countyscore
40.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 99Health 92.5Weather & Climate 78.2

County Report Card

About Alameda County, California

Alameda trails the nation on livability

Alameda County's composite score of 40.6 falls below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom 40th percentile nationally. This gap reflects California's broader affordability crisis, which weighs down livability scores even in prosperous regions.

Slightly below California's average

With a score of 40.6, Alameda ranks just below California's state average of 40.9, placing it squarely in the middle tier among the state's 58 counties. It's neither a standout nor a laggard on the California livability scale.

Income and health define Alameda's edge

Alameda County dominates on income (99.0/100) with a median household income of $126,240—well above national norms—and boasts excellent health outcomes (92.5/100). A 56.4 tax score reflects a manageable effective tax burden of 0.762%, rounding out a strong economic foundation.

Housing affordability and safety lag

The county's cost score of 0.2 is among the bleakest in California, with median home values reaching $1,057,400 and gross rents at $2,318 monthly. Safety also concerns residents, with a score of just 2.2, signaling elevated crime relative to safer counties.

Best for high earners seeking Bay Area access

Alameda suits established professionals and remote workers with solid incomes who can absorb Bay Area housing costs and value proximity to tech employment hubs and excellent medical care. Families prioritizing affordability or safety should explore more rural alternatives.

2040608010056.40.22.292.555.6990.271.978.2Tax56.4Cost0.2Safety2.2Health92.5Schools55.6Income99Risk0.2Water71.9Weather78.240.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Alameda County DNA

Foverall

How Alameda County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Alameda County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (99/100) but notably weak in Safety (2.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
56.4
Cost
0.2-47.8
Safety
2.2-52.8
Health
92.5+42.5
Schools
55.6
Income
99+48
Risk
0.2-46.8
Water
71.9+13.900000000000006
Weather
78.2+22.200000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Alameda County

Whether buying or refinancing in Alameda County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$1,057,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$2,318/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$1,057,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$92,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum8.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $126,240/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Larimer County
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Colquitt County
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Black Hawk County
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Linn County
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Nearby counties

Contra Costa County
California
40.1
San Mateo County
California
47.6
San Francisco County
California
43.6
Santa Clara County
California
42.2
Solano County
California
36.4
San Joaquin County
California
33.1
Marin County
California
47.4
Santa Cruz County
California
41.6

Deep Dives

Alameda County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Alameda County

via TaxByCounty

Alameda's taxes dwarf national average

Alameda County homeowners pay an effective tax rate of 0.762%, nearly three times the national median of 0.25%. At this rate, Alameda ranks in the 85th percentile nationally—among the highest-taxed counties in America.

Above average within California

Alameda's 0.762% effective rate exceeds California's state average of 0.714%, placing it in the upper tier among the state's 58 counties. Alameda homeowners pay $8,061 in median annual taxes, well above the state median of $4,045.

Higher taxes than Bay Area peers

Alameda's 0.762% rate outpaces nearby Contra Costa County (0.831%) and exceeds most inland neighbors like Amador (0.695%) and Alpine (0.684%). The Bay Area pattern reflects both high property values and special districts serving wealthy regions.

Typical Alameda home costs $8,061 yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $1,057,400 pays approximately $8,061 in annual property taxes. Add mortgage interest deduction benefits and total tax liability climbs to $9,108 when mortgaged.

Challenge your assessment if overvalued

Many Alameda County homeowners are unaware they can appeal their assessed values—especially after market shifts. A successful appeal could reduce your annual tax burden significantly; the county reassesses periodically, but you can file an appeal independently.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Alameda County

via CostByCounty

Alameda's rent burden rivals the nation's

Alameda County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.0% matches the national affordability crisis nearly point-for-point. With a median household income of $126,240—69% higher than the U.S. median—residents still dedicate over one-fifth of earnings to rent, a sign that housing costs have outpaced wage growth even for high earners.

Better than most of California

Alameda's 22.0% rent-to-income ratio sits just below California's state average of 22.4%, placing it in the more affordable half of the state's 58 counties. The median rent of $2,318 runs $700 higher than the state average, but stronger incomes make it a relative bargain for the Bay Area.

The Bay Area affordability spectrum

Alameda renters pay $936 more per month than Amador County residents ($2,318 vs. $1,380), but carry nearly identical rent-to-income burdens (22.0% vs. 20.3%) thanks to higher median incomes. Compared to neighbor Contra Costa County, Alameda's rents are marginally cheaper ($2,318 vs. $2,322) despite similar income levels.

Where the money goes in Alameda

Median renters spend $2,318 monthly while homeowners invest $2,899 toward mortgages—roughly equal burdens on a $126,240 annual income. Together, housing consumes roughly 44% of the typical household's gross earnings, leaving limited room for other expenses.

Considering Alameda? Compare wisely

If you earn above $120,000 annually, Alameda's affordability compares favorably to national norms, though homes averaging $1.06 million require substantial down payments. Explore Amador or Calaveras counties for 35–40% lower home prices while maintaining reasonable commute distances to the Bay Area job market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Alameda County

via IncomeByCounty

Alameda far outpaces national income

Alameda's median household income of $126,240 towers 69% above the national median of $74,755, placing it among the wealthiest counties in America. This income edge reflects the county's concentration of tech workers, healthcare professionals, and financial service employees across the Bay Area.

Top tier among California counties

Alameda ranks among California's highest-income counties, exceeding the state average of $87,001 by $39,239 per household. The county's $63,442 per capita income also substantially outperforms California's $43,669 average.

Wealthier than Bay Area peer

Alameda's median income of $126,240 edges out nearby Contra Costa County at $125,727, both dominating their region. Together, these two counties represent the economic core of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Housing costs remain steep

Despite strong income, Alameda's 22% rent-to-income ratio and median home value of $1,057,400 create affordability pressures even for high earners. Families here spend a significant share of income on housing, requiring strategic financial planning.

Build wealth beyond the paycheck

With household incomes averaging $126,240, Alameda residents have substantial capacity to invest in retirement accounts, diversified portfolios, and long-term wealth strategies. Consider consulting a financial advisor to maximize tax-advantaged savings and investment opportunities in your high-income household.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Alameda County

via CrimeByCounty

Alameda County’s Crime Rate Exceeds National Levels

Alameda County reports a total crime rate of 4,791.5 per 100,000 residents, which is more than double the national average of 2,385.5. This elevated activity results in a safety score of 92.4 out of 100.

Falling Below California’s Safety Average

The county’s safety score of 92.4 sits below the California state average of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 4,791.5 also significantly outpaces the state average of 2,355.2 per 100,000 people.

High Crime Activity Compared to Neighbors

Neighboring Contra Costa County reports a total crime rate of 2,521.0 per 100,000, making Alameda's rate nearly twice as high. While many agencies report data here, the concentration of property crimes drives these distinct differences.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crime accounts for 4,128.7 incidents per 100,000 residents, far exceeding the violent crime rate of 662.8. While violent crime is nearly double the national average of 369.8, property-related offenses remain the primary concern for residents.

Enhancing Security for Alameda Residents

With property crime rates well above state averages, home security systems and visible deterrents are vital tools for protection. Simple measures like smart cameras and reinforced entry points help mitigate the risk of local theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Alameda County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Vast Network for Bay Area Students

Alameda County manages a massive education infrastructure featuring 385 public schools across 73 districts. This diverse system serves 211,398 students and includes 215 elementary schools and 85 high schools. The landscape is dense and multi-faceted, reflecting the county's urban and suburban blend.

Solid Performance and Regional Investment

The county maintains an 87.4% graduation rate, aligning closely with both the state average and the national benchmark of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $8,694 is on par with California's average, it remains below the national average of $13,000. Overall, the county earns a school score of 55.8, slightly under the state median.

Focus on Large Districts and Charter Options

Oakland Unified leads the county with 34,043 students across 82 schools, closely followed by Fremont Unified's 33,057 students. Charter schools play a significant role here, with 51 campuses representing 13.2% of all schools. These institutions offer a variety of specialized learning environments for local families.

Urban and Suburban Learning Environments

With 205 suburban and 175 city schools, the county offers a predominantly metropolitan educational experience. Schools average 574 students, though institutions like Dublin High reach as many as 3,500 students. This mix provides families with options ranging from high-capacity campuses to smaller neighborhood sites.

Discover Homes Near Top-Rated Schools

Finding the right home often starts with finding the right school district. Explore the diverse neighborhoods of Alameda County to see how local school quality influences the vibrant housing market. Whether you prefer a quiet suburb or an active city center, there is a school here for every student.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Alameda County

via RiskByCounty

Alameda's risk ranks far above national average

With a composite risk score of 99.78, Alameda County faces very high natural disaster risk—well above the national average. The county's rating places it among the most hazard-exposed areas in the United States, driven by earthquake, flood, and wildfire threats.

Among California's riskiest counties

Alameda's composite score of 99.78 exceeds California's state average of 88.72, ranking the county in the upper tier of risk across the state. This elevated exposure reflects the Bay Area's geological volatility and urban density in flood-prone areas.

Higher risk than nearby Contra Costa

Alameda (99.78) and neighboring Contra Costa County (99.49) are among the state's highest-risk counties, with nearly identical threat profiles. Both counties face severe earthquake and flood hazards that distinguish them from less-exposed inland neighbors like Amador (79.20).

Earthquakes and floods top your hazard list

Earthquake risk (99.97) and flood risk (99.68) dominate Alameda County's threat landscape, with wildfire risk at 97.71 also commanding attention. These three hazards require serious preparation and protection strategies for homeowners and renters alike.

Secure comprehensive earthquake and flood coverage

Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover earthquake or flood damage in California. Alameda residents should prioritize earthquake insurance and flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or private carriers to protect against the county's dominant hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Alameda County

via WaterByCounty

Superior Drinking Water Compliance in Alameda

Alameda County earns a Grade A for its drinking water, recording only 2 health violations over five years. Its violation rate of 0.1 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the California average of 49.1.

One-Third of Local Watersheds Face Impairment

The 2022 reporting cycle shows that 30.9% of the county's 94 assessed water bodies fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. Primary impairments include mercury, trash, and diazinon, though this remains better than the 37.2% state average.

Robust Monitoring with Thousands of Data Points

Officials maintain 53 active monitoring sites across the county, generating 16,334 measurements in the last five years. Most data collection focuses on microbiological, physical, and nutrient characteristic groups.

Alameda Creek Flow Drops Below Typical Levels

The primary gauge near Fremont reports a current discharge of 25 cfs, which is just 22% of its long-term mean. This flow level is significantly lower than the typical 112 cfs expected for this 638 square mile drainage area.

Watch Watershed Toxins and Low Creek Flows

While drinking water compliance is excellent, residents should be aware of mercury and diazinon in the broader watershed. Low streamflow can lead to higher pollutant concentrations, making it important to monitor local recreational water advisories.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Alameda County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Milder Than the National Median

Alameda County averages 59.9°F annually, placing it well above the median temperature for the United States. Its classic Mediterranean climate offers consistently warmer conditions than most of the country.

Slightly Warmer Than the California Average

The county's 59.9°F average temperature exceeds California's state average of 58.7°F. While it stays warm, it receives only 18.1 inches of rain, which is lower than the state's 25.8-inch average.

Cooler than Inland Neighbors

Alameda is slightly cooler than neighboring Contra Costa County, which averages 60.4°F. However, it remains significantly warmer and drier than Northern California coastal counties like Del Norte.

Moderate Summers with Rare Winter Frost

July averages 68.3°F, though the county still sees 26 extreme heat days per year. Winters are mild with a 50.9°F average and zero recorded snowfall.

Prepare for Heatwaves and Low Rainfall

Residents should maintain efficient cooling systems for the 26 days of extreme heat. With only 18.1 inches of rain, drought-resistant landscaping is a practical choice for local homes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Alameda County

via SoilByCounty

Diverse Soils Awaiting Detailed Mapping

Detailed taxonomic and pH data for Alameda County are currently unavailable in this dataset. However, its location often results in varied coastal soil profiles that differ from the national 6.5 pH median. Residents should consider local testing to determine their specific acidity levels.

Variable Textures Across the East Bay

While specific sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded here, the county's varied geography suggests a mix of textures. This lack of data means site-specific assessment is essential to understand how well your soil drains and retains nutrients.

A Blank Canvas for Organic Growth

Specific organic matter and water capacity figures are missing, leaving them uncompared to the 3.30% state average. To ensure peak growing potential, we recommend adding compost to build up the soil's natural structure and fertility.

Strategic Water Management is Key

Without a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group on record, water behavior must be observed on a lot-by-lot basis. Understanding how water moves on your land is the first step toward successful gardening or stable construction.

Endless Possibilities in Zone 10a

Alameda rests in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a, offering a mild climate for year-round growth. This warm environment is perfect for starting a garden filled with citrus, succulents, or Mediterranean herbs.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Alameda County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Lawn Conditions in Alameda County

Alameda County earns a lawn difficulty score of 62.6, making it significantly easier to maintain turf than the national median of 50.0. This zone 10a region benefits from mild winters, though homeowners must manage specific coastal microclimates. While easier than the state average of 51.3, success requires adapting to localized moisture levels.

Mild Temperatures but Low Precipitation

The county receives just 18.1 inches of annual rainfall, which falls well below the 30-50 inches typically required for lush lawns. With 3,785 growing degree days and only 26 extreme heat days, grass grows steadily without excessive summer stress. You should plan for supplemental irrigation to bridge the gap left by the dry Mediterranean climate.

Preparing Your Bay Area Soil

While specific soil data is unavailable for this region, local gardeners typically encounter varying clay content that can hinder drainage. You should perform a local pH test to ensure your soil sits within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range before planting. Adding organic compost helps improve structure and moisture retention for new turf.

Excellent Current Drought Resilience

Alameda County currently reports 0% drought coverage and has faced zero weeks of drought over the past year. Even with these favorable conditions, installing smart irrigation controllers saves money and water during the dry summer months. Deep, infrequent watering encourages roots to grow deeper, preparing your lawn for future dry spells.

Start Your Alameda Lawn Today

For zone 10a, warm-season grasses like Bermuda or hybrid St. Augustine thrive in the consistent sunshine. Because the last spring frost typically occurs by January 7, you can start your lawn early in the year compared to inland neighbors. Aim to establish your sod or seed well before the December 22 first frost date.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alameda County's county score?
Alameda County, California has a composite county score of 40.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Alameda County rank among counties in California?
Alameda County ranks #31 among all counties in California on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Alameda County, California?
The median annual property tax in Alameda County is $8,061, with an effective tax rate of 0.76%. This earns Alameda County a tax score of 56.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Alameda County?
The median household income in Alameda County, California is $126,240 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Alameda County earns an income score of 99/100 on CountyScore.
Is Alameda County, California a good place to live?
Alameda County scores 40.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in California. The best way to evaluate Alameda County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Alameda County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.