CountyScore

Amador County

California · CA

#10 in California
64.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Amador County, California

Amador ranks in the top third nationally

Amador County's score of 65.6 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it at the 66th percentile across all U.S. counties. This Gold Country foothill region demonstrates that livability thrives well beyond major metropolitan areas. Amador joins a select group of communities where economic and living conditions align favorably.

Above-average livability for California

With a score of 65.6, Amador exceeds California's 61.3 state average and ranks in the upper-middle tier of the state's 58 counties. The county stands out among inland California communities as a livable alternative to more expensive coastal regions. This positioning makes Amador attractive for Californians seeking better value without leaving the state.

Affordability and low tax burden shine

Amador's cost score of 60.0 reflects genuinely affordable housing with median home values of $422,800 and monthly rent at just $1,380. The tax score of 82.7 (effective rate 0.695%) adds further financial relief. Together, these advantages create strong purchasing power for working and middle-class families.

Income levels lag state and national peers

Amador's income score of 36.6 is the lowest among its comparables, reflecting a median household income of $81,526—well below state averages. This suggests limited high-wage job opportunities and a concentration of lower-income households. Additional data on safety, health, schools, and environment would help explain whether low income reflects employment challenges or a cost-of-living advantage.

Perfect for budget-conscious working families

Amador County suits working and middle-class families seeking affordable housing, low taxes, and a small-town California lifestyle. The county offers genuine economic opportunity for those who don't require six-figure incomes or coastal proximity. Best matched with households prioritizing affordability and community over maximum earning potential.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax82.7Cost60SafetyComing SoonHealth77SchoolsComing SoonIncome36.6Risk20.8WaterComing Soon
🏛82.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡20.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

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Compare Amador County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Colusa County
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64.7
Median income: $75,149
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64.7
Median income: $86,953
Bartow County
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64.7
Median income: $79,431
Clinton County
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64.7
Median income: $65,177
Missoula County
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Median income: $71,246

Deep Dives

Amador County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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