Average Rent in Humboldt County, CA↑ Rents rising 9.3% YoY

Humboldt County, CA has rental prices ranging from $1,065/month to $2,482/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,132/month — 19% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $61,135/year, spending $1,132/month on a 1-bedroom represents 22% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Humboldt County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,478/month, Humboldt County ranks #29 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in California — pricier than 92% of all US cities in our data.

The Humboldt County Rental Market

The Humboldt County, CA area has a population of about 135,418 and 44% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Humboldt County, CA have risen by $126/month (9.3%) over the past year, from $1,352 to $1,478. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Humboldt County, CA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $45,280. The local median household income of $61,135 exceeds that threshold by $15,855, making Humboldt County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Humboldt County, CA has an unemployment rate of 5.3%, 1.4 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Humboldt County's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Shelter Cove ($381,715 median home value). Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Humboldt County, CA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Humboldt County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Humboldt County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.