The real estate market in Orange County, California, is known for its high prices, luxurious properties, and competitive environment. Nestled within this dynamic region is the city of Stanton, a smaller community that offers a unique perspective on housing trends. For prospective homebuyers, sellers, or real estate enthusiasts, understanding how Stanton’s home prices stack up against Orange County averages can provide valuable insight into whether this city represents a hidden gem or aligns with broader regional patterns. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into recent data, explore the factors influencing Stanton’s housing market, and compare it to the Orange County landscape as a whole. Let’s get started!
Stanton: A Snapshot of the Housing Market
Stanton, a city of just over 38,000 residents, sits in the heart of Orange County, surrounded by larger neighbors like Anaheim, Garden Grove, and Westminster. Despite its modest size, Stanton has a vibrant housing market that reflects both its local character and the broader trends of the region. As of December 2024, the median home sale price in Stanton was $661,000, according to Rocket Homes, marking a 2.5% increase from the previous year. This figure aligns with data from other sources, such as PropertyShark, which reported a median sale price of $662,000 for Q3 2024—a 17% jump year-over-year.
Meanwhile, the median price per square foot in Stanton hovered around $568 to $570 in late 2024, depending on the source. Homes in Stanton tend to sell relatively quickly, with an average of 20 to 33 days on the market, and the city remains a seller’s market. This means demand outpaces supply, keeping prices elevated and encouraging fast transactions. But how does this compare to Orange County as a whole? To answer that, we need to zoom out and examine the bigger picture.
Orange County: The Broader Context
Orange County is one of California’s most affluent and sought-after regions, boasting a median home price that consistently exceeds national averages. As of January 2025, Redfin reports that Orange County’s median home price reached $1.2 million, a 12.4% increase from the previous year. Rocket Homes pegs the median at $1,165,942 for the same period, reflecting a 12.7% year-over-year rise. These numbers highlight the county’s robust growth and its status as a premium housing market.
The median price per square foot in Orange County is notably higher than Stanton’s, often exceeding $600, though it varies by city and property type. Homes in the county take longer to sell on average—around 40 to 55 days—compared to Stanton’s faster pace. This slower turnover could reflect the higher price points and larger inventory, with 5,864 homes listed for sale in January 2025, per Rocket Homes. Like Stanton, Orange County remains a seller’s market, driven by strong demand and limited supply, though the scale and price range differ significantly.
A Direct Comparison: Stanton vs. Orange County
Now, let’s put these numbers side by side for a clearer comparison:
- Median Home Price:
- Stanton: $661,000 (December 2024)
- Orange County: $1,165,942 (January 2025)
- Difference: Stanton’s median is approximately 56.7% of Orange County’s, or about $504,942 less.
- Price Per Square Foot:
- Stanton: $568-$570 (December 2024)
- Orange County: ~$600+ (varies by area, estimated from trends)
- Difference: Stanton’s per-square-foot cost is roughly 5-10% lower, depending on specific Orange County locales.
- Days on Market:
- Stanton: 20-33 days
- Orange County: 40-55 days
- Difference: Stanton homes sell 15-35 days faster, signaling higher local demand relative to supply.
- Market Type:
- Both Stanton and Orange County are seller’s markets, but Stanton’s smaller size and lower price point may attract a different buyer demographic.
At first glance, Stanton appears to offer a more affordable entry point into Orange County’s housing market. Its median home price is nearly half that of the county average, making it an appealing option for first-time buyers, downsizers, or those seeking value in a high-cost region. However, “affordable” is relative—Stanton’s $661,000 median still exceeds the national median of $396,900 (as of January 2025, per Norada Real Estate) by over 66%.
Factors Driving Stanton’s Prices
Why does Stanton lag behind Orange County’s average prices? Several factors come into play:
- Location and Size: Stanton’s 3.1-square-mile footprint limits its housing stock and development potential compared to sprawling cities like Irvine or Newport Beach. Its proximity to industrial areas and major highways (like the 22 Freeway) may also temper its appeal relative to coastal or luxury markets.
- Housing Mix: Stanton has a higher proportion of condos, townhomes, and smaller single-family homes than some Orange County cities dominated by larger, detached properties. For example, Rocket Homes notes that 1-bedroom homes in Stanton saw a 4.6% price drop year-over-year in December 2024, while 4-bedroom homes jumped 13.1%, reflecting varied demand across property types.
- Demographics and Income: Stanton’s median household income of $68,821 (per HomeSnacks, 2022 data) is lower than Orange County’s average of $74,600 (2020, per firsttuesday Journal). This income gap correlates with lower purchasing power, keeping home prices more accessible than in wealthier areas like Laguna Beach or Mission Viejo.
- Market Dynamics: Stanton’s 17% price growth in Q3 2024 (PropertyShark) outpaced Orange County’s 12.4%-12.7% annual increase, suggesting a faster appreciation rate. This could indicate Stanton is catching up as buyers seek alternatives to pricier markets.
Orange County’s Premium Drivers
Orange County’s higher averages stem from its diversity of high-end markets. Cities like Newport Beach, with median prices often exceeding $2 million, and Irvine, known for master-planned communities, skew the countywide figures upward. Coastal proximity, top-tier schools, and luxury amenities—think beachfront estates and golf course properties—command premiums that Stanton, an inland city, doesn’t typically offer. Additionally, Orange County’s larger inventory (5,864 homes vs. Stanton’s 36 in December 2024) includes a broader range of price points, but the concentration of high-value sales pushes the median skyward.
Is Stanton a Bargain or a Baseline?
For buyers, Stanton’s lower prices might suggest a bargain, but context matters. At $661,000, a Stanton home costs roughly ten times the local median income—a ratio consistent with Orange County’s affordability challenges, as noted by the California Association of Realtors (via HomeLight). Only 11% of Orange County households can afford a $1.3 million home, and while Stanton’s lower entry point broadens accessibility, it’s still a stretch for many.
Sellers in Stanton benefit from a tight market where homes fetch 1.81% above asking price (realtor.com, September 2024) and move quickly. This contrasts with Orange County’s broader trend of selling closer to list price (1.65% below, per ocrealestateinc.com), hinting at stronger localized demand in Stanton.
Looking Ahead: Trends and Forecasts
What does the future hold? Stanton’s rapid price growth—17% in a single quarter—suggests it may narrow the gap with Orange County over time, especially if buyers continue to seek value-driven options. However, high mortgage rates (6.85% as of February 2025, per Norada) could temper demand across the region, including Stanton. Orange County’s market, while resilient, may see a leveling off as inventory climbs (up 4.8% week-over-week in August 2023, per ocrealestateinc.com) and rates challenge affordability.
Stanton’s smaller scale and faster sales pace could insulate it from some broader slowdowns, but its reliance on income-driven buyers (rather than cash-heavy investors) ties its fate to economic conditions. Both markets are poised for competition, though Stanton’s relative affordability may give it an edge for budget-conscious buyers in 2025.
Final Thoughts
Stanton’s home prices, at $661,000, offer a stark contrast to Orange County’s $1.2 million median, positioning it as a more accessible corner of a premium region. Its faster sales, lower per-square-foot costs, and recent appreciation highlight a vibrant micro-market within a high-cost county. Yet, affordability remains relative—Stanton is no steal compared to national benchmarks, and its prices reflect Orange County’s overarching pressures of low supply and high demand.
For buyers, Stanton represents a chance to enter a prestigious region without the seven-figure price tag. For sellers, it’s a hot market with quick turnovers and upward momentum. Whether you’re eyeing a cozy condo or a family home, understanding how Stanton compares to Orange County averages can guide your next move in this ever-evolving real estate landscape.
What are your thoughts? Have you noticed Stanton’s market shifting, or are you considering a move within Orange County? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your take
