Modoc County sits in California’s remote northeast corner, bordering Oregon and Nevada. Created in 1874, its county seat is Alturas. Known as “The Place Where the West Still Lives,” Modoc is largely high-desert rangeland and forest, with a population under 9 000. Towns such as Cedarville, Canby, and Newell retain frontier charm. The economy centers on ranching, forestry, and outdoor recreation. Housing here is almost entirely rural—ranches, cabins, and mobile homes on acreage. Land is abundant and inexpensive; existing houses often range US $200 000 – 300 000, while building costs (due to remoteness) hover US $225 – 275 per sq ft plus infrastructure. Modoc is about 2½ hours from Redding or Klamath Falls (OR), and roughly 5 hours from Reno. The county’s feel is peaceful, historic, and isolated; ideal for those wanting off-grid living or ranch life.
Modoc County Real Estate Listings
Modoc County sits in California’s remote northeast corner, bordering Oregon and Nevada. Created in 1874, its county seat is Alturas. Known as “The Place Where the West Still Lives,” Modoc is largely high-desert rangeland and forest, with a population under 9 000. Towns such as Cedarville, Canby, and Newell retain frontier charm. The economy centers on ranching, forestry, and outdoor recreation. Housing here is almost entirely rural—ranches, cabins, and mobile homes on acreage. Land is abundant and inexpensive; existing houses often range US $200 000 – 300 000, while building costs (due to remoteness) hover US $225 – 275 per sq ft plus infrastructure. Modoc is about 2½ hours from Redding or Klamath Falls (OR), and roughly 5 hours from Reno. The county’s feel is peaceful, historic, and isolated; ideal for those wanting off-grid living or ranch life.