1st Advantage MortgageAbout 75% of Plumas County homes are owner-occupied, and the median household income is $66,031. Use those as context only. A lender looks at your own documented income and debts; compare APR and total repaid on every Plumas County offer.
On this page
- Population and place: Plumas County
- Plumas County's most unusual numbers
- Where Plumas County works
- Plumas County housing compared with California
- Household income in Plumas County
- Neighboring counties at a glance
- Census places in Plumas County
- Debt-to-income at Plumas County's medians
- Plumas County demographics against California
- Borrowing situations common in Plumas County
- California lender licensing
- A Plumas County borrower's checklist
- More guides for Plumas County
- Frequently asked questions
Population and place: Plumas County
Plumas County is home to about 19,423 people, according to the Census Bureau's 2020 to 2024 American Community Survey, which makes it the 51st most populous of 58 county-level areas in California. Density: about 7.6 residents per square mile across 2,553 square miles of land. Metro status: none; Plumas County sits outside the 2023 OMB metro areas. The Census Bureau counts 46 places in the county (1 incorporated, 45 census-designated); the largest is East Quincy, with about 2,723 residents, or 14% of the county.
Plumas County's most unusual numbers
Ranked against the other 57 county-level areas in California, these are the Plumas County figures furthest from the middle.
- On the housing vacancy rate, Plumas County sits near the top of California at 46%, 3rd highest of 58. High vacancy often reflects seasonal or second homes.
- Plumas County ranks 4th highest of 58 California counties for median age: 52.0, against 37.9 statewide. Retirement income counts when documented; favor loans with no prepayment penalty.
- Few California counties match Plumas County on the share of workers who work from home: 7.2% here, 17.2% for the state, ranking 7th lowest of 58. Few remote jobs means most pay stubs come from local employers.
- Few California counties match Plumas County on population: 19,423 here, 39,287,376 for the state, ranking 8th lowest of 58. In a small county, the nearest lender may not be the best; compare online offers too.
Where Plumas County works
Top Plumas County industry by residents employed: education and health care, 22%; second, retail trade, 11%. Compared with California, the county leans toward agriculture, forestry and mining (9% against 2%). The survey's unemployment rate for Plumas County averages 9.2% over 2020 to 2024 (state: 6.6%). Commutes of 45 minutes-plus: 15%; under 15 minutes: 57%. Households without a car make up 6.6% of the total (7.1% statewide).
| Where residents work | Plumas County | Difference from California |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 21.9% | -0.2 pts |
| Retail trade | 11.1% | +1.1 pts |
| Arts, lodging and food service | 10.2% | +0.8 pts |
| Public administration | 8.9% | +4.2 pts |
| Agriculture, forestry and mining | 8.9% | +6.8 pts |
| Manufacturing | 8.5% | -0.3 pts |
Industry shapes paperwork. Salaried and public jobs are easy to verify, while hourly, tipped, commission or contract earners in Plumas County should have bank statements and tax returns ready.
Plumas County housing compared with California
Median gross rent, utilities included, comes to $1,194 in Plumas County versus $2,036 statewide. 45% of renting households spend 30% or more of income on rent, and 18% spend half or more. Plumas County homes are worth $360,200 at the median, a 5.5-to-1 ratio to income. Homeowners 75%, renters 25%.
| Plumas County | California | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owners | 75% | 56% | +18.7 pts |
| Rent-burdened renters | 45% | 55% | -10.1 pts |
| Median home value | $360,200 | $734,700 | 51% lower |
| Median gross rent | $1,194/mo | $2,036/mo | 41% lower |
| Burdened owners | 42% | 38% | +3.7 pts |
In an owner-heavy county like Plumas County, many borrowers can also choose a home equity loan or line of credit. Those can price lower but put the house on the line, so compare the two in writing; our personal loan vs. HELOC guide walks through it.
Household income in Plumas County
Half of Plumas County households take in less than $66,031 a year and half take in more, 33% below the California median of $99,122.
| Households earning | Plumas County | +/- vs California |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 22.5% | +4.7 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 43.3% | +10.7 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 24.0% | -5.1 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 10.2% | -10.3 pts |
22% under $35,000 and 34% at $100,000 or more: that is the Plumas County income split. The poverty rate is 10.6%, 1 point lower than the state's 12.0%. If your income is irregular, as it often is with tips, gig work or seasonal jobs, plan around your leaner months rather than the Plumas County median.
Neighboring counties at a glance
The six counties whose centers lie closest to Plumas County's, from 33 to 65 miles away. Richest neighbor: Placer County, $115,998. Poorest: Sierra County, $63,355. Plumas County: $66,031.
| Neighbor | Distance | Income | Rent | Own |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plumas County | - | $66,031 | $1,194/mo | 75% |
| Sierra County, CA | 33 mi | $63,355 | n/a | 72% |
| Butte County, CA | 47 mi | $67,928 | $1,414/mo | 57% |
| Nevada County, CA | 48 mi | $89,882 | $1,677/mo | 75% |
| Lassen County, CA | 51 mi | $67,403 | $1,000/mo | 68% |
| Yuba County, CA | 57 mi | $76,373 | $1,311/mo | 63% |
| Placer County, CA | 65 mi | $115,998 | $2,069/mo | 75% |
Census places in Plumas County
15,238 of Plumas County's 19,423 residents live in its 46 Census places (78%); the 14 largest are listed. Chilcoot-Vinton ($122,764) and Portola ($44,492) mark the top and bottom of Plumas County's income range among larger places. Median rent ranges from $819 in Portola to $1,681 in East Quincy. Live in one of these Plumas County communities, or between them? This is your local guide.
| Place | Type | Population | Median income | Median rent | From county center |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Quincy | CDP | 2,723 | $70,213 | $1,681 | 7 mi |
| Portola | city | 2,441 | $44,492 | $819 | 22 mi |
| Chester | CDP | 1,759 | $47,129 | $1,110 | 30 mi |
| Quincy | CDP | 1,317 | $89,000 | $1,026 | 8 mi |
| Delleker | CDP | 724 | $53,698 | n/a | 22 mi |
| Chilcoot-Vinton | CDP | 686 | $122,764 | n/a | 39 mi |
| Graeagle | CDP | 496 | n/a | n/a | 19 mi |
| Hamilton Branch | CDP | 480 | $109,118 | n/a | 24 mi |
| Lake Almanor Country Club | CDP | 469 | $80,917 | n/a | 25 mi |
| Lake Almanor West | CDP | 463 | $184,286 | n/a | 26 mi |
| Iron Horse | CDP | 434 | n/a | n/a | 23 mi |
| Greenville | CDP | 424 | n/a | $296 | 12 mi |
| Lake Almanor Peninsula | CDP | 412 | $66,458 | n/a | 26 mi |
| Beckwourth | CDP | 388 | n/a | n/a | 24 mi |
Debt-to-income at Plumas County's medians
How much room does a median Plumas County budget have? Take median income, subtract median rent, and check what is left under a few common debt-to-income limits.
- Monthly gross at the median, Plumas County: $5,503
- 22% goes to median rent ($1,194)
- 36% debt-to-income limit: $787 left for all other debt payments
Two-income households and single earners in Plumas County land in very different places on this math, so run it for your own budget.
Plumas County demographics against California
Degree holders: 23% of adults over 25. Uninsured, Plumas County: 5.8%; California: 6.6%.
| Residents | Plumas County | Difference from California | Difference from middle U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's or higher | 22.5% | -14.5 pts | +0.4 pts |
| Median age | 52.0 | +14.1 yrs | +10.5 yrs |
| Work from home | 7.2% | -10.0 pts | -1.5 pts |
| No high school diploma | 6.3% | -8.9 pts | n/a |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 9.2% | +2.5 pts | +4.7 pts |
| Poverty rate | 10.6% | -1.4 pts | -2.6 pts |
| No health insurance | 5.8% | -0.7 pts | -2.0 pts |
| No vehicle | 6.6% | -0.5 pts | +1.1 pts |
| Trip time | Share |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 57.2% |
| 15 to 29 min | 15.2% |
| 30 to 44 min | 12.9% |
| 45 to 59 min | 4.2% |
| 60+ min | 10.5% |
Borrowing situations common in Plumas County
Plumas County-specific points to check:
- Retirement budgets. In a county with a 52.0 median age, keep any loan term shorter than your plans for the money.
- Rent squeeze. 45% of renters spend 30%+ of income on rent; borrow only if the loan cuts what you pay overall.
- Requirements. Lenders weigh credit history, documented income and existing debt (what to gather).
California lender licensing
Licensing happens at the state level, so a lender working with Plumas County borrowers answers to the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. Federal complaints: consumerfinance.gov. Statewide data and rules: California guide.
A Plumas County borrower's checklist
Four checks before you sign anything:
- Know the exact dollar figure you need before talking to a lender.
- Shop at least three lenders, including one Plumas County-area credit union.
- Only work with lenders licensed for California borrowers.
- Ask about early-payoff penalties.
More guides for Plumas County
Next step up from Plumas County:
Frequently asked questions
How much do households in Plumas County earn?
The median is $66,031; 34% earn $100,000 or more and 22% under $35,000. A lender uses your own documented income, not this figure.
Can a Plumas County renter afford a loan payment?
At the $1,194 median rent and $5,503 median monthly income, rent alone uses 22%; add other debts before a new payment.
I own my home in Plumas County. Personal loan or HELOC?
A HELOC uses the house as collateral; a personal loan usually does not. With 75% of homes owner-occupied here, many readers can compare both in writing.
What are the biggest places in Plumas County?
By population: East Quincy, Portola, Chester, Quincy, Delleker. The county has 46 Census places in all.
Are Plumas County applicants treated differently?
No. Everyone answers the same questions and is screened on the same objective points; lending partners set their own criteria under fair-lending laws.