Cost of Living in Yreka, CA

Population 7,832 · California · Data vintage 2023

78
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Yreka's median household income of $42,664 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 (22% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, Yreka lies roughly 140 miles north of the nearest major metro, Chico. Median home values run roughly 46% lower than Chico's $455,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 80
Rent 73

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

About the Cost of Living in Yreka

The median home value in Yreka is $245,100 — 20% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $962/month, 27% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $42,664/year is 43% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, 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, Yreka has a cost of living index of 78 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 22% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$245,100
20% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$250,429
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$962/mo
27% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,050/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.2x
Favors renting
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 58.3%
Renter-occupied 41.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$962
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,576/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
16.7 min
38% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
84.7%
Carpooled
7.8%
Public transit
0.0%
Walked
2.7%
Bicycle
0.9%
Work from home
3.3%

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
$42,664
43% below avg
Per Capita Income
$29,389
Unemployment Rate
6.7%
38% above avg
Poverty Rate
22.0%
Labor Force Participation
51.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.9%
Graduate degree 5.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.6
Male median age 37.5
Female median age 40.5

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 43 — Good
74%
Good air days/yr
320
Max AQI recorded
158
PM2.5 days
207
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Yreka, CA?

Yreka has a cost index of 78 (100 = national average). It is 22% below the national average.

What is average rent in Yreka, CA?

The median gross rent in Yreka is $962 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Yreka?

The median home value in Yreka is $245,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Yreka?

The median household income in Yreka is $42,664 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Yreka, CA?

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

Is Yreka, CA affordable?

Yes, Yreka is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 78 — about 22% below the US national average of 100.