Cost of Living in Tehama County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Tehama County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Tehama County ranks #2,778 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 12%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Tehama County, California
Tehama's affordability matches state average
Tehama County residents spend 22.5% of income on rent, nearly identical to California's 22.4% average and just above the national norm. At $1,159 per month, median rent is 28% below the state median, reflecting Tehama's rural character in the northern Sacramento Valley.
Tehama ranks among California's most affordable
Tehama sits in the lower-cost category statewide, with a median home value of $315,600—nearly 60% below California's median. The county offers genuine small-town affordability in a state dominated by high-cost coastal and Bay Area markets.
Tehama outpaces Trinity but trails Sutter
Renters in Tehama pay $1,159 monthly, placing it between Trinity County ($922) and Sutter County ($1,364). However, Tehama's median income of $61,834 is lower than both neighbors, meaning affordability gains come with lower earning potential.
Tehama housing as income percentage
A Tehama household earning $61,834 annually dedicates about $13,908 to rent (22.5% of income) or $14,616 to mortgage payments. While the percentage is reasonable, the lower absolute income limits overall household financial security.
Tehama for retirees and remote workers
Tehama's low rent ($1,159/month) and reasonable housing burden make it attractive for retirees living on fixed income or remote workers whose salaries don't depend on local job markets. The trade-off is limited local employment and urban amenities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Tehama County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Tehama County is affordable. The median rent is $1,159/month against a median household income of $61,834, putting rent at 22.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Tehama County pay $1,159/month on average, compared to $1,218/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 5%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $46,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $52,200/year. With a median household income of $61,834, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Tehama County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Tehama County sits 5% more expensive than Glenn County ($1,103/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Tehama County
Rent Burden
22.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,443
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.6%
of gross income
The median home in Tehama County may be a stretch
Median home value is $315,600. Estimated monthly cost: $2,520 vs. your max of $1,443.
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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