Average Rent in Nevada County, CA↑ Rents rising 11.8% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 102,452
Market Overview
Nevada County, CA has rental prices ranging from $1,352/month to $2,997/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,361/month — 3% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $84,905/year, spending $1,361/month on a 1-bedroom represents 19% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Nevada County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,785/month, Nevada County ranks #19 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in California — pricier than 96% of all US cities in our data.
The Nevada County Rental Market
The Nevada County, CA area has a population of about 102,452 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 Nevada County, CA have risen by $189/month (11.8%) over the past year, from $1,596 to $1,785. 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 Nevada County, CA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $54,440. The local median household income of $84,905 exceeds that threshold by $30,465, making Nevada County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Nevada County, CA has an unemployment rate of 4.7%, 0.8 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 Nevada 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 Nevada County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Nevada County data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Living in Nevada County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Nevada CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in CASee how Nevada County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Nevada CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋CA Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections