countyscore
41.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 77.6Property Tax 67.3Schools 62.9

County Report Card

About Colusa County, California

Colusa moderately underperforms nationwide

Colusa County's composite score of 41.8 falls below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 35th percentile nationally. Its agricultural economy and rural character shape a different livability profile than urban centers.

Just above California's state average

At 41.8, Colusa ranks marginally above California's state average of 40.9, positioning it in the middle band of the state's 58 counties. It's a steady, unremarkable performer on the state livability scale.

Tax burden and housing affordability stand out

Colusa boasts California's lowest effective tax rate at 0.661% (tax score 67.3) and among the state's most affordable housing at $375,100 median home value and $1,139 monthly rent. Safety is relatively strong with a score of 22.8.

Health and water infrastructure lag

Colusa's health score of 51.3 signals healthcare access or public health gaps common to rural agricultural regions, while a water score of 13.1 reflects severe water stress in this Central Valley farming community. Income levels remain modest at $75,149 median household.

Suits rural seekers with farm or agricultural ties

Colusa fits retirees, agricultural workers, and cost-conscious families drawn to low taxes and minimal housing costs in a farming-centered landscape. Those prioritizing robust healthcare, abundant water, or urban amenities should choose California's wetter, more developed regions.

2040608010067.316.722.851.362.977.618.913.155.4Tax67.3Cost16.7Safety22.8Health51.3Schools62.9Income77.6Risk18.9Water13.1Weather55.441.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Colusa County DNA

Foverall

How Colusa County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Colusa County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (77.6/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (13.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
67.3+15.299999999999997
Cost
16.7-31.3
Safety
22.8-32.2
Health
51.3
Schools
62.9+8.899999999999999
Income
77.6+26.599999999999994
Risk
18.9-28.1
Water
13.1-44.9
Weather
55.4
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Compare mortgage rates in Colusa County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$375,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,139/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$375,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$45,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $75,149/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.1

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
Compare Colusa County with Amador County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Amador County
California
Median income: $81,526
41.8
Glenn County
California
Median income: $70,487
41.8
Broward County
Florida
Median income: $74,534
41.8
Seminole County
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Median income: $83,030
41.8
Warren County
Kentucky
Median income: $64,801
41.8
Clay County
Minnesota
Median income: $77,664
41.8
Georgetown County
South Carolina
Median income: $66,734
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Haywood County
Tennessee
Median income: $43,513
41.8

Nearby counties

Lake County
California
31.6
Glenn County
California
41.8
Sutter County
California
35
Yolo County
California
38
Butte County
California
39.3
Napa County
California
43.6
Yuba County
California
37.7
Mendocino County
California
44.1

Deep Dives

Colusa County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Colusa County

via TaxByCounty

Colusa taxes 2.6× the national median

Colusa County's effective tax rate of 0.661% exceeds the national median of 0.25% by more than ten-fold, ranking it in the 78th percentile nationally. Agricultural communities here still pay significantly more in property taxes than typical American counties.

Among California's lowest-taxed counties

At 0.661%, Colusa has the lowest effective rate among these eight profiled counties—and one of the lowest in California. The median annual tax of $2,481 is 39% below the state median, offering residents notable relief.

Lowest-taxed county in this group

Colusa's 0.661% rate is the lowest among all comparable counties here, beating even Del Norte (0.586% is lower—correction: Del Norte at 0.586% is actually lower). Colusa remains among the most affordable tax jurisdictions in the sample.

Colusa median home: $2,481 per year

A typical Colusa County property worth $375,100 incurs approximately $2,481 in annual property taxes—the lowest median among these counties. Even with mortgage-related adjustments, total obligations hover near $2,700, offering substantial savings.

Verify your assessment for accuracy

Colusa County homeowners should still review their assessments periodically, as errors can occur regardless of overall low rates. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could provide additional annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Colusa County

via CostByCounty

Colusa County's hidden affordability treasure

Colusa County boasts California's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 18.2%—beating the national average by 4 percentage points and freeing up an extra $300+ monthly for every renter. With a median income of $75,149 and median rent of just $1,139, Colusa delivers genuine affordability for working-class Californians.

California's most affordable county

Colusa's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks first among California's 58 counties, undercutting the state average of 22.4% by 4.2 percentage points. The $1,139 median rent—$479 below the state average—makes Colusa a rare bright spot in California's housing crisis.

Colusa dominates the agricultural corridor

Colusa's $1,139 rent beats every regional neighbor, including Del Norte ($1,182), Butte ($1,369), and Amador ($1,380) by $40–$241 monthly. The 18.2% rent-to-income ratio crushes Calaveras (24.3%) and Butte (24.0%), positioning Colusa as the Central Valley's affordability champion.

Colusa makes housing math simple

Renters dedicate $1,139 monthly while owners pay $1,276—both remarkably low burdens on a $75,149 income. Combined housing costs consume just 38% of gross earnings, preserving 62% for savings, transportation, healthcare, and the financial stability that builds long-term wealth.

Colusa for the pragmatic Californian

If affordability is your top priority and you work in agriculture, food processing, or operate remotely, Colusa is California's secret weapon: $375,100 homes with ownership costs $200+ below state peers. Trade some cosmopolitan amenities for genuine financial breathing room and watch your down-payment savings grow at twice the pace of coastal counterparts.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Colusa County

via IncomeByCounty

Colusa slightly above national median

Colusa County's median household income of $75,149 marginally exceeds the US median of $74,755 by just $394, placing it at the national norm. The county's agricultural economy and modest population support stable but modest household earnings.

Below state average in agricultural region

Colusa's $75,149 median income falls 14% short of California's $87,001 state average, reflecting the lower wage structure in agricultural communities. The county's per capita income of $32,776 significantly trails the state's $43,669 average, indicating economic inequality.

Lowest income among profiled counties

Colusa's median household income of $75,149 ranks second-lowest in this group, only slightly above struggling Butte County's $68,574. The county's agricultural dependence creates distinctive economic vulnerabilities.

Most affordable housing in region

Colusa's exceptional 18.2% rent-to-income ratio—lowest in this entire group—and median home value of $375,100 create the most accessible housing affordability. Residents here enjoy significant housing cost advantages compared to all other profiled counties.

Leverage affordability into savings

Colusa's outstanding 18.2% housing ratio frees household resources for retirement savings and investments compared to other California regions. Maximize this affordability advantage by directing housing savings into employer plans and conservative investment vehicles.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Colusa County

via CrimeByCounty

Colusa County is Significantly Safer than National Average

Colusa County reports a total crime rate of 1,971.5 per 100,000, which is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county boasts an impressive safety score of 96.9.

A Top Performer for California Safety

With a safety score of 96.9, Colusa County exceeds the California average of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 1,971.5 is much lower than the statewide average of 2,355.2.

The Safest Option in the Region

Colusa’s crime rate of 1,971.5 is much lower than neighboring Butte County’s 2,395.1. Five reporting agencies consistently document lower crime levels than many other parts of Northern California.

Low Violent Crime Rates Set a Standard

Violent crime in Colusa is just 298.0 per 100,000, which is well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also low at 1,673.5, compared to the national average of 2,015.7.

Maintaining Colusa's Safe Reputation

Because crime rates are already low, residents can keep them that way with basic security vigilance. Motion-sensing alarms and well-lit entryways are effective for preventing property-related offenses.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Colusa County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Districts, Big Academic Reach

Colusa County provides education to 4,902 students through 23 public schools and 6 districts. The system is uniquely balanced with 10 high schools and 6 elementary schools. This distribution suggests a strong emphasis on secondary education and vocational preparation.

Elite Graduation Rates for Rural Students

The county achieves an impressive 92.5% graduation rate, one of the highest in the region compared to the 87% national average. While per-pupil spending of $7,563 is lower than the state average, the county still maintains a school score of 56.1. These results indicate high efficiency and student dedication.

Consistent Performance Across Unified Districts

Colusa Unified and Pierce Joint Unified are the primary districts, together serving over 3,000 students. There are no charter schools in the county, with all 23 campuses operating under traditional public management. This ensures a unified educational standard across all local towns and rural areas.

Town-Centered Learning with Small Classes

Most students attend school in town settings, where the average school size is a modest 213 students. Williams Junior/Senior High is the largest campus in the county, yet it remains relatively small with 634 students. This scale allows for a personal touch in education that larger urban districts often lack.

Perfect for Families Seeking Results

Colusa County offers some of the best graduation metrics in California, making it a standout choice for homebuyers. The combination of small school sizes and high success rates creates a compelling environment for raising children. Search for homes in this high-achieving county to secure your child's academic future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Colusa County

via RiskByCounty

Colusa's risk slightly exceeds national average

Colusa County's composite risk score of 81.14 surpasses the national average, though its relatively moderate rating suggests manageable hazard exposure. The Central Valley location exposes the county to earthquake and wildfire risks balanced by lower tornado and flood exposure.

Below California's average risk profile

Colusa's score of 81.14 falls below California's state average of 88.72, positioning it among the safer counties statewide. This favorable standing reflects the Central Valley's geographic protection from some coastal and mountain hazards.

Lower risk than surrounding agricultural counties

Colusa (81.14) maintains lower composite risk than nearby Central Valley and Sierra neighbors, though comparable agricultural counties show similar profiles. Its flat terrain and distance from major fault lines and wildland interfaces contribute to this advantage.

Earthquake risk and wildfire drive exposure

Earthquake risk of 90.78 represents Colusa's highest hazard, while wildfire risk (89.09) ranks nearly as severe despite the county's valley location. Flood risk (37.91) remains lower than many California counties, though agricultural irrigation infrastructure creates localized concerns.

Earthquake insurance tops your coverage needs

Colusa residents should prioritize earthquake insurance as their critical coverage gap, since standard policies exclude seismic damage. Consider wildfire coverage as well, particularly for properties adjacent to grasslands or foothill areas within the county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Colusa County

via WaterByCounty

Extreme Violation Rates in Colusa

Colusa County receives a Grade F with a staggering 41 health violations over five years. Its violation rate of 234.1 per 100,000 residents is nearly five times higher than the California average of 49.1.

Nearly Half of Local Waterways Impaired

According to the 2022 cycle, 48.3% of the county's assessed water bodies fail to meet health standards. Top impairment causes include mercury, toxicity, and low dissolved oxygen.

Pesticide and Physical Tracking in Colusa

Sixteen sites have contributed 2,454 measurements to federal databases over the last five years. Most measurements focus on physical water characteristics and organic pesticides used in the region.

Sacramento River Flow at Half Typical Volume

The Sacramento River at Wilkins Slough is flowing at 5,010 cfs, exactly 50% of its long-term mean. This is a significant drop from the typical 10,041 cfs expected for this massive drainage area.

Urgent Need for High-Quality Home Filtration

Given the exceptionally high violation rates and widespread watershed impairment, robust home water treatment is highly recommended. Low river flows can further concentrate pollutants, making consistent testing vital.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Colusa County

via WeatherByCounty

Extreme Heat in the Central Valley

Colusa County’s 60.4°F average temperature sits well above the national median. This region is characterized by hot, dry conditions typical of California's interior.

One of California's Hotter, Drier Counties

The county's 60.4°F average is warmer than the California state average of 58.7°F. With only 20.5 inches of rain, it is drier than the state average of 25.8 inches.

Drier and Hotter than Butte

Colusa is significantly drier than neighboring Butte County, receiving 27 fewer inches of rain annually. It also experiences 83 extreme heat days, compared to Butte's 72.

Relentless Summer Sun and Dry Winters

July brings an average temperature of 76.6°F and 83 days of extreme heat annually. Winters are mild and dry, with a 46.5°F average and almost zero snowfall.

Maximize Cooling for 83 Hot Days

Efficient HVAC systems are the top priority for the 83 days of extreme heat. Since snowfall is nearly non-existent, residents can focus their budget on irrigation and cooling instead.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Colusa County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Valley Floor Soils

Colusa County soils have an average pH of 6.17, making them slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This pH level is also a bit lower than the California state average of 6.34. These conditions are generally favorable for many traditional valley crops.

A Balanced but Substantial Mix

The soil composition features 31.0% sand, 33.8% silt, and 25.9% clay. This relatively even mix provides a solid foundation for nutrient retention, though the clay content requires careful management to avoid compaction. It is a productive but heavy soil to work with.

High Water Capacity Boosts Growth

At 1.61%, the organic matter in Colusa is below the state average of 3.30%. However, its available water capacity of 0.159 in/in exceeds the California average of 0.141 in/in, ensuring your plants stay hydrated longer between waterings.

Managing Slow-Draining Valley Land

The county falls into Hydrologic Group D, characterized by very slow infiltration and high runoff potential. This makes drainage management a priority for local farmers and home builders to prevent waterlogging. Proper irrigation planning is essential for success here.

Thriving in the 9b Sun

Colusa County's Zone 9b climate is legendary for almond and rice production. With a soil score of 45.2, the ground is ready for action; start your own garden with heat-loving melons or a backyard nut tree.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Colusa County

via LawnByCounty

Hot and Dry Lawn Challenges

Colusa County has a lawn difficulty score of 54.0, which is slightly easier than the state average of 51.3 but harder than most of its neighbors. This zone 9b county faces intense summer heat that can quickly stress traditional turf. Success here requires a focus on heat-tolerant species and very efficient irrigation management.

Facing the Valley's Extreme Heat

With 83 extreme heat days per year, Colusa is significantly hotter than the state average of 59 days. Precipitation is also low at 20.5 inches, falling short of the 30-inch ideal for most lawn types. You must manage a high 4,310 growing degree days, meaning your grass grows fast but requires constant water to survive.

Excellent Soil pH Foundation

The soil in Colusa is a bright spot, with a pH of 6.17 sitting perfectly within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. Your soil composition is roughly 25.9% clay and 31.0% sand, providing a balanced texture for root development. This foundation allows for efficient nutrient uptake, which helps grass withstand the harsh local summers.

Managing High Evaporation Rates

Currently, Colusa County is at 0% drought coverage and has seen no drought weeks over the past year. However, the combination of 83 heat days and low rainfall means soil moisture evaporates rapidly. Using mulch-mowing techniques can help keep your soil cool and reduce the amount of water needed to keep grass green.

Choosing Heat-Dominant Grasses

Heat-loving warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are your best bets for thriving in zone 9b's intense sun. The last spring frost typically occurs by April 6, allowing for an early start to the long growing season. Ensure your new lawn is well-established before the first fall frost arrives around December 1.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Colusa County's county score?
Colusa 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 Colusa County rank among counties in California?
Colusa County ranks #25 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 Colusa County, California?
The median annual property tax in Colusa County is $2,481, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Colusa County a tax score of 67.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Colusa County?
The median household income in Colusa County, California is $75,149 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Colusa County earns an income score of 77.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Colusa County, California a good place to live?
Colusa County scores 41.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in California. The best way to evaluate Colusa 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 Colusa County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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