Cost of Living in Madera County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Madera County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Madera County ranks #2,842 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 10%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Madera County, California
Madera balances affordability with state living
Madera County's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below both the national average and California's 22.4% state benchmark, offering genuine housing relief. With a median household income of $75,496—near the national median—Madera delivers better affordability through moderate rents of $1,307 monthly.
Madera ranks above average for California
Among California's 58 counties, Madera's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio outperforms the state average of 22.4%, placing it in the more affordable half. The county provides middle-ground pricing between pricey coastal areas and ultra-cheap rural counties like Lassen.
Madera offers Central Valley balance
Madera's median rent of $1,307 sits between Lake County ($1,292) to the northwest and pricier regions to the west, while its affordability ratio outperforms mountain neighbors. The county's Sierra Nevada access and Central Valley employment create appealing geographic options.
One-fifth of income sustains housing here
Madera renters spend $1,307 monthly on rent while homeowners invest $1,530, consuming about one-fifth of the $75,496 median household income. This leaves substantial resources for savings and other expenses compared to coastal California counties.
Madera suits families seeking Central Valley value
If you're seeking California living with manageable housing costs, Madera's median home value of $367,700 and 20.8% affordability ratio offer realistic pathways to ownership. The county's proximity to Fresno and Bakersfield job markets makes it ideal for workers balancing mountain access with urban amenities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Madera County
Affordability Verdict
Madera County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,307/month — about 20.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,307/month rent versus $1,530/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $223/month cheaper — a 15% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $52,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $65,571/year. With a median household income of $75,496, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Madera County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Sutter County where rent averages $1,364/month, Madera County is approximately 4% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Madera County
Rent Burden
20.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,762
per month
Owner Cost Burden
24.3%
of gross income
The median home in Madera County may be a stretch
Median home value is $367,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,935 vs. your max of $1,762.
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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