Novato, CA—94945
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Novato, CA
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Novato, CA is $1,051,000, with a year-over-year change of -1.8%. This indicates that home prices in Novato, CA are decreasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is -2.3%, suggesting a decrease housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $1,051,000 | -1.8% |
| Single Family | $1,105,000 | -1.4% |
| Condos | $650,000 | -0.6% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $689,000 | -3.6% |
3 Bed | $957,000 | -2.4% |
4 Bed | $1,240,000 | -1.4% |
| 5 Bed | $1,489,000 | -1.5% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Novato, CA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Novato, CA is $3,630, with a year-over-year rent change of 7.1%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Novato, CA is studios: $1,600, 1-bedrooms: $2,550, 2-bedrooms: $3,270, 3-bedrooms: $4,540, 4-bedrooms: $4,900. The most common rental property sizes in Novato, CA are 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom, accounting for 40.4% and 32.5% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $3,600 | $3,630 |
| Studio Rent | $1,600 | $1,600 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $2,500 | $2,550 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $2,850 | $3,270 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $4,150 | $4,540 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $4,300 | $4,900 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Novato, CA
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Novato, CA is 34. This is a decrease of -8.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market shorter than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 27.0%, representing a large inventory and a lot of supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $1,100,000 | -1.0% |
Listing Count | 45 | -4.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.3% | -4.0% |
Days on Market | 34 | -8.0% |
Demographics — Novato, CA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Novato, CA has a population of 17,300, which has decreased by -9.2% over the past 5 years. Novato, CA is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 19.8% of the population. The area has a highly educated workforce, with 51.7% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 19.3% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 17,300 | -9.2% |
% Under 18 | 19.8% | -2.0% |
% Seniors | 25.2% | 36.2% |
% WFH | 19.3% | 116.9% |
% w/ College Degree | 51.7% | 12.6% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Novato, CA is a predominantly white area, with 59.3% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 13.8% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Novato, CA is hispanic, making up 22.6% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 21.6% of the population in Novato, CA, and this percentage has increased by 19.3% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting more immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 59.3% | -13.8% |
% Black | 3.3% | 200.0% |
% Hispanic | 22.6% | 12.4% |
% Asian | 8.0% | 45.5% |
% Foreign Born | 21.6% | 19.3% |
Mortgage and Risk — Novato, CA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 270 mortgage originations in Novato, CA, of which 96.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 49.0%, with 7.0% above 90% LTV (normal). This implies small mortgage risk in Novato, CA. Investor activity is low, as 2.0% of loans were by investors. 6.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting few homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 270 |
% Conventional Loans | 96.0% |
% Government Loans | 4.0% |
% Investor Loans | 2.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 6.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Novato, CA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Novato, CA under the Section 8 program is 6.8%. This is considered low, suggesting that the neighborhood is sparsely composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Novato, CA, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 192 |
Total Units Section 8 | 137 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 6.8% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 92.0% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $40 | $2,500 | $2,540 |
| 2 Bedroom | $180 | $2,850 | $3,030 |
| 3 Bedroom | -$440 | $4,150 | $3,710 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$270 | $4,300 | $4,030 |
Affordability — Novato, CA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 9.1 |
| Median Home Price | $1,051,000 |
| Median Household Income | $110,000 |