Cost of Living in Tulare County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Tulare County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Tulare County ranks #2,860 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 9%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Tulare County, California
Tulare rents below state average
Tulare County residents spend 20.8% of income on rent, comfortably below California's 22.4% average and just under the national norm. At $1,206 per month, median rent is 26% cheaper than the state median, reflecting Tulare's Central Valley agricultural economy.
Tulare ranks among California's cheapest
Tulare sits in the lower-cost tier statewide with a median home value of just $303,000, making it one of California's most affordable counties for homebuyers. The county's agricultural heritage translates directly to lower land values than coastal or Bay Area regions.
Tulare undercuts Stanislaus and Sonoma
Renters in Tulare pay $1,206 monthly versus $1,528 in Stanislaus and $2,093 in Sonoma, offering savings of 21% and 42% respectively. Tulare's median income of $69,489 is lower than Sonoma and Ventura but competitive with other Valley counties.
Tulare housing affordability breakdown
A Tulare household earning $69,489 annually dedicates roughly $14,961 to rent (20.8% of income) or $16,596 to mortgage payments. This leaves above-average flexibility for other necessities and savings compared to most California counties.
Tulare for agricultural and energy workers
Tulare's low rent and strong housing affordability attract workers in agriculture, energy, and food processing—the region's primary employers. Remote workers and families relocating from coastal California can dramatically reduce housing costs while maintaining reasonable access to Fresno and Bakersfield job markets.
Cost of Living Advisory: Tulare County
Affordability Verdict
Tulare County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,206/month — about 20.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Tulare County pay $1,206/month on average, compared to $1,383/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 13%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $48,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $59,271/year. With a median household income of $69,489, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Tulare County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within California, Tulare County is less affordable than Shasta County by roughly 5% ($1,206/mo vs $1,267/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Tulare County
Rent Burden
20.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,621
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.9%
of gross income
The median home in Tulare County may be a stretch
Median home value is $303,000. Estimated monthly cost: $2,419 vs. your max of $1,621.
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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