With a composite score of 60.1, El Dorado County ranks in the 60th percentile nationally—well above the U.S. median of 50.0. This puts the county in the upper half of American counties on overall livability measures. El Dorado's profile suggests a solid quality of life grounded primarily in favorable tax policy and household income.
2 / 5
Slightly below California's county average
El Dorado's score of 60.1 falls just below California's state average of 61.3, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 58 counties. The county performs competitively within California but doesn't stand out as an exceptional performer on the composite index. Its position reflects strengths that match state norms but areas where other California counties lead.
3 / 5
Tax efficiency and strong household incomes
El Dorado excels in its tax score of 82.5, reflecting an effective tax rate of just 0.704%—among the lowest tax burdens in the state. The county's median household income of $106,190 is significantly above state and national levels, making it attractive for higher-earning families. These two dimensions anchor the county's overall livability profile.
4 / 5
Housing affordability and limited data
El Dorado's cost score of 45.1 reflects the reality of a median home value of $640,500 and monthly rent averaging $1,626—steep for most households relative to local incomes. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data are not yet available, leaving some gaps in the full livability picture. Prospective residents should seek additional local research on these dimensions.
5 / 5
Best for affluent families prioritizing tax efficiency
El Dorado County suits higher-income families and retirees seeking favorable tax treatment and a stable economic environment, though housing costs demand substantial means. The county's strong median income suggests a relatively affluent population, but those on moderate budgets may find affordability challenging. Without full data on schools and safety, research beyond these metrics is advisable for families with specific priorities.
With a composite score of 60.1, El Dorado County ranks in the 60th percentile nationally—well above the U.S. median of 50.0. This puts the county in the upper half of American counties on overall livability measures. El Dorado's profile suggests a solid quality of life grounded primarily in favorable tax policy and household income.
Slightly below California's county average
El Dorado's score of 60.1 falls just below California's state average of 61.3, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 58 counties. The county performs competitively within California but doesn't stand out as an exceptional performer on the composite index. Its position reflects strengths that match state norms but areas where other California counties lead.
Tax efficiency and strong household incomes
El Dorado excels in its tax score of 82.5, reflecting an effective tax rate of just 0.704%—among the lowest tax burdens in the state. The county's median household income of $106,190 is significantly above state and national levels, making it attractive for higher-earning families. These two dimensions anchor the county's overall livability profile.
Housing affordability and limited data
El Dorado's cost score of 45.1 reflects the reality of a median home value of $640,500 and monthly rent averaging $1,626—steep for most households relative to local incomes. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data are not yet available, leaving some gaps in the full livability picture. Prospective residents should seek additional local research on these dimensions.
Best for affluent families prioritizing tax efficiency
El Dorado County suits higher-income families and retirees seeking favorable tax treatment and a stable economic environment, though housing costs demand substantial means. The county's strong median income suggests a relatively affluent population, but those on moderate budgets may find affordability challenging. Without full data on schools and safety, research beyond these metrics is advisable for families with specific priorities.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛82.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
El Dorado's effective tax rate of 0.704% sits just below the state average of 0.714%, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $4,510—68% higher than the national median of $2,690—reflecting both higher home values and California's tax structure.
Middle of the pack in California
Among California's 58 counties, El Dorado ranks roughly in the middle for effective tax rates. Its median property tax of $4,510 exceeds the state average of $4,045, driven by a median home value of $640,500 that's well above most California counties.
Higher taxes than Sierra Nevada peers
El Dorado's 0.704% rate edges out nearby Inyo County (0.707%) and Glenn County (0.647%), but trails Fresno County (0.746%) to the south. Home values here are notably higher than regional neighbors, pushing annual tax bills well above surrounding foothill communities.
Expect $4,510 per year in property taxes
A median El Dorado home valued at $640,500 generates an estimated annual property tax bill of $4,510. Homeowners with mortgages may pay slightly more at $4,947 due to escrow arrangements, while those without mortgages pay closer to $3,470.
Consider a property tax assessment appeal
Many El Dorado homeowners may be overassessed relative to recent market sales in their neighborhoods. A formal appeal to the county assessor's office costs nothing to file and can result in significant annual savings if your home's assessed value exceeds its fair market value.
Renters in El Dorado County spend just 18.4% of income on housing, well below the national norm and significantly better than California's 22.4% average. With a median household income of $106,190—42% above the national median of $74,755—El Dorado residents have more breathing room in their budgets than most Americans.
Among California's most affordable
El Dorado County ranks as one of California's most housing-friendly markets, with a rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% compared to the state average of 22.4%. This advantage reflects both strong local incomes and relatively moderate housing costs for the region.
Sierra foothill affordability edge
El Dorado's median rent of $1,626 is comparable to neighboring Alpine and Amador counties, but its significantly higher median income of $106,190 makes housing more affordable here than in surrounding mountain communities. Renters pay 18.4% of income toward housing versus over 20% in most adjacent counties.
Where El Dorado incomes go
El Dorado renters dedicate about $1,626 monthly to rent while homeowners face $2,190 in monthly ownership costs, with a median home value of $640,500. The median household income of $106,190 absorbs these costs comfortably, leaving 18.4% for housing and 81.6% for other expenses.
Consider El Dorado for stability
If you're relocating from a high-cost coastal area, El Dorado offers genuine affordability without sacrificing income potential—the county's $106,190 median income suggests strong job prospects. Compare this against similarly-priced homes in neighboring counties to see how El Dorado's wage advantage translates to real financial relief.
At $106,190, El Dorado's median household income runs 42% above the national median of $74,755. This places the county among the top earners nationwide, reflecting strong regional economic conditions and a skilled workforce.
A top earner in California
El Dorado's median income of $106,190 significantly exceeds California's state average of $87,001—a difference of nearly $19,200 per household. The county ranks in the upper echelon of California's 58 counties for household earnings.
El Dorado leads neighboring Sierra foothills
El Dorado's $106,190 median household income towers over nearby Inyo County ($72,432) and the Central Valley neighbors Fresno County ($71,434) and Glenn County ($70,487). This income advantage reflects El Dorado's proximity to Sacramento and its more affluent residential character.
Strong income supports comfortable living
With a 18.4% rent-to-income ratio, El Dorado households spend a modest portion of earnings on housing—well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $640,500 remains accessible to the county's higher income earners, though it signals premium real estate prices.
Build on your income advantage
El Dorado's above-average household income creates room to save and invest for long-term wealth. Consider maximizing retirement accounts, diversifying investments, and consulting a financial advisor to compound your earnings advantage.
Residents here live to 80.6 years on average—nearly 5 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Only 13.2% report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 18%, signaling a healthier population overall.
Leading California in longevity
El Dorado's 80.6-year life expectancy ranks among the state's best, outpacing California's 78.5-year average by 2.1 years. The county's low poor/fair health rate of 13.2% also beats the state trend, reflecting stronger overall health outcomes.
Healthier than Sierra Nevada peers
El Dorado residents live significantly longer than neighboring Inyo County (76.6 years) and outlying rural counties, and report better health than Humboldt County (75.8 years). The county's primary care density of 76 per 100,000 supports this advantage, though mental health providers at 438 per 100K remain below state benchmarks.
Insurance and access working well
At 5.2%, El Dorado's uninsured rate is the lowest among these eight counties and well below California's 7.2% average. With 76 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, people here have relatively easy access to routine medical care—a key ingredient in maintaining that high life expectancy.
Keep health coverage strong
Even though most El Dorado residents have insurance, nearly 1 in 20 remain uninsured. Visit CoveredCA.com to explore options and stay protected against unexpected health costs.
El Dorado County scores 91.41 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the 'Relatively Moderate' category and above the national average. While the county faces real hazard exposure, most residents have manageable disaster preparation needs. This rating reflects a balanced risk profile across multiple natural hazard types.
Moderate among California's 58 counties
El Dorado's composite risk score of 91.41 exceeds California's average of 88.72, positioning it in the mid-to-upper range of state counties. The county ranks above several neighbors and statewide peers despite facing significant wildfire exposure. This above-average rating warrants proactive disaster preparedness from residents and local officials.
Higher risk than inland valley neighbors
El Dorado's 91.41 score ranks higher than Glenn County (74.43) and Inyo County (79.33), but lower than neighboring high-risk counties like Kern (98.89) and Fresno (99.30). The county's earthquake and flood risks particularly exceed those of lower-risk inland neighbors. This positions El Dorado as a regional moderate-to-high risk area.
Wildfire and earthquake dominate El Dorado
Wildfire risk scores an extreme 99.71, making it the county's most pressing hazard—well above state average—while earthquake risk reaches 91.57. Flood risk also presents substantial exposure at 91.70, particularly relevant during wet winters in Sierra foothills communities. Together, these three hazards account for the county's elevated composite risk profile.
Secure wildfire and earthquake coverage now
El Dorado residents should prioritize home insurance that explicitly covers wildfire damage, given the county's extreme 99.71 wildfire score. Earthquake insurance—often sold separately from standard homeowners policies—is essential given the 91.57 earthquake risk score. Bundling these coverage types with flood insurance creates comprehensive protection against the county's three primary hazards.