Cost of Living in Colusa County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Colusa County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Colusa County ranks #2,397 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 24%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Colusa County, California
Colusa County's hidden affordability treasure
Colusa County boasts California's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 18.2%—beating the national average by 4 percentage points and freeing up an extra $300+ monthly for every renter. With a median income of $75,149 and median rent of just $1,139, Colusa delivers genuine affordability for working-class Californians.
California's most affordable county
Colusa's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks first among California's 58 counties, undercutting the state average of 22.4% by 4.2 percentage points. The $1,139 median rent—$479 below the state average—makes Colusa a rare bright spot in California's housing crisis.
Colusa dominates the agricultural corridor
Colusa's $1,139 rent beats every regional neighbor, including Del Norte ($1,182), Butte ($1,369), and Amador ($1,380) by $40–$241 monthly. The 18.2% rent-to-income ratio crushes Calaveras (24.3%) and Butte (24.0%), positioning Colusa as the Central Valley's affordability champion.
Colusa makes housing math simple
Renters dedicate $1,139 monthly while owners pay $1,276—both remarkably low burdens on a $75,149 income. Combined housing costs consume just 38% of gross earnings, preserving 62% for savings, transportation, healthcare, and the financial stability that builds long-term wealth.
Colusa for the pragmatic Californian
If affordability is your top priority and you work in agriculture, food processing, or operate remotely, Colusa is California's secret weapon: $375,100 homes with ownership costs $200+ below state peers. Trade some cosmopolitan amenities for genuine financial breathing room and watch your down-payment savings grow at twice the pace of coastal counterparts.
Cost of Living Advisory: Colusa County
Affordability Verdict
Colusa County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,139/month — about 18.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Colusa County is $1,139/month, while owner costs run $1,276/month. Renting saves approximately $137/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $45,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $54,686/year. With a median household income of $75,149, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Colusa County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within California, Colusa County is less affordable than Tulare County by roughly 6% ($1,139/mo vs $1,206/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Colusa County
Rent Burden
18.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,753
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.4%
of gross income
The median home in Colusa County may be a stretch
Median home value is $375,100. Estimated monthly cost: $2,995 vs. your max of $1,753.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
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.
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