countyscore
41.8
County Score
Property Tax 68.9Income & Jobs 67.6Water Quality 61.7

County Report Card

About Glenn County, California

Glenn County barely meets national livability baseline

Glenn County's composite score of 41.8 falls 8.2 points below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. The county represents a modest rural performer without major catastrophic weaknesses, but few standout strengths.

Precisely at California's state average livability

Glenn's score of 41.8 edges just slightly above California's state average of 40.9, placing it near the middle of California's competitive county rankings. The county occupies a relatively unremarkable position within the state's livability spectrum.

Affordable living with low taxes and water access

Glenn County delivers strong affordability with a median home value of $338,400 and rent of just $1,103/month (cost score: 17.4), paired with an excellent tax rate of 0.647%. Water availability (score: 61.7) and schools (score: 59.4) provide additional assets.

Health and safety concerns weigh on livability

Health outcomes score just 41.7, reflecting limited medical infrastructure in this rural county, while safety concerns register at 25.6. Environmental risk exposure (25.6) and modest income levels ($70,487 median) further constrain overall livability.

Rural seekers valuing affordability over amenities

Glenn County suits rural-minded residents and retirees seeking low housing costs and minimal tax burden in a quiet agricultural setting. It appeals less to families prioritizing comprehensive health care, strong schools, or robust public safety.

Score breakdown

Tax68.9Cost17.4Safety25.6Health41.7Schools59.4Income67.6Risk25.6Water61.7Weather47
🏛68.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠17.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼67.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡25.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡25.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧61.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨39.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46.3
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 →
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Nearby counties

Colusa County
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41.8
Lake County
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31.6
Butte County
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39.3
Tehama County
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Sutter County
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Mendocino County
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Yuba County
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Shasta County
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Deep Dives

Glenn County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Glenn County

via TaxByCounty

Glenn County offers below-average tax rates

Glenn County's effective tax rate of 0.647% sits well below both the California average of 0.714% and the national median effective rate, making it one of the more affordable California counties for property taxes. The median property tax of $2,190 is significantly lower than the national median of $2,690.

Glenn ranks among California's lowest-tax counties

At 0.647%, Glenn County boasts one of California's lowest effective tax rates, placing it in the bottom third statewide. Its median property tax of $2,190—less than half the state average of $4,045—reflects both lower home values and favorable local assessment practices.

Glenn offers relief compared to nearby counties

Glenn's 0.647% rate significantly undercuts Fresno County (0.746%), Kern County (0.912%), and Kings County (0.751%). This makes Glenn an outlier in the region, offering substantially lower annual tax bills for comparable properties.

Glenn homeowners pay just $2,190 annually

The median Glenn County home valued at $338,400 carries an estimated annual property tax of $2,190—among the lowest in the state. With a mortgage, expect $2,469; without, approximately $1,776.

Verify your assessment despite low rates

Even in low-tax Glenn County, some homeowners may still be overassessed relative to market value. A simple appeal to the assessor's office costs nothing and could provide additional savings on your already-favorable tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Glenn County

via CostByCounty

Glenn: California's affordability leader

Glenn County renters spend just 18.8% of income on housing, beating both the state average of 22.4% and the national norm. Though the median household income of $70,487 is slightly below the national median of $74,755, housing costs here are so low that affordability becomes a genuine strength.

Top tier for California affordability

Glenn County ranks among California's most affordable counties with an 18.8% rent-to-income ratio, significantly below the state average of 22.4%. The median rent of just $1,103 is the lowest among these eight counties, reflecting Glenn's position in the rural Sacramento Valley.

Glenn leads the northern valley

Glenn County's $1,103 median rent undercuts every neighboring county in this comparison, and its 18.8% rent-to-income ratio beats both El Dorado (18.4% but with much higher incomes) and Inyo (18.9%). For pure affordability relative to local wages, Glenn County is hard to beat.

Glenn's lean housing budget

Glenn County renters dedicate just $1,103 monthly to rent while homeowners pay $1,288, with a median home value of $338,400 serving the $70,487 median household income. This leaves over 81% of income available after housing for other necessities and discretionary spending.

Glenn County for maximum savings

Glenn offers California affordability at its finest—lowest rents in this group with a 18.8% housing ratio that rivals much wealthier counties. If you can secure remote work or find a job match in Glenn's economy, you'll stretch your dollars further than almost anywhere in the state.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Glenn County

via IncomeByCounty

Glenn County trails national income levels

Glenn County's median household income of $70,487 runs 5.8% below the national median of $74,755. This reflects the county's rural agricultural character and limited urban employment centers.

Lower income than California overall

Glenn's median household income of $70,487 falls short of California's state average of $87,001 by nearly $16,500. The county ranks in the lower tier of California's 58 counties for household earnings.

Glenn matches nearby rural Central Valley

Glenn County ($70,487) earns comparably to Fresno County ($71,434) and Kern County ($67,660), fitting the regional pattern for agricultural communities. El Dorado County ($106,190) demonstrates the income gap between the Sierra foothills and the Central Valley.

Housing remains affordable relative to income

Glenn County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio indicates manageable housing costs relative to local earnings. The median home value of $338,400 is below state averages, preserving housing affordability for county residents.

Build stability through steady savings

Glenn County's moderate but stable household income supports gradual wealth accumulation with disciplined planning. Prioritize emergency savings, explore low-cost retirement plans, and consider agricultural or local business investment opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Glenn County

via CrimeByCounty

Glenn County Remains Safer Than Average

Glenn County achieves a high safety score of 97.1, indicating a generally secure environment. The total crime rate of 1,832.0 per 100,000 is well below the national mark of 2,385.5.

Exceeding State Safety Benchmarks

With a score of 97.1, Glenn County exceeds California's state average safety score of 96.3. This ranking marks it as one of the more peaceful rural counties in Northern California.

Comparing Glenn to Nearby Counties

Its total crime rate is remarkably similar to Kings County at 1,824.1. It remains significantly safer than more populated neighbors like Fresno, where rates reach 3,521.6.

Violent Crime vs Property Incidents

Violent crime sits at 572.3, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. However, a low property crime rate of 1,259.7 keeps the overall safety score relatively high.

Securing Property in Rural Environments

Residents should not overlook basic security measures like motion lighting and alarms. Securing outbuildings and vehicles is especially important in this agricultural community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Glenn County

via HealthByCounty

Glenn's life expectancy among lowest

Glenn County residents live 75.4 years on average—2.7 years below the U.S. average of 76.1—while 23.3% report poor or fair health, well above the national 18% rate. The county faces significant population health challenges.

Among California's health stragglers

At 75.4 years, Glenn's life expectancy ranks below California's 78.5-year average by over 3 years, placing it among the state's lowest performers. The 23.3% poor/fair health rate also exceeds most state averages, signaling persistent health disparities.

Weakest provider access in the group

Glenn trails neighboring counties in both life expectancy and health infrastructure, with only 17 primary care providers per 100,000—the lowest rate among these eight counties. At 199 mental health providers per 100K, Glenn also lags significantly behind regional peers like Humboldt County (624 per 100K).

Provider shortages drive care crisis

Glenn's 9.2% uninsured rate is the highest among these counties—more than 1 in 10 residents lack coverage—while the county has critically low provider density, especially primary care at just 17 per 100,000. This combination means many Glenn residents must travel distances for routine medical care, delaying treatment.

Glenn County health coverage matters

With the state's highest uninsured rate in this group, Glenn residents face urgent need for coverage. Visit CoveredCA.com or contact community health centers to explore affordable options and access to primary care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Glenn County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Success in Glenn County

Glenn County operates 25 public schools that serve 6,044 students across 10 school districts. High schools make up nearly half of the county's facilities, with 12 campuses serving the region's older students. The county also integrates four charter schools and seven alternative schools into its educational framework.

Outperforming State Graduation Benchmarks

Students here achieve an 89.7% graduation rate, surpassing both the California average of 87.5% and the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending stands at $8,431, which is slightly below the state average but appears to yield strong results. The county's school score of 56.5 reflects a high level of academic quality for a rural region.

The Orland and Willows District Core

Orland Joint Unified is the largest provider in the county, managing six schools and 2,262 students. Key institutions include Orland High, the county's largest school with 777 students, and Lake View Charter which serves over 700 students. Other important hubs include Willows Unified, which operates Murdock Elementary for 602 local children.

Intimate Learning in Towns and Rural Areas

The county's schools are split between town and rural locales, with no suburban or city campuses present. This creates a tight-knit environment where the average school size is just 263 students. Families can expect smaller class sizes and a community-oriented feel in schools like Mill Street Elementary or Price Intermediate.

Small Schools, Big Results for Families

If you value a small-town atmosphere where educators know every student's name, Glenn County is a perfect fit. The high graduation rates and community-focused districts like Orland Joint Unified make this an ideal spot for family life. Consider the local housing market as a gateway to these high-performing, intimate school environments.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Glenn County

via RiskByCounty

Glenn County maintains below-average risk

Glenn County's composite risk score of 74.43 places it in the 'Relatively Low' category, below the national average. The county represents one of California's safer areas for natural disaster exposure, though residents still face meaningful hazard risks. This favorable rating reflects lower flood vulnerability compared to state peers, though other hazards remain elevated.

Glenn ranks among California's safest counties

Glenn County's 74.43 score falls well below California's 88.72 average, positioning it in the lower quartile of the state's 58 counties. This favorable ranking makes Glenn one of the state's least hazard-exposed areas, despite agricultural and water-related vulnerabilities. The county's relatively modest risk profile simplifies disaster preparedness planning for residents.

Glenn safest among northern valley peers

Glenn's 74.43 score ranks below all major neighbors including Kern (98.89), Fresno (99.30), and Kings (92.43) counties. The county's particularly low flood risk at 42.30 distinguishes it from water-vulnerable Central Valley neighbors. This comparative advantage makes Glenn a lower-risk region within California's generally hazard-prone agricultural belt.

Earthquake and wildfire are primary concerns

Glenn's earthquake risk reaches 92.53 and wildfire risk scores 91.76, representing the county's most significant hazard exposures. Flood risk remains relatively modest at 42.30, a meaningful advantage over neighboring counties. These two hazards should dominate disaster preparedness priorities for Glenn County residents.

Earthquake and wildfire insurance take priority

Glenn residents should prioritize earthquake and wildfire coverage given their 92-plus risk scores, while standard flood insurance may be optional depending on location. Bundling these policies with comprehensive homeowners coverage provides protection against the county's primary natural hazards. Annual coverage reviews ensure your protection matches Glenn's specific risk landscape.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Glenn County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Interior Mediterranean Climate

Glenn County’s annual average of 62.0°F is significantly higher than the national median temperature. This interior region sees 21.5 inches of rain, placing it in a dry Mediterranean climate zone.

Warmer Than the State Average

Averaging 62.0°F, Glenn is warmer than the California state average of 58.7°F. It sits among the warmer tier of Sacramento Valley counties where heat accumulates away from the coast.

Mirroring the Northern Valley

Its climate closely mirrors neighboring Butte and Colusa counties, which are characterized by hot, dry summers. With 95 extreme heat days, it faces a thermal profile nearly identical to its agricultural neighbors.

Intense Summers and Snowless Winters

Summers are intense with an average of 76.6°F, while winters remain mild at 48.0°F. The county records zero inches of annual snowfall, emphasizing the dominance of the valley's warm air masses.

Manage the High-Heat Days

Homeowners should invest in high-capacity HVAC systems to combat nearly 100 days of temperatures over 90°F. Lightweight summer clothing is essential, while heavy winter gear is rarely necessary given the mild 47.1°F January average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Glenn County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Sacramento Valley Soils

Glenn County features an average soil pH of 5.87, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This level is also lower than the California average of 6.34, suggesting a need for lime if growing acid-sensitive crops. The county's overall soil score sits at 39.7 out of 100.

Balanced Texture for Stability

The soil contains 31.6% sand, 34.8% silt, and 25.4% clay, creating a loamy profile. This mix provides enough clay for nutrient retention while silt and sand maintain workability. It offers a solid foundation for many types of agricultural production.

Moderate Nutrient Potential

Organic matter stands at 2.54%, beating the national 2.0% average but falling short of the state’s 3.30%. The available water capacity is 0.127 in/in, which is slightly below the California average of 0.141. You may need more frequent irrigation during dry spells to keep plants hydrated.

High Runoff Risk

This county is classified under Hydrologic Group D, indicating very slow infiltration and high runoff potential. Water does not move through this soil easily, which can lead to pooling during heavy rains. Careful drainage planning is required for both farming and construction.

Olives and Rice Country

Hardiness Zone 9b provides a long, warm season for olives, rice, and almonds. The local climate pairs perfectly with the soil's structure if you manage water carefully. Start your orchard today to take advantage of this productive valley land.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Glenn County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Maintenance in Glenn

Glenn County has a lawn difficulty score of 46.3, placing it just below the national average of 50.0. While easier than many parts of the Central Valley, it still requires more care than the national median to keep grass thriving.

Hot Summers and Dry Skies

With 95 extreme heat days per year, lawns here face significant thermal stress during the peak growing season. The 21.5 inches of annual rain is below the ideal threshold, necessitating a strictly managed watering schedule.

Navigating Acidic Soil

The soil pH here averages 5.87, which is slightly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most lawns. A mix of 25.4% clay and 31.6% sand means you may need to add lime to balance the pH and improve nutrient uptake.

Steady Water Access Currently

Fortunately, Glenn County has experienced zero weeks of drought over the past year. Even without active drought, applying mulch and aerating the soil will help your lawn absorb every drop of the 21.5 inches of annual rainfall.

Planting for Success in Glenn

Warm-season grasses like Buffalo grass are great for this Zone 9b environment with 4,808 growing degree days. The optimal planting window opens after February 25 and lasts until the first frost on December 2.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glenn County's county score?
Glenn County, California has a composite county score of 41.8 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 Glenn County rank among counties in California?
Glenn County ranks #26 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 Glenn County, California?
The median annual property tax in Glenn County is $2,190, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Glenn County a tax score of 68.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Glenn County?
The median household income in Glenn County, California is $70,487 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Glenn County earns an income score of 67.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Glenn County, California a good place to live?
Glenn County scores 41.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in California. The best way to evaluate Glenn 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 Glenn County with other counties side by side.

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