CountyScore

Colusa County

California · CA

#11 in California
64.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Colusa County, California

Colusa ranks in America's top-third livability

Colusa County's score of 69.5 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it at the 70th percentile nationwide. This Sacramento Valley agricultural county ranks among the more livable regions across all 3,000+ U.S. counties. The score demonstrates that strong livability emerges from economic accessibility, not regional prestige.

California leader in affordability index

At 69.5, Colusa significantly outpaces California's 61.3 state average and ranks in the top quartile of the state's 58 counties. This achievement positions Colusa as California's model for affordable livability. The county proves that strong livability indices remain possible in modern California through cost management.

Most affordable county in this group

Colusa leads this comparison with an exceptional cost score of 68.2, featuring California's lowest median home value at $375,100 and rent at just $1,139 monthly. The tax score of 83.7 (0.661% effective rate) is among the state's best. Together, these create maximum affordability for working and low-income households.

Limited income and employment diversity

Colusa's income score of 32.4 is among the state's lowest, reflecting median household income of $75,149 and an economy dependent on agriculture. The county's remote Central Valley location and small population limit job diversity and economic growth prospects. Data on safety, health, schools, and water resources would clarify broader livability implications.

Best for those seeking maximum affordability

Colusa County offers California's best livability index for working-class and low-income families prioritizing housing affordability above all. The county delivers genuine purchasing power and homeownership accessibility rare in modern California. Ideal for households comfortable with agricultural economy, small-town isolation, and limited income potential in exchange for financial security.

Score breakdown

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

Tax83.7Cost68.2SafetyComing SoonHealth66.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.4Risk18.9WaterComing Soon
🏛83.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡18.9
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

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Colusa County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Amador County
California
64.7
Median income: $81,526
Mono County
California
64.7
Median income: $86,953
Bartow County
Georgia
64.7
Median income: $79,431
Clinton County
Iowa
64.7
Median income: $65,177
Missoula County
Montana
64.7
Median income: $71,246

Deep Dives

Colusa County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Colusa County

via HealthByCounty

Colusa's life expectancy is solid

Colusa County residents live an average of 79.2 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 3.1 years and topping California's 78.5 state average. However, 24.0% report poor or fair health—the highest rate among comparable counties and well above the national average of 18%—revealing a paradox: longer lives with worse self-reported health. Colusa's population may face chronic conditions that don't immediately shorten life.

Long lives, poor health ratings

Colusa ranks above California's 78.5-year state average for life expectancy at 79.2 years, but its 24.0% poor/fair health rate is among the worst in the state. This disconnect suggests Colusa's population survives longer but with higher rates of chronic disease and disability. The county faces a quality-of-life challenge masked by longevity statistics.

Worst health outcomes nearby

Colusa's 24.0% poor/fair health rate far exceeds neighbors Calaveras (17.4%), Amador (16.3%), and even distant Butte (18.2%), making it the sickest-feeling population regionally. Its 79.2-year life expectancy is longest among immediate neighbors, creating the paradox that Colusa residents live longest but feel worst. This suggests chronic disease burden without mortality—possibly diabetes, obesity, or poverty-related illness.

Critical access gaps and high uninsurance

Colusa has only 27 primary care providers per 100,000—California's sparsest—and 9.8% uninsured rate—the highest among these counties and 36% above state average. Mental health providers are sparse at 245 per 100,000, compounding access barriers for a population struggling with chronic illness. Healthcare deserts in rural agricultural counties create cascading health crises.

Colusa needs coverage urgently

Nearly 1 in 10 Colusa residents lacks health insurance—a critical barrier in a county where nearly 1 in 4 reports poor health. Covered California and Medi-Cal offer free or low-cost plans; visit coveredca.com or call (888) 644-6650 for assistance in Spanish or English. Coverage is the first step toward managing chronic conditions and improving health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

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