AFG Realty Blog

I have lived and worked in Yucca Valley since 1981. In some circles I am a newcomer! For most of us information is key when trying to make good business decisions. This week I had the opportunity to review some statistics about our community that I thought many of you would find interesting. Most of the statistics are from 2008 (the last year available).The statistics used are for the Town of Yucca Valley. I look forward to your comments!
2008 Population 21,268
Between 2000 and 2008, the total population of the Town increased by over 4,400. The Towns growth rate of 26% was higher than the County rate of 20%. From 2005 to 2008 growth decelerated to 1.3%
Median Age 40
Our share of over 65 population is projected to remain 20% higher than the County average. Middle-aged workers (35 to 54) are projected to decline significantly while our younger workers (21 to 34) are expected to increase significantly.
Over 77% of us are white, non-Hispanic, 15.20% are Hispanic.
Hispanics are the fastest growing ethnic group in Town. Their population share is projected to increase over 1% a year for the next three years.
There are 9,574 housing units in Town.
Between 2000 and 2008 households increased 20% which is lower than the population growth of 26%. We average 2.5 persons per household, well below the County average of 3.3. 79% of households had 3 people or fewer. 29% of our households are occupied by singles (well above the County average of 18%). About 10% of all households have more than 5 people. 68.60% of us own our homes (or at least have title, I mean really….the bank owns most of them!)
The median family income is $45,043.
This is 22.50% below the County average! In 2007 more than 2/3 of households earned less than $50,000. Almost 35% make less than $25,000. 25% made between $50,000 and $100,000. 9% made over $100,000.
Between 2000 and 2008, 1583 new residential permits were issued.
The number of permits increased from 72 in 2000 to 386 in 2004. However, from 2004 to 2008, permits dropped steadily from 386 to 24! Between 2000 and 2006, median home sale prices more than tripled, jumping from $70,000 to almost $225,000. Prices dropped between 2006 and 2007 (7% decline) but fell sharply in 2008 (29%).
In 2008 there were 4,415 jobs in Town.
Manufacturing jobs have declined in the last 3 years. The largest decline is in construction jobs with a loss of 21% between 2006 and 2008. Retail jobs increased by 20% between 2003 and 2006 (would you like to upsize that meal?). By far the biggest increase and continued increase is in the professional and management sector. Between 2003 and 2006 these jobs increased by over 26% and have continued to increase 2% a year since.
April Home sale prices (the last full month available at this writing) by Community:
Joshua Tree- 15 sales for the month. The most expensive home sold was around $175,000. The average sale price was $78,800. The average per square foot price was $64.
Landers- 3 sales for the month. The most expensive home sold was around $75,000. The average per square foot price was $97.
Twentynine Palms- 17 sales for the month. The most expensive home sold was around $150,000. The average sale price was $89,941. The average per square foot price was $72.
Yucca Valley-30 sales for the month. The most expensive home sold was around $350,000. The average sale price was $109,833. The average per square foot price was $74.

As always, happy home hunting. The Agents here at AFG Realty are available anytime to help answer any questions these statistics may create.

Bob Armstrong
Broker
AFG Realty