countyscore
41.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 85.4Health 81.2Property Tax 63.7

County Report Card

About Amador County, California

Amador slightly exceeds national livability norms

Amador County's composite score of 41.9 remains below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 35th percentile nationally. It reflects California's persistent affordability challenges despite moderate incomes and reasonable tax rates.

Solid middle performer in California rankings

At 41.9, Amador ranks just above California's state average of 40.9, positioning it in the middle-to-upper cohort of the state's 58 counties. It's an unpretentious alternative to coastal metro areas.

Tax efficiency and housing balance

Amador offers a relatively low tax burden (0.695% effective rate, 63.7 score) and modest housing costs with a median home value of $422,800 and gross rent of $1,380 monthly. Income levels are respectable at $81,526 median household, supporting a working-class lifestyle.

Schools and water infrastructure need work

The county's school score of 44.5 trails state averages, suggesting room for educational investment, while a water score of 34.8 indicates strained water resources or quality concerns. Safety remains a secondary concern with a score of 19.1.

Fits budget-conscious families seeking calm

Amador suits working families and retirees seeking affordable housing, low taxes, and small-town tranquility without the demands of urban life. Families prioritizing top-tier schools or abundant water should consider neighboring mountain counties.

Score breakdown

Tax63.7Cost8.9Safety19.1Health81.2Schools44.5Income85.4Risk20.8Water34.8Weather56.2
🏛63.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠8.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼85.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡19.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤81.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡20.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧34.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱61.4
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

Calaveras County
California
43
El Dorado County
California
49.8
Alpine County
California
51.2
Placer County
California
46.5
Tuolumne County
California
41.7
Sacramento County
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38.3
San Joaquin County
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Nevada County
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Deep Dives

Amador County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Amador County

via TaxByCounty

Amador taxes nearly 2.8× national average

Amador County's effective tax rate of 0.695% is almost three times the national median of 0.25%, placing it in the 81st percentile nationally. Even in this rural mountain county, property tax burdens exceed most American communities.

Below state average, mid-tier rank

Amador's 0.695% effective rate falls just under California's average of 0.714%, positioning it in the middle of the state's 58 counties. With a median tax bill of $2,939, Amador homeowners pay about 27% less than the state median of $4,045.

Among the lowest in the Sierra foothills

Amador's 0.695% rate is lower than nearby Alpine (0.684% is lower) and Calaveras (0.714%), making it one of the more affordable foothill counties. The region's rates cluster between 0.68% and 0.71%, well below Bay Area levels.

Amador median home: $2,939 yearly tax

A typical Amador County home worth $422,800 costs approximately $2,939 per year in property taxes. With or without a mortgage, tax liability remains relatively stable around $3,000, reflecting the county's consistent rate structure.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Amador County homeowners have the right to challenge their property assessments if values don't reflect market conditions. Many taxpayers overlook this option; a successful appeal could provide meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Amador County

via CostByCounty

Amador keeps housing affordable for workers

Amador County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% beats the national average by 2 percentage points, offering genuine affordability despite a median income of $81,526—just 9% above the U.S. median. Renters here spend $1,380 monthly, freeing up $240 more per month than the national norm for every dollar of income.

California's sweet spot for renters

Amador's 20.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks in California's affordable third, beating the state average of 22.4% by over 2 percentage points. At $1,380 monthly rent, the county undercuts the state median by $238, making it one of the few California counties where working-class renters catch a break.

Amador splits the Sierra foothill difference

Amador's $1,380 rent positions it between Alpine's home-centric market and Calaveras's $1,615 median, while ownership costs of $1,515 rival the region. Compared to Alameda's $2,318 rent, Amador saves commuters $938 monthly—a $11,250 annual advantage.

The math works in Amador

Renters pay $1,380 monthly and owners pay $1,515—nearly equal burdens on an $81,526 income, consuming roughly 20–22% of gross earnings. This leaves nearly 78% of income available for food, transportation, childcare, and savings—a luxury rare in California.

Amador for the Bay Area escapist

If you earn $60,000–$100,000 and crave California without the Silicon Valley price tag, Amador delivers: $1,380 rents and $422,800 homes in a growing foothill community. The 90-minute commute to Oakland or Sacramento jobs makes it perfect for hybrid workers seeking weekend mountain access without financial stress.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Amador County

via IncomeByCounty

Amador exceeds national income norm

Amador County's median household income of $81,526 outperforms the US median of $74,755 by 9%, showing solid earnings for this rural Sierra foothill community. This income advantage reflects a mix of agricultural workers, commuters to valley jobs, and local service providers.

Below California's income average

At $81,526, Amador's median household income falls short of California's $87,001 state average by about 6%. However, the county's per capita income of $42,602 nearly matches the state's $43,669, suggesting more evenly distributed earnings.

Middle ground in foothill region

Amador's $81,526 median income positions it between rural Alpine County ($110,781) and struggling Butte County ($68,574), reflecting its transitional economic character. The county attracts both retirees and workers seeking affordable Sierra living.

Rent affordable, homes accessible

Amador's 20.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among California's most affordable, with median home value of $422,800 manageable for households earning $81,526. Residents here enjoy stronger housing affordability than nearly all Bay Area and coastal counties.

Leverage affordable living to save

With reasonable housing costs at 20.3% of income and median home values around $422,800, Amador households can redirect savings into retirement and investment accounts. The county's affordability advantage enables meaningful wealth-building compared to pricier California regions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Amador County

via CrimeByCounty

Amador County Remains Safer Than Average

With a total crime rate of 2,117.0 per 100,000, Amador County is safer than the national average of 2,385.5. Residents enjoy a high safety score of 96.7.

Exceeding California's Average Safety Score

Amador’s safety score of 96.7 outperforms the state average of 96.3. Its total crime rate is also roughly 10% lower than the California average of 2,355.2.

Low Crime Compared to Regional Neighbors

Amador County’s crime rate of 2,117.0 is lower than Alpine's 2,376.3 but very similar to Calaveras County at 2,082.2. These eight reporting agencies consistently show a safer profile than the state as a whole.

Property Offenses Outnumber Violent Crime

The county sees 1,776.9 property crimes per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 340.1. This violent crime rate is below the national average of 369.8, indicating a relatively secure environment.

Maintaining Security in Amador Homes

Property crimes make up the vast majority of local incidents, so securing outbuildings and vehicles is essential. Using motion-sensor lights and alarm systems helps keep Amador’s crime rates consistently below the national curve.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Amador County

via HealthByCounty

Amador matches state baseline

Amador County residents live an average of 78.5 years, matching California's state average but trailing the U.S. average of 76.1 years by about 2.4 years. A 16.3% poor/fair health rate is slightly better than the national average of 18%, indicating moderate population health. Amador residents experience outcomes consistent with many mid-sized rural California counties.

Right at California's midline

With a 78.5-year life expectancy, Amador sits exactly at California's state average, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 58 counties. Its 16.3% poor/fair health rate is slightly below the state median, suggesting slightly better health outcomes than half the state. Amador's health profile is unremarkable but stable.

Surrounded by similar counties

Amador's 78.5-year life expectancy matches Calaveras County (78.8 years) and falls between the healthier Bay Area (Alameda at 82.0) and struggling rural areas (Del Norte at 73.8). Its 16.3% poor/fair health rate is lowest among immediate neighbors, including Calaveras (17.4%) and Colusa (24.0%). The greater Sierra Nevada and foothills region shares similar socioeconomic and healthcare access profiles.

Limited primary care access

Amador has just 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than half California's typical density—making preventive care harder to access. Its 5.7% uninsured rate is moderate and below the state average of 7.2%, but rural sparsity means insured patients still travel far for appointments. The 304 mental health providers per 100,000 serve behavioral health needs reasonably well.

Ensure coverage this year

Amador's 5.7% uninsured population should verify coverage remains active; life changes often trigger eligibility shifts in rural counties. Visit coveredca.com or medi-cal.ca.gov to renew or enroll, or contact Amador County's Department of Health Services for local assistance. Year-round enrollment is available for qualified individuals.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Amador County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Traditional Foundation in Amador

Amador County supports 4,124 students through a network of 15 public schools and 3 districts. The infrastructure includes 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 4 high schools. This balanced structure provides a clear path for students from kindergarten through graduation.

High Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

The county achieves a strong graduation rate of 89.6%, outperforming both the state average and the national benchmark. This success comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $7,114, which is lower than the California average. The school score of 53.6 sits just slightly below the state median of 56.0.

Centralized Learning via Amador County Unified

Amador County Unified serves as the educational backbone, managing 12 schools and 4,100 students. The county features no charter schools, relying entirely on traditional public districts to educate its youth. This centralized model ensures a consistent curriculum and community focus across the region.

Town and Country School Spirit

Schools are split almost evenly between town and rural locales, reflecting the county’s geography. The average school size is 295 students, with Amador High being the largest campus at 702 students. It is an environment where teachers likely know most of their students by name.

Relocate for High Graduation Success

Amador County’s impressive graduation rates make it a compelling choice for families. If you are looking for a community that prioritizes student success in a town or rural setting, explore local real estate options today. Finding a home here means joining a district with a proven track record of getting students to the finish line.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Amador County

via RiskByCounty

Amador's risk is moderate by national standards

Amador County's composite risk score of 79.20 falls below the national average, earning a relatively low risk rating. The county faces genuine hazards but avoids the extreme exposure levels seen in coastal or major urban California counties.

Below California's average disaster risk

Amador's score of 79.20 sits comfortably below California's state average of 88.72, positioning the county among the safer regions. This favorable standing reflects the inland Sierra foothills location, though wildfire risk remains elevated statewide.

Less threatened than surrounding counties

Amador (79.20) enjoys lower composite risk than nearby Calaveras County (86.61) and Butte County (93.92). Alpine County (10.56) is the regional exception with exceptional safety, but Amador maintains a comfortable middle ground within the Sierra region.

Wildfire and flooding drive hazard exposure

Wildfire risk dominates Amador at 98.12, while flood risk reaches 70.01, reflecting the county's foothill location near water corridors. Earthquake risk (64.50) poses a moderate third threat, requiring balanced preparedness across multiple hazard types.

Prioritize wildfire and flood protection

Amador homeowners should secure comprehensive wildfire coverage and assess flood insurance needs, particularly in areas near rivers and creeks. Standard homeowners policies rarely cover wildfire damage, making separate coverage critical for this county's primary hazard.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Amador County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Foothill Climate Above National Averages

Amador County's 61.0°F annual average is significantly higher than the U.S. median temperature. It features a warm, interior climate with dry summers and wet winters.

Warmer and Wetter Than State Benchmarks

The county is warmer than the California average of 58.7°F and wetter than the state average of 25.8 inches. It receives 34.8 inches of rain annually, mostly during the cooler months.

Warmer Than Surrounding Highland Counties

At 61.0°F, Amador is warmer than neighboring Calaveras County, which averages 56.4°F. It also records far less snow than its neighbors to the east, averaging only 0.3 inches.

Intense Summer Heat and Mild Winters

The county faces 75 extreme heat days per year with a July average of 78.0°F. Winters are mild and wet, averaging 47.9°F with almost no snowfall.

Prioritize Cooling and Rain Infrastructure

High-capacity HVAC systems are necessary to manage 75 days over 90°F. Homeowners should also ensure proper drainage to handle the substantial 34.8 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Amador County

via SoilByCounty

Gold Country Soils Under the Radar

Amador County's specific soil taxonomy and pH values are not currently detailed in this dataset. Most California soils average a pH of 6.34, and Amador's foothills likely offer a unique chemical profile. Testing your own soil can reveal if it matches the national 6.5 pH median.

Assessing Texture in the Foothills

No specific data exists here for sand, silt, or clay percentages in Amador County. These factors determine how easily you can dig and how well your plants can breathe. A manual soil feel test is a great way to start your gardening journey.

A Potential Boost for Foothill Gardens

Current records do not show organic matter or water capacity levels for the county. Since the state average for organic matter is 3.30%, adding mulch and organic waste can help bridge any fertility gaps in your yard.

Understanding Local Hydrologic Patterns

Amador lacks a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group in this dataset. Careful observation of how rainwater pools or drains on your property is essential before starting any major landscape projects.

Foothill Farming in Zone 9a

The county falls within Hardiness Zone 9a, a fantastic climate for wine grapes and olives. Don't let the lack of data stop you; start a garden with hardy Mediterranean plants that love the Amador sun.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Amador County

via LawnByCounty

Amador's High-Heat Lawn Challenge

Amador County holds a lawn difficulty score of 61.4, performing better than the national average of 50.0. In hardiness zone 9a, your lawn faces long, hot summers that require specific grass choices to stay green. Maintenance here is easier than the California state average of 51.3, though heat management remains your top priority.

Ample Rain Meets Extreme Heat

With 34.8 inches of annual precipitation, the county sits comfortably within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. However, you must manage 75 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly higher than the state average of 59 days. These high-heat periods require careful watering schedules to prevent turf dormancy or burnout.

Foundation for Foothill Lawns

While specific local soil data is currently limited, the foothill terrain often requires checking for drainage and pH balance. You should aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure your grass can access essential nutrients during the growing season. Adding compost can help balance the soil texture to better handle the 4,486 growing degree days.

Current Water Stability

The county is currently drought-free, with zero weeks of drought recorded over the past year. This stability is excellent for lawn maintenance, but the 75 annual heat days mean moisture evaporates quickly. Focus on morning watering to ensure your lawn stays hydrated during the peak afternoon temperatures.

Planting for the Sierra Foothills

Tall Fescue is a popular choice for zone 9a because its deep roots handle the Amador heat better than other cool-season grasses. Your growing window is wide, with the last frost usually passing by March 4 and the first freeze not arriving until December 11. Early spring is the perfect time to seed or sod to establish roots before the summer heat hits.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Amador County's county score?
Amador County, California has a composite county score of 41.8 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 Amador County rank among counties in California?
Amador County ranks #24 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 Amador County, California?
The median annual property tax in Amador County is $2,939, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Amador County a tax score of 63.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Amador County?
The median household income in Amador County, California is $81,526 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Amador County earns an income score of 85.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Amador County, California a good place to live?
Amador County scores 41.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in California. The best way to evaluate Amador 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 Amador County with other counties side by side.

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