countyscore
40.1
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.

2040608010052.70.32.292.555.6990.271.978.2Tax52.7Cost0.3Safety2.2Health92.5Schools55.6Income99Risk0.2Water71.9Weather78.240.1/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Alameda County DNA

Foverall

How Alameda County compares to the national average across nine baseline 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
52.7
Cost
0.3-47.7
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

$1,090,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$2,357/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$1,090,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$94,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum8.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $129,367/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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Nearby counties

Contra Costa County
California
39.8
San Mateo County
California
47.3
San Francisco County
California
42.7
Santa Clara County
California
42.3
Solano County
California
35.9
San Joaquin County
California
32.9
Marin County
California
47.9
Santa Cruz County
California
41

Deep Dives

Alameda County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 40.1 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 #33 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 $8,474, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Alameda County a tax score of 52.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Alameda County?
The median household income in Alameda County, California is $129,367 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 40.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.