Glenn County's composite score of 69.6 places it in the 70th percentile nationally, significantly exceeding the U.S. median of 50.0. The county delivers livability advantages on par with high-performing regions across America, anchored by excellent tax policy and housing affordability. This above-median ranking reflects careful balance across its measured dimensions.
2 / 5
Among California's strongest county performers
Glenn's score of 69.6 ranks it well above California's state average of 61.3, placing it in the upper tier of the state's counties. The county stands out as a consistent performer on livability metrics across multiple dimensions. Glenn competes favorably with more well-known California counties on composite livability measures.
3 / 5
Lowest tax burden and outstanding affordability
Glenn leads with a tax score of 84.1 and an exceptionally low effective rate of 0.647%—the lowest among all eight counties analyzed. The cost score of 68.7 reflects a median home value of $338,400 and monthly rent of just $1,103, creating an outstanding affordability profile. These dual strengths make Glenn particularly attractive for cost-conscious families.
4 / 5
Limited income growth and missing data
Glenn's income score of 29.4 reflects a median household income of $70,487—among the lowest in this group, suggesting limited wage opportunities. Safety, health, schools, and environmental metrics are unavailable, leaving important livability dimensions unmeasured. Prospective residents should conduct thorough local research on schools and economic development.
5 / 5
Perfect for affordability-first families and retirees
Glenn County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, or families whose income is not tied to local wages and who prioritize rock-bottom costs and tax efficiency. The combination of the state's lowest tax burden and highly affordable housing makes it exceptional for those living on fixed or modest incomes. Those seeking vibrant job markets or urban amenities should look elsewhere.
Glenn County's composite score of 69.6 places it in the 70th percentile nationally, significantly exceeding the U.S. median of 50.0. The county delivers livability advantages on par with high-performing regions across America, anchored by excellent tax policy and housing affordability. This above-median ranking reflects careful balance across its measured dimensions.
Among California's strongest county performers
Glenn's score of 69.6 ranks it well above California's state average of 61.3, placing it in the upper tier of the state's counties. The county stands out as a consistent performer on livability metrics across multiple dimensions. Glenn competes favorably with more well-known California counties on composite livability measures.
Lowest tax burden and outstanding affordability
Glenn leads with a tax score of 84.1 and an exceptionally low effective rate of 0.647%—the lowest among all eight counties analyzed. The cost score of 68.7 reflects a median home value of $338,400 and monthly rent of just $1,103, creating an outstanding affordability profile. These dual strengths make Glenn particularly attractive for cost-conscious families.
Limited income growth and missing data
Glenn's income score of 29.4 reflects a median household income of $70,487—among the lowest in this group, suggesting limited wage opportunities. Safety, health, schools, and environmental metrics are unavailable, leaving important livability dimensions unmeasured. Prospective residents should conduct thorough local research on schools and economic development.
Perfect for affordability-first families and retirees
Glenn County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, or families whose income is not tied to local wages and who prioritize rock-bottom costs and tax efficiency. The combination of the state's lowest tax burden and highly affordable housing makes it exceptional for those living on fixed or modest incomes. Those seeking vibrant job markets or urban amenities should look elsewhere.
Score breakdown
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🏛84.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.