Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Butte County, California
Butte County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,509 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,414 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $29.02 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,509
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 43% less than in California
- Typical rent
- $1,414
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 31% less than in California
- Wage needed
- $29.02
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $60,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 60%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 8% more than in California
Only here
Renting in Butte County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Glenn County has the lowest typical rent ($1,120), 21% below the $1,414 in Butte County.
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At 60%, Butte County ranks 4th among the 56 counties in California with this figure for the largest share of rent-burdened renters.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Butte County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Butte County was $1,549 a month in September 2026: 2.1% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,064 | $20.46 | $42,560 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,190 | $22.88 | $47,600 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,509 | $29.02 | $60,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,090 | $40.19 | $83,600 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,522 | $48.50 | $100,880 |
HUD area: Chico, CA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 26 ZIP codes in Butte County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,470 in 95914 to $1,700 in 95973. 12 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,509).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 95914 | Chico, CA | $1,050 | $1,170 | $1,470 | $2,040 | $2,460 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95914 | Yuba City, CA | $1,050 | $1,170 | $1,470 | $2,040 | $2,460 |
| 95916 | Chico, CA | $1,040 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $2,040 | $2,460 |
| 95917 | Chico, CA | $1,140 | $1,250 | $1,600 | $2,220 | $2,680 |
| 95926 | Chico, CA | $1,090 | $1,220 | $1,550 | $2,150 | $2,590 |
| 95928 | Chico, CA | $1,110 | $1,240 | $1,570 | $2,170 | $2,620 |
| 95929 | Chico, CA | $1,060 | $1,190 | $1,510 | $2,090 | $2,520 |
| 95930 | Chico, CA | $1,060 | $1,190 | $1,510 | $2,090 | $2,520 |
| 95930 | Yuba City, CA | $1,060 | $1,190 | $1,510 | $2,090 | $2,520 |
| 95938 | Chico, CA | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $2,050 | $2,460 |
| 95941 | Chico, CA | $1,060 | $1,190 | $1,510 | $2,090 | $2,520 |
| 95941 | Yuba City, CA | $1,060 | $1,190 | $1,510 | $2,090 | $2,520 |
| 95942 | Chico, CA | $1,090 | $1,220 | $1,540 | $2,140 | $2,580 |
| 95948 | Chico, CA | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $2,040 | $2,460 |
| 95948 | Yuba City, CA | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $2,040 | $2,460 |
| 95954 | Chico, CA | $1,060 | $1,180 | $1,500 | $2,080 | $2,510 |
| 95958 | Chico, CA | $1,060 | $1,190 | $1,510 | $2,090 | $2,520 |
| 95965 | Chico, CA | $1,040 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $2,040 | $2,460 |
| 95966 | Chico, CA | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $2,040 | $2,460 |
| 95966 | Yuba City, CA | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $2,040 | $2,460 |
| 95968 | Chico, CA | $1,040 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $2,040 | $2,460 |
| 95969 | Chico, CA | $1,040 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $2,040 | $2,460 |
| 95973 | Chico, CA | $1,200 | $1,340 | $1,700 | $2,350 | $2,840 |
| 95973 | Tehama County, CA | $1,200 | $1,340 | $1,700 | $2,350 | $2,840 |
| 95974 | Chico, CA | $1,040 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $2,040 | $2,460 |
| 95978 | Chico, CA | $1,060 | $1,180 | $1,500 | $2,080 | $2,510 |
- 95914 · Chico, CA $1,470$2,040
- 95914 · Yuba City, CA $1,470$2,040
- 95916 · Chico, CA $1,470$2,040
- 95917 · Chico, CA $1,600$2,220
- 95926 · Chico, CA $1,550$2,150
- 95928 · Chico, CA $1,570$2,170
- 95929 · Chico, CA $1,510$2,090
- 95930 · Chico, CA $1,510$2,090
- 95930 · Yuba City, CA $1,510$2,090
- 95938 · Chico, CA $1,470$2,050
- 95941 · Chico, CA $1,510$2,090
- 95941 · Yuba City, CA $1,510$2,090
- 95942 · Chico, CA $1,540$2,140
- 95948 · Chico, CA $1,470$2,040
- 95948 · Yuba City, CA $1,470$2,040
- 95954 · Chico, CA $1,500$2,080
- 95958 · Chico, CA $1,510$2,090
- 95965 · Chico, CA $1,470$2,040
- 95966 · Chico, CA $1,470$2,040
- 95966 · Yuba City, CA $1,470$2,040
- 95968 · Chico, CA $1,470$2,040
- 95969 · Chico, CA $1,470$2,040
- 95973 · Chico, CA $1,700$2,350
- 95973 · Tehama County, CA $1,700$2,350
- 95974 · Chico, CA $1,470$2,040
- 95978 · Chico, CA $1,500$2,080
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Butte County, 60% of renter households are in that position; in California, 55%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
60%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
35,595 households rent in Butte County
- Spend half or more of their income 35%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 40%
Compared with the state and the country
- Butte 60%
- California 55%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Butte County
HUD lists 40 properties with homes for low-income households in Butte County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 29
- HUD-assisted
- 13
- public housing
- 1
2,886 homes in all; 2,738 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Butte County Public housing 700 Mitchell Ave, Oroville 95965 345 low-income homes · Run by County of Butte HSG Auth · Average payment: $565 a month · Average wait: 33 months · (530) 895-4474
- Villa Sierra Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 729 Nord Ave, Chico 95926 164 homes, 162 low-income · 1 bd: 68 · 2 bd: 96 · In service since 2013 · For families · (530) 895-3403
- Boulder Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 675 Mitchell Ave, Oroville 95965 156 low-income homes · In service since 1994 · For families
- Cedar Village HUD-assisted 820 W 4th Ave, Chico 95926 116 low-income homes · For families · (530) 342-1839
- Park Avenue Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1200 Park Ave, Chico 95928 107 homes, 106 low-income · 1 bd: 86 · 2 bd: 21 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Chico Gardens Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 851 Pomona Ave, Chico 95928 92 homes, 91 low-income · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 62 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2001
- Harvest Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 75 Harvest Park Ct, Chico 95926 90 homes, 89 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 26 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Parkside Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2161 Hartford Dr, Chico 95928 90 homes, 89 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 28 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2011 · For families
- The Highlands Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 202 Table Mountain Blvd, Oroville 95965 88 homes, 86 low-income · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 56 · In service since 2007
- Murphy Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 1290 Notre Dame Blvd, Chico 95928 86 homes, 85 low-income · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 26 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Cinnamon Village HUD-assisted 1650 Forest Ave, Chico 95928 80 low-income homes · For families · (530) 891-6251
- East of Eaton Tax credit (LIHTC) 1577 E Lassen Ave, Chico 95973 76 low-income homes · In service since 1992 · For families
- Chico Courtyards Tax credit (LIHTC) 2333 Pillsbury Rd, Chico 95926 76 homes, 75 low-income · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Chico Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 2071 Amanda Way, Chico 95928 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Hillview Ridge Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 2750 Gilmore Ln, Oroville 95966 72 homes, 71 low-income · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 40 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Oroville Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 2750 Lincoln St, Oroville 95966 72 homes, 71 low-income · Studio: 4 · 1 bd: 67 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Oroville Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 39 Nelson Ave, Oroville 95965 62 homes, 61 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2003 · For families · (530) 533-8063
- Sierra Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 23 Nelson Ave, Oroville 95965 61 homes, 60 low-income · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Oroville Hotel Tax credit (LIHTC) 2066 Bird St, Oroville 95965 59 low-income homes
- Hillview Ridge Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 502 Hillview Ridge Ln, Oroville 95966 57 homes, 56 low-income · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 33 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Walker Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 678 Buttonwillow Ln, Chico 95926 57 homes, 56 low-income · 1 bd: 56 · In service since 1996 · For older adults
- Washington Court Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1001 Washington St, Gridley 95948 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 25 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Campbell Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Flume St, Chico 95928 56 homes, 55 low-income · Studio: 55 · In service since 1995
- Gridley Oaks Tax credit (LIHTC) 1500 State Highway 99, Gridley 95948 56 homes, 55 low-income · 1 bd: 55 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Villa Rita Apartments HUD-assisted 650 Manzanita Ave, Chico 95926 59 homes, 52 low-income · For older adults · (530) 895-1048
- Jarvis Gardens HUD-assisted 2001 Notre Dame Blvd, Chico 95928 50 homes, 49 low-income · For older adults · (530) 345-1384
- Orange Tree Senior Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1511 Robinson St, Oroville 95965 50 homes, 49 low-income · 1 bd: 49 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2014 · For older adults · (530) 534-1853
- North Point Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3432 Esplanade, Chico 95973 49 low-income homes · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 26 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Paradise Gardens III HUD-assisted 1040 Buschmann Rd, Paradise 95969 48 low-income homes · For older adults · (530) 877-7230
- Lucian Manor Affordable Housing, Inc. HUD-assisted 120 Parmac Rd, Chico 95926 38 low-income homes · For older adults · (530) 895-3120
- Bidwell Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 1197 E 8th St, Chico 95928 38 homes, 37 low-income · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 11 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Paradise Community Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1001 Village Pkwy, Paradise 95969 35 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2013 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Gridley Springs Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 210 Ford Ave, Gridley 95948 32 homes, 31 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2013
- Turning Point Commons HUD-assisted 25 Via La Paz, Chico 95928 66 homes, 24 low-income · For families · (530) 894-0390
- Gridley Springs II Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Ford Ave, Gridley 95948 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1993 · For families
- Hartford Place HUD-assisted 2058 Hartford Dr, Chico 95928 21 homes, 20 low-income · For people with disabilities · (530) 345-2029
- Chico Gardens HUD-assisted 849 Pomona Ave, Chico 95928 92 homes, 18 low-income · For families · (530) 345-8360
- Valley View Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 103 Silver Dollar Way, Chico 95928 15 homes, 14 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2017 · For people experiencing homelessness
- The Hazel Hotel Tax credit (LIHTC) 880 Hazel St, Gridley 95948 13 low-income homes · Studio: 3 · 1 bd: 10 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Villa Serena HUD-assisted 377 Rio Lindo Ave, Chico 95926 10 homes, 9 low-income · For people with disabilities · (530) 342-3616
3 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Butte County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Butte County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $20,450 | $34,000 | $54,400 |
| 2 people | $23,350 | $38,850 | $62,200 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $43,700 | $69,950 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $48,550 | $77,700 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $52,450 | $83,950 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $56,350 | $90,150 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $60,250 | $96,350 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $64,100 | $102,600 |
Area median income: $89,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Chico, CA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $958 – $1,170
- 1 bedroom $1,071 – $1,309
- 2 bedrooms $1,358 – $1,660
- 3 bedrooms $1,881 – $2,299
- 4 bedrooms $2,270 – $2,774
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- County of Butte HSG Auth Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 2,301 vouchers · 345 public housing units (530) 895-4474 County of Butte HSG Auth: Contact@Butte-Housing.com
Housing agencies in California Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in California
What California law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 1 month of rent
- Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5(c)(1), (c)(4)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 21 days
- Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 court days
- Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §1161(2)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 or 60 days, depending on the case
- Cal. Civ. Code §1946.1(b), (c)
- Only a court order can remove youCal. Civ. Code §789.3
- Protection from retaliationCal. Civ. Code §1942.5
- Protection related to immigration statusCal. Civ. Code §1940.3
Help
Where to get help with rent in Butte County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Butte County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Butte County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
-
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): energy bill help
Run by California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD)
One-time payment from the federal LIHEAP program in California to help with your heating or cooling bill, or if your service is about to be shut off
Limited funds remain, per the source
See details
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Butte County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in California, the average home bill was $161 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$3,018
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,509
- Security deposit
- $1,509
- Total
- $3,018
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Butte County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,064; 1 bedroom: $1,190; 2 bedrooms: $1,509; 3 bedrooms: $2,090; 4 bedrooms: $2,522. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Butte County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,509) without spending more than 30% of income takes $29.02 an hour full time, or $60,360 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Butte County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $48,550 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Butte County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,358 and $1,660 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Butte County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,470 in 95914 to $1,700 in 95973. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Butte County?
HUD lists 40 properties with homes for low-income households in Butte County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Butte County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Butte County, 60% of renter households are in that position; in California, 55%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).