Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Nevada County, California
Nevada County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,885 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,677 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $36.25 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,885
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 28% less than in California
- Typical rent
- $1,677
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 18% less than in California
- Wage needed
- $36.25
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $75,400 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 57%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% more than in California
Only here
Renting in Nevada County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Plumas County, the typical rent is $1,194: 29% less than in Nevada County ($1,677).
-
At 75%, Nevada County ranks 6th among the 58 counties in California for the highest homeownership rate.
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 Nevada 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 Nevada County was $2,912 a month in September 2026: 2.9% 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 | $1,313 | $25.25 | $52,520 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,441 | $27.71 | $57,640 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,885 | $36.25 | $75,400 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,610 | $50.19 | $104,400 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,151 | $60.60 | $126,040 |
HUD area: Nevada 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 9 ZIP codes in Nevada County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,640 in 95975 to $2,410 in 96161. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,885).
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)
| 95945 | Nevada County, CA | $1,240 | $1,260 | $1,650 | $2,280 | $2,760 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95946 | Nevada County, CA | $1,670 | $1,830 | $2,400 | $3,320 | $4,010 |
| 95949 | Nevada County, CA | $1,450 | $1,590 | $2,080 | $2,880 | $3,480 |
| 95959 | Nevada County, CA | $1,370 | $1,510 | $1,970 | $2,730 | $3,290 |
| 95975 | Nevada County, CA | $1,240 | $1,250 | $1,640 | $2,270 | $2,740 |
| 95986 | Nevada County, CA | $1,370 | $1,510 | $1,970 | $2,730 | $3,290 |
| 96111 | Nevada County, CA | $1,640 | $1,820 | $2,320 | $3,160 | $3,740 |
| 96161 | Nevada County, CA | $1,710 | $1,860 | $2,410 | $3,310 | $3,980 |
| 96161 | Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA | $1,710 | $1,860 | $2,410 | $3,310 | $3,980 |
- 95945 · Nevada County, CA $1,650$2,280
- 95946 · Nevada County, CA $2,400$3,320
- 95949 · Nevada County, CA $2,080$2,880
- 95959 · Nevada County, CA $1,970$2,730
- 95975 · Nevada County, CA $1,640$2,270
- 95986 · Nevada County, CA $1,970$2,730
- 96111 · Nevada County, CA $2,320$3,160
- 96161 · Nevada County, CA $2,410$3,310
- 96161 · Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA $2,410$3,310
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 Nevada County, 57% 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.
57%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
10,523 households rent in Nevada County
- Spend half or more of their income 32%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 43%
Compared with the state and the country
- Nevada 57%
- California 55%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Nevada County
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Nevada County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 20
- HUD-assisted
- 1
1,322 homes in all; 1,257 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Springhill Gardens Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Dorsey Dr, Grass Valley 95945 121 homes, 120 low-income · 1 bd: 47 · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2009
- Truckee Pines Tax credit (LIHTC) 10100 Estates Dr, Truckee 96161 104 low-income homes · In service since 1996 · For families
- Henness Flats Tax credit (LIHTC) 11907 Waters Way, Truckee 96161 92 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 56 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Cedar Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 210 Sutton Way, Grass Valley 95945 81 homes, 80 low-income · 2 bd: 37 · 3 bd: 32 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Gold Country Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 115 Union Jack St, Grass Valley 95945 80 homes, 79 low-income · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
- Oak Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 228 Sutton Way, Grass Valley 95945 80 homes, 79 low-income · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 32 · 4 bd: 24 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Eastridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 46 Rockwood Dr, Grass Valley 95945 80 homes, 78 low-income · Studio: 12 · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Nevada Woods Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 360 Sutton Way, Grass Valley 95945 78 homes, 77 low-income · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Nevada City Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 11841 Old Tunnel Rd, Grass Valley 95945 60 low-income homes · In service since 1991 · For older adults
- Truckee-Donner Senior Citizen Community Tax credit (LIHTC) 10040 Estates Dr, Truckee 96161 60 homes, 59 low-income · 1 bd: 54 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
- Sierra Village Apt Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 10081 Martis Valley Rd, Truckee 96161 72 homes, 56 low-income · In service since 2001 · For families
- Valley Commons East Tax credit (LIHTC) 295 Joerschke Dr, Grass Valley 95945 56 homes, 55 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 44 · In service since 2012
- Glenbrook Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 265 Sutton Way, Grass Valley 95945 60 homes, 51 low-income · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Valley Commons Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1444 Segsworth Way, Grass Valley 95945 49 homes, 47 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2009
- Courtyards at Penn Valley Tax credit (LIHTC) 10533 Broken Oak Ct, Penn Valley 95946 42 homes, 40 low-income · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 26 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Truckee Riverview Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 11230 Village Way, Truckee 96161 39 homes, 38 low-income · 3 bd: 17 · 4 bd: 21 · In service since 2000 · For families
- Grass Valley Senior Center Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 321 Dorsey Dr, Grass Valley 95945 34 low-income homes · In service since 1989 · For older adults
- Nevada Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 11825 Old Tunnel Rd, Grass Valley 95945 34 homes, 33 low-income · 1 bd: 34 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
- Nevada Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 11725 Old Tunnel Rd, Grass Valley 95945 32 low-income homes · In service since 1997 · For older adults
- Frishman Hollow Tax credit (LIHTC) 11008 Rue Ivy Rd, Truckee 96161 32 homes, 31 low-income · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Coldstream Commons HUD-assisted 13051 Sawmill Rd, Truckee 96161 36 homes, 12 low-income · (916) 561-0323
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 Nevada County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Nevada County; the state's agencies can help you. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
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
-
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)
-
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)
-
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)
-
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 | $26,300 | $43,800 | $70,050 |
| 2 people | $30,050 | $50,050 | $80,050 |
| 3 people | $33,800 | $56,300 | $90,050 |
| 4 people | $37,550 | $62,550 | $100,100 |
| 5 people | $40,600 | $67,550 | $108,100 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $72,600 | $116,150 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $77,600 | $124,100 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $82,600 | $132,150 |
Area median income: $140,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Nevada County, CA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,182 – $1,444
- 1 bedroom $1,297 – $1,585
- 2 bedrooms $1,697 – $2,074
- 3 bedrooms $2,349 – $2,871
- 4 bedrooms $2,836 – $3,466
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
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Nevada County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
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 Nevada County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
The Greater Sacramento Urban League
3725 Marysville Blvd, Sacramento · 59 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 5 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Nevada 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 Nevada 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
$3,770
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,885
- Security deposit
- $1,885
- Total
- $3,770
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 Nevada County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,313; 1 bedroom: $1,441; 2 bedrooms: $1,885; 3 bedrooms: $2,610; 4 bedrooms: $3,151. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Nevada County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,885) without spending more than 30% of income takes $36.25 an hour full time, or $75,400 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Nevada County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $62,550 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 Nevada 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 $1,697 and $2,074 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Nevada County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,640 in 95975 to $2,410 in 96161. 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 Nevada County?
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Nevada 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 Nevada County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Nevada County, 57% of renter households are in that position; in California, 55%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).