Cost of Living in Modoc County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Modoc County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Modoc County, California
Modoc beats the national affordability test
Modoc County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.3% sits well below the national sweet spot of 28-30%, making it genuinely affordable for renters. With a median household income of $56,648, residents spend far less on housing than the typical American household relative to what they earn.
Most affordable rent in California
Modoc County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among California's most affordable counties, beating the state average of 22.4% by a substantial margin. Its median gross rent of $818 per month is roughly half the state's median of $1,618, offering rare relief in an expensive state.
A pocket of affordability in the north
Modoc's rents are roughly half those of neighboring Plumas County ($1,034/month) and a third of Nevada County's ($1,635/month). Among the eight-county comparison set, Modoc stands alone as the most affordable place to rent, making it an outlier in California's housing market.
Housing takes a modest bite here
Renters dedicate 17.3% of their $56,648 median income to rent ($818/month), while homeowners commit 14% to ownership costs ($659/month). This leaves most Modoc households substantial room in their budgets—a luxury increasingly rare across California.
Consider Modoc for true affordability
If housing costs are eating your paycheck, Modoc County offers one of California's last genuinely affordable housing markets. The trade-off is location and amenities, but your $56,648 median income stretches dramatically further here than anywhere else in the state.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Modoc County
Rent Burden
17.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,322
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.0%
of gross income
The median home in Modoc County may be a stretch
Median home value is $212,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,692 vs. your max of $1,322.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.