Folsom, California, long celebrated for its blend of historic charm and modern amenities, continues to command a premium in the regional rental market. Our latest survey, conducted in April 2025 by M&M Properties, reveals a landscape of high rents, low vacancies and robust demand—both for traditional leases and short-term stays such as Airbnb. Below, we unpack the key findings and explore what they mean for renters, landlords and investors alike.
Average Rents Are Significantly Above National Levels
Across data sources, Folsom’s average monthly rents range notably:
-
Zillow reports an average of $2,777 (April 2025)
-
Zumper cites $2,894 (April 2025)
-
Point2Homes recorded $2,353 (November 2024)
-
Apartment List notes a median of $2,131 (April 2025)
Meanwhile, when aggregating all property types, the median rent stands at $2,750, fully 45% higher than the national average. For those eyeing a move, Folsom’s higher price tag reflects its strong job market, quality schools and proximity to both Sacramento and the Sierra foothills.
Trends, Market Structure and Rent by Bedroom
Year-over-Year and Monthly Changes
-
Annual rent changes vary from a slight –0.1% to gains of 3.1% and even 9%, depending on property type and reporting source.
-
Recent month-to-month increases have been more modest, with some sources noting around a 5% uptick in the past thirty days.
Rent by Bedroom (Rentometer, April 2025)
-
1-bedroom units: $2,039
-
2-bedroom units: $2,340
-
Houses (overall average): $2,915
Market Structure
-
87% of all rental listings exceed $2,000 per month.
-
Renters comprise 31% of Folsom households, spread across 8,719 rental units.
-
The vacancy rate remains low at 4%, underscoring steady demand.
Who’s Renting in Folsom?
Demographic data paints a picture of relatively affluent tenants:
-
Median renter household income: $89,349
-
Average household size: 2.37 persons
-
Most common rental unit: 2-bedroom apartments (36% of the market)
This mix suggests a strong presence of young professionals, small families and downsizing empty-nesters—all drawn by Folsom’s balance of suburban comfort and urban access.
How Folsom Stacks Up Regionally
|
City |
Median Rent (April 2025) |
|---|---|
|
Folsom |
$2,915 |
|
Citrus Heights |
$1,919 |
|
Elk Grove |
$2,627 |
|
Fair Oaks |
$2,186 |
Overall, Folsom’s rates are roughly 19% higher than nearby Antelope and 21.8% above the broader Sacramento-metro median, cementing its status as one of the region’s costliest rental markets.
Outlook and Opportunities
With growth relatively moderated compared to previous boom years, Folsom’s rental market remains robust but not overheated. Low vacancy and sustained rent gains suggest that both long-term landlords and short-term operators (e.g., Airbnb hosts) will find ample opportunity—particularly during peak tourist and events seasons when demand spikes. At the same time, prospective renters should budget carefully to navigate one of Northern California’s priciest markets.
