The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 94952 sells for about $874,000, or $531 per square foot.
Prices are down 6.5% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 23 days to sell, which is fast. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $2,762 a month.
ZIP 94952 — Petaluma
The Petaluma market in 94952 is showing signs of stabilization after a period of price correction. While inventory remains tight, the market is balanced, with well-priced homes selling steadily as buyers adjust to current interest rate environments.
This ZIP is ideal for families and professionals seeking a balance between small-town character and access to Bay Area employment hubs.
Median prices moved down 6.5% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 23 days on market with 4.1 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
19% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 99.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 3.8% · poverty 6.5% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.3%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 4.3%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 94952, Sonoma County CA
Petaluma generally experiences lower crime rates compared to larger urban centers in the Bay Area, with property crime being the primary concern.
The area is served by the Petaluma City Schools district, which is generally regarded as providing high-quality public education with strong community support.
The region faces moderate wildfire risks common to Sonoma County and is subject to standard flood zone management protocols near the Petaluma River.
Economic momentum is driven by a mix of local manufacturing, professional services, and its role as a gateway to the North Bay wine country.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (California) — Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act Special Parcel Tax Assessment: Levies an annual direct, non-ad valorem special tax directly on the parcel's secured property tax bill to fund designated community infrastructure (e.g., roads, sewer facilities, school facilities, emergency services) and repay municipal debt bonds. State (California) — California Homeowners' Property Tax Exemption: Reduces the taxable assessed value of the qualifying owner-occupied principal residence by $7,000 against the county assessment roll, generating a direct tax savings of approximately $70 annually (computed as $7,000 × 1% base rate). State (California) — California Proposition 13 Ad Valorem Real Property Tax: Establishes a base ad valorem tax rate capped at 1.0% of assessed value plus voter-approved local indebtedness and direct assessments (typically resulting in an effective tax rate of 1.1% to 1.25%).
Residents primarily commute via Highway 101 toward San Rafael and San Francisco, with limited public transit options like SMART rail providing an alternative to driving.
The area features extensive access to the Petaluma River, numerous community parks, and a historic downtown district known for its dining and shopping.
The rental market is tight with high demand from commuters, though vacancy pressure remains low due to limited new multi-family construction.
The economy is anchored by a mix of light manufacturing, agriculture, and a growing professional services sector serving the North Bay.
Highway 101 is the primary artery, supplemented by the SMART train line connecting Petaluma to Santa Rosa and San Rafael.
Development is focused on infill projects and the revitalization of the historic downtown core.
Parcels are subject to Petaluma City Schools district taxes and various local utility and flood control assessments.
Premiums are rising due to regional wildfire exposure, necessitating comprehensive coverage for homeowners.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA 94952 profile.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
A central green space providing river access and walking trails.
A well-preserved district featuring local boutiques and restaurants.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.