Cost of Living in Humboldt County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Humboldt County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Humboldt County ranks #2,549 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Humboldt County, California
Humboldt's affordability challenge
Humboldt County renters spend 24.5% of income on housing, exceeding both California's 22.4% average and the national norm. With the lowest median household income in this group at $61,135—18% below the national median—Humboldt faces a genuine affordability squeeze despite modest absolute rent costs.
Below-average affordability for California
Humboldt County's 24.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks it below the state average of 22.4%, making it one of California's less affordable counties despite its coastal charm. The combination of lower wages and moderate housing costs creates a tighter budget than many other California regions.
Humboldt's coastal affordability gap
Humboldt's median rent of $1,249 is competitive with inland counties like Inyo ($1,140), but its 24.5% rent-to-income ratio is the worst in this comparison due to the lowest income levels. Coastal living carries a wage penalty that offsets Humboldt's moderate absolute housing costs.
Where Humboldt incomes go
Humboldt renters pay $1,249 monthly while homeowners face $1,277 in ownership costs, with a median home value of $418,800 challenging the area's $61,135 median household income. Housing consumes nearly 25% of income, leaving just 75% for all other expenses, a tight margin for most families.
Humboldt: weighing coast vs. budget
Humboldt County offers coastal California living but at the cost of tighter household budgets—renters here dedicate a quarter of their income to housing. If relocating from higher-wage regions, verify that Humboldt job opportunities match your earning potential, as the county's lower income levels mean you'll sacrifice real purchasing power despite its natural beauty.
Cost of Living Advisory: Humboldt County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Humboldt County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,249/month in gross rent, with 36.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Humboldt County is $1,249/month, while owner costs run $1,277/month. Renting saves approximately $28/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $49,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $54,729/year. With a median household income of $61,135, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 36.0% of renter households in Humboldt County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Humboldt County sits 4% less expensive than Fresno County ($1,300/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Humboldt County
Rent Burden
24.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,426
per month
Owner Cost Burden
25.1%
of gross income
The median home in Humboldt County may be a stretch
Median home value is $418,800. Estimated monthly cost: $3,343 vs. your max of $1,426.
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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