Cost of Living in Plumas County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Plumas County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Plumas County ranks #2,467 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 22%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Plumas County, California
Northern Sierra offers true affordability
Plumas County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% sits well below the national affordability threshold, supported by modest median household income of $64,946. Renters spend $1,034 monthly—less than 20% of earnings—providing rare housing comfort for California households.
Second-most affordable California county
Plumas County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among California's most affordable markets, beating the state average of 22.4% by a significant margin. Only Modoc County outperforms Plumas, making this northern Sierra region an affordability bright spot in expensive California.
Mountain living on a smaller budget
Plumas County's median gross rent of $1,034 sits between Modoc's unbeatable $818 and Nevada County's $1,635, offering genuine value for mountain-county living. Its median home value of $327,400 is second-lowest in the eight-county set, undercut only by Modoc's $212,000.
Affordable housing frees up paychecks
Plumas renters commit just 19.1% of their $64,946 income to rent ($1,034/month), while homeowners spend 21.6% on ownership costs ($1,172/month). This leaves households substantially more room to save, invest, or manage other expenses compared to California averages.
Plumas for those valuing affordability
Plumas County trades a smaller income base for genuine housing affordability, making it ideal for retirees, remote workers, or anyone prioritizing lower living costs over urban job markets. If mountain living at reasonable prices appeals and you don't depend on local employment, Plumas delivers exceptional value.
Cost of Living Advisory: Plumas County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Plumas County is affordable. The median rent is $1,034/month against a median household income of $64,946, putting rent at 19.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Plumas County is $1,034/month, while owner costs run $1,172/month. Renting saves approximately $138/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $41,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $50,229/year. With a median household income of $64,946, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Plumas County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Plumas County sits 6% less expensive than Glenn County ($1,103/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Plumas County
Rent Burden
19.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,515
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.7%
of gross income
The median home in Plumas County may be a stretch
Median home value is $327,400. Estimated monthly cost: $2,614 vs. your max of $1,515.
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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