Housing affordability in California is considered a growing crisis. The State Association of Realtors says only 32% of households can afford the median price, which is now over $496,000. That’s the 16th straight quarter that the index has been below 40%. Meanwhile, Nevada County real estate analyst, Greg Bullanti, estimates around 20 to 25% here, with the price jumping 19% in the last year, at about $424,000. And, with more people looking at the rental market, rates have doubled in the last 10 years, with annual wages not close to keeping up…

click to listen to Greg Bullanti

Bullanti says the vast majority of buyers are from areas outside of Nevada County where incomes are higher, including the Bay Area. He cites familiar factors, including a high demand for low inventory. He says it might help to give local developers a cost break…

click to listen to Greg Bullanti

Bullanti also mentions tight zoning laws and the NIMBY syndrome.