Cost of Living in Hayfork, CA

With a cost of living index of 87, Hayfork, CA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 13% cheaper than the national average and 57% below the California state average of 144. Hayfork is a small community of 3,198 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Hayfork's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $808 (39% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $291,300 (4% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.3x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Hayfork is $45,918, which is 39% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 21% 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 Hayfork. The area sees an average annual temperature of 60.4°F, with summers averaging 77°F and winters around 46°F. Annual rainfall totals 47.1 inches spread over roughly 91 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

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.