Average Rent in Lake County, CA↑ Rents rising 9.7% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 68,139
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 FY2025Is 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)
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 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
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
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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💵Rent Affordability in Lake CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in CASee how Lake County ranks statewide
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