Average Rent in Mendocino County, CA↑ Rents rising 7.6% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 90,709
Market Overview
Mendocino County, CA has rental prices ranging from $1,173/month to $2,688/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,220/month — 13% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $64,688/year, spending $1,220/month on a 1-bedroom represents 23% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Mendocino County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,601/month, Mendocino County ranks #22 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in California — pricier than 94% of all US cities in our data.
The Mendocino County Rental Market
The Mendocino County, CA area has a population of about 90,709 and 39% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Mendocino County, CA have risen by $113/month (7.6%) over the past year, from $1,488 to $1,601. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Mendocino County, CA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $48,800. The local median household income of $64,688 exceeds that threshold by $15,888, making Mendocino County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Mendocino County, CA has an unemployment rate of 5.5%, 1.6 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 Mendocino 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 Mendocino County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Mendocino County data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Living in Mendocino 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 Mendocino CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in CASee how Mendocino County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Mendocino CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋CA Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections