Home Equity in California: How Much Can You Cash Out? (2026)
With California's median value near $765,000 and a typical $421,000 balance, homeowners can access about $229,250 at 85% combined LTV — through a HELOC, a fixed home equity loan, or a cash-out refinance.
California home values have climbed, so your accessible equity may be larger than you expect — up to the 85% CLTV line.
Accessible equity by California county
| County | Est. Value | Equity at 85% CLTV |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles County | $915,000 | $274,750 |
| San Diego County | $910,000 | $272,500 |
| Orange County | $1,150,000 | $344,500 |
| Riverside County | $595,000 | $178,750 |
| San Bernardino County | $500,000 | $150,000 |
| Santa Clara County | $1,500,000 | $450,000 |
| Alameda County | $1,180,000 | $354,000 |
| Sacramento County | $560,000 | $168,000 |
| Fresno County | $400,000 | $120,000 |
| Kern County | $360,000 | $108,000 |
| Ventura County | $820,000 | $246,000 |
| San Joaquin County | $540,000 | $162,000 |
| San Mateo County | $1,500,000 | $450,000 |
| Stanislaus County | $460,000 | $138,000 |
| Sonoma County | $720,000 | $216,000 |
| Tulare County | $360,000 | $108,000 |
| Solano County | $560,000 | $168,000 |
| Santa Barbara County | $920,000 | $276,000 |
| Monterey County | $760,000 | $228,000 |
| Placer County | $600,000 | $180,000 |
| Santa Cruz County | $1,100,000 | $330,000 |
| Marin County | $1,500,000 | $450,000 |
| Contra Costa County | $765,000 | $229,250 |
| San Francisco County | $765,000 | $229,250 |
| San Luis Obispo County | $765,000 | $229,250 |
| Merced County | $765,000 | $229,250 |
| Butte County | $765,000 | $229,250 |
| Yolo County | $765,000 | $229,250 |
| Imperial County | $765,000 | $229,250 |
| El Dorado County | $680,000 | $204,000 |
How to tap equity in California
Start with your numbers: home value minus what you owe, capped at 85% of value. Then pick the tool — a revolving HELOC for flexible access, a fixed home equity loan for a lump sum, or a cash-out refinance if a new first-mortgage rate beats your current one. Compare two or three lenders, since margins and fees vary.
See How Much Equity You Can Tap
Get posted on rate drops, rising equity, and cheaper ways to borrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much home equity can I tap in California?
- On a $765,000 home with a $421,000 balance, about $229,250 at 85% CLTV. Your exact limit depends on the lender, your credit, and the appraisal.
- Is a HELOC or cash-out better in California?
- If your first mortgage rate is low, a HELOC or home equity loan is usually cheaper because it keeps that rate. A cash-out refinance only wins when today's rate beats your current one.