Cost of Living in Clearlake, CA
Population 16,604 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Clearlake's median household income of $41,580 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (25% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 16.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Clearlake is about 35 miles north of Santa Rosa, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 70% lower than Santa Rosa's $685,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Clearlake
The median home value in Clearlake is $204,500 — 33% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,162/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,580/year is 44% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 16.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Clearlake has a cost of living index of 76 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Clearlake, CA?
Clearlake has a cost index of 76 (100 = national average). It is 24% below the national average.
What is average rent in Clearlake, CA?
The median gross rent in Clearlake is $1,162 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Clearlake?
The median home value in Clearlake is $204,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Clearlake?
The median household income in Clearlake is $41,580 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Clearlake, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Clearlake is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Clearlake, CA affordable?
Yes, Clearlake is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 76 — about 24% below the US national average of 100.
Clearlake at a Glance
- Population
- 16,604
- Median Income
- $41,580
- Home Value
- $204,500
- Median Rent
- $1,162/mo
- Unemployment
- 16.9%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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