Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Humboldt County, California
Humboldt County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,554 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,287 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $29.88 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,554
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 41% less than in California
- Typical rent
- $1,287
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 37% less than in California
- Wage needed
- $29.88
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $62,160 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 60%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 9% more than in California
Only here
Renting in Humboldt County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At 60%, Humboldt County ranks 3rd among the 56 counties in California with this figure for the largest share of rent-burdened renters.
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Among the neighboring counties, Trinity County has the lowest typical rent ($1,073), 17% below the $1,287 in Humboldt County.
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Humboldt County has the 6th lowest typical household income of the 58 counties in California ($61,160).
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 Humboldt 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 Humboldt County was $1,638 a month in September 2026: 1.7% 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 | $1,122 | $21.58 | $44,880 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,188 | $22.85 | $47,520 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,554 | $29.88 | $62,160 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,152 | $41.38 | $86,080 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,597 | $49.94 | $103,880 |
HUD area: Humboldt County, CA. 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 40 ZIP codes in Humboldt County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,400 in 95546 to $2,270 in 95570. 12 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,554).
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)
| 95501 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,040 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,990 | $2,410 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95503 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,280 | $1,350 | $1,770 | $2,450 | $2,960 |
| 95511 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,120 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $2,150 | $2,590 |
| 95514 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,120 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $2,150 | $2,590 |
| 95519 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,290 | $1,370 | $1,790 | $2,480 | $2,990 |
| 95521 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,150 | $1,220 | $1,590 | $2,200 | $2,660 |
| 95524 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,510 | $1,600 | $2,090 | $2,890 | $3,490 |
| 95525 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,090 | $1,150 | $1,510 | $2,090 | $2,520 |
| 95526 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,020 | $1,090 | $1,430 | $1,950 | $2,340 |
| 95526 | Trinity County, CA | $1,020 | $1,090 | $1,430 | $1,950 | $2,340 |
| 95528 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,130 | $1,200 | $1,570 | $2,170 | $2,620 |
| 95536 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,050 | $1,110 | $1,450 | $2,010 | $2,420 |
| 95537 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,230 | $1,300 | $1,700 | $2,360 | $2,850 |
| 95540 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,020 | $1,080 | $1,410 | $1,950 | $2,360 |
| 95542 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,160 | $1,230 | $1,610 | $2,230 | $2,690 |
| 95542 | Mendocino County, CA | $1,160 | $1,230 | $1,610 | $2,230 | $2,690 |
| 95542 | Trinity County, CA | $1,160 | $1,230 | $1,610 | $2,230 | $2,690 |
| 95545 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,120 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $2,150 | $2,590 |
| 95546 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,010 | $1,070 | $1,400 | $1,950 | $2,340 |
| 95547 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,050 | $1,120 | $1,460 | $2,020 | $2,440 |
| 95549 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,240 | $1,310 | $1,710 | $2,370 | $2,860 |
| 95550 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,110 | $1,180 | $1,540 | $2,130 | $2,570 |
| 95551 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,100 | $1,170 | $1,530 | $2,120 | $2,560 |
| 95553 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,120 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $2,150 | $2,590 |
| 95554 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,120 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $2,150 | $2,590 |
| 95555 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,010 | $1,070 | $1,400 | $1,950 | $2,340 |
| 95556 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,010 | $1,070 | $1,400 | $1,950 | $2,340 |
| 95556 | Siskiyou County, CA | $1,010 | $1,070 | $1,400 | $1,950 | $2,340 |
| 95558 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,050 | $1,110 | $1,450 | $2,010 | $2,420 |
| 95559 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,120 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $2,150 | $2,590 |
| 95560 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,070 | $1,130 | $1,480 | $2,050 | $2,460 |
| 95562 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,010 | $1,070 | $1,400 | $1,950 | $2,340 |
| 95564 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,280 | $1,350 | $1,770 | $2,450 | $2,960 |
| 95565 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,050 | $1,110 | $1,450 | $2,010 | $2,420 |
| 95569 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,120 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $2,150 | $2,590 |
| 95570 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,640 | $1,740 | $2,270 | $3,140 | $3,790 |
| 95571 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,120 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $2,150 | $2,590 |
| 95573 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,070 | $1,130 | $1,490 | $2,060 | $2,480 |
| 95589 | Humboldt County, CA | $1,150 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $2,150 | $2,520 |
| 95589 | Mendocino County, CA | $1,150 | $1,180 | $1,550 | $2,150 | $2,520 |
- 95501 · Humboldt County, CA $1,440$1,990
- 95503 · Humboldt County, CA $1,770$2,450
- 95511 · Humboldt County, CA $1,550$2,150
- 95514 · Humboldt County, CA $1,550$2,150
- 95519 · Humboldt County, CA $1,790$2,480
- 95521 · Humboldt County, CA $1,590$2,200
- 95524 · Humboldt County, CA $2,090$2,890
- 95525 · Humboldt County, CA $1,510$2,090
- 95526 · Humboldt County, CA $1,430$1,950
- 95526 · Trinity County, CA $1,430$1,950
- 95528 · Humboldt County, CA $1,570$2,170
- 95536 · Humboldt County, CA $1,450$2,010
- 95537 · Humboldt County, CA $1,700$2,360
- 95540 · Humboldt County, CA $1,410$1,950
- 95542 · Humboldt County, CA $1,610$2,230
- 95542 · Mendocino County, CA $1,610$2,230
- 95542 · Trinity County, CA $1,610$2,230
- 95545 · Humboldt County, CA $1,550$2,150
- 95546 · Humboldt County, CA $1,400$1,950
- 95547 · Humboldt County, CA $1,460$2,020
- 95549 · Humboldt County, CA $1,710$2,370
- 95550 · Humboldt County, CA $1,540$2,130
- 95551 · Humboldt County, CA $1,530$2,120
- 95553 · Humboldt County, CA $1,550$2,150
- 95554 · Humboldt County, CA $1,550$2,150
- 95555 · Humboldt County, CA $1,400$1,950
- 95556 · Humboldt County, CA $1,400$1,950
- 95556 · Siskiyou County, CA $1,400$1,950
- 95558 · Humboldt County, CA $1,450$2,010
- 95559 · Humboldt County, CA $1,550$2,150
- 95560 · Humboldt County, CA $1,480$2,050
- 95562 · Humboldt County, CA $1,400$1,950
- 95564 · Humboldt County, CA $1,770$2,450
- 95565 · Humboldt County, CA $1,450$2,010
- 95569 · Humboldt County, CA $1,550$2,150
- 95570 · Humboldt County, CA $2,270$3,140
- 95571 · Humboldt County, CA $1,550$2,150
- 95573 · Humboldt County, CA $1,490$2,060
- 95589 · Humboldt County, CA $1,550$2,150
- 95589 · Mendocino County, CA $1,550$2,150
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 Humboldt 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.
23,869 households rent in Humboldt County
- Spend half or more of their income 33%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 40%
Compared with the state and the country
- Humboldt 60%
- California 55%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Humboldt County
HUD lists 33 properties with homes for low-income households in Humboldt 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)
- 24
- HUD-assisted
- 9
- public housing
- 1
1,530 homes in all; 1,467 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Eureka City Public housing 131 W Del Norte St, Eureka 95501 198 homes, 195 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Eureka · Average payment: $587 a month · Average wait: 39 months · (707) 443-4583
- Silvercrest Eureka HUD-assisted 2141 Tydd St, Eureka 95501 152 homes, 150 low-income · For older adults · (707) 445-3141
- Humboldt Plaza HUD-assisted 2575 Alliance Rd, Arcata 95521 135 low-income homes · For families · (707) 822-4104
- Samoa Coast Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 26 Samoa Coast Ln, Samoa 95564 80 homes, 79 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 30 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2021 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Courtyards at Arcata Tax credit (LIHTC) 3101 Boyd Rd, Arcata 95521 64 homes, 63 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 28 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Eureka Homeless and Veterans Housing Project Tax credit (LIHTC) 108 4th St, Eureka 95501 51 homes, 50 low-income · 1 bd: 50 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2020 · For people experiencing homelessness
- Eureka Family Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 615 W Hawthorne St, Eureka 95501 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 11 · In service since 2008
- Eureka Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 735 W Everding St, Eureka 95503 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · In service since 1999 · For older adults, families · (707) 443-4583
- Murray Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1423 Reasor Rd, McKinleyville 95519 50 homes, 49 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 11 · In service since 2008
- Rio Dell Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 753 Rigby Ave, Rio Dell 95562 49 homes, 48 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2014
- Redwood Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1740 Sutter Rd, McKinleyville 95519 48 low-income homes · In service since 1989 · For families
- Mountain View Village Apartments HUD-assisted 2130 Smith Ln, Fortuna 95540 48 homes, 47 low-income · For older adults · (707) 725-5923
- River Community Homes HUD-assisted 1061 Hallen Dr, Arcata 95521 40 low-income homes · For families · (707) 822-7816
- Aster Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 2405 Aster Pl, Eureka 95501 40 homes, 39 low-income · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Courtyards at Arcata II Tax credit (LIHTC) 3110 Boyd Rd, Arcata 95521 36 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Eureka Central Residence HUD-assisted 333 E St, Eureka 95501 36 low-income homes · For older adults · (707) 445-2990
- Church Hill Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 2601 School St, Fortuna 95540 35 homes, 34 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 13 · 4 bd: 3 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Summercreek Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1636 Myrtle Ave, Eureka 95501 40 homes, 31 low-income · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Arcata Bay Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 280 E St, Arcata 95521 32 homes, 31 low-income · Studio: 31 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2015
- Newburg Retirement Center HUD-assisted 2401 Newburg Ct, Fortuna 95540 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (707) 725-5923
- Bayview Courtyard Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 550 Union St, Arcata 95521 30 homes, 29 low-income · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1998
- Plaza Point Tax credit (LIHTC) 971 8th St, Arcata 95521 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- River Bluff Cottages Tax credit (LIHTC) 355 Center St, Rio Dell 95562 26 homes, 25 low-income · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2020 · For people experiencing homelessness
- Yarrow Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 2080 Stockton Ct, Fortuna 95540 25 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
- Fortuna Family Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2040 Stockton Ct, Fortuna 95540 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Rio Dell Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 325 Center St, Rio Dell 95562 24 low-income homes · In service since 1989 · For older adults
- Misty Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2313 McKinleyville Ave, McKinleyville 95519 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 7 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2001
- Creamery Row Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1485 Creamery Aly, Arcata 95521 18 homes, 17 low-income · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Trinity River Elder's Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 20 Campbell Field Ln, Hoopa 95546 12 homes, 11 low-income · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- 703 Cedar Street HUD-assisted 703 Cedar St, Garberville 95542 10 low-income homes · For older adults · (707) 923-1035
- Cedar Street Senior Apartments HUD-assisted 725 Cedar St, Garberville 95542 10 low-income homes · For older adults · (707) 923-1035
- Rohner Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2065 David Way, Fortuna 95540 35 homes
- Redwood Court Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2040 Jenny Ln, Fortuna 95540 In service since 1990 · For families
One property has two programs at the same address and appears 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 Humboldt County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Humboldt 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
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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: $85,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Humboldt County, CA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,010 – $1,234
- 1 bedroom $1,069 – $1,307
- 2 bedrooms $1,399 – $1,709
- 3 bedrooms $1,937 – $2,367
- 4 bedrooms $2,337 – $2,857
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
- Housing Authority of the County of Humboldt Section 8 vouchers · 1,417 vouchers (707) 443-4583 Housing Authority of the County of Humboldt: cherylc@eurekahumboldtha.org
- Housing Authority of the City of Eureka Public housing · 195 public housing units (707) 443-4583 Housing Authority of the City of Eureka: cherylc@eurekahumboldtha.org
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 Humboldt County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Humboldt County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Humboldt County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
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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 Humboldt 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
$3,108
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,554
- Security deposit
- $1,554
- Total
- $3,108
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 Humboldt County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,122; 1 bedroom: $1,188; 2 bedrooms: $1,554; 3 bedrooms: $2,152; 4 bedrooms: $2,597. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Humboldt County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,554) without spending more than 30% of income takes $29.88 an hour full time, or $62,160 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Humboldt 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 Humboldt 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 $1,399 and $1,709 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Humboldt County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,400 in 95546 to $2,270 in 95570. 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 Humboldt County?
HUD lists 33 properties with homes for low-income households in Humboldt 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 Humboldt County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Humboldt County, 60% of renter households are in that position; in California, 55%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).