California · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Humboldt County, CA

The median household in Humboldt County, CA earns $61,160 a year ($5,097/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,550/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $62,000 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 10.7% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$61,160$5,097 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,550HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)110.7+10.7% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate34.7¢per kWh · EIA Residential CA
Census Population134,541Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Humboldt County, CA

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Moderate cost burden (30–50%)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,550Monthly market rent
Share of gross income30.4%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$62,000To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,529At 30% of $61,160
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Humboldt County, CA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Humboldt County, CA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Humboldt County, CA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,112$13,344$44,48021.8%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,186$14,232$47,44023.3%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,550$18,600$62,00030.4%
3-Bedroom Home$2,156$25,872$86,24042.3%
4-Bedroom Home$2,600$31,200$104,00051%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Humboldt County, CA →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Humboldt County, CA

Based on the local median household income of $61,160/year ($5,097/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,548/moRent ($1,550 2-BR), utilities (~$313/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,529/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 110.7 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,019/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in California

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and California state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$61,160
$20,000$125,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$61,160
Net 81%
Fed 8%
CA 3%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$49,613After all taxes
Monthly deposit$4,134Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,908Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate18.9%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$5,159 / yr
California state income tax$1,709 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$4,679 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across California with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Humboldt County, CA

What is the median household income in Humboldt County, CA?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Humboldt County, CA is $61,160 per year (approximately $5,097 per month).

What is the average rent in Humboldt County, CA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Humboldt County, CA are $1,112 for a studio, $1,186 for 1 bedroom, $1,550 for 2 bedrooms, $2,156 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,600 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Humboldt County, CA compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Humboldt County, CA is 110.7 (10.7% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Humboldt County, CA?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,550/month) in Humboldt County, CA requires a minimum gross household income of $62,000 per year ($5,167 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Humboldt County, CA?

For a typical household earning the median income of $61,160/year ($5,097/month) in Humboldt County, CA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,548/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,529/month to discretionary spending, and $1,019/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Humboldt County, CA?

Residential electricity rates in California average 34.7¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $313 per month.