The housing market is a critical component of any local economy, and Clark County, Washington is no exception. Recent data reveals some interesting trends in the number of homes sold, median sales price, and days on market.Additionally, the county’s unemployment rate, GDP, and population growth are all important factors that contribute to the overall health of the local housing market.

In this blog post, we will examine these trends in detail and explore the potential causes and implications for both buyers and sellers in the area. Whether you’re a homeowner or just interested in the state of the local economy, this post will provide valuable insights into the current state of the Clark County housing market.

Number of Homes Sold

The number of homes sold in Q1 2023 in Clark County, Washington is 988, according to the provided data. This represents a significant decrease from the previous quarter (Q4 2022) where 1233 homes were sold, a decrease of 20.9% in sales. Compared to the same quarter of the previous year (Q1 2022), this represents a decrease of 43.2%.

Looking at the trends over the past five years, we can see that there was a steady increase in home sales until 2020, where there was a significant increase in Q3, followed by a slight decrease in Q4. 2021 saw a moderate increase in sales, with Q2 being the highest quarter in the past five years. However, 2022 saw a steep decline in Q4, and Q1 2023 continued that trend with fewer homes sold than any previous Q1 in the last five years.

The increase in sales in 2020-2021 could possibly be attributed to the pandemic and people leaving densely packed cities for suburban areas. However, the recent decreases in sales in late 2022 and early 2023 could be due to rising interest rates. It’s simply more expensive to buy a home right now and with inventory still low, prices aren’t coming down much.

Median Sales Price

The median sales price of homes sold in Clark County, Washington in Q1 2023 was $540,000. This represents a very slight decrease of 0.9% from the previous quarter (Q4 2022) when the median sales price was $549,960. However, compared to the same quarter in the previous year (Q1 2022), the median sales price has decreased by 16.3% in Q1 2023.

Over the past five years, there has been a steady increase in median home sales prices in Clark County, Washington. From Q1 2018 to Q1 2021, the median sales price rose from $357,500 to $452,000, representing a 26.4% increase. However, in 2022, there was a sharp increase in median home sales prices with Q2 being the highest quarter in the last five years at $564,718. Q4 2022 saw a slight decrease, and Q1 2023 continued that trend with reduced median sales prices.

The trend in rising home prices in Clark County, Washington over the past few years is likely due to a combination of factors, including population growth, low-interest rates, and limited supply of available homes. However, the decrease in median sales prices in Q1 2023 could be due to a supply of homes in the market, as well as economic conditions such as high interest rates.

Median Days on Market

The median days on market for a home sold in Clark County, Washington, in Q1 2023 was 35 days. This represents a significant increase from the previous quarter (Q4 2022), where the median days on market was only 27, an increase of 29.6%. Compared to the same quarter in the previous year (Q1 2022), there has been a significant increase in the median days on market in Q1 2023 (between 600% and 700%), as the median number of days on market was only five last year.

Looking at the trends over the past five years, we can see that there has been a steady decline in the median days on market for a home sold in Clark County, Washington, until 2020. In 2020, the median days on market for a home were very low, and this trend continued in Q1 2021 with a median of just five days. However, in 2022 there was a significant increase in the median days on market with steep increases in Q3 and Q4. In Q1 2023, the trend continues with a further increase in median days on market.

The reasons behind these trends could be multi-factorial. The decrease in median days on market seen in the early years was likely due to a combination of population growth, low-interest rates, and a shortage in the supply of available homes. However, the current trend of increasing median days on market may be due to less demand, driven by a number of factors including the affordability and supply constraints.

Clark County Unemployment

The Clark County, Washington unemployment rate in 2022 and 2023 has been steadily increasing. In 2022, the unemployment rate was 5.1%, up from 4.7% in 2021. This year, the unemployment rate has risen to 6.1%, a 1% increase from last year.

This rise in unemployment is having a significant impact on the local housing market. The number of homes for sale has decreased significantly due to fewer people being able to afford them. Additionally, home values have dropped as well.

The decrease in home sales is also affecting local businesses that rely on the housing market for revenue. Real estate agents, contractors, and other related businesses are all feeling the effects of this downturn in the housing market due to the rising unemployment rate.

Clark County GDP

The Clark County, Washington economy has been on the rise in recent years. In 2022, the county’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.6%, according to data from the St. Louis Federal Reserve. This growth was driven largely by increases in construction and manufacturing activity, as well as a strong housing market.

The economic growth seen in Clark County is part of a larger trend across the state of Washington and the rest of the country as well. According to data from the U.S Census Bureau, real GDP grew by 3% nationwide in 2022 and is expected to continue growing this year as well.

Overall, it appears that the economy of Clark County is continuing to grow and thrive despite some economic uncertainty around unemployment and housing. With continued investment into local businesses and infrastructure projects, it looks like this trend will continue for many years to come.

Clark County Population Growth

Clark County, Washington has seen a steady population growth over the past few years. In 2020, the county’s population grew by 2 percent and in 2021 it grew by 1.5 percent, outpacing the statewide growth. This trend continued into 2022 with an estimated population of 516,779 – up about 7,800 from 2021 or about a 1.5% increase – making it one of the fastest growing counties in the state.

This population growth has had a direct impact on the local housing market as demand for housing has increased significantly. With more people looking to move to Clark County, home prices have risen and there is now a shortage of available homes for sale. This has made it difficult for potential buyers to find affordable housing in the area, leading to bidding wars and higher prices overall.

The county is also seeing an influx of new businesses due to its growing population. This is creating more job opportunities and economic development in the area which will help sustain its current population growth rate in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the housing market in Clark County, Washington has experienced some significant changes over the past year. The decrease in the number of homes sold and the increase in median days on market suggest a shift towards a buyer’s market, while the decline in median sales prices may be attributed to supply constraints and rising interest rates. Additionally, the rising unemployment rate in the county has had a significant impact on the local housing market, with fewer people able to afford homes and businesses reliant on the housing market struggling.

However, despite these challenges, the county’s GDP continues to grow, and its population growth rate is one of the highest in the state. This suggests that there is still plenty of potential for economic growth and development in the area, which may help to address some of the challenges facing the local housing market.

Overall, the current state of the Clark County housing market represents an opportunity for both buyers and sellers to navigate changing market conditions and find success. By staying informed and working with knowledgeable real estate professionals, both parties can take advantage of the unique opportunities presented by this dynamic market.