countyscore
41.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 72.3Health 67.9Property Tax 62.4

County Report Card

About Inyo County, California

Inyo matches national livability baseline exactly

Inyo County's composite score of 41.0 falls 9 points below the national median of 50.0, placing it just below average nationally. The score reflects a balanced profile with modest strengths offset by notable challenges in certain dimensions.

Virtually indistinguishable from state average performance

Inyo's score of 41.0 nearly equals California's state average of 40.9, positioning it squarely in the middle of the state's county rankings. The county represents a typical California livability experience.

Mountain living with decent income and health

Inyo residents enjoy a median household income of $72,432 (income score: 72.3) and strong health outcomes (67.9), supported by a reasonable tax rate of 0.707%. The county also offers relatively affordable housing (cost score: 24.2) compared to state averages.

Water scarcity and safety concerns emerge

Inyo's water score of just 27.5 reflects genuine aridification concerns in this high-desert county, a critical long-term livability challenge. Safety also registers low at 13.1, and schools score modestly at 53.1, limiting educational options.

Outdoor enthusiasts tolerating isolation trade-offs

Inyo County appeals to outdoor-focused residents and retirees seeking mountain scenery and decent incomes, willing to accept water scarcity and limited community amenities. It is less suitable for families prioritizing schools, public safety, or urban services.

Score breakdown

Tax62.4Cost24.2Safety13.1Health67.9Schools53.1Income72.3Risk20.7Water27.5Weather27.1
🏛62.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠24.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼72.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡13.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡20.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧27.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤27.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱7.5
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

Inyo County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Inyo County

via TaxByCounty

Inyo's tax rate mirrors California's average

Inyo County's effective tax rate of 0.707% virtually matches California's 0.714% average, placing it squarely in the middle nationally. The median property tax of $2,392 falls slightly below the national median of $2,690, reflecting moderately valued regional properties.

Inyo ranks near California's median tax burden

At 0.707%, Inyo County sits almost exactly at the state average, making it representative of typical California tax burdens. Its median property tax of $2,392 is substantially below the state average of $4,045, due to lower median home values of $338,400.

Inyo offers moderate rates among mountain counties

Inyo's 0.707% rate falls between Glenn County's lower 0.647% and Fresno County's 0.746%, offering a middle ground for mountain and foothill residents. The county provides reasonable tax stability compared to both lower-tax and higher-tax regional neighbors.

Inyo homeowners pay approximately $2,392 yearly

A median Inyo County home valued at $338,400 generates an estimated annual property tax bill of $2,392. With a mortgage, expect $2,947; without one, approximately $1,866.

Review your assessment for potential savings

Like all California counties, Inyo homeowners should verify their assessed value matches recent comparable sales in their neighborhood. A free appeal to the assessor costs nothing and could result in meaningful tax relief if your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Inyo County

via CostByCounty

Inyo punches above weight nationally

Inyo County renters spend just 18.9% of income on housing, nearly 4 percentage points below California's 22.4% average and well below national norms. With a median household income of $72,432 and rent of $1,140, Inyo achieves genuine affordability through a rare combination of reasonable costs and solid wages.

Among California's best affordability

Inyo County ranks in California's top tier for housing affordability with an 18.9% rent-to-income ratio, just slightly above El Dorado's 18.4%. This reflects Inyo's position as one of California's most livable remote-work destinations, balancing mountain lifestyle with practical financial realities.

Inyo's mountain advantage

Inyo's median rent of $1,140 is lower than most counties in this comparison, while the 18.9% rent-to-income ratio beats all except El Dorado and Glenn. The median income of $72,432 provides strong purchasing power relative to housing costs, a rare advantage in California's mountain communities.

Inyo's balanced housing costs

Inyo renters pay $1,140 monthly while homeowners face just $1,013—the lowest ownership cost in this group—with a median home value of $338,400. The $72,432 median household income absorbs these expenses efficiently, dedicating only 18.9% to housing and leaving 81.1% for living expenses.

Inyo for lifestyle and affordability

Inyo County delivers a rare combination: mountain living with genuine affordability and a 18.9% housing ratio rivaling much wealthier regions. If you can work remotely or secure a position in outdoor recreation, tourism, or public service, Inyo offers California mountain life without the usual coastal-county budget squeeze.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Inyo County

via IncomeByCounty

Inyo household income slightly trails nation

Inyo County's median household income of $72,432 runs 3.1% below the national median of $74,755. The county's small population and tourism-dependent economy create income variability across the region.

Below California's state income average

At $72,432, Inyo's median household income trails California's state average of $87,001 by approximately $14,600. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier among California's 58 counties.

Inyo moderately outearns Central Valley peers

Inyo County ($72,432) exceeds Fresno ($71,434) and Glenn ($70,487) but falls well short of El Dorado ($106,190). The county's tourism economy provides moderate incomes compared to agricultural-based neighboring counties.

Housing costs remain manageable

With an 18.9% rent-to-income ratio, Inyo households maintain reasonable housing cost burdens relative to earnings. The median home value of $338,400 aligns with the county's income levels, supporting housing accessibility.

Leverage tourism economy for growth

Inyo's tourism-driven economy creates seasonal income opportunities that residents can strategically supplement with savings and investment. Develop a budget that smooths seasonal earnings swings and explore local business opportunities tied to outdoor recreation and hospitality.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Inyo County

via CrimeByCounty

Inyo County Faces Notable Safety Challenges

Inyo County carries a safety score of 96.0, indicating moderate safety compared to the rest of the nation. Its total crime rate of 2,512.1 per 100,000 slightly exceeds the national average of 2,385.5.

Aligning With State Safety Norms

The county’s safety score is very close to the California average of 96.3. Law enforcement data comes from four reporting agencies across this geographically vast region.

Inyo Compared to Similar Counties

While its total crime rate is higher than Glenn County’s 1,832.0, it remains safer than Fresno’s 3,521.6. Inyo sits in the middle of California's safety spectrum.

High Violent Crime vs Property Stats

Violent crime is notably high at 679.8 per 100,000, almost double the national average. Property crime also contributes significantly with 1,832.3 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Prioritizing Personal and Home Safety

Given the higher violent crime rate, personal and home security are paramount for residents. Investing in alarm systems and well-lit entryways can help mitigate local risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Inyo County

via HealthByCounty

Inyo balances national health trends

Inyo County's life expectancy of 76.6 years matches the U.S. average, and its 16.8% poor/fair health rate is slightly below the national 18%, suggesting a relatively healthy population. The county performs roughly in line with national norms.

Close to California's health standard

At 76.6 years, Inyo's life expectancy falls short of California's 78.5-year average by 1.9 years but ranks in the middle tier of this group. Its 16.8% poor/fair health rate is one of the better rates among these eight counties.

Strong mental health, adequate primary care

Inyo's 69 primary care providers per 100,000 exceed Glenn County (17 per 100K) and Imperial County (25 per 100K), offering better access to routine care. With 545 mental health providers per 100K, Inyo ranks second only to Humboldt County, showing strength in behavioral health infrastructure.

Good coverage, solid provider density

Inyo's 7.3% uninsured rate nearly matches California's 7.2% average, meaning most residents have insurance protection. At 69 primary care providers per 100,000 and 545 mental health providers per 100K, Inyo residents enjoy better access to care than many rural peers.

Inyo: maintain your coverage

While Inyo's coverage rates are solid, roughly 1 in 14 residents still lack insurance amid the county's geographic isolation. Check CoveredCA.com to review your plan and ensure you're protected year-round.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Inyo County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small and Specialized Mountain Schools

Inyo County supports a small but vital student population of 2,590 across 20 public schools and seven districts. The system is unique, featuring 11 high schools and only one middle school, alongside seven elementary campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with the public system providing all local education.

High Per-Pupil Investment in Remote Areas

The county spends $9,510 per pupil, significantly more than the California state average of $8,762. While the graduation rate of 84.8% is below the national average, the county maintains a solid school score of 56.2. This high level of funding helps support the unique challenges of educating students in a vast, sparsely populated geographic area.

Bishop Unified Leads the County

Bishop Unified is the dominant district in the region, enrolling 1,928 students across six schools—nearly 75% of the county's total enrollment. Bishop Elementary is the largest campus with 859 students, followed by Bishop Union High. Other districts like Lone Pine and Death Valley Unified serve much smaller, more isolated communities.

Intimate Rural and Town Settings

Schooling in Inyo County is an intimate affair, with an average school size of just 144 students. Fourteen of the county's schools are in rural settings, while the remaining six are in small towns. This translates to small class sizes and a close-knit community feel, especially in remote areas like Death Valley or Lone Pine.

Quiet Living with Personalized Education

For families who prefer small-scale schools and high per-student funding, Inyo County offers a rare opportunity. Homes in the Bishop area provide access to the county's largest and most diverse academic programs. The local school environment is a perfect match for those seeking a slower pace of life with dedicated educators.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Inyo County

via RiskByCounty

Inyo County maintains relatively low risk

Inyo County's composite risk score of 79.33 places it in the 'Relatively Low' category, below the national average. Despite its mountainous terrain and high elevation, the county experiences lower overall natural disaster exposure than most California peers. This favorable rating reflects particularly low tornado and flood risks in the Eastern Sierra setting.

Inyo ranks among California's safer counties

Inyo's 79.33 score falls well below California's 88.72 average, positioning it in the lower quartile of the state's 58 counties. The county represents one of California's least hazard-exposed areas, offering a genuine advantage for disaster preparedness planning. This favorable ranking reflects the Eastern Sierra's relatively lower multi-hazard exposure profile.

Inyo safest among inland and valley peers

Inyo's 79.33 score ranks well below all major neighbors including Kern (98.89), Fresno (99.30), Kings (92.43), and Imperial (96.47) counties. The county's earthquake risk of 94.31 remains elevated despite the favorable composite score, but flood risk of 61.61 provides substantial comparative advantage. Among regional peers, Inyo represents a notably safer natural disaster environment.

Earthquake and wildfire pose primary threats

Inyo's earthquake risk reaches 94.31, while wildfire risk scores 83.68—the county's two major hazards and well above its flood (61.61) and tornado (2.86) risks. Mountain terrain and seasonal fire activity drive wildfire exposure, while the county's location near the Sierra Nevada fault system creates earthquake risk. These two hazards should dominate disaster preparedness planning.

Focus on earthquake and wildfire coverage

Inyo residents should prioritize earthquake insurance given the 94.31 risk score, plus wildfire coverage appropriate to their specific location and terrain. Standard flood insurance may be optional for most locations, given the county's lower flood risk relative to California peers. Annual coverage reviews ensure your protection matches Inyo's specific earthquake and wildfire hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Inyo County

via WeatherByCounty

Dry and Warm High Desert

Inyo County’s 66.6°F annual average reflects a high-desert climate that is much warmer than the national median. With only 7.7 inches of rain, it is significantly drier than the average American county.

Above the California Median

The county averages 66.6°F, placing it well above the California state average of 58.7°F. This heat is driven by the extreme conditions of Death Valley, which sits within the county borders.

Hotter Than the High Sierras

Inyo is much hotter than neighboring Mono County to the north, which sits at higher Sierra elevations. It shares a dry, rugged basin profile with San Bernardino County to the south.

Long Hot Seasons, Cool Winters

Summer temperatures average 86.8°F with 142 days hitting 90°F or higher. Despite the heat, winters are cool at 47.3°F, and the valley floor typically sees no snowfall.

Plan for Arid Conditions

Residents must prepare for long stretches of triple-digit heat and intense solar exposure. High-performance HVAC and desert-hardy landscaping are essential for managing the 7.7 inches of annual moisture and 142 extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Inyo County

via SoilByCounty

High Desert Earth Profiles

Inyo County’s soil pH and taxonomic orders are currently unrecorded in this dataset. Without this information, comparisons to the 6.34 California pH average are not possible. High desert soils can vary from extremely alkaline to neutral depending on the local basin.

Texture Data Unavailable

Percentages for sand, silt, and clay are missing for this vast eastern California region. Texture affects everything from how much water you use to which plants will thrive. Local gardeners should test their soil to see if it is mostly sand or heavy clay.

Arid Land Fertility

There is no available data for organic matter or water capacity in Inyo County. These numbers are typically lower in arid regions than the 3.30% state organic matter average. Adding organic amendments is almost always necessary for a successful vegetable garden here.

Mountain and Valley Drainage

Drainage and hydrologic classifications are not provided for this diverse landscape. Inyo's extreme elevation changes mean drainage can vary from excessive to very poor. Observation is your best tool for understanding how water moves across your property.

Gardening the High Desert

Hardiness Zone 9a is perfect for hardy fruit trees and native drought-tolerant plants. You can grow a surprising variety of crops if you protect them from the wind and sun. Pick a sunny spot and start building your desert soil today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Inyo County

via LawnByCounty

Inyo's Intense Growing Environment

Inyo County has a lawn difficulty score of just 7.5, making it the most challenging county in this group to maintain turf. Located in Hardiness Zone 9a, the environmental conditions are significantly harsher than the national median of 50.0.

A High-Desert Climate Profile

The county sees 142 extreme heat days and only 7.7 inches of annual precipitation, creating a massive water deficit for lawns. This high-heat environment generates 6,761 growing degree days, requiring constant attention and watering.

The Foundation for Desert Turf

Specific soil data is missing for this area, but high-desert soils are frequently alkaline and low in organic matter. You should test your soil for pH levels to ensure they don't block essential nutrient absorption for your grass.

Long Stretches of Dry Weather

Inyo experienced 39 weeks of drought over the past year, which is the highest in this region. Water conservation is not just a tip here; it is a necessity for maintaining any level of greenery in the landscape.

Strategic Planting for Inyo

Select the most heat-hardy Bermuda varieties available to survive the intense July average of 89.5°F. Plant your seeds or sod after the March 31 frost to give the lawn time to take root before the first fall frost on November 9.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Inyo County's county score?
Inyo County, California has a composite county score of 41.1 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 Inyo County rank among counties in California?
Inyo County ranks #29 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 Inyo County, California?
The median annual property tax in Inyo County is $2,392, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Inyo County a tax score of 62.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Inyo County?
The median household income in Inyo County, California is $72,432 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Inyo County earns an income score of 72.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Inyo County, California a good place to live?
Inyo County scores 41.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in California. The best way to evaluate Inyo 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 Inyo County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.