Cost of Living in Fort Jones, CA

With a cost of living index of 89, Fort Jones, CA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 11% cheaper than the national average and 54% below the California state average of 144. Fort Jones is a small community of 616 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Fort Jones's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,112 (16% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $212,700 (30% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.9x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Fort Jones is $43,438, which is 42% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 31% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Fort Jones. The area sees an average annual temperature of 52.8°F, with summers averaging 70°F and winters around 37°F. Annual rainfall totals 12 inches spread over roughly 80 days.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.