City Report · CA

Winchester

Pop. 4,555·92nd most expensive in California·Winchester rents are up 6.6% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$3,364/mo
Year-over-Year
+6.6%
Month-over-Month
-2.1%
vs US Median
+$1,402
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Winchester · $3,364
More expensive than 94% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Affordability
51% of income
EXPENSIVE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $3,364/mo, rent takes about 51% of the local median household income, well above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$135,000/yr
Local median income
$79,250/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Winchester's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,630
1 BR
$2,740
2 BR
$3,410
3 BR
$4,550
4 BR+
$5,540
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$3,410/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $3,364 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$40,368/yr
At $3,364/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (6.6% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+6.6% YoY, -2.1% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Winchester, CA is majority owner-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, 14.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
4,555
Median income
$79,250
Median age
30.8
Renters
31.3%
Age distribution
21.8%
37.7%
19.1%
16.3%
Under 1821.8%
18–3437.7%
35–5419.1%
55–6416.3%
65+5.1%
Gender
59.1%
40.9%
Male59.1%
Female40.9%
Race & ethnicity
28%
58%
White28%
Black2.8%
Hispanic58%
Asian7.7%
Other3.4%
Education (25+)
25.4%
32.3%
27.5%
14.8%
No HS diploma25.4%
HS diploma32.3%
Some college27.5%
Bachelor's+14.8%
Housing tenure
68.7%
31.3%
Owner68.7%
Renter31.3%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Winchester, CA has changed in 5 years

Income
$66,269 → $79,250
up 19.6%
Population
3,300 → 4,555
up 38.0%
Renter share
15.5% → 31.3%
+15.8 pts
Bachelor's+
4.9% → 14.8%
+9.9 pts
Median age
38 → 30.8
-7.2 yrs

Household income in the area moved from $66,269 to $79,250 across the same window, up 19.6% versus 2021. The population has grown by 38.0% since 2021, moving from about 3,300 residents to roughly 4,555. Renters now make up 31.3% of households, compared with 15.5% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 14.8% of adults here, versus 4.9% in 2021.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Winchester on your salary?

At $3,364/mo, how Winchester rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Winchester rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Winchester

About renting in Winchester, CA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Winchester is $3,364/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,630/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $3,410/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,740/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $4,550/mo.

At 51% of local median household income ($79,250/yr), Winchester ranks as expensive compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 6.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Winchester an affordable city for renters?

Winchester is considered expensive for renters. At $3,364/mo, rent takes approximately 51% of the local median household income ($79,250/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Winchester significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Winchester?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $135,000/year (~$65/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,364/mo in Winchester. The local median household income is $79,250/yr, meaning the typical Winchester household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Winchester?

Rent in Winchester has increased 6.6% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Winchester rent compare to other cities in California?

Winchester is one of the pricier cities in California for rent, ranking #92 out of 381 tracked cities at $3,364/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Winchester?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Winchester ($3,364/mo): Hemet ($1,896/mo), San Jacinto ($2,692/mo), Wildomar ($2,698/mo).

What percentage of Winchester residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 31.3% of Winchester households are renters, while 68.7% are owner-occupied. Winchester leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Winchester rent compare to the national average?

Winchester's median rent of $3,364/mo is $1,402 (71%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within California, it ranks #92 out of 381 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
51%
EXPENSIVE

At $3,364/mo, rent takes ~51% of Winchester's median household income ($79,250/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Winchester 51%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Winchester affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

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Schools nearby

Public schools near Winchester, CA

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