Average Rent in Plumas County, CA↑ Rents rising 13.1% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 19,607
Market Overview
Plumas County, CA has rental prices ranging from $904/month to $1,883/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,005/month — 28% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $64,946/year, spending $1,005/month on a 1-bedroom represents 19% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Plumas County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,318/month, Plumas County ranks #44 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in California — pricier than 87% of all US cities in our data.
The Plumas County Rental Market
The Plumas County, CA area has a population of about 19,607 and 25% 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 Plumas County, CA have risen by $153/month (13.1%) over the past year, from $1,165 to $1,318. 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 Plumas County, CA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $40,200. The local median household income of $64,946 exceeds that threshold by $24,746, making Plumas County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Plumas County, CA has an unemployment rate of 5.6%, 1.7 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 Plumas County's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Hamilton Branch ($428,150 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.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Plumas County, CA Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in CAlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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 Plumas County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Plumas County data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Living in Plumas County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in Plumas CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in CASee how Plumas County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Plumas CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋CA Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections