Cost of Living in Siskiyou County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Siskiyou County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Siskiyou County ranks #2,696 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 14%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Siskiyou County, California
Far north California's greatest bargain
Siskiyou County renters spend just 22.6% of income on housing while earning only $55,499 annually—the lowest income in this group. Monthly rents of $1,043 are the cheapest here, reflecting a genuinely low-cost region where working families can afford housing.
California's most affordable county
Siskiyou ranks as California's most affordable county, with median rents 36% below state average ($1,043 vs. $1,618) and homes under $285,000. The favorable 22.6% rent-to-income ratio masks the reality: incomes here are simply the lowest in the state.
Cheapest rents in the north state
Siskiyou renters pay $1,043 monthly—the lowest of any county analyzed—compared to $1,181 in Sierra County and $1,267 in Shasta. Home prices follow suit at $284,500, making this the true bargain basement of California real estate.
Living on $55K in Siskiyou
The typical household earning $55,499 spends $1,043 on rent (22.6% of income) or $866 for ownership. This leaves roughly $3,600/month for all other living expenses—food, healthcare, utilities, transportation—a tight budget even by rural standards.
Siskiyou: cheapest but smallest opportunities
If you're seeking California's lowest housing costs, Siskiyou delivers—rent under $1,050 and homes under $285K. Be realistic: the low costs reflect limited job markets, extreme isolation, and harsh winters; this county suits retirees and remote workers, not those seeking career growth.
Cost of Living Advisory: Siskiyou County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Siskiyou County is affordable. The median rent is $1,043/month against a median household income of $55,499, putting rent at 22.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,043/month rent versus $866/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $177/month cheaper — a 17% 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 $37,114/year. With a median household income of $55,499, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Siskiyou County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within California, Siskiyou 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 Siskiyou County
Rent Burden
22.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,295
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.7%
of gross income
The median home in Siskiyou County may be a stretch
Median home value is $284,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,271 vs. your max of $1,295.
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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