RentData

Average Rent in Lake County, CA↑ Rents rising 4.3% YoY

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 68,139

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Lake County, CA has rental prices ranging from $1,233/month to $2,701/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,235/month — 12% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $58,738/year, spending $1,235/month on a 1-bedroom represents 25% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Lake County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,616/month, Lake County ranks #27 most expensive of the 52 cities tracked in California — pricier than 92% of all US cities in our data.

The Lake County Rental Market

The Lake County, CA area has a population of about 68,139 and 29% 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 Lake County, CA have risen by $67/month (4.3%) over the past year, from $1,549 to $1,616. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Lake County, CA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $49,400. The local median household income of $58,738 exceeds that threshold by $9,338, making Lake County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Lake County, CA has an unemployment rate of 7.1%, 3.2 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 FY2027
Studio
$1,233
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,235
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,616
↑4.3% YoY
Average
3 Bedrooms
$2,238
Expensive
4 Bedrooms
$2,701
Expensive
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Is Lake 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
$64,640/year
Local median income: $58,738
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,616/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in CAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Los Angeles$2,151$2,402$2,964$3,760—
Santa Ana$2,580$2,610$3,057$4,153—
Oakland$2,088$2,290$2,805$3,592—
San Francisco$2,574$3,003$3,697$4,832—
Riverside$1,605$1,705$2,103$2,771—
San Diego$2,192$2,335$2,823$3,743—

Rent or Buy in Lake County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Lake County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,616/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: $1,616/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Lake 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 Lake County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Lake County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in CA

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⚖️Compare Lake County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋CA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections