Cost of Living in Lassen County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lassen County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lassen County ranks #2,509 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 20%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lassen County, California
Lassen renters beat national affordability
Lassen County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below national norms, offering renters genuine breathing room compared to most American counties. Though its $64,395 median household income trails the national average by $10,360, Lassen's bargain rents of $1,043 monthly create one of California's most favorable affordability profiles.
Lassen leads California on housing affordability
Among all California counties, Lassen ranks among the most affordable, with a rent-to-income ratio of 19.4% significantly below the state average of 22.4%. Its median rent of $1,043 is California's lowest, providing genuine relief for renters in a state notorious for housing costs.
Lassen's rents are the region's best value
Lassen's median rent of $1,043 dramatically undercuts surrounding counties—nearly $250 cheaper than Lake County ($1,292) and over $200 less than Madera County ($1,307). This rural northeastern location trades proximity to urban centers for California's most accessible rent prices.
Under one-fifth of income goes to rent
Lassen renters spend just $1,043 monthly—a mere 19.4% of the county's $64,395 median household income—while homeowners manage $1,138 in monthly costs. This leaves substantially more discretionary income than most California households, a rare advantage in the state.
Lassen beckons remote workers seeking affordability
If you're relocating to California but want to minimize housing costs, Lassen County deserves serious consideration—its rents and home prices ($259,500 median) are among the state's lowest. Remote workers with stable out-of-state income will find exceptional value here, though verify broadband access before committing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lassen County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Lassen County is affordable. The median rent is $1,043/month against a median household income of $64,395, putting rent at 19.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,043/month rent versus $1,138/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $95/month cheaper — a 8% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $41,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $48,771/year. With a median household income of $64,395, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Lassen County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within California, Lassen County is less affordable than Glenn County by roughly 5% ($1,043/mo vs $1,103/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lassen County
Rent Burden
19.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,503
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.2%
of gross income
The median home in Lassen County may be a stretch
Median home value is $259,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,072 vs. your max of $1,503.
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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