The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 95638 sells for about $816,000, or $322 per square foot.
Prices are up +1.2% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 45 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $2,450 a month.
ZIP 95638 — Herald (CDP)
The Herald (95638) housing market remains stable with low inventory and high price points driven by demand for rural acreage. Sales volume is minimal, reflecting the niche nature of the area, while price growth has moderated compared to previous years. Buyers are primarily seeking space and privacy, though the lack of local infrastructure and long commutes remain significant factors.
This ZIP is best suited for families and individuals seeking rural privacy, large acreage, and a quiet lifestyle, provided they are comfortable with a significant commute for most professional services.
Median prices moved up 1.2% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 45 days on market with 5.0 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
12% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 97.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 3.8% · poverty 5.2% — 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 7.8%/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 8.2%/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 95638, Sacramento County CA
Crime in the Herald area is generally low and rural in nature, with reported incidents significantly lower than the more urbanized sections of Sacramento County.
Schools serving the area are primarily part of the Galt Joint Union Elementary and High School Districts, which generally maintain average performance ratings.
The area faces moderate wildfire risk and is subject to regional flood management protocols, particularly near the Cosumnes River basin.
Development is characterized by low-density rural residential growth with limited commercial infrastructure, relying on proximity to Galt and Elk Grove for major employment and services.
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%).
Commuting is heavily reliant on personal vehicles, with residents typically driving 30-45 minutes to reach employment hubs in Elk Grove, Galt, or downtown Sacramento via Highway 99.
Recreation is centered on rural outdoor activities, including access to the Cosumnes River Preserve and local equestrian trails, with limited immediate shopping or dining options.
The rental market is limited in depth, consisting mostly of single-family homes; vacancy pressure is low, but investor interest is constrained by high price-to-rent ratios.
The local economy is primarily agricultural, with most residents commuting to the broader Sacramento metropolitan area for employment in government, healthcare, and education.
Public transit is virtually non-existent in this rural ZIP; residents are entirely dependent on private vehicles for transportation.
There are no major high-density developments currently approved or under construction within the ZIP boundaries.
The Sacramento County Assessor manages property valuations, adhering to state-mandated assessment cycles and Proposition 13 caps.
Parcels are subject to various special districts, including local fire protection, school districts, and regional flood control assessments.
Property insurance premiums are rising due to regional wildfire risk, with some carriers limiting new policies in rural Sacramento County.
California is a non-judicial foreclosure state with specific notice and redemption periods governed by state law.
California requires comprehensive seller disclosures regarding property condition, natural hazards, and environmental issues.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA 95638 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.
- Barbara Morse Wackford Community & Aquatic Complex4.218.2 mi
- Chuck E. Cheese4.116.8 mi
- Exit Strategy Games514.4 mi
- Golden Corral Buffet & Grill3.918.6 mi
- Elk Grove Regional Park4.715.2 mi
- Lodi Grape Festival Grounds4.316.4 mi
- Haunted Forest CA4.917 mi
- Mather Golf Course4.317.1 mi
- Preston Castle Foundation4.79.1 mi
- Rail Explorers: Amador Division4.99 mi
- Rancho Seco Park4.40.4 mi
- Mokelumne River Day Use Area4.68.9 mi
- Bokisch Vineyards4.712.6 mi
- Sacramento Children's Museum4.419.8 mi
- World of Wonders Science Museum4.616.9 mi
- Kennedy Gold Mine Tours4.717.6 mi
- Knight Foundry4.816.8 mi
- Double Dip Gallery4.817 mi
- Camanche Recreation Company - North Shore4.410.9 mi
- Lake Amador Resort4.211.9 mi
- Rancho Seco Park4.40.4 mi
- Mokelumne River Day Use Area4.68.9 mi
- Galt Community Park4.511.1 mi
- South Shore Lake Camanche Marina4.512.6 mi
- Castle Oaks Golf Club4.38.3 mi
- Dry Creek Ranch Golf Course3.611.9 mi
- The Galt Flea Market4.412.2 mi
- Davis Ranch L.L.C.4.611.3 mi
- Clements Ridge Produce and Bakery4.49.9 mi
- Galt Village4.311.7 mi
- Foothill Shopping Center4.213 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
A major regional attraction for bird watching, hiking, and environmental education.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.