Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lake County, California
Lake County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,616 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,368 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $31.08 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,616
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 39% less than in California
- Typical rent
- $1,368
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 33% less than in California
- Wage needed
- $31.08
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $64,640 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 62%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 12% more than in California
Only here
Renting in Lake County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Of the 56 counties in California with this figure, Lake County has the largest share of rent-burdened renters: 62%.
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Nearby, in Glenn County, the typical rent is $1,120: 18% less than in Lake County ($1,368).
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At $60,621, Lake County ranks 5th among the 58 counties in California for the lowest typical household income.
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10% of households in Lake County have no internet at home, against 5% in California.
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 Lake 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 Lake County was $1,736 a month in September 2026: 3.1% 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 | $1,233 | $23.71 | $49,320 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,235 | $23.75 | $49,400 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,616 | $31.08 | $64,640 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,238 | $43.04 | $89,520 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,701 | $51.94 | $108,040 |
HUD area: Lake 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 15 ZIP codes in Lake County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,400 in 95464 to $2,990 in 95461. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,616).
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)
| 95422 | Lake County, CA | $1,210 | $1,210 | $1,580 | $2,190 | $2,640 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95423 | Lake County, CA | $1,160 | $1,160 | $1,520 | $2,100 | $2,540 |
| 95426 | Lake County, CA | $1,560 | $1,580 | $2,060 | $2,850 | $3,400 |
| 95435 | Lake County, CA | $1,240 | $1,240 | $1,620 | $2,240 | $2,710 |
| 95443 | Lake County, CA | $1,120 | $1,120 | $1,470 | $2,030 | $2,460 |
| 95451 | Lake County, CA | $1,240 | $1,250 | $1,630 | $2,260 | $2,720 |
| 95453 | Lake County, CA | $1,110 | $1,120 | $1,460 | $2,020 | $2,440 |
| 95457 | Lake County, CA | $1,440 | $1,480 | $1,940 | $2,650 | $3,180 |
| 95458 | Lake County, CA | $1,100 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,990 | $2,410 |
| 95461 | Lake County, CA | $2,060 | $2,280 | $2,990 | $3,800 | $4,450 |
| 95461 | Napa, CA | $2,060 | $2,280 | $2,990 | $3,800 | $4,450 |
| 95464 | Lake County, CA | $1,070 | $1,070 | $1,400 | $1,940 | $2,350 |
| 95467 | Lake County, CA | $1,850 | $1,850 | $2,420 | $3,350 | $4,040 |
| 95485 | Lake County, CA | $1,060 | $1,070 | $1,400 | $1,940 | $2,340 |
| 95493 | Lake County, CA | $1,080 | $1,080 | $1,420 | $1,970 | $2,360 |
- 95422 · Lake County, CA $1,580$2,190
- 95423 · Lake County, CA $1,520$2,100
- 95426 · Lake County, CA $2,060$2,850
- 95435 · Lake County, CA $1,620$2,240
- 95443 · Lake County, CA $1,470$2,030
- 95451 · Lake County, CA $1,630$2,260
- 95453 · Lake County, CA $1,460$2,020
- 95457 · Lake County, CA $1,940$2,650
- 95458 · Lake County, CA $1,440$1,990
- 95461 · Lake County, CA $2,990$3,800
- 95461 · Napa, CA $2,990$3,800
- 95464 · Lake County, CA $1,400$1,940
- 95467 · Lake County, CA $2,420$3,350
- 95485 · Lake County, CA $1,400$1,940
- 95493 · Lake County, CA $1,420$1,970
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 Lake County, 62% 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.
62%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
7,499 households rent in Lake County
- Spend half or more of their income 32%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 30%
- Spend less than 30% 38%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lake 62%
- California 55%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lake County
HUD lists 23 properties with homes for low-income households in Lake County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 16
- HUD-assisted
- 8
1,058 homes in all; 955 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Ridge Lake Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3800 Old Highway 53, Clearlake 95422 91 homes, 90 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 49 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2008
- Cache Creek Apts Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 16080 Dam Rd, Clearlake 95422 80 homes, 79 low-income · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 50 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Clearlake Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 7145 Old Highway 53, Clearlake 95422 72 homes, 71 low-income · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2006 · For families · (707) 994-5111
- Lakeview Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7055 Old Highway 53, Clearlake 95422 60 homes, 59 low-income · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 28 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Walnut Grove Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3155 Smith Ln, Clearlake 95422 60 homes, 59 low-income · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Adagio Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 15117 Olympic Dr, Clearlake 95422 55 homes, 54 low-income · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 27 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Kelseyville Family Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 5400 Gaddy Ln, Kelseyville 95451 54 homes, 53 low-income · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 18 · 4 bd: 18 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Olympic Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 15097 Olympic Dr, Clearlake 95422 54 homes, 53 low-income · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2008 · For older adults
- Bella Vista Senior (LAKEPORT) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1075 Martin St, Lakeport 95453 48 homes, 47 low-income · 1 bd: 38 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2013 · For older adults
- Autumn Village Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 14930 Burns Valley Rd, Clearlake 95422 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · In service since 2014 · For older adults
- Highlands Village HUD-assisted 6215 Old Highway 53, Clearlake 95422 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (707) 994-7538
- Lakeview Apartments HUD-assisted 525 Bevins St, Lakeport 95453 36 low-income homes · For older adults · (707) 263-7021
- Middletown Garden Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 15750 Knowles Ln, Middletown 95461 36 homes, 35 low-income · In service since 1995
- Clearlake Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 15160 Austin Dr, Clearlake 95422 35 low-income homes · In service since 1990
- North Shore Villas HUD-assisted 5860 E Highway 20, Lucerne 95458 31 low-income homes · For older adults · (707) 274-2318
- Sunshine Manor HUD-assisted 2031 Giselman St, Lakeport 95453 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (707) 263-3761
- Nice Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 6620 Collier Ave, Upper Lake 95485 28 low-income homes · In service since 1988 · For families
- Olympic Villa Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 14580 Olympic Dr, Clearlake 95422 27 low-income homes · In service since 1988 · For older adults
- Martin Street Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1255 Martin St, Lakeport 95453 24 homes, 23 low-income · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Eskaton Clearlake Oaks HUD-assisted 75 Lake St, Clearlake Oaks 95423 23 homes, 22 low-income · For older adults · (707) 998-9355
- Austin Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 14900 Burns Valley Rd, Clearlake 95422 22 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 1993 · For older adults
- Konocti Gardens HUD-assisted 3930 Old Highway 53, Clearlake 95422 102 homes, 11 low-income · (760) 591-9737
- Bevins Court HUD-assisted 958 Bevins St, Lakeport 95453 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (707) 463-1975
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 Lake 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 Lake 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: $72,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lake County, CA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,110 – $1,356
- 1 bedroom $1,112 – $1,359
- 2 bedrooms $1,454 – $1,778
- 3 bedrooms $2,014 – $2,462
- 4 bedrooms $2,431 – $2,971
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
- Lake County Housing Commission Section 8 vouchers · 249 vouchers (707) 995-3744 Lake County Housing Commission: section8@lakecountyca.gov
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 Lake County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Balance - Santa Rosa
3033 Cleveland Ave, Santa Rosa · 44 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Lake 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 Lake 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
$3,232
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,616
- Security deposit
- $1,616
- Total
- $3,232
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 Lake County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,233; 1 bedroom: $1,235; 2 bedrooms: $1,616; 3 bedrooms: $2,238; 4 bedrooms: $2,701. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lake County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,616) without spending more than 30% of income takes $31.08 an hour full time, or $64,640 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lake 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 Lake 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 $1,454 and $1,778 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lake County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,400 in 95464 to $2,990 in 95461. 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 Lake County?
HUD lists 23 properties with homes for low-income households in Lake County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 Lake County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lake County, 62% of renter households are in that position; in California, 55%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).