Cost of Living in Plumas Lake, CA

Population 8,424 · California · Data vintage 2023

173
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Plumas Lake a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $526,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Plumas Lake sits roughly 20 miles northwest of Roseville — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 17% lower than Roseville's $631,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 172
Rent 174

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Plumas Lake

The median home value in Plumas Lake is $525,900 — 72% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,290/month, 74% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $114,083/year is 53% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.2%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 75.5°F and lows of 48.6°F. Overall, Plumas Lake has a cost of living index of 173 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 73% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$525,900
72% above avg
Median Rent
$2,290/mo
74% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.1x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,195
1 BR
$1,241
2 BR
$1,544
3 BR
$2,163
4 BR
$2,556
Owner-occupied 88.3%
Renter-occupied 11.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,290
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,904/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
46.8 min
73% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.7%
Carpooled
12.0%
Walked
0.2%
Work from home
9.1%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 13.3%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 7.3%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$114,083
53% above avg
Per Capita Income
$45,254
Unemployment Rate
7.2%
49% above avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
Labor Force Participation
73.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 19.8%
Graduate degree 8.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33.1
Male median age 33.1
Female median age 33.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
75.5°F
Avg Low
48.6°F
Annual Precip
20.1"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 566066738290969590796455
Low °F 384143465258616056494138
Precip" 3.813.652.921.400.930.280.000.050.111.032.213.68

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Plumas Lake, CA?

Plumas Lake has a cost index of 173 (100 = national average). It is 73% above the national average.

What is average rent in Plumas Lake, CA?

The median gross rent in Plumas Lake is $2,290 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Plumas Lake?

The median home value in Plumas Lake is $525,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Plumas Lake?

The median household income in Plumas Lake is $114,083 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Plumas Lake, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Plumas Lake is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is Plumas Lake, CA affordable?

Plumas Lake is above average in cost of living, with an index of 173 — about 73% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Plumas Lake?

Plumas Lake has average high temperatures of 75.5°F and average lows of 48.6°F. Annual precipitation is 20.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Plumas Lake at a Glance

Population
8,424
Median Income
$114,083
Home Value
$525,900
Median Rent
$2,290/mo
Unemployment
7.2%
Avg High Temp
75.5°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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