and flat terrain support farming and small-town life rather than rapid development.
Home prices here reflect that steadiness. Despite recent dips, the market remains far more stable than in many similar towns. With a 2025 median price around $151,000, Tulelake remains inexpensive while offering reliable long-term appreciation for those drawn to wide open spaces.
10. Daggett – 350% Home Price Increase Since May 2012
- 2012: $33,085
- 2013: $37,891 (+$4,806, +14.53% from previous year)
- 2014: $48,122 (+$10,230, +27.00% from previous year)
- 2015: $55,484 (+$7,362, +15.30% from previous year)
- 2016: $56,510 (+$1,027, +1.85% from previous year)
- 2017: $65,745 (+$9,235, +16.34% from previous year)
- 2018: $93,730 (+$27,985, +42.57% from previous year)
- 2019: $102,539 (+$8,809, +9.40% from previous year)
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $169,263
- 2022: $203,816 (+$34,553, +20.41% from previous year)
- 2023: $161,578 (-$42,237, -20.72% from previous year)
- 2024: $149,166 (-$12,413, -7.68% from previous year)
- 2025: $148,899 (-$266, -0.18% from previous year)
Daggett posted one of the biggest price jumps in the state from 2012 through 2022, with a staggering 350% increase. However, the market cooled dramatically after 2022, shedding value in the following three years and raising questions about sustainability.
Daggett – Big Boom, Then a Sharp Retreat
Daggett is located just east of Barstow in San Bernardino County. Once a stopover on desert rail lines, it has remained a small outpost with limited infrastructure and services. Its affordability and location along the I-40 corridor attracted real estate investors in the early 2020s.
That surge in interest sent prices soaring to over $200,000 by 2022, but those gains didn’t last. Since then, prices have dropped more than 25%, with the market now appearing to stabilize around $149,000. Daggett remains accessible, but its boom-and-bust profile may caution cautious buyers.
9. Happy Camp – 124% Home Price Increase Since May 2012
- 2012: $66,598
- 2013: $73,438 (+$6,841, +10.27% from previous year)
- 2014: $73,509 (+$70, +0.10% from previous year)
- 2015: $77,217 (+$3,708, +5.04% from previous year)
- 2016: $92,631 (+$15,414, +19.96% from previous year)
- 2017: $93,653 (+$1,022, +1.10% from previous year)
- 2018: $102,198 (+$8,545, +9.12% from previous year)
- 2019: $109,719 (+$7,521, +7.36% from previous year)
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $131,903
- 2022: $147,844 (+$15,941, +12.09% from previous year)
- 2023: $145,023 (-$2,820, -1.91% from previous year)
- 2024: $145,655 (+$632, +0.44% from previous year)
- 2025: $148,712 (+$3,056, +2.10% from previous year)
Happy Camp’s real estate story is one of gradual, continuous growth with few major dips. The town has seen its home prices more than double since 2012, fueled by modest but steady increases year after year—even in the face of recent statewide slowdowns.
Happy Camp – Steady Climber in the Klamath Mountains
Happy Camp is nestled in Siskiyou County, near the Klamath River and the Oregon border. It’s remote, surrounded by forest, and attractive to those seeking a quieter lifestyle with access to nature. Its isolation has protected it from major price volatility seen in other parts of the state.
With a median home price of around $149,000 in 2025, Happy Camp remains highly affordable. While the market dipped slightly in 2023, it rebounded and appears to be holding steady. The area’s resilience may appeal to buyers looking for consistency in a rural setting.
8. Yermo – 247% Home Price Increase Since May 2012
- 2012: $43,540
- 2013: $45,907 (+$2,367, +5.44% from previous year)
- 2014: $54,681 (+$8,774, +19.11% from previous year)
- 2015: $59,370 (+$4,689, +8.57% from previous year)
- 2016: $59,576 (+$206, +0.35% from previous year)
- 2017: $68,236 (+$8,660, +14.54% from previous year)
- 2018: $105,898 (+$37,663, +55.19% from previous year)
- 2019: $113,065 (+$7,167, +6.77% from previous year)
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $170,484
- 2022: $195,061 (+$24,576, +14.42% from previous year)
- 2023: $155,238 (-$39,823, -20.42% from previous year)
- 2024: $150,749 (-$4,489, -2.89% from previous year)
- 2025: $148,060 (-$2,689, -1.78% from previous year)
Yermo’s prices skyrocketed between 2017 and 2022, tripling in just five years. But the post-pandemic correction hit hard—prices have fallen each year since, slicing into earlier gains. Even so, the market is still up more than 240% compared to 2012.
Yermo – High Desert Market That Overheated
Yermo is a desert community near Barstow, close to major transportation routes but with few local jobs or services. During the early 2020s, speculators and pandemic-era buyers drove up prices in many remote areas like this one.
The correction came swiftly. Prices fell nearly 20% in 2023 and have continued to decline, although at a slower rate. As of 2025, the median home price is around $148,000. Buyers here may still find value—but it’s clear that the peak has passed.
7. Hinkley – 154% Home Price Increase Since May 2012
- 2012: $55,304
- 2013: $89,220 (+$33,917, +61.33% from previous year)
- 2014: $125,025 (+$35,804, +40.13% from previous year)
- 2015: $131,129 (+$6,105, +4.88% from previous year)
- 2016: $125,971 (-$5,158, -3.93% from previous year)
- 2017: $142,884 (+$16,913, +13.43% from previous year)
- 2018: $183,208 (+$40,324, +28.22% from previous year)
- 2019: $162,824 (-$20,384, -11.13% from previous year)
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $189,168
- 2022: $197,611 (+$8,442, +4.46% from previous year)
- 2023: $155,525 (-$42,085, -21.30% from previous year)
- 2024: $136,912 (-$18,613, -11.97% from previous year)
- 2025: $144,563 (+$7,651, +5.59% from previous year)
Hinkley’s price trajectory has been volatile. After a major surge from 2012 to 2018, the market fell sharply—only to partially rebound in 2025. The result is a net 154% gain over 13 years, though buyers in recent years may have seen losses.
Hinkley – Environmental Past, Economic Uncertainty
Hinkley is infamous for groundwater contamination that inspired the movie “Erin Brockovich.” That environmental history continues to shape perceptions of the area. Despite this, the town saw huge price gains during the mid-2010s, driven by its low base and real estate speculation.
After peaking near $200,000 in 2022, values dropped drastically. In 2025, the median home price sits just under $145,000. The modest rebound this year suggests a market finding its footing, but uncertainty remains.
6. Stirling City – 278% Home Price Increase Since May 2012
- 2012: $43,117
- 2013: $47,388 (+$4,271, +9.91% from previous year)
- 2014: $52,142 (+$4,754, +10.03% from previous year)
- 2015: $57,432 (+$5,290, +10.15% from previous year)
- 2016: $77,165 (+$19,733, +34.36% from previous year)
- 2017: $89,438 (+$12,273, +15.91% from previous year)
- 2018: $95,712 (+$6,274, +7.02% from previous year)
- 2019: $124,463 (+$28,751, +30.04% from previous year)
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $166,716
- 2022: $165,247 (-$1,468, -0.88% from previous year)
- 2023: $152,659 (-$12,588, -7.62% from previous year)
- 2024: $146,957 (-$5,702, -3.73% from previous year)
- 2025: $140,246 (-$6,712, -4.57% from previous year)
Stirling City has had one of the largest price gains on this list since 2012, increasing more than 275%. But that growth has completely reversed course since 2022. Home values have dropped three years in a row, bringing prices down more than 15% from their peak.
Stirling City – Small Market With Big Fluctuations
Located in Butte County, Stirling City is a historic lumber town nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. With fewer than 300 residents, it’s one of California’s smallest and most isolated housing markets. That makes its prices highly sensitive to short-term demand shifts.
In 2021, homes here averaged more than $166,000—nearly four times what they were a decade earlier. But that peak didn’t last. The recent correction has brought prices back to about $140,000 in 2025, suggesting the market is returning to a more stable, pre-pandemic baseline.
5. Dorris – 142% Home Price Increase Since May 2012
- 2012: $57,617
- 2013: $65,422 (+$7,805, +13.55% from previous year)
- 2014: $75,803 (+$10,380, +15.87% from previous year)
- 2015: $78,430 (+$2,628, +3.47% from previous year)
- 2016: $83,583 (+$5,153, +6.57% from previous year)
- 2017: $91,354 (+$7,771, +9.30% from previous year)
- 2018: $93,889 (+$2,534, +2.77% from previous year)
- 2019: $105,853 (+$11,964, +12.74% from previous year)
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $130,576
- 2022: $154,732 (+$24,155, +18.50% from previous year)
- 2023: $146,579 (-$8,152, -5.27% from previous year)
- 2024: $146,385 (-$194, -0.13% from previous year)
- 2025: $139,509 (-$6,876, -4.70% from previous year)
Dorris posted substantial home price growth between 2012 and 2022. However, the last three years have erased some of that progress. Values fell steadily, ending up just under $140,000 in 2025. Still, long-term gains remain strong by rural California standards.
Dorris – Stable Prices in California’s Far North
Dorris lies near the Oregon border in Siskiyou County. It’s a tight-knit farming community that has attracted some remote workers in recent years, but overall remains small and slow-growing. There are no major industries here, which keeps prices subdued.
After surging in 2022, Dorris home prices have cooled. But unlike some other towns, the declines have been relatively modest. At $139,509 in 2025, homes here are still over twice what they were a decade ago, but the pace of growth is clearly slowing.
4. Macdoel – 83% Home Price Increase Since May 2012
- 2012: $67,686
- 2013: $70,775 (+$3,089, +4.56% from previous year)
- 2014: $75,134 (+$4,359, +6.16% from previous year)
- 2015: $86,141 (+$11,007, +14.65% from previous year)
- 2016: $97,297 (+$11,156, +12.95% from previous year)
- 2017: $97,109 (-$188, -0.19% from previous year)
- 2018: $104,291 (+$7,182, +7.40% from previous year)
- 2019: $113,670 (+$9,379, +8.99% from previous year)
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $144,811
- 2022: $161,294 (+$16,483, +11.38% from previous year)
- 2023: $149,927 (-$11,367, -7.05% from previous year)
- 2024: $142,009 (-$7,918, -5.28% from previous year)
- 2025: $123,688 (-$18,321, -12.90% from previous year)
Macdoel experienced strong home price growth through 2022, but since then, values have declined by more than 23%. Its 2025 price of $123,688 is still higher than where it started in 2012, but well off its recent peak.
Macdoel – Steep Drop After a Decade of Growth
Located in Siskiyou County, Macdoel is a tiny community with deep agricultural roots. The real estate market here is small and prone to volatility due to limited housing inventory and buyer activity.
Between 2012 and 2022, Macdoel prices nearly doubled. But the recent three-year slide wiped out much of that gain. Today, prices are back around 2020 levels, making it a cautionary tale for rural investment during the pandemic real estate boom.
3. Herlong – 75% Home Price Increase Since May 2012
- 2012: $48,356
- 2013: $49,645 (+$1,290, +2.67% from previous year)
- 2014: $39,834 (-$9,811, -19.76% from previous year)
- 2015: $46,359 (+$6,525, +16.38% from previous year)
- 2016: $62,609 (+$16,250, +35.05% from previous year)
- 2017: $75,229 (+$12,620, +20.16% from previous year)
- 2018: $90,137 (+$14,909, +19.82% from previous year)
- 2019: $93,082 (+$2,945, +3.27% from previous year)
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $112,131
- 2022: $123,070 (+$10,940, +9.76% from previous year)
- 2023: $121,580 (-$1,490, -1.21% from previous year)
- 2024: $119,970 (-$1,611, -1.32% from previous year)
- 2025: $118,488 (-$1,481, -1.23% from previous year)
Herlong saw strong price appreciation during the late 2010s, but since 2022, its home values have declined slightly each year. The market has cooled without collapsing, and prices are still up more than 75% since 2012.
Herlong – Plateauing After Pandemic-Era Peak
Dicklyon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Herlong is a former military town in Lassen County near the Nevada border. Housing here has long been inexpensive, and in the 2010s, it attracted buyers looking for extremely low-cost homes in rural Northern California.
The town reached its pricing peak around 2022, and since then, values have inched down. In 2025, the median price stands at about $118,500—well above where it was a decade ago, but recent trends suggest the market may have reached its limit for now.
2. Johannesburg – 17% Home Price Increase Since May 2019
- 2019: $73,426
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $96,662
- 2022: $106,631 (+$9,969, +10.31% from previous year)
- 2023: $92,550 (-$14,081, -13.20% from previous year)
- 2024: $80,116 (-$12,434, -13.43% from previous year)
- 2025: $85,607 (+$5,491, +6.85% from previous year)
With data beginning in 2019, Johannesburg has experienced modest overall growth—just 17% over six years. After surging in 2021 and 2022, prices plunged in 2023 and 2024, before posting a small rebound in 2025.
Johannesburg – Highs and Lows in the High Desert
Johannesburg is a historic mining town in Kern County, adjacent to Randsburg. It has long been one of the most affordable places in the state, with few local amenities and minimal infrastructure.
The volatility seen here is typical of speculative rural markets. After a pandemic-era high, Johannesburg homes lost more than 25% of their value in two years. The slight recovery in 2025 may signal renewed interest—or just a market correcting to its long-term mean.
1. Trona – 144% Home Price Increase Since May 2012
- 2012: $25,299
- 2013: $26,663 (+$1,363, +5.39% from previous year)
- 2014: $28,614 (+$1,951, +7.32% from previous year)
- 2015: $29,898 (+$1,284, +4.49% from previous year)
- 2016: $35,828 (+$5,930, +19.83% from previous year)
- 2017: $45,794 (+$9,966, +27.82% from previous year)
- 2018: $62,122 (+$16,328, +35.66% from previous year)
- 2019: $64,621 (+$2,499, +4.02% from previous year)
- 2020: N/A
- 2021: $80,632
- 2022: $89,121 (+$8,489, +10.53% from previous year)
- 2023: $71,812 (-$17,309, -19.42% from previous year)
- 2024: $65,409 (-$6,403, -8.92% from previous year)
- 2025: $61,547 (-$3,862, -5.90% from previous year)
Trona ranks first on this list for weakest long-term growth, despite a 144% increase from 2012. After reaching nearly $90,000 in 2022, prices have dropped three straight years, with 2025 values back near $61,500.
Trona – California’s Cheapest Housing Market
Trona is located on the edge of Death Valley and is known for its harsh environment and salt mining industry. The town has struggled with economic decline and infrastructure issues, including earthquake damage and water problems.
Despite a brief uptick during the real estate boom, Trona’s prices have consistently remained the lowest in the state. As of 2025, the median home costs less than $62,000. While bargains abound, they come with serious trade-offs in services and livability.
References
- Zillow Home Value Index – Zillow Research
- U.S. Census Bureau – Population and Housing Data
- Redfin News – Real Estate Market Insights
