Fontana

CAInland Empire

Real Estate Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$650,000 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
~215,000 (2024 estimate)
Population
$82,000 (2024 estimate)
Median Income
Fontana Unified School District: 6/10 (GreatSchools average)
School District Rating

Market Overview

Property Values

$650,000 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
$361 (citywide), $495 (Downtown Fontana)
Price per Sq Ft
+4.8% (June 2024–June 2025)
YoY Change

Market Performance

Days on Market23 median days to pending (Feb 2025)
Market TypeSeller's market
Months of SupplyNot specified, but market is a strong seller's market

Sales Activity

Sales Volume1,339 residential properties sold in past 12 months
Metro AreaInland Empire
Population~215,000 (2024 estimate)

Economic Indicators

Employment & Growth

Unemployment Rate~5.2% (San Bernardino County, Q2 2025, estimate)
Job Growth Rate~2.1% (2024–2025, Inland Empire)
Median Household Income$82,000 (2024 estimate)

Major Employers

  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Fontana Unified School District
  • Target Distribution Center
  • California Steel Industries
  • Amazon Fulfillment Centers

Demographics

~215,000 (2024 estimate)
Population
31.5 years
Median Age
+1.1% (2024–2025)
Population Growth
22% bachelor's degree or higher
Education Level

Family Composition

Large proportion of families with children; average household size 3.8

Key Industries

Logistics & WarehousingHealthcareEducationManufacturingRetail

Education

School District

Fontana Unified School District: 6/10 (GreatSchools average)
District Rating

Top Schools

  • Summit High School
  • A.B. Miller High School
  • Sierra Lakes Elementary

Higher Education

  • Chaffey College (Fontana campus)
  • California State University, San Bernardino (nearby)

Infrastructure & Development

Major Projects

  • Fontana Transit Center expansion
  • South Fontana Logistics Park
  • Downtown revitalization initiatives

Transportation

  • Metrolink service enhancements
  • I-10 and I-15 freeway interchange upgrades

Planned Developments

  • Mixed-use projects in Downtown
  • New residential subdivisions in North Fontana

Lifestyle & Amenities

Recreation

  • Fontana Park & Aquatic Center
  • Mary Vagle Nature Center
  • Sierra Lakes Golf Club

Dining & Entertainment

  • Victoria Gardens (nearby)
  • Local breweries and eateries
  • Auto Club Speedway

Cultural Attractions

  • Fontana Arts Festival
  • Steelworkers' Auditorium
  • Historic Route 66

Investment Analysis

Investment Opportunities

  • Strong rental demand from logistics/warehouse workforce
  • Equity-rich properties (39,567 with >50% equity)
  • Value-add in Downtown and North Fontana

Growth Outlook

Moderate price appreciation expected through 2025; stable demand from migration and job growth

Market Risks

  • Rising interest rates
  • Affordability constraints for first-time buyers
  • Potential for increased inventory if economic conditions shift

Rental Market

High demand, low vacancy; average rents up 4–5% YoY

Marketing Intelligence

Target Demographics

  • Young families
  • First-time buyers
  • Logistics/warehouse employees
  • Move-up buyers

Marketing Channels

  • Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com
  • Facebook/Instagram ads
  • Local community events

Pricing Strategies

List at or just below recent comps to drive multiple offers

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Homes are too expensive for my budget

Response Strategy:

Highlight down payment assistance, local grant programs, and potential for equity growth

Objection: Interest rates are too high

Response Strategy:

Discuss adjustable-rate or buydown options, and the potential to refinance later

Objection: Too much competition from investors/cash buyers

Response Strategy:

Advise on strong offer strategies, including escalation clauses and flexible closing timelines

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate buyers on local assistance programs and market realities

2

Leverage digital marketing and virtual tours to reach remote buyers

3

Network with local employers for relocation leads

4

Advise sellers to price competitively and stage homes for maximum impact

5

Monitor inventory and interest rate trends for timely client guidance

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Rialto
  • Rancho Cucamonga
  • Ontario
  • San Bernardino

Market Positioning

Affordable Inland Empire alternative to pricier LA/OC suburbs; strong logistics and family appeal

Competitive Advantages

  • Lower median price than Rancho Cucamonga/Ontario
  • Strong logistics job base
  • Family-friendly amenities

Price Comparison

Fontana median ($650k) is lower than Rancho Cucamonga ($780k) and Ontario ($700k), higher than San Bernardino ($480k)

Investment Metrics

4.5–5.2% (2025, typical for SFR rentals)
Cap Rates
~5% gross yield
Rental Yields
~18–20
Price-to-Rent
Positive cash flow possible with 20% down, especially in North and Central Fontana
Cash Flow
3–4% annual appreciation expected through 2026
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Face affordability challenges; benefit from down payment assistance and FHA/VA options

Move-Up Buyers

Leverage equity from existing homes; seek larger lots and newer builds

Downsizers

Target single-story homes and low-maintenance communities

Investors

Focus on SFRs and small multifamily for strong rental demand

Relocators

Attracted by affordability and job growth; prioritize proximity to logistics hubs

This city analysis was generated using comprehensive market data and AI intelligence.

Market conditions change rapidly - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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