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City Report · CA

Lincoln

Pop. 4,241·152nd most expensive in California·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$3,006/mo
Year-over-Year
+3.5%
Month-over-Month
-1.1%
vs US Median
+$1,041
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Lincoln · $3,006
More expensive than 91% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
65/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 7% below what Lincoln's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$3,006/mo
Expected by trend
$3,244/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Lincoln's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,130
1 BR
$2,260
2 BR
$2,800
3 BR
$3,800
4 BR+
$4,380
Research median
$2,800/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$36,072/yr
At $3,006/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (+3.5% YoY, -1.1% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Lincoln, CA is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income above the national average, 28.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
4,241
Median income
$111,990
Median age
40.1
Renters
16.6%
Age distribution
26%
13.5%
31.6%
19.8%
Under 1826%
18–3413.5%
35–5431.6%
55–649%
65+19.8%
Gender
57.7%
42.3%
Male57.7%
Female42.3%
Race & ethnicity
41.3%
32.3%
16.2%
White41.3%
Black2.3%
Hispanic32.3%
Asian7.9%
Other16.2%
Education (25+)
13.7%
22.8%
34.7%
28.7%
No HS diploma13.7%
HS diploma22.8%
Some college34.7%
Bachelor's+28.7%
Housing tenure
83.4%
16.6%
Owner83.4%
Renter16.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Lincoln, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,456 → $3,006
up 22.4%
Income
$93,232 → $111,990
up 20.1%
Population
49,203 → 4,241
down 91.4%
Renter share
18.7% → 16.6%
-2.1 pts
Bachelor's+
35.2% → 28.7%
-6.5 pts
Median age
43.9 → 40.1
-3.8 yrs

The median rent in Lincoln, CA stood at $2,456 in 2021 and currently runs about $3,006, reflecting a 22.4% increase over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in Lincoln, CA now reports about $111,990, up from $93,232 in 2021. The population has contracted by 91.4% since 2021, moving from about 49,203 residents to roughly 4,241. Renters now make up 16.6% of households, compared with 18.7% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 28.7% of adults here, versus 35.2% in 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Lincoln, CA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Lincoln

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View Lincoln rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Lincoln on your salary?

At $3,006/mo, how Lincoln rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Lincoln rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Lincoln. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Lincoln

About renting in Lincoln, CA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Lincoln is $3,006/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,130/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,800/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,260/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,800/mo.

At 32% of local median household income ($111,990/yr), Lincoln ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 3.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Lincoln an affordable city for renters?

Lincoln is considered moderate for renters. At $3,006/mo, rent takes approximately 32% of the local median household income ($111,990/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Lincoln slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Lincoln?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $120,000/year (~$58/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,006/mo in Lincoln. The local median household income is $111,990/yr, meaning the typical Lincoln household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Lincoln?

Rent in Lincoln has increased 3.5% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Lincoln rent compare to other cities in California?

Lincoln is middle-of-the-pack for California for rent, ranking #152 out of 387 tracked cities at $3,006/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Lincoln?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Lincoln ($3,006/mo): Auburn ($2,090/mo), Antelope ($2,379/mo), Rocklin ($2,469/mo).

What percentage of Lincoln residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 16.6% of Lincoln households are renters, while 83.4% are owner-occupied. Lincoln leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Lincoln rent compare to the national average?

Lincoln's median rent of $3,006/mo is $1,041 (53%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within California, it ranks #152 out of 387 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
32%
MODERATE

At $3,006/mo, rent takes ~32% of Lincoln's median household income ($111,990/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Lincoln 32%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Lincoln, CA

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