Daily Archives: May 23, 2007

The Santa Maria Times reports that this housing downturn has been particularly tough on the local economy. Employment growth for the area was essentially flat, and adjusted for inflation the median income for the county showed a decline. However, not all housing news was negative. Research shows that of the 255 residential building permits issued in Santa Barbara County, 166 of those units were in Santa Maria. Also, existing home sales and loan applications have increased. Continue reading →