Sacramento’s multifamily industry has yet to fully recover from the economic volatility that has shadowed the nation for the past year. Rent growth fell into negative territory yet again, down 0.1 percent on a trailing three-month basis through May, to $1,905. On a year-over-year basis, the average asking rent contracted 0.4 percent, while the U.S. rate was up 2.6 percent, to $1,716. The metro’s occupancy rate in stabilized properties also decreased, down 150 basis points in the 12 months ending in April, to 94.9 percent.
Unemployment dipped below the 4.0 percent mark for the first time this year, in April, clocking in at 3.8 percent, trailing the U.S. rate but ahead of the 4.5 percent state figure. Across all major California markets, Sacramento only outperformed Los Angeles (4.2 percent). Employment expanded 2.9 percent, or 21,800 jobs, in the 12 months ending in March, trailing the 3.1 percent national rate. Furthermore, three sectors lost 7,900 jobs combined. Job growth was led by education and health services (10,800 jobs), which accounted for about half of the positions gained. With several health-care developments underway, the sector is poised for an additional boost.
Development remained tepid, with 445 units coming online in 2023 through May and 330 units breaking ground during this time, bringing the pipeline to 7,621 units under construction. Investment also plummeted. Confirmed sales amounted to just $73 million, for a price per unit that decreased 38.4 percent since last year.
Read the full Yardi Matrix report.
