L.A. Times Ranks Ridgecrest Most Affordable and Santa Monica Least at 15.28 Years of Income
Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 16
L.A. Times Ranks Ridgecrest Most Affordable and Santa Monica Least at 15.28 Years of Income
3 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 16
Summary
Ridgecrest topped the affordability ranking at 2.84 years of median household income to buy the median home, while Santa Monica ranked last at 15.28 years in the L.A. Times analysis of 2024 Census data.
The gap reflects geography and income: Central Valley and desert communities generally have cheaper, easier-to-build housing, while coastal and upscale markets pair high prices with limited supply and long-standing demand.
Lemoore, Corcoran and Imperial joined Ridgecrest among the most affordable places, with ratios around four years or less; Beverly Hills, Santa Barbara and Laguna Beach were among the least affordable, all near or above 14 years.
Westmont stood out on the expensive list despite a lower median home value of $653,800 because its $50,509 median income pushed the ratio to 12.94, highlighting how gentrifying areas can be less reachable for longtime residents.
Southern California dominated the least-affordable rankings, while some elite Bay Area communities ranked lower on this measure because tech-driven incomes are high enough to offset even steeper home prices.