Cost of Living in Butte County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Butte County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Butte County, California
Butte County's affordability comes with trade-offs
Butte County's median income of $68,574 falls below the national median by 8%, yet its rent-to-income ratio of 24.0% exceeds national norms by 2 percentage points. Renters spend $1,369 monthly—a modest absolute cost shadowed by the fact that lower incomes stretch that payment further.
Above-average rent burden statewide
Butte's 24.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks in California's least-affordable third, exceeding the state average of 22.4% by 1.6 points. The median rent of $1,369 appears reasonable in isolation, but combined with the county's lower median income, it signals tighter household finances than neighboring counties.
Butte struggles against regional peers
Butte's rent-to-income ratio of 24.0% trails Colusa (18.2%) and Amador (20.3%), despite a median rent just $11 more than Colusa's $1,139. The income disadvantage—$68,574 vs. $81,526 in Amador—makes Butte's housing costs bite harder in absolute terms.
Tighter margins in Butte households
Renters dedicate $1,369 monthly while owners pay $1,401—nearly identical burdens on just $68,574 annual income. Combined, housing consumes roughly 48% of gross earnings, leaving only 52% for all other expenses, transportation, and emergency savings.
Butte for the determined budget-builder
If you earn $50,000–$75,000 and value small-town Northern California living, Butte offers modest rents and $408,700 homes—lower absolute costs than most of California. However, the higher rent-to-income burden means you'll need disciplined budgeting; consider Colusa for even tighter affordability without the income penalty.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Butte County
Rent Burden
24.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,600
per month
Owner Cost Burden
24.5%
of gross income
The median home in Butte County may be a stretch
Median home value is $408,700. Estimated monthly cost: $3,263 vs. your max of $1,600.
Rent Affordability Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.