countyscore
39.9
County Score
Property Tax 75.9Weather & Climate 73.8Schools 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.

Score breakdown

Tax75.9Cost28.9Safety6.8Health37.5Schools61Income58.6Risk5.6Water40.5Weather73.8
🏛75.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠28.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼58.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡6.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤37.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡5.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧40.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤73.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48.5
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 →
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Deep Dives

Del Norte County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Del Norte County

via CostByCounty

Del Norte's bargain for small-town seekers

Del Norte County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.2% beats the national average by 1 percentage point, offering genuine affordability in a remote coastal setting. With median income of $66,780 and median rent of just $1,182, Del Norte serves those seeking California's coast without coastal price tags.

Affordable redwood coast living

Del Norte's 21.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks in California's more affordable half, beating the state average of 22.4% by 1.2 percentage points. The $1,182 median rent undercuts the state median by $436, making it one of the state's true affordability gems despite its remote location.

Del Norte leads the north coast

Del Norte's $1,182 rent beats Butte ($1,369) and Calaveras ($1,615) while matching Alpine's ownership-focused economy, though with lower absolute costs. The 21.2% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Butte (24.0%) and Calaveras (24.3%), positioning Del Norte as the far north's affordability leader.

Lean budgets meet low housing costs

Renters dedicate $1,182 monthly while owners pay $889—the state's lowest ownership cost—on a $66,780 income. Combined housing expenses consume roughly 37% of gross earnings, leaving 63% for all other needs, though the county's rural character limits service access.

Del Norte for the coastal minimalist

If you seek California's redwood coast, pristine beaches, and genuine affordability, Del Norte delivers $319,600 homes with the state's lowest ownership costs at $889 monthly. The trade-off is isolation: plan for limited job markets, a 7+ hour drive to the Bay Area, and rural service gaps that demand self-sufficiency.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Del Norte County

via HealthByCounty

Del Norte's health crisis runs deep

At 73.8 years, Del Norte County's life expectancy is among the lowest in America, trailing the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 2.3 years and California's 78.5 state average by 4.7 years. A staggering 24.4% report poor or fair health—the highest rate among these counties and 36% above the national average—indicating severe health burden. Del Norte faces one of California's most acute health crises.

Lowest life expectancy in state

Del Norte County ranks at or near the bottom of California's 58 counties for life expectancy at 73.8 years, well below the state's 78.5-year average. Its 24.4% poor/fair health rate ties Colusa as the state's worst health perception indicator. Del Norte's population is dying younger and reporting more chronic illness than nearly any California county.

Isolated and declining

Del Norte's 73.8-year life expectancy is dramatically lower than any comparable California county examined here, making it a regional and statewide outlier. Its 24.4% poor/fair health rate matches Colusa's worst-in-sample rate and is nearly 7 percentage points worse than Butte (18.2%). Geographic isolation in far-north California compounds Del Norte's health disadvantage.

Uninsured and undersupported

Del Norte's 8.0% uninsured rate exceeds California's 7.2% state average, and primary care providers are limited at 61 per 100,000. Mental health providers at 504 per 100,000 are comparatively robust, though overall healthcare desert conditions persist. A population experiencing high disease burden and poor health has inadequate resources to manage chronic illness.

Coverage is essential for Del Norte

Del Norte residents urgently need health insurance to address the county's severe health crisis; 8% uninsured is unacceptable in a struggling population. Covered California and Medi-Cal offer free or low-cost options year-round—visit coveredca.com or call Del Norte County's Health and Human Services Division at (707) 464-0111. Coverage combined with community health center visits can begin reversing decades of health decline.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Del Norte County

via SchoolsByCounty

Coastal Education in California's North

Del Norte County serves 4,156 students through a compact system of 16 public schools. The county infrastructure consists of 8 elementary schools and 4 high schools managed by 4 districts. This small-scale system serves the coastal and forest communities at the edge of the state.

Outperforming State Averages in Graduation

The county boasts a 90.4% graduation rate, notably higher than the state average of 87.5%. The composite school score of 56.4 also edges out the California median. Per-pupil spending of $8,212 shows a dedicated investment in the success of every student.

Unified Management with Charter Options

Del Norte County Unified is the primary district, educating 3,500 students across 11 schools. Charter schools represent 12.5% of the local options, including institutions like Castle Rock which serves over 350 students. This mix provides a balance between a strong central district and alternative learning paths.

Town-Based Learning with a Community Feel

Schools are primarily located in town settings, providing a central gathering point for local families. The average school size is 277 students, though Del Norte High stands out as the major hub with 1,006 students. It is an environment where students enjoy small-town connections alongside modern high school facilities.

A Great Place to Learn and Live

High graduation rates and a focused school system make Del Norte County an excellent choice for relocating families. The community-centric nature of the schools adds significant value to local real estate. Discover homes in the area and enjoy the benefits of a high-performing, small-scale educational system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Del Norte County

via RiskByCounty

Del Norte faces above-average national risk

Del Norte County's composite risk score of 94.43 exceeds the national average, placing it in the relatively high category. The northernmost California coastal location exposes residents to significant earthquake, flood, and wildfire threats.

Well above California's average exposure

Del Norte's score of 94.43 surpasses California's state average of 88.72, ranking the county among the state's higher-risk areas. This positioning reflects the county's unique combination of coastal proximity, seismic activity, and forest landscape hazards.

Comparable risk to nearby Butte County

Del Norte (94.43) and Butte County (93.92) present nearly identical risk profiles, both falling in the upper-middle tier statewide. The remote northern location distinguishes Del Norte from the Bay Area's extreme-risk counties (Alameda and Contra Costa).

Earthquake and flood pose major threats

Earthquake risk (94.24) and flood risk (77.80) dominate Del Norte County's hazard profile, with wildfire risk (85.66) adding significant secondary exposure. The county's coastal terrain and proximity to rivers create compounded flood and tsunami vulnerabilities.

Prioritize earthquake and flood insurance now

Del Norte homeowners should secure both earthquake insurance and flood coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program or private carriers. The county's remote location can delay emergency response, making financial preparedness through insurance especially critical.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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!

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Del Norte County's county score?
Del Norte County, California has a composite county score of 39.9 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 #35 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 $1,872, with an effective tax rate of 0.59%. This earns Del Norte County a tax score of 75.9/100 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 $66,780 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Del Norte County earns an income score of 58.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Del Norte County, California a good place to live?
Del Norte County scores 39.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 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.

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🏛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.