California Leads Nation in Most Expensive ZIP Codes
State neighborhoods comprise 69 of the 122 costliest U.S. markets as local home prices remain well above the national average.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Residential
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California neighborhoods claim 69 of the 122 most expensive ZIP codes in the U.S. this year, according to the latest PropertyShark ranking. Los Angeles County leads the state with 15 of these high-priced areas, where the median sales price currently sits at $2.8 million.
Why it matters
Understanding these rankings helps prospective homebuyers and current residents gauge their local market standing against national benchmarks. As California accounts for 57% of the nation's priciest markets, these shifts reflect ongoing regional demand and pricing trends for houses, condos, and townhomes.
Los Angeles County holds the most ZIP codes on the list with 15, followed by Santa Clara County with 13 and Orange County with 12. Nationally, the priciest area is Atherton 94027, where the median sales price reached $10.7 million.
The players
PropertyShark
A real estate data provider that tracks property sales and maintains annual rankings of the most expensive housing markets.
The details
PropertyShark compiles this data by tracking median sales prices for houses, townhomes, condominiums, and duplexes. To be eligible for the ranking, a ZIP code must record at least five sales during the nine-month period ending in September 2026. These figures provide a snapshot of high-end real estate activity across the state compared to other U.S. counties like Suffolk and Fairfield.
Timeline
The data tracks sales from January 2026 through September 2026.
The annual ranking reflects market conditions as of 2026.
The Home Front
California's dominance in high-end real estate persists, even as its share of the nation's most expensive ZIP codes has retracted since 2019. These rankings serve as a barometer for luxury market saturation across the state's most competitive counties.
Residents in these high-cost areas should monitor their local median sales trends to understand their home's relative market positioning. If you are considering a property transaction, consult with a licensed real estate professional to evaluate how these specific regional rankings influence local property values.
The takeaway
California continues to host the majority of the nation's most expensive housing markets despite shifting volume since 2019. Homeowners should track their local ZIP code performance to stay informed about regional pricing trends.
Further reading
For more on market trends, visit the Residential section.
Live Poll
Is the high cost of housing in your area a sign of prosperity or an affordability crisis?
