RentData

Average Rent in Lake County, CA Rents rising 9.7% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 68,139

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

Market Overview

Lake County, CA has rental prices ranging from $1,053/month to $2,334/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,060/month — 24% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $58,738/year, spending $1,060/month on a 1-bedroom represents 22% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Lake County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,390/month, Lake County ranks #39 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in California — pricier than 89% 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 $123/month (9.7%) over the past year, from $1,267 to $1,390. 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 Lake County, CA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $42,400. The local median household income of $58,738 exceeds that threshold by $16,338, 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 FY2025
Studio
$1,053
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,060
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,390
9.7% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,948
Average
4 Bedrooms
$2,334
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
$55,600/year
Local median income: $58,738
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,390/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 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
$1,390/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: $1,390/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

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💵Rent Affordability in Lake County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in CA

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📋CA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections