countyscore
40
County Score
Weather & Climate 69Property Tax 68.3Schools 67.7

County Report Card

About Humboldt County, California

Humboldt slightly underperforms national livability norms

Humboldt County's composite score of 40.0 falls 10 points below the national median of 50.0, placing it modestly below average nationally. The score reflects a mixed profile combining notable educational strengths with significant income and safety challenges.

Right at California's median livability performance

Humboldt's score of 40.0 nearly matches California's state average of 40.9, positioning it squarely in the middle of the state's competitive county rankings. The county is neither a standout performer nor a laggard within California context.

Education and health shine in coastal county

Humboldt boasts California's strongest school score at 67.7 and solid health outcomes (58.2), supporting families seeking quality education. The county also benefits from low natural disaster risk (3.2) and a favorable tax rate of 0.652%.

Low incomes and safety concerns limit livability

Humboldt's median household income of $61,135 produces an income score of just 42.6, well below state and national medians. Safety is also a significant concern, with a score of only 10.2 reflecting elevated property and violent crime rates.

Education-focused families on modest budgets

Humboldt County suits families prioritizing excellent schools and access to nature, willing to accept lower incomes and elevated crime rates in exchange. It appeals less to high earners, safety-conscious residents, or those seeking robust job markets.

Score breakdown

Tax68.3Cost14.1Safety10.2Health58.2Schools67.7Income42.6Risk3.2Water54.8Weather69
🏛68.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠14.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼42.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡10.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤58.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡3.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧54.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤69
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66.1
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

Trinity County
California
48.3
Del Norte County
California
39.9
Siskiyou County
California
37.9
Shasta County
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Tehama County
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Mendocino County
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Glenn County
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Josephine County
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Deep Dives

Humboldt County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Humboldt County

via TaxByCounty

Humboldt's taxes stay slightly below state average

Humboldt County's effective tax rate of 0.652% is below California's 0.714% average, placing it in the lower-tax tier nationally. The median property tax of $2,731 is just slightly above the national median of $2,690, despite higher regional home values.

Humboldt ranks in the lower-tax middle

At 0.652%, Humboldt County sits comfortably below the state average, positioning it in the bottom half of California counties for tax burden. Its median property tax of $2,731 trails the state average of $4,045, aided by a moderate median home value of $418,800.

Humboldt undercuts most neighboring counties

Humboldt's 0.652% rate beats Fresno County (0.746%), Kern County (0.912%), and Kings County (0.751%), while only slightly exceeding Glenn County (0.647%). The county offers a favorable tax environment for a coastal region with solid home values.

Expect approximately $2,731 yearly in taxes

A median Humboldt County home valued at $418,800 generates an estimated annual property tax bill of $2,731. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $2,983, while those without mortgages pay around $2,336.

Assessment appeals are worth exploring

Humboldt homeowners should verify their assessed value against recent comparable sales in their neighborhoods. Filing a free appeal with the county assessor could reduce your tax burden if your home's assessed value exceeds its actual market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Humboldt County

via CostByCounty

Humboldt's affordability challenge

Humboldt County renters spend 24.5% of income on housing, exceeding both California's 22.4% average and the national norm. With the lowest median household income in this group at $61,135—18% below the national median—Humboldt faces a genuine affordability squeeze despite modest absolute rent costs.

Below-average affordability for California

Humboldt County's 24.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks it below the state average of 22.4%, making it one of California's less affordable counties despite its coastal charm. The combination of lower wages and moderate housing costs creates a tighter budget than many other California regions.

Humboldt's coastal affordability gap

Humboldt's median rent of $1,249 is competitive with inland counties like Inyo ($1,140), but its 24.5% rent-to-income ratio is the worst in this comparison due to the lowest income levels. Coastal living carries a wage penalty that offsets Humboldt's moderate absolute housing costs.

Where Humboldt incomes go

Humboldt renters pay $1,249 monthly while homeowners face $1,277 in ownership costs, with a median home value of $418,800 challenging the area's $61,135 median household income. Housing consumes nearly 25% of income, leaving just 75% for all other expenses, a tight margin for most families.

Humboldt: weighing coast vs. budget

Humboldt County offers coastal California living but at the cost of tighter household budgets—renters here dedicate a quarter of their income to housing. If relocating from higher-wage regions, verify that Humboldt job opportunities match your earning potential, as the county's lower income levels mean you'll sacrifice real purchasing power despite its natural beauty.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Humboldt County

via IncomeByCounty

Humboldt lags the national income average

Humboldt County's median household income of $61,135 runs 18.3% below the national median of $74,755. This reflects economic challenges tied to rural forestry, fishing, and limited urban job markets.

One of California's lower-income counties

At $61,135, Humboldt's median household income significantly underperforms California's state average of $87,001—a gap of nearly $26,000. The county ranks among the lower-earning counties in California's 58-county roster.

Humboldt faces steeper income challenges

Humboldt County ($61,135) earns notably less than all comparison counties, including Imperial County ($56,393) and Kern County ($67,660). This income disparity reflects the county's geographic isolation and economic structure.

Housing costs strain tight household budgets

At 24.5%, Humboldt's rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these eight counties, signaling significant housing cost pressure on residents. The median home value of $418,800 represents a major financial burden relative to the county's modest income levels.

Maximize your income potential thoughtfully

Humboldt residents benefit from community resources, local nonprofits, and financial assistance programs designed to support lower-income households. Explore income-boosting opportunities like skills training, employer benefits, and community development financing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Humboldt County

via CrimeByCounty

Humboldt Trails National Safety Standards

Humboldt County maintains a safety score of 95.7, which is slightly lower than desired. Its total crime rate of 2,751.8 per 100,000 residents exceeds the national average of 2,385.5.

Humboldt Below State Safety Average

The county falls just short of California's average safety score of 96.3. Law enforcement agencies across twelve different jurisdictions coordinate to manage these statistics.

Humboldt's Place Among Regional Peers

Humboldt’s crime rate is higher than Imperial County’s 2,043.7, though lower than Kern’s 4,050.8. It sits in a middle ground for public safety within the state.

The Dominance of Property Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,283.1, which is over four times the violent crime rate of 468.7. Theft and burglary are the primary safety concerns for local residents.

Peace of Mind Through Security

High property crime rates make home security systems a vital investment for local families. Visible cameras and secure gates serve as effective deterrents against opportunistic crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Humboldt County

via HealthByCounty

Humboldt's health lags national average

Life expectancy in Humboldt County is 75.8 years—about 2.3 years below the U.S. average of 76.1—while 19.6% of residents report poor or fair health, slightly above the national 18% rate. The county shows moderate health challenges relative to the nation.

Below California health benchmarks

Humboldt's 75.8-year life expectancy trails California's 78.5-year average by 2.7 years, ranking below the state median. However, its 19.6% poor/fair health rate is closer to state norms, suggesting health challenges are real but not as acute as some inland peers.

Mental health services stand out

Humboldt has the highest density of mental health providers (624 per 100K) among these eight counties, nearly triple the rate in Glenn County (199 per 100K), suggesting a proactive approach to behavioral health. But with 61 primary care providers per 100,000, primary care access remains below state benchmarks.

Low uninsured rate, sparse primary care

At 7.0%, Humboldt's uninsured rate nearly matches California's 7.2% average, meaning most residents have coverage. Yet 61 primary care providers per 100,000—below state levels—means geographic isolation and limited appointment availability may delay routine care in this coastal county.

Humboldt residents: stay covered

Although most Humboldt residents have insurance, about 1 in 14 remain uninsured and vulnerable to health crises. Visit CoveredCA.com to review or upgrade your coverage, especially important given limited local primary care options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Humboldt County

via SchoolsByCounty

Coastal Education Across 44 Districts

Humboldt County features a highly decentralized system with 89 public schools spread across 44 different districts. The county serves 17,572 students, supported by 48 elementary schools and 22 high schools. A strong charter presence exists here, with 15 schools—nearly 17% of the total—offering alternative curricula.

Strong Outcomes with Coastal Investment

The county earns a school score of 57.8, which is higher than the California state average. Graduation rates are a standout at 91.6%, easily beating the national average of 87.0%. This success is achieved with per-pupil spending of $8,604, staying very close to the state-wide average of $8,762.

Spotlight on Eureka City and Arcata Schools

Eureka City Schools is the largest district, enrolling 3,580 students across eight different campuses. Major high schools like Eureka Senior High (1,295 students) and Arcata High (1,052 students) serve as the primary academic hubs for the region's teenagers. Many smaller districts, such as Klamath-Trinity Joint Unified, serve the more remote parts of the county.

Small-Town Feel with Rural Roots

Education in Humboldt is characterized by small schools, with an average enrollment of only 200 students per campus. Most schools are located in towns or rural settings, ensuring a quiet and focused learning environment. While Eureka Senior High is the largest, many schools in the 44 districts offer much more intimate student-to-teacher ratios.

Find Your Home in a High-Achieving District

Humboldt County's 91.6% graduation rate is a powerful draw for families moving to the North Coast. Homes near Eureka City Schools or Northern Humboldt Union High provide access to some of the county's most successful academic programs. Local school quality continues to be a driving factor for families seeking a balance of lifestyle and education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Humboldt County

via RiskByCounty

Humboldt faces relatively high national risk

Humboldt County's composite risk score of 96.76 places it in the 'Relatively High' category, well above the national average. The county's coastal location and seismic setting create sustained exposure to multiple major hazards. This elevated rating reflects the serious, converging disaster risks that shape life in Humboldt communities.

Humboldt ranks among state's highest risks

Humboldt's 96.76 score substantially exceeds California's 88.72 average, placing it in the upper tier of the state's 58 counties. The county's high ranking reflects consistent elevation across earthquake, flood, and wildfire hazards. This statewide comparison underscores Humboldt's particularly challenging natural disaster exposure.

Humboldt's risks echo coastal seismic peers

Humboldt's 96.76 score ranks near fellow high-risk counties Fresno (99.30), Kern (98.89), and Imperial (96.47), reflecting shared major hazard exposure. The county's coastal earthquake risk of 98.98 particularly distinguishes it from inland neighbors. Among northern California counties, Humboldt faces proportionally higher composite risk than most peers.

Earthquake, flood, and wildfire all extreme

Humboldt's earthquake risk reaches a critical 98.98, while flood risk scores 94.18 and wildfire risk hits 95.52. The county's coastal setting amplifies flood and seismic hazards, while regional fire seasons drive wildfire exposure. This convergence of near-maximum hazard scores makes Humboldt one of California's most complex disaster-risk environments.

Comprehensive coverage essential for Humboldt

Humboldt residents must prioritize earthquake insurance given the extreme 98.98 score, plus flood and wildfire coverage appropriate to their specific location. Coastal and valley communities face distinctly different flood patterns, so local risk assessment is critical. Building a complete insurance portfolio now protects your investment against Humboldt's multiple, converging hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Humboldt County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool and Exceptionally Wet

Humboldt County maintains a cool 54.4°F annual average, influenced by its position on the Pacific coast. Its 50.6 inches of precipitation is nearly double the California state average, marking it as a temperate rainforest environment.

Cooler and Greener Than Most

The county is significantly cooler than the California average of 58.7°F. While much of the state grapples with heat, Humboldt's maritime influence keeps its annual temperature profile relatively low.

A Coastal Climate Sanctuary

Humboldt is wetter and cooler than interior Trinity County, receiving over 50 inches of rain annually. It shares its misty, temperate characteristics with Del Norte County to the north.

Narrow Seasonal Temperature Swings

Seasonal swings are narrow, with summers averaging 61.9°F and winters at 47.0°F. Extreme heat is rare, with only 12 days per year reaching 90°F, while snowfall remains negligible at 0.9 inches.

Prepare for the Rain

Waterproof gear and umbrellas are daily essentials to handle the 50.6 inches of annual rainfall. While heavy air conditioning is rarely needed, residents should focus on moisture control and efficient heating for damp winters.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Humboldt County

via SoilByCounty

Rugged Coastline Characteristics

Humboldt County’s specific soil pH and taxonomic details are not available in this dataset. Without this data, we cannot compare the county to the state average pH of 6.34. Coastal environments often have unique chemical profiles due to salt spray and high rainfall.

Unknown Physical Structure

Measurements for sand, silt, and clay are missing for the county's diverse landscapes. These components determine if your soil behaves like a sponge or a drainpipe. Knowing your texture is vital for choosing the right irrigation system.

Fertility Beyond the Redwoods

Local organic matter and water capacity stats are currently unrecorded. This makes it hard to see how Humboldt stacks up against the 3.30% state organic matter average. Enriching your soil with local forest compost is a great way to boost health.

Coastal Water Movement

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are unavailable for this region. In a rainy coastal climate, knowing how water moves through your soil is essential for preventing root rot. Always check your site's drainage before planting large trees.

Berries and Greens Galore

Hardiness Zone 9b is excellent for berries, leafy greens, and ornamental flowers. The cool coastal air creates a unique niche for plants that dislike the valley heat. Get your hands in the dirt and start a cool-season garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Humboldt County

via LawnByCounty

Easy Growing in Humboldt

Humboldt County earns a high lawn difficulty score of 66.1, indicating that turf is relatively easy to maintain here compared to the national average. Its coastal climate in Hardiness Zone 9b provides a much gentler environment than most of California.

Abundant Rain and Cool Breezes

With 50.6 inches of annual precipitation, Humboldt sits at the top end of the ideal lawn moisture range. Only 12 extreme heat days occur annually, which is far below the state average of 59 days, reducing moisture evaporation.

Maximizing Coastal Soil

Comprehensive soil data is currently unavailable for this jurisdiction, but coastal regions often deal with high moisture levels. Ensure your lawn has proper grading to handle the 50.6 inches of rain and prevent waterlogging.

Strong Resilience to Dry Spells

The county has recorded zero weeks of drought in the past year, making it one of the most resilient regions in the state. This consistent moisture allows for a lush, green lawn with minimal supplemental irrigation required.

Pick Your Grass Variety

Cool-season grasses like Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescue flourish in this temperate Zone 9b climate. Seeding should occur after the March 10 frost date to ensure your lawn is established before December 1.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Humboldt County's county score?
Humboldt County, California has a composite county score of 40 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 Humboldt County rank among counties in California?
Humboldt County ranks #34 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 Humboldt County, California?
The median annual property tax in Humboldt County is $2,731, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Humboldt County a tax score of 68.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Humboldt County?
The median household income in Humboldt County, California is $61,135 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Humboldt County earns an income score of 42.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Humboldt County, California a good place to live?
Humboldt County scores 40/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in California. The best way to evaluate Humboldt 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 Humboldt 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.