RentData

Average Rent in Sierra County, CA↑ Rents rising 9.4% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 2,731

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

Market Overview

Sierra County, CA has rental prices ranging from $1,003/month to $2,396/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,101/month — 21% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $60,000/year, spending $1,101/month on a 1-bedroom represents 22% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Sierra County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,445/month, Sierra County ranks #33 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in California — pricier than 91% of all US cities in our data.

The Sierra County Rental Market

The Sierra County, CA area has a population of about 2,731 and 22% 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 Sierra County, CA have risen by $124/month (9.4%) over the past year, from $1,321 to $1,445. 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 Sierra County, CA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $44,040. The local median household income of $60,000 exceeds that threshold by $15,960, making Sierra County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Sierra County, CA has an unemployment rate of 4.2%, 0.3 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
$1,003
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,101
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,445
↑9.4% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$2,025
Expensive
4 Bedrooms
$2,396
Expensive
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Is Sierra 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
$57,800/year
Local median income: $60,000
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,445/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 Sierra County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Sierra County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,445/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: $1,445/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Sierra 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 Sierra County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Sierra County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in CA

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⚖️Compare Sierra County

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

📋CA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections