countyscore

Contra Costa County, California — County Report Card

CA

#33 in California

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
40.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 99Health 89.4Weather & Climate 69.6

County Report Card

About Contra Costa County, California

Contra Costa underperforms relative to nation

Contra Costa County's composite score of 40.1 falls below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 30th percentile nationwide. High incomes and health outcomes cannot offset severe housing unaffordability in this Bay Area county.

Slightly below California's average performance

With a score of 40.1, Contra Costa ranks marginally below California's state average of 40.9, positioning it among the lower-middle tier of the state's 58 counties. Despite Bay Area prosperity, it underperforms state livability norms.

Income and health are Bay Area-best

Contra Costa matches Alameda with a perfect 99.0 income score and a median household income of $125,727, paired with excellent health outcomes (89.4/100). Tax efficiency is adequate at 50.4, typical of developed East Bay markets.

Housing affordability and safety concerns

The county's cost score of 0.3 reflects the Bay Area's harshest housing realities: median home values of $830,800 and gross rents of $2,322 monthly. Safety (13.0) and environmental risk (0.5) also present challenges despite high incomes.

For affluent professionals accepting premium costs

Contra Costa suits high-earning professionals and families willing to pay Bay Area premiums for proximity to Silicon Valley jobs, excellent healthcare, and solid schools. Budget-conscious or safety-focused households should explore inland alternatives.

Score breakdown

Tax50.4Cost0.3Safety13Health89.4Schools53.5Income99Risk0.5Water47Weather69.6
🏛50.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠0.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼99
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡13
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤89.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡0.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧47
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤69.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱65.3
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Contra Costa County

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

See Today's Rates

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 Contra Costa County with Las Animas County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Las Animas County
Colorado
Median income: $50,408
40.1
Montgomery County
New York
Median income: $62,923
40.1
Kerr County
Texas
Median income: $67,927
40.1
McCulloch County
Texas
Median income: $51,919
40.1
Panola County
Texas
Median income: $62,593
40.1
Shelby County
Texas
Median income: $50,436
40.1
Duchesne County
Utah
Median income: $74,738
40.1
Kitsap County
Washington
Median income: $98,546
40.1

Nearby counties

Alameda County
California
40.6
Solano County
California
36.4
San Francisco County
California
43.6
San Joaquin County
California
33.1
San Mateo County
California
47.6
Sacramento County
California
38.3
Marin County
California
47.4
Santa Clara County
California
42.2

Deep Dives

Contra Costa County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Contra Costa County

via TaxByCounty

Contra Costa taxes rank among nation's highest

Contra Costa County's effective tax rate of 0.831% is more than three times the national median of 0.25%, placing it in the 90th percentile nationwide. The East Bay region shoulders some of America's heaviest property tax burdens.

Highest rate among all profiled counties

Contra Costa's 0.831% rate is the highest in this group and among the upper tier statewide, exceeding California's average of 0.714% by 16%. With median taxes of $6,903, residents pay 71% more than the state median of $4,045.

Outpaced only by Alameda in region

Contra Costa's 0.831% rate exceeds Alameda (0.762%), making it the highest-taxed county in the Bay Area. Both counties reflect expensive real estate values and extensive local services.

Median home costs $6,903 yearly tax

A typical Contra Costa County property valued at $830,800 generates approximately $6,903 in annual property taxes. With mortgage considerations, total liability climbs to $7,538, among the highest burdens in California.

High-value homes often face overassessment

Contra Costa County homeowners with high-value properties should carefully review their assessments—overvaluation is common in expensive markets. Filing an appeal could save thousands annually and is worth the modest effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Contra Costa County

via CostByCounty

Contra Costa matches national rent burden

Contra Costa County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.2% aligns precisely with national affordability norms, making it a statistical twin to the broader U.S. housing crisis. With median income of $125,727—68% higher than the national median—residents enjoy higher absolute earning power despite dedicating nearly one-quarter of earnings to rent.

Balanced affordability for the Bay Area

Contra Costa's 22.2% rent-to-income ratio sits marginally below California's state average of 22.4%, positioning it in the state's more affordable half. The $2,322 median rent tops Alameda by just $4 yet generates nearly identical rental burdens across both East Bay powerhouses.

East Bay parity, with subtle advantages

Contra Costa's $2,322 rent and 22.2% burden match Alameda's metrics ($2,318 and 22.0%) almost exactly, while homeownership costs of $2,675 run $224 cheaper than Alameda's $2,899. Both counties offer comparable affordability for high-income households seeking Bay Area proximity.

High earners, high housing costs

Renters pay $2,322 monthly and owners invest $2,675 toward mortgages—combined housing costs consume roughly 44% of a $125,727 income. This leaves $7,000+ monthly for all other living expenses, a luxury unavailable to lower-income California counties.

Contra Costa for the high-income professional

If you earn $120,000+ and work in the Bay Area, Contra Costa delivers comparable affordability to Alameda with marginally lower ownership costs and access to I-680 job corridors. For those earning under $100,000, consider the Sierra foothills or Central Valley; Contra Costa's $830,800 median home price demands substantial financial resources.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Contra Costa County

via IncomeByCounty

Contra Costa dominates national income

Contra Costa County's median household income of $125,727 towers 68% above the national median of $74,755, ranking among America's wealthiest counties. The county's proximity to Silicon Valley and robust financial services sector drive exceptional household earnings.

California's income elite

Contra Costa's $125,727 median household income exceeds California's state average of $87,001 by nearly $39,000 per household. The county's per capita income of $61,727 dramatically outperforms the state's $43,669 average.

Nearly ties Alameda for regional lead

Contra Costa's median income of $125,727 nearly matches Alameda County's $126,240, positioning both as Bay Area economic anchors. These two counties substantially outpace all other profiled regions.

High income, even higher housing costs

Despite $125,727 median income, Contra Costa's 22.2% rent-to-income ratio and median home value of $830,800 create serious affordability strain. Even wealthy households here dedicate substantial income shares to housing.

Advanced wealth strategies available

With household incomes averaging $125,727, Contra Costa residents can pursue sophisticated investment strategies including real estate diversification, retirement optimization, and tax-advantaged accounts. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize wealth accumulation despite elevated housing costs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Contra Costa County

via CrimeByCounty

Contra Costa Crime Slightly Above National Average

Contra Costa reports a total crime rate of 2,521.0 per 100,000 residents, slightly exceeding the national average of 2,385.5. It maintains a safety score of 96.0.

Aligning Close to California State Norms

The county's safety score of 96.0 is nearly level with the state average of 96.3. However, its total crime rate of 2,521.0 is higher than the California average of 2,355.2.

Stronger Safety Profile than Neighboring Alameda

Contra Costa's crime rate of 2,521.0 is significantly lower than Alameda County's 4,791.5. Data from 25 reporting agencies shows that residents here experience much less crime than their immediate neighbors to the south.

Property Crime is the Main Concern

Property crime accounts for 2,109.2 incidents per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 411.8. The violent crime rate is just slightly above the national average of 369.8, meaning property theft is the more common risk.

Proactive Security for Contra Costa Homes

With property crime as the primary issue, home security systems and camera surveillance are recommended for homeowners. Securing vehicles and common entry points helps maintain the safety of local neighborhoods.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Contra Costa County

via HealthByCounty

Contra Costa's health shines

Residents of Contra Costa County live an average of 81.2 years, nearly 5 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years and well above California's 78.5 state average. Only 15.5% report poor or fair health, significantly below the national rate of 18%, marking Contra Costa as one of California's healthiest regions. These metrics reflect strong economic resources and healthcare infrastructure in the Bay Area.

Top-tier health outcomes statewide

At 81.2 years, Contra Costa's life expectancy ranks in California's top tier, trailing only Alameda (82.0 years) among major counties. Its 15.5% poor/fair health rate is among the state's best, placing Contra Costa solidly in the healthiest quintile of the state's 58 counties. The county consistently outperforms state averages on longevity and health indicators.

Bay Area powerhouse

Contra Costa's 81.2-year life expectancy is the second-best regionally, just behind Alameda (82.0 years), and far surpasses inland rivals like Amador (78.5) and Calaveras (78.8). Its 15.5% poor/fair health rate is nearly tied with Alameda and Colusa as among the state's lowest. Contra Costa demonstrates the health advantage of dense urban infrastructure and affluent communities.

Strong access, low uninsurance

Just 5.2% of Contra Costa residents lack health insurance—below both California's 7.2% state average and neighboring Alameda's 4.5%—giving most residents access to care. The county provides 101 primary care providers per 100,000 and 411 mental health providers per 100,000, supporting robust preventive and behavioral health services. High provider density and coverage rates enable early intervention and continuity of care.

Maintain your coverage advantage

With 94.8% of Contra Costa residents insured, the county has nearly achieved universal coverage—an achievement worth protecting. Use coveredca.com or medi-cal.ca.gov to renew or switch plans during open enrollment or when life changes occur. Year-round support is available through Contra Costa's Department of Health Services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Contra Costa County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Suburan Education Hub

Contra Costa County features a sprawling network of 278 public schools serving 167,431 students across 40 districts. With 167 elementary schools and 56 high schools, the infrastructure is designed to support a large, diverse population. It is one of the most comprehensive school systems in Northern California.

Strong Success Metrics in the East Bay

The county reports a healthy graduation rate of 88.6%, slightly exceeding the state average of 87.5%. Per-pupil spending sits at $8,051, while the overall school score of 55.1 remains close to state benchmarks. These figures point to a stable and effective educational environment for local families.

Large Unified Districts and Diverse Charters

San Ramon Valley Unified is the largest district with 29,639 students, followed closely by Mt. Diablo Unified. The county also offers 22 charter schools, providing specialized options for nearly 8% of the student population. This variety ensures that families have access to both large-scale resources and niche learning models.

A Predominantly Suburban School Experience

The vast majority of schools—234 out of 278—are located in suburban settings. Average school size is 616 students, though campuses like Pittsburg Senior High can serve nearly 3,500. This environment offers the classic suburban California school experience with large facilities and diverse extracurriculars.

Find Your Home in a Top-Tier District

With high graduation rates and prestigious districts like San Ramon Valley, this county is a magnet for homebuyers. Families prioritize school quality here, and the diverse range of suburban neighborhoods reflects that demand. Explore local listings to find a home that puts your children in some of the state's most established schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Contra Costa County

via RiskByCounty

Contra Costa ranks among nation's riskiest

Contra Costa County's composite risk score of 99.49 places it in the very high category—among the most hazard-exposed counties in the United States. This extreme rating reflects the county's position on the San Andreas Fault system and proximity to urban flood hazards.

Nearly tied with Alameda as California's riskiest

Contra Costa's score of 99.49 nearly matches Alameda County (99.78) and dramatically exceeds California's state average of 88.72. These two Bay Area counties form the state's highest-risk tier, separated from all others by their catastrophic earthquake and flood exposure.

Extremely high risk shared with Alameda

Contra Costa (99.49) and Alameda (99.78) dominate the regional risk landscape, facing nearly identical hazard profiles. Both counties' proximity to the San Francisco Bay and major fault lines create this exceptional vulnerability, far exceeding inland neighbors like Amador (79.20).

Earthquake and flood define existential risks

Earthquake risk scores 99.75 in Contra Costa County, while flood risk reaches 99.49—nearly identical peaks reflecting Bay Area geographic reality. Wildfire risk (97.58) completes the triumvirate of severe hazards requiring comprehensive household preparedness.

Triple coverage critical for Bay Area safety

Contra Costa residents must obtain earthquake insurance, flood insurance, and wildfire coverage—none covered by standard homeowners policies. These three protections are non-negotiable investments given the county's extreme exposure across all major natural disaster types.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Contra Costa County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and Steady Bay Climate

Contra Costa County averages 60.4°F, putting it comfortably above the median temperature for the United States. Its weather is characterized by mild winters and warm, dry summers.

Warmer and Drier Than State Averages

The county is warmer than the California average of 58.7°F. Its 19.4 inches of annual precipitation is about 6 inches lower than the state's 25.8-inch average.

Warmer and Drier than Alameda

Contra Costa is slightly warmer and drier than its neighbor Alameda County. While Alameda receives 18.1 inches of rain, Contra Costa receives 19.4 but has 14 more extreme heat days.

Forty Days of Heat and Zero Snow

July averages 71.3°F, contributing to 40 extreme heat days each year. Winter is very mild at 49.6°F with virtually no snow recorded annually.

Invest in Cooling for 40 Heatwaves

Air conditioning is essential for the 40 days of temperatures over 90°F. Because snow is non-existent, residents should prioritize summer gear and water-efficient landscaping.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Contra Costa County

via SoilByCounty

Perfectly Balanced Coastal Soils

Contra Costa County boasts a near-perfect average pH of 6.44, sitting just under the national 6.5 median. This puts it slightly above the state average of 6.34, creating a highly hospitable environment for diverse plant life. It is an ideal baseline for most gardening and agricultural projects.

A Rich Loam-Like Texture

The soil is comprised of 32.9% sand, 33.0% silt, and 29.7% clay. This remarkably balanced distribution offers excellent nutrient storage while maintaining enough structure to support healthy root systems. It provides a great mix of workability and water retention.

Superior Organic Wealth and Hydration

The county excels with 4.14% organic matter, well above the California average of 3.30%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.152 in/in, these soils are naturally fertile and resilient against dry spells. Your plants will have plenty of fuel to thrive.

Planning for High Runoff Potential

As part of Hydrologic Group D, the soil naturally absorbs water slowly and is prone to high runoff. This means gardeners should consider using raised beds or adding drainage channels to protect roots during heavy rain. Careful site planning will help you manage these heavy soils effectively.

Prime Growing in Zone 9b

With a high soil score of 65.1 compared to the state average of 48.6, Contra Costa is a gardener's dream. Hardiness Zone 9b is perfect for tomatoes, peppers, and world-class grapes, so grab your shovel and get planting.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Contra Costa County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Results in Contra Costa

Contra Costa County earns a lawn difficulty score of 65.3, making it one of the more favorable places in California for turf. This zone 9b region is easier to manage than the state average of 51.3 due to its moderate climate. While easier than the national median, your primary challenge will be managing the dry summer months.

Moderate Temps but Limited Rain

The county receives just 19.4 inches of rain annually, well below the state average of 25.8 and the lawn-ideal 30 inches. However, with only 40 extreme heat days, your grass experiences much less stress than in the hotter Central Valley. This balance of 4,076 growing degree days supports steady growth without the threat of constant heat-induced dormancy.

Ideally Balanced Soil pH

Your soil pH of 6.44 is nearly perfect for lawn health, sitting right in the middle of the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. The soil texture is a mix of 29.7% clay and 32.9% sand, which offers a decent balance of moisture retention and aeration. This high-quality foundation makes it much easier to maintain nutrient-rich turf with minimal amendments.

Low Drought but Dry Skies

While current drought coverage is at 0%, the low annual rainfall makes water conservation a vital part of your routine. The county has faced no drought weeks in the past year, providing a great window for establishing new landscaping. Focus on deep-root watering and evening irrigation to make the most of every drop in this dry climate.

Year-Round Growth Potential

In zone 9b, you can grow both warm-season grasses and hardy cool-season varieties like Tall Fescue. With the last frost usually ending by January 12, you have a very long window for planting and maintenance. Plan to have your lawn established by mid-December to avoid any late-year frost damage.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Contra Costa County's county score?
Contra Costa County, California has a composite county score of 40.1 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 Contra Costa County rank among counties in California?
Contra Costa County ranks #33 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 Contra Costa County, California?
The median annual property tax in Contra Costa County is $6,903, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns Contra Costa County a tax score of 50.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Contra Costa County?
The median household income in Contra Costa County, California is $125,727 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Contra Costa County earns an income score of 99/100 on CountyScore.
Is Contra Costa County, California a good place to live?
Contra Costa County scores 40.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in California. The best way to evaluate Contra Costa 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 Contra Costa County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.