Cost of Living in Willits, CA
Population 4,945 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Willits is a smaller California community of around 5000 residents, where median household incomes of $55,971 and housing costs ($307,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 11.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Willits lies roughly 75 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Santa Rosa. Median home values run roughly 55% lower than Santa Rosa's $685,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Willits
The median home value in Willits is $306,800 — 1% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,152/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,971/year is 25% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.8%, 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, Willits has a cost of living index of 95 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 5% less expensive.
Willits has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 Willits, CA?
Willits has a cost index of 95 (100 = national average). It is 5% below the national average.
What is average rent in Willits, CA?
The median gross rent in Willits is $1,152 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Willits?
The median home value in Willits is $306,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Willits?
The median household income in Willits is $55,971 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Willits, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Willits is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Willits, CA affordable?
Willits is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 95 (100 = US average).
Willits at a Glance
- Population
- 4,945
- Median Income
- $55,971
- Home Value
- $306,800
- Median Rent
- $1,152/mo
- Unemployment
- 11.8%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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