Sonora, California, presents a cost of living that is approximately 24% higher than the national average, yet about 24% lower than the California state average. 
Housing Costs
• Home Prices: The average cost of a single-family home in Sonora is approximately $427,215. 
• Rent: The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $1,220 per month, which is below the national average of $1,430.
Utilities
Utility costs in Sonora are generally lower than the national average, contributing to overall affordability in this category. 
Groceries
Grocery expenses in Sonora are slightly above the national average, with a grocery cost index of 105 compared to the U.S. baseline of 100. 
Transportation
Transportation costs in Sonora are less affordable than the national average, indicating higher expenses in this category. 
Healthcare
Healthcare costs in Sonora are approximately 1.3% lower than the national average, offering some savings in medical expenses. 
Taxes
• Property Taxes: California’s median property tax rate is 0.74% of a property’s assessed fair market value. 
• State Income Tax: California employs a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 1% to 12.3%, plus an additional 1% mental health services tax on income exceeding $1 million. 
Overall Assessment
While Sonora’s cost of living is higher than the national average, it remains more affordable compared to many other parts of California. Lower housing costs and utility expenses contribute to this relative affordability, though higher transportation and grocery costs should be considered. Prospective residents should evaluate these factors in relation to their personal financial situations when considering relocation to Sonora.
Sonora, California, presents a dynamic housing market characterized by a range of property types and pricing trends.
Median Home Prices
• Redfin: As of August 2024, the median sale price for homes in Sonora was $573,000, marking a significant increase of 43.3% compared to the same period in the previous year. 
• Realtor.com: In November 2024, the median listing price was reported at $448,000, reflecting a 1.8% year-over-year increase. The median listing price per square foot stood at $261. 
• RocketHomes: Data from November 2024 indicates a median list price of $402,400, representing a substantial 61.3% rise from the previous year. The median price per square foot was $266. 
Market Competitiveness
The Sonora housing market exhibits moderate competitiveness. Homes typically receive multiple offers, with some properties selling below the listing price. The average time on the market varies, with certain homes selling within 41 days. 
Property Types
The housing stock in Sonora is diverse, encompassing single-family detached homes, large apartment complexes, duplexes, and row houses. Single-family detached homes constitute approximately 61% of the housing units, while apartments and duplexes make up about 18% and 16%, respectively. 
Rental Market
In the rental sector, the median rent in Sonora as of December 2024 was $1,720, indicating a $220 increase from December 2023. Rental prices for houses range between $900 and $8,900. 
Recent Trends
Notably, Sonora has been identified as a favorable market for buyers, with homes often selling below the asking price. This trend offers potential opportunities for purchasers seeking value in the current market. 
Conclusion
The Sonora real estate market is experiencing notable growth, with rising home prices and a variety of property types available. Prospective buyers and investors should consider these trends and the competitive nature of the market when making decisions.
Sonora, California, has a crime rate of 55 per 1,000 residents, making it one of the higher crime rate communities in the United States. Residents have a 1 in 18 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime. 
Violent Crime
The violent crime rate in Sonora is 8.27 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the national median of 4. This includes offenses such as rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Residents have a 1 in 121 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. 
Property Crime
Property crimes are more prevalent, with a rate of 47.01 per 1,000 residents. This category includes burglary, larceny over fifty dollars, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Sonora is 1 in 21. 
Comparisons
Within California, more than 97% of communities have a lower crime rate than Sonora. When compared to cities of similar population size, Sonora’s crime rate is notably higher. 
Trends
Recent data indicates a 15% decrease in the overall crime rate in Sonora compared to previous years. However, violent crime has seen an increase, while property crime has declined. 
Safety Measures
Local law enforcement agencies are actively working to address these issues through community policing and crime prevention programs. Residents are encouraged to participate in neighborhood watch programs and to report any suspicious activities to authorities.
Conclusion
While Sonora offers many appealing qualities, potential residents and visitors should remain aware of the higher-than-average crime rates and take appropriate precautions to ensure personal safety.
