countyscore
51.2
County Score
Schools 100Income & Jobs 97.7Disaster Risk 89.5

County Report Card

About Alpine County, California

Alpine exceeds national livability benchmark

Alpine County's composite score of 51.2 edges above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper 55th percentile nationally. This modest advantage reflects strong schools and natural hazard protections despite California's affordability headwinds.

Among California's most livable counties

Alpine ranks above California's state average of 40.9 by more than 10 points, positioning it in the top tier of livability across the state's 58 counties. Few California counties match its overall scorecard.

Schools and natural hazard safety shine

Alpine achieves a perfect 100.0 school score and an exceptional 89.5 risk score, signaling outstanding schools and minimal exposure to floods, fires, and earthquakes. A median household income of $110,781 and low tax burden (0.684% effective rate) round out its competitive profile.

Water and safety infrastructure lag

Alpine's water score of 13.8 reflects limited water resources or quality concerns in this mountain region, while a safety score of 15.2 suggests elevated crime or accident risk. Rental data is unavailable, limiting clarity on housing affordability.

Ideal for outdoor families prioritizing schools

Alpine County appeals to families seeking top-tier education, mountain living, and strong natural disaster protection, with decent incomes and tax efficiency. Those dependent on urban job centers or abundant water resources should look elsewhere.

Score breakdown

Tax64.8Cost5.2Safety15.2Health82.4Schools100Income97.7Risk89.5Water13.8Weather37.5
🏛64.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠5.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼97.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡15.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤82.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓100
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡89.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧13.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱61.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Douglas County
Nevada
50.2
Amador County
California
41.8
Carson City
Nevada
37.8
El Dorado County
California
49.8
Tuolumne County
California
41.7
Calaveras County
California
43
Lyon County
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Mono County
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38.5

Deep Dives

Alpine County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Alpine County

via TaxByCounty

Alpine taxes: 2.7× the national norm

Alpine County's effective tax rate of 0.684% is nearly three times the national median of 0.25%, placing it in the 80th percentile nationwide. Even small mountain communities here pay substantially more in property taxes than most American homeowners.

Below California's state average rate

At 0.684%, Alpine County's effective rate falls slightly below California's average of 0.714%, ranking it in the middle tier among the state's 58 counties. Yet with a median tax bill of $3,190, Alpine residents still exceed the national median by nearly 20%.

Mountain county with moderate tax burden

Alpine's 0.684% rate sits between neighboring Amador County (0.695%) and Calaveras County (0.714%), making it among the lower-taxed mountain communities. The Sierra foothill region generally maintains rates below the Bay Area and coastal counties.

Alpine median home: $3,190 annual tax

A typical Alpine County home valued at $466,100 generates approximately $3,190 in yearly property taxes. For mortgaged properties, total tax obligations hover around $3,091, reflecting the county's modest effective rate.

Review assessed values after market shifts

Alpine County homeowners should verify their assessments, especially if property values have shifted since the last appraisal. Filing an appeal costs little and could reduce your annual tax bill if your home is overassessed.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Alpine County

via CostByCounty

Alpine County's quiet homeownership advantage

Alpine County's median household income of $110,781 outpaces the national median by 48%, yet rental data remains unavailable—a reflection of the county's tiny, owner-dominated population. Monthly homeownership costs of $1,753 suggest a rent-equivalent burden well below national norms for those who can afford the $466,100 median home price.

A rare California affordability pocket

Alpine's $1,753 monthly owner cost ranks among California's lowest, though limited rental markets prevent a full state comparison. The median home value of $466,100 undercuts 80% of California counties, offering a genuine escape from the state's housing crisis for remote workers and retirees.

Alpine outpaces the Sierra foothill peers

Alpine's $466,100 median home value runs $44,000 cheaper than Amador and $24,300 cheaper than Calaveras, despite comparable incomes. Owner costs of $1,753 monthly beat Amador's $1,515 burden-to-income ratio, rewarding Alpine homeowners with lower absolute payments.

Ownership is Alpine's story

With sparse rental listings and a $1,753 monthly ownership cost, Alpine residents dedicate roughly 19% of a $110,781 income to housing—substantially lower than California's state average. The county's rural character and small population mean limited housing supply, but exceptional value for those seeking mountain living.

Alpine for the independent spirit

If you work remotely or are retiring, Alpine delivers unmatched value: homes under $500,000 with ownership costs 37% below the state average. Be prepared for limited services, a tiny job market, and a 3+ hour drive to major metros—but you'll own your mountain home outright far sooner.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Alpine County

via IncomeByCounty

Alpine substantially exceeds US average

Alpine County's median household income of $110,781 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 48%, reflecting stronger earnings in this small mountain community. Alpine residents earn significantly more than typical American households despite the county's rural character.

Above-average income for California

Alpine's $110,781 median household income exceeds California's state average of $87,001 by nearly $24,000 per household. The county's per capita income of $53,247 also outperforms the state's $43,669 average.

Outearning surrounding Sierra counties

Alpine's median household income of $110,781 positions it as a relative income leader among rural Sierra Nevada communities. The county's strong earnings reflect its stable employment base and lower unemployment rates.

Limited affordability data, strong income

While rent-to-income data is unavailable for Alpine, the median home value of $466,100 and median income of $110,781 suggest reasonable housing affordability relative to many California counties. Residents here benefit from lower housing costs than Bay Area and coastal competitors.

Invest your mountain community income

Alpine households earning $110,781 annually have solid capacity to build long-term wealth through retirement investing and real estate diversification. The lower cost of living here compared to urban California counties creates meaningful opportunities for savings and investment growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Alpine County

via CrimeByCounty

Alpine County Mirrors National Crime Averages

Alpine County reports 2,376.3 crimes per 100,000 residents, landing almost exactly on the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a strong safety score of 96.2.

Safety Levels Align with California Standards

The county's safety score of 96.2 is nearly identical to the California state average of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 2,376.3 also stays very close to the state average of 2,355.2.

Interpreting Data from a Single Agency

With only one reporting agency, Alpine's crime rate of 2,376.3 appears slightly higher than nearby Amador (2,117.0) and Calaveras (2,082.2). Small population sizes mean single incidents can cause large swings in these per-capita numbers.

High Violent Crime Rate Relative to Property

Violent crime in Alpine County hits 726.1 per 100,000, which is significantly higher than the national violent average of 369.8. Conversely, property crime is lower than the national benchmark, sitting at 1,650.2 per 100,000.

Staying Vigilant in Small Communities

Because violent crime rates are higher than national averages, personal awareness and neighbor-to-neighbor watch programs are particularly effective. Basic outdoor lighting and secure locks provide a solid first line of defense for rural homes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Alpine County

via HealthByCounty

Alpine's health picture unclear

Life expectancy data for Alpine County is not currently available, limiting direct comparison to the U.S. average of 76.1 years. However, the county reports a 15.4% poor/fair health rate, comparable to national norms and suggesting baseline health outcomes. More granular health metrics would help Alpine residents and policymakers track progress.

Small county, limited data

Alpine County's 15.4% poor/fair health rate sits below California's state median, though life expectancy figures remain unavailable for precise ranking. As one of California's smallest and most rural counties, Alpine faces data collection challenges that can obscure its true health status. State and local health agencies are working to improve health surveillance in remote areas.

Sparse neighbors, sparse providers

Alpine's 15.4% poor/fair health rate compares favorably to nearby Amador County (16.3%) and Calaveras County (17.4%), though primary care provider data is unavailable for direct comparison. As a mountainous, sparsely populated county surrounded by similar rural terrain, Alpine shares the geographic isolation challenges of its neighbors. Limited provider networks characterize the entire region.

Uninsured rate above state average

Alpine County's 6.0% uninsured rate exceeds California's 7.2% state average, though primary care provider counts are not reported. The county does provide 351 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—a solid mental health infrastructure despite overall sparsity. Accessing healthcare often requires travel to larger neighboring counties.

Getting covered in Alpine

If you're among Alpine's uninsured residents, enrollment is open year-round through Covered California and Medi-Cal. Visit coveredca.com or call 1-800-300-1506 to explore options suited to Alpine's rural setting. Community health centers and local county offices can also guide enrollment.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Alpine County

via SchoolsByCounty

California's Most Intimate School System

Alpine County operates a highly personalized network of just 4 public schools across 2 districts. This tiny system serves only 68 students in total, primarily at the elementary level. It represents the smallest public school infrastructure in the state, prioritizing individual attention.

Exceptional Scores and Record Per-Pupil Spending

The county boasts a remarkable school score of 86.6, far exceeding the state average of 56.0. Investment is incredibly high, with $23,219 spent per pupil, nearly double the national average of $13,000. While graduation rates are not currently reported, the high composite score indicates exceptional academic focus.

Dedicated Support in Alpine County Unified

Alpine County Unified is the primary provider of education, serving all 68 students across 3 active school sites. There are no charter schools in the county, emphasizing a unified public approach to rural education. The system focuses on providing essential services to a geographically isolated population.

Small Classes in a Truly Rural Setting

Every school in the county is classified as rural, providing a serene environment for learning. The average school size is just 34 students, with Bear Valley Elementary serving as few as 7 students. Attending school here feels like being part of a close-knit community rather than a large institution.

Quiet Living and High Academic Marks

Families seeking high per-pupil investment and small class sizes will find Alpine County unique. The high academic scores make this rural area an attractive choice for those looking for a peaceful lifestyle without sacrificing education quality. Explore local properties to find your place in this tight-knit mountain community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Alpine County

via RiskByCounty

Alpine faces very low national disaster risk

Alpine County's composite risk score of 10.56 places it among the lowest-risk counties nationwide, well below the national average. This exceptional safety profile makes Alpine one of California's most resilient communities against natural disasters.

California's safest county by far

Alpine's score of 10.56 dramatically undercuts California's state average of 88.72, making it the clear outlier for disaster safety. The county's remote, mountainous geography and sparse population contribute to its minimal overall hazard exposure.

Alpine stands apart from riskier Sierra neighbors

Alpine (10.56) enjoys dramatically lower risk than neighboring Amador County (79.20) and Calaveras County (86.61). This safety advantage stems from Alpine's higher elevation, smaller population, and distance from major flood corridors that affect its neighbors.

Wildfire poses your primary hazard concern

Wildfire risk of 89.12 stands as Alpine County's most significant natural hazard, though it remains secondary to the county's overall low composite score. Earthquake risk (53.02) ranks second, while tornado and flood risks are minimal by any standard.

Standard coverage suffices for Alpine homes

Alpine's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides solid protection for most residents. Consider adding wildfire-specific coverage or defensible space improvements as your primary disaster preparation, given the county's minimal earthquake and flood exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Alpine County

via WeatherByCounty

A High-Elevation Winter Wonderland

While annual temperature data is limited, Alpine County is defined by its massive 77.1 inches of annual snowfall. This level of precipitation far exceeds national snowfall medians.

One of California's Snowiest Regions

Alpine stands out in California with 77.1 inches of snow compared to the state's largely snow-free coastal areas. Its 22.1 inches of total precipitation is slightly below the state average of 25.8 inches.

Dramatically Snowier Than Foothill Neighbors

Alpine receives 77.1 inches of snow, dwarfing the 0.3 inches found in neighboring Amador County. It serves as a primary alpine climate zone compared to the warmer valley floors nearby.

Deep Snow and Undocumented Summer Peaks

The county records a heavy 77.1 inches of annual snowfall during its cold months. Specific average temperature data for summer and winter months is currently unavailable for this high-altitude region.

Winter Preparedness is Mandatory

Heavy-duty snow removal equipment and winter-rated vehicle tires are essential for the 77.1 inches of annual snow. Residents must plan for significant winter precipitation and potentially isolated conditions.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Alpine County

via SoilByCounty

High Altitude Soils with Hidden Profiles

Alpine County lacks specific data for soil taxonomy and pH levels in the current federal records. Given its mountainous terrain, the soil likely deviates from the national 6.5 pH median. Localized testing is the best way to uncover your ground's chemical identity.

Mystery Mix in the Sierra Peaks

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available for this high-altitude region. These ratios are crucial for determining workability, so gardeners should perform a simple jar test to identify their soil's texture.

Building Fertility in the High Country

We do not have data for Alpine's organic matter or water capacity compared to the 3.30% California average. Mountain soils often benefit from added organic amendments to improve their ability to hold water and support plant life.

Navigating Mountain Water Flow

Formal drainage classes and hydrologic groups are currently unlisted for this county. Proper site-specific drainage assessment is vital in the Sierras to prevent erosion and ensure healthy plant roots.

Short Seasons in Zone 6b

At Zone 6b, Alpine County has a shorter growing season than much of California. Focus your gardening efforts on cold-hardy perennials and fast-maturing vegetables that can handle the mountain chill.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Alpine County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating High-Altitude Lawn Care

Alpine County presents a lawn difficulty score of 61.7, which is notably easier than the California state average of 51.3. Situated in hardiness zone 6b, this mountain environment requires selecting cold-hardy grass varieties that can survive freezing winters. Despite the shorter growing window, the climate supports healthy turf if managed correctly.

Mountain Rains and Shorter Seasons

The county averages 22.1 inches of precipitation annually, which is close to the state average but shy of the 30-inch ideal for lawns. While specific temperature data is limited, the high elevation means you have a compressed timeframe for growth compared to valley neighbors. Mowing schedules must be aggressive during the peak summer burst to keep up with rapid growth.

Adapting to Mountain Soil

Specific soil metrics for Alpine County are not currently available, so local testing is your best first step. Mountain soils often feature rocky textures or rapid drainage that may require significant organic amendments to hold nutrients. Ensure you test for pH levels to hit the 6.0-7.0 target for optimal grass health.

Resilient Water Conditions

Alpine County has remained entirely free of drought conditions over the past year with 0% area currently affected. This abundance of moisture provides a great safety net for establishing new turf in this sensitive ecosystem. You can maximize this resilience by mulching your clippings to return moisture and nitrogen to the soil.

Cold-Hardy Varieties for Zone 6b

In hardiness zone 6b, cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue are the gold standard for durability. You should plant during the late summer or early fall when temperatures begin to drop but before the mountain freezes arrive. This timing allows the root system to establish before the heavy winter snowpack sets in.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alpine County's county score?
Alpine County, California has a composite county score of 51.2 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 Alpine County rank among counties in California?
Alpine County ranks #3 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 Alpine County, California?
The median annual property tax in Alpine County is $3,190, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Alpine County a tax score of 64.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Alpine County?
The median household income in Alpine County, California is $110,781 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Alpine County earns an income score of 97.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Alpine County, California a good place to live?
Alpine County scores 51.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in California. The best way to evaluate Alpine 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 Alpine County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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