U.S. Home Value and Income Data Show Some Easing of Economic Struggle
California and Florida still dominate the list of Top 10 counties for home value losses in 2010, but throughout the U.S., there are signs of improvement. Median home value decreased in only 31% of U.S. counties between January 2009 and January 2010 compared to home values declined in 54% of U.S. counties the prior year. This measure suggests that home values may be beginning to stabilize at the county level, according to Nielsen demographic analysis.
This year’s analysis found that nine out of the top 10 counties for median home value losses were in California, led by Marin County; while the top home value gainer in 2010 went to Dare County, North Carolina. Other states whose counties were on the top 10 home value gains list include Virginia, Wyoming, Idaho, Hawaii, Oregon and Utah.
Median household income also showed signs of stabilization with an increase in 88% of U.S. counties, compared to 74% in the previous year. This measure suggests that incomes are also stabilizing in the aftermath of the economic recession in 2008/2009. Goochland, Fairfax City, Powhatan and King George counties in Virginia led the gainers in 2010. Top losers in household income came from McKinley County, New Mexico; Broomfield County, Colorado and East Feliciana Parish in Louisiana.
| Top U.S. Counties: Household Income Gain | ||
|---|---|---|
| RANK | County Name | State Name |
| 1 | Goochland County | Virginia |
| 2 | Fairfax city | Virginia |
| 3 | Powhatan County | Virginia |
| 4 | King George County | Virginia |
| 5 | Uintah County | Utah |
| 6 | Garfield County | Colorado |
| 7 | Jefferson County | West Virginia |
| 8 | Lincoln County | Wyoming |
| 9 | Schleicher County | Texas |
| 10 | Sully County | South Dakota |
| Source: The Nielsen Company |
| Top U.S. Counties: Household Income Loss | ||
|---|---|---|
| RANK | County Name | State Name |
| 1 | McKinley County | New Mexico |
| 2 | Broomfield County | Colorado |
| 3 | East Feliciana Parish | Louisiana |
| 4 | Starke County | Indiana |
| 5 | Jasper County | South Carolina |
| 6 | Gilmer County | Georgia |
| 7 | Calvert County | Maryland |
| 8 | Shelby County | Texas |
| 9 | Tillamook County | Oregon |
| 10 | Leflore County | Mississippi |
| Source: The Nielsen Company |
| Top U.S. Counties: Home Value Gain | ||
|---|---|---|
| RANK | County Name | State Name |
| 1 | Dare County | North Carolina |
| 2 | Blaine County | Idaho |
| 3 | Kauai County | Hawaii |
| 4 | Curry County | Oregon |
| 5 | King George County | Virginia |
| 6 | Culpeper County | Virginia |
| 7 | Teton County | Wyoming |
| 8 | Iron County | Utah |
| 9 | Campbell County | Wyoming |
| 10 | Uintah County | Utah |
| Source: The Nielsen Company |
| Top U.S. Counties: Home Value Loss | ||
|---|---|---|
| RANK | County Name | State Name |
| 1 | Marin County | California |
| 2 | Monroe County | Florida |
| 3 | San Mateo County | California |
| 4 | Santa Cruz County | California |
| 5 | San Francisco County | California |
| 6 | San Benito County | California |
| 7 | Santa Clara County | California |
| 8 | Los Angeles County | California |
| 9 | Orange County | California |
| 10 | Alameda County | California |
| Source: The Nielsen Company |
The analysis also revealed that population decreased in 43% of U.S. counties between 2009 and 2010. These levels of county population change are similar to changes seen with recent demographic releases. Wayne County, Michigan topped the list of population losers, which is consistent with the economic downturn and job losses seen in the Detroit area.
https://develop.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/article/2010/u-s-home-value-and-income-data-show-some-easing-of-economic-struggle/
