CLIPBOARD : Space Price Rising

The median price of a square foot of new home in Orange County has been on the rise for each of the last five years, reaching $161.10 in 1989. The 1989 figure is 30% higher than 1988 and 75% more than in 1985.

Not only is the local rate rising, but it is far higher than in any of the surrounding counties. For example, the $119.70 comparable figure for Los Angeles County, highest in any of the contiguous counties, is 35% less than the Orange County number. COUNTY COMPARISON

1989 1989 1989 1988-’89 Median Median Median Price/ Price County Price Area * Square Foot Change Los Angeles $225,000 1,880 $119.70 +16.0 Orange 294,000 1,825 161.10 +30.5 Riverside 158,000 1,810 87.30 +12.9 San Bernardino 154,000 1,815 84.85 +14.9 San Diego 225,000 1,905 118.10 +29.3 STATEWIDE $178,000 1,820 $97.80 +12.7

* In square feet Source: Construction Industry Research Board