Happy New Year and Welcome to 2012!

Part of our service involves collecting stats and factoids on state & county trends in population, migration, shopping patterns – things that can impact your business.

In the past year, California experienced the largest population gain since 2008 – up 260,000. OC added 27k in population—a 1% increase & the biggest local gain since ’01, marking the 1st time OC grew faster than CA since the year 2000 and the 1st time since ’01 the county had more people move in than out.

OC home sales increased 9.5% between 8/10 and 8/11. OC housing prices are expected to rise 34.6% between now and 2017. With current median house prices near $430,000 that represents a gain of $148,780 in six years.

In 2011 Measure M receipts rose 6.5% – twice the annual growth seen in the previous 19 years. Since these funds derive from sales tax, this is a sign that OC residents are shopping again. An improving local economy helped the county’s appeal to outsiders.

These trends suggest that OC looks like a better place to live. To see why many families decide to make Orange County their home, watch the video at http://www.welcomeexpress.com/life-in-the-oc.html

Directing newcomers to your business is a smart marketing strategy. Today’s newcomers have good credit and money in the bank.  Learn how Welcome Express can help you reach the newcomer market.

Sources:

State, OC Adding People by Jonathan Lansner; Orange County
Register 12-9-11

The Demographic Research Unit Report, California
Department of Finance

The UCLA Anderson Forecast

DataQuick Information Systems

Orange County Realtor®, The official publication of OCAR, December 2011