Cost of Living in Happy Camp, CA
Population: 580 | California
Happy Camp is 28% less expensive than the national average.
Cost of Living in Happy Camp, CA: What You Need to Know
With a cost of living index of 72, Happy Camp, CA is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 28% cheaper than the national average and 72% below the California state average of 144. Happy Camp is a small community of 580 residents.
Housing costs are the biggest factor in Happy Camp's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $683 (48% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $153,900 (50% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.8x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.
The median household income in Happy Camp is $32,353, which is 57% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 25% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. 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 Happy Camp. The area sees an average annual temperature of 52.9°F, with summers averaging 57°F and winters around 49°F. Annual rainfall totals 58 inches spread over roughly 141 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.
Income
- Median Household Income
- $32,353
- vs US Median ($75,149)
- -57%
Housing
- Median Rent
- $683/mo
- Median Home Value
- $153,900
- Median Monthly Housing Cost
- $547/mo
Climate in Happy Camp
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 56 | 56 | 56 | 57 | 59 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 62 | 58 | 55 |
| Avg °F | 49 | 49 | 49 | 51 | 53 | 56 | 57 | 59 | 57 | 55 | 51 | 48 |
| Low °F | 42 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 47 | 49 | 52 | 53 | 50 | 47 | 44 | 41 |
| Rain" | 9.4 | 6.9 | 7.8 | 5.1 | 2.5 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 4.1 | 7.8 | 11.1 |