The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 94955 sells for about $849,000, or $561 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.5% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 49 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $3,000 a month.
ZIP 94955 — Petaluma
The Santa Rosa housing market is currently in a balanced state, characterized by steady pricing and moderate inventory levels. While year-over-year price growth remains modest, the market is showing resilience with consistent sales activity and a healthy sale-to-list ratio. Buyers are finding more selective opportunities as the market shifts away from the rapid appreciation seen in previous years.
This area is well-suited for families seeking suburban amenities, professionals working in the regional healthcare or wine industries, and those looking for a balance between urban convenience and proximity to outdoor recreation.
Median prices moved up 2.5% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 49 days on market with 3.0 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
19% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 100.2% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 3.8% · poverty 9.5% — 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 6.4%/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 6.1%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
Santa Rosa, CA
Santa Rosa experiences crime rates consistent with other mid-sized California cities, with property crime remaining the primary concern for residents. Local law enforcement continues to focus on community-based policing to address regional trends.
The area is served by the Santa Rosa City Schools district, which offers a mix of public educational options ranging from highly rated specialized academies to standard neighborhood schools. Performance varies by specific school site, with many institutions focusing on college and career readiness programs.
The region faces significant wildfire risk, which has led to increased insurance premiums and stricter building codes for fire-resistant materials. Flood risks are localized, primarily affecting low-lying areas near regional creeks and the Russian River watershed.
Economic momentum is driven by the healthcare, education, and wine-tourism sectors, with major employers including Kaiser Permanente and local government agencies. Infrastructure development is currently focused on downtown revitalization and expanding transit connectivity within the Sonoma County corridor.
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%).
Commuters primarily utilize Highway 101 for north-south travel toward employment hubs in Petaluma and San Rafael. Public transit options include the SMART train and local bus services, though most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily travel.
Residents have access to extensive outdoor amenities including Annadel State Park, Spring Lake Regional Park, and numerous local golf courses. The downtown area provides a dense concentration of shopping, dining, and cultural venues.
The rental market remains competitive with low vacancy rates, driven by high demand from service-sector workers and commuters. Short-term rental activity is strictly regulated by city ordinances to preserve long-term housing stock.
The economy is anchored by healthcare, government, and the wine industry, with significant employment provided by Kaiser Permanente and Sonoma County government. The region serves as the primary commercial hub for the North Bay.
The city is served by Highway 101 and the SMART rail line, which provides commuter access to Marin County and the broader Bay Area. Local bus networks provide essential connectivity within the city limits.
Current planning efforts are focused on infill development and increasing housing supply near transit corridors to meet regional growth targets.
Parcels are subject to various special districts including school facility improvement districts and local fire protection zones.
Property insurance availability is a significant concern due to wildfire risk, with many homeowners relying on the California FAIR Plan as a provider of last resort.
Data retrieved from U.S. Census Bureau and local market reports.
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.
Large state park offering extensive hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails.
Features a swimming lagoon, boating, and picnic areas.
Historic site and botanical garden honoring the famous horticulturist.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.