Cost of Living in Del Norte County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Del Norte County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Del Norte County ranks #2,556 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Del Norte County, California
Del Norte's bargain for small-town seekers
Del Norte County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.2% beats the national average by 1 percentage point, offering genuine affordability in a remote coastal setting. With median income of $66,780 and median rent of just $1,182, Del Norte serves those seeking California's coast without coastal price tags.
Affordable redwood coast living
Del Norte's 21.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks in California's more affordable half, beating the state average of 22.4% by 1.2 percentage points. The $1,182 median rent undercuts the state median by $436, making it one of the state's true affordability gems despite its remote location.
Del Norte leads the north coast
Del Norte's $1,182 rent beats Butte ($1,369) and Calaveras ($1,615) while matching Alpine's ownership-focused economy, though with lower absolute costs. The 21.2% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Butte (24.0%) and Calaveras (24.3%), positioning Del Norte as the far north's affordability leader.
Lean budgets meet low housing costs
Renters dedicate $1,182 monthly while owners pay $889—the state's lowest ownership cost—on a $66,780 income. Combined housing expenses consume roughly 37% of gross earnings, leaving 63% for all other needs, though the county's rural character limits service access.
Del Norte for the coastal minimalist
If you seek California's redwood coast, pristine beaches, and genuine affordability, Del Norte delivers $319,600 homes with the state's lowest ownership costs at $889 monthly. The trade-off is isolation: plan for limited job markets, a 7+ hour drive to the Bay Area, and rural service gaps that demand self-sufficiency.
Cost of Living Advisory: Del Norte County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Del Norte County is affordable. The median rent is $1,182/month against a median household income of $66,780, putting rent at 21.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,182/month rent versus $889/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $293/month cheaper — a 25% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $47,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,100/year. With a median household income of $66,780, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Del Norte County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Del Norte County sits 5% less expensive than Tuolumne County ($1,247/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Del Norte County
Rent Burden
21.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,558
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.0%
of gross income
The median home in Del Norte County may be a stretch
Median home value is $319,600. Estimated monthly cost: $2,551 vs. your max of $1,558.
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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