countyscore
39
County Score
Weather & Climate 73.8Property Tax 70.5Schools 61

County Report Card

About Del Norte County, California

Del Norte trails national livability benchmarks

Del Norte County's composite score of 39.9 falls short of the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 30th percentile nationwide. Its remote coastal location and limited economy shape distinct livability challenges.

At par with California's modest average

With a score of 39.9, Del Norte ranks marginally below California's state average of 40.9, landing in the lower-middle tier of the state's 58 counties. It's a challenged performer on California's livability scale.

Tax and housing affordability lead the way

Del Norte achieves California's best tax efficiency at 0.586% effective rate (75.9 score) and excellent housing affordability with a median home value of $319,600 and rent of just $1,182 monthly. These fundamentals offer genuine relief for cost-conscious residents.

Health and income require urgent attention

Del Norte's health score of 37.5 is among California's worst, signaling severe healthcare access or outcome gaps in this remote region. Income is also limited at $66,780 median household, constraining economic opportunity.

Best for hardy remote workers and retirees

Del Norte suits remote workers, small-business owners, and retirees seeking extreme affordability, low taxes, and coastal solitude far from metropolitan congestion. Those dependent on robust healthcare, diverse employment, or urban services should avoid this isolated northernmost county.

2040608010070.529.56.837.56154.55.640.573.8Tax70.5Cost29.5Safety6.8Health37.5Schools61Income54.5Risk5.6Water40.5Weather73.839/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Del Norte County DNA

Foverall

How Del Norte County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Del Norte County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (70.5/100) but notably weak in Safety (6.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
70.5+18.5
Cost
29.5-18.5
Safety
6.8-48.2
Health
37.5-12.5
Schools
61
Income
54.5
Risk
5.6-41.4
Water
40.5-17.5
Weather
73.8+17.799999999999997
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Compare mortgage rates in Del Norte County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$342,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,233/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$342,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$49,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,058/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

25.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Del Norte County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Del Norte County

via TaxByCounty

Del Norte taxes 2.3× national average

Del Norte County's effective tax rate of 0.586% exceeds the national median of 0.25% by more than double, placing it in the 72nd percentile nationally. Even this remote coastal county imposes property taxes above most American communities.

Lowest-taxed among all profiled counties

At 0.586%, Del Norte has the lowest effective tax rate in this group—and among the lowest statewide—falling well below California's average of 0.714%. With median annual taxes of just $1,872, residents enjoy substantial relief compared to the state median of $4,045.

Far North Coast's most affordable option

Del Norte's 0.586% rate is significantly lower than every county in this profile, including mountain and agricultural regions. The remote location and lower property values contribute to the county's uniquely favorable tax position.

Del Norte median home: $1,872 yearly

A typical Del Norte County home valued at $319,600 costs approximately $1,872 in annual property taxes—the lowest median in this entire group. Even with mortgage considerations, obligations remain around $2,322, offering exceptional affordability.

Challenge assessments for additional savings

Del Norte County homeowners should still verify their assessments, as even small overvaluations compound over decades. A successful appeal, though modest in absolute terms, adds meaningful savings for lower-income residents.

Income & Jobs in Del Norte County

via IncomeByCounty

Del Norte trails national income standard

Del Norte County's median household income of $66,780 falls 11% below the US median of $74,755, placing it among America's lower-income regions. The county's remote location and limited employment diversity constrain household earnings.

California's most challenged income county

Del Norte's $66,780 median household income ranks lowest among California's profiled counties, trailing the state average of $87,001 by over $20,000 per household. The county's per capita income of $31,008 severely lags the state's $43,669 average.

Isolated in economic hardship

Del Norte's $66,780 median income ranks among this group's lowest, exceeded only by Butte County's $68,574. The county's geographic isolation creates distinctive economic challenges distinct from foothill or valley communities.

Lowest costs offer modest relief

Del Norte's 21.2% rent-to-income ratio and median home value of $319,600—lowest in this group—provide some affordability relief despite limited incomes. Housing remains more accessible than other California counties, though absolute income limitations persist.

Start small, build steady foundations

Del Norte households earning $66,780 face tight budgets but can begin wealth-building through automatic savings and employer retirement plans. Focus first on establishing emergency savings, then explore low-cost investment options as finances stabilize.

Safety in Del Norte County

via CrimeByCounty

Del Norte County Exceeds National Crime Averages

Del Norte County reports 3,142.6 crimes per 100,000 residents, notably higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This activity results in a safety score of 95.0.

Below the California Average for Safety

The county’s safety score of 95.0 falls below the California average of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 3,142.6 is also significantly higher than the state average of 2,355.2.

Higher Crime Rates than Central Neighbors

Del Norte’s crime rate of 3,142.6 is considerably higher than other northern counties like Colusa (1,971.5). Only three reporting agencies provide data here, so local spikes can heavily influence these numbers.

Violent and Property Crimes are Elevated

The violent crime rate is 648.2 per 100,000, nearly double the national average of 369.8. Property crime also exceeds national levels, sitting at 2,494.4 per 100,000.

Securing Homes in Del Norte County

Higher property and violent crime rates suggest a need for comprehensive home security. Using a combination of alarm monitoring and smart lighting can help protect families and property in higher-risk areas.

Weather & Climate in Del Norte County

via WeatherByCounty

The Coolest and Wettest Northern Reach

Del Norte’s 52.5°F average is lower than the national median temperature. Its staggering 74.6 inches of rain makes it one of the wettest spots in the entire country.

A Wet Outlier in California

Del Norte receives nearly three times the 25.8-inch California rainfall average. It is also significantly cooler than the state average temperature of 58.7°F.

Cooler and Wetter than the Valley

Compared to Butte County, Del Norte is 7 degrees cooler and receives 26 more inches of rain. It features zero extreme heat days, unlike its inland neighbors.

Temperate Summers and Wet, Mild Winters

July is a cool 58.3°F, and the county records zero days of extreme heat. Winters are mild at 47.6°F, though rain is frequent and heavy throughout the season.

Prioritize Rain Gear and Dehumidifiers

With 74.6 inches of rain, high-quality waterproof clothing and moisture control for homes are essential. Air conditioning is unnecessary as the county sees zero days over 90°F.

Soil Quality in Del Norte County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Rainforest Soils Await Testing

Specific soil taxonomy and pH data are not available for Del Norte County in this dataset. Given the high rainfall in this coastal region, soils may be more acidic than the national 6.5 pH median. We recommend a local soil test to ensure your garden's pH is in the right range.

Mapping the Textures of the North

Detailed sand, silt, and clay percentages are currently missing for this county. These ratios are essential for understanding how well your soil handles the region's heavy rains. You can perform a simple 'ribbon test' at home to see if your soil is sand-heavy or clay-dominant.

Nurturing Growth in the Redwoods

Del Norte's organic matter and water capacity levels are not recorded here for comparison to the 3.30% state average. In such a lush environment, maintaining high organic matter is key to supporting healthy plant growth. Adding local mulch can help mirror the natural forest floor's fertility.

Managing High Rainfall Drainage

The dataset does not provide a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for the county. In one of the wettest parts of the state, ensuring your garden has adequate drainage is the most important step for any grower. Pay close attention to low spots where water might collect.

Green Growth in Zone 9b

Del Norte sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b, benefiting from a maritime climate that stays relatively mild. This environment is perfect for berries, kale, and lush ornamental gardens. Start your coastal oasis today!

Lawn Care in Del Norte County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions in the North Coast

Del Norte County presents a challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 48.5, falling below both the national and state averages. Located in hardiness zone 9b, this region is much cooler and wetter than most of California. Maintaining a traditional lawn here requires managing excessive moisture and a very different growth cycle.

High Rainfall and Cool Summers

Del Norte is the wettest county in this group, receiving a massive 74.6 inches of rain per year. With zero extreme heat days and only 1,417 growing degree days, grass grows slowly and never faces heat stress. You must focus more on drainage and preventing moss than on irrigation in this unique coastal environment.

Managing High-Moisture Soils

Specific soil data for Del Norte is missing, but the high rainfall often leads to acidic soil and compaction. You should test your soil pH to ensure it hasn't dropped below the 6.0-7.0 range needed for grass to thrive. Improving drainage is essential here to prevent root rot and other moisture-related turf diseases.

Recent Drought Recovery

Unlike its neighbors, Del Norte experienced 15 weeks of drought over the past year, though current coverage has returned to 0%. This history suggests that even in a high-rain area, you should be prepared for occasional dry spells. Your lawn's resilience depends on a strong root system that can handle both the typical deluge and rare dry weeks.

Best Grasses for Cool Coastlines

Cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue or Perennial Ryegrass are perfect for the cool, damp Del Norte climate. Your growing season is framed by a last frost on March 11 and a first frost on November 23. Plant in late spring or early fall to take advantage of the moderate temperatures and natural rainfall for establishment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Del Norte County's county score?
Del Norte County, California has a composite county score of 39 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 Del Norte County rank among counties in California?
Del Norte County ranks #37 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 Del Norte County, California?
The median annual property tax in Del Norte County is $2,099, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Del Norte County a tax score of 70.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Del Norte County?
The median household income in Del Norte County, California is $67,058 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Del Norte County earns an income score of 54.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Del Norte County, California a good place to live?
Del Norte County scores 39/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in California. The best way to evaluate Del Norte 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 Del Norte County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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