RentData

Average Rent in Tuolumne County, CA Rents rising 6.1% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 54,873

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

Market Overview

Tuolumne County, CA has rental prices ranging from $987/month to $2,416/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,123/month — 20% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $72,259/year, spending $1,123/month on a 1-bedroom represents 19% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Tuolumne County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,439/month, Tuolumne County ranks #34 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in California — pricier than 90% of all US cities in our data.

The Tuolumne County Rental Market

The Tuolumne County, CA area has a population of about 54,873 and 26% 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 Tuolumne County, CA have risen by $83/month (6.1%) over the past year, from $1,356 to $1,439. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Tuolumne County, CA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $44,920. The local median household income of $72,259 exceeds that threshold by $27,339, making Tuolumne County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Tuolumne County, CA has an unemployment rate of 5.4%, 1.5 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
$987
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,123
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,439
6.1% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,891
Average
4 Bedrooms
$2,416
Expensive
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Is Tuolumne 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
$57,560/year
Local median income: $72,259
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,439/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 Tuolumne County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Tuolumne County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,439/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,439/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Tuolumne 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 Tuolumne County

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💵Rent Affordability in Tuolumne County

Salary needed to afford rent here

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📋CA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections