RentData

Average Rent in Modoc County, CA Rents rising 10.0% YoY🔻 Cheapest in CA

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 8,646

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Modoc County, CA has rental prices ranging from $731/month to $1,748/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $886/month — 37% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $56,648/year, spending $886/month on a 1-bedroom represents 19% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Modoc County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,054/month, Modoc County ranks #51 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in California — pricier than 71% of all US cities in our data.

The Modoc County Rental Market

The Modoc County, CA area has a population of about 8,646 and 23% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Modoc County, CA have risen by $96/month (10.0%) over the past year, from $958 to $1,054. 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 Modoc County, CA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $35,440. The local median household income of $56,648 exceeds that threshold by $21,208, making Modoc County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Modoc County, CA has an unemployment rate of 6.0%, 2.1 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.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$731
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$886
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,054
10.0% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,270
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,748
Average
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Is Modoc County, CA Affordable?

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

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$42,160/year
Local median income: $56,648
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,054/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in CAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Los Angeles$1,856$2,081$2,625$3,335
Santa Ana$2,352$2,454$2,903$3,927
Oakland$1,937$2,201$2,682$3,432
San Francisco$2,275$2,780$3,318$4,138
Riverside$1,776$1,852$2,306$3,079
San Diego$2,145$2,328$2,881$3,852

Rent or Buy in Modoc County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Modoc County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,054/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 3 years — worth it if you stay 3+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,054/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Modoc County

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Modoc County

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💵Rent Affordability in Modoc County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in CA

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⚖️Compare Modoc County

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📋CA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections