CountyScore

Inyo County

California · CA

#5 in California
67.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Inyo County, California

Inyo ranks in top third of U.S. counties

Inyo County's composite score of 70.8 places it at the 71st percentile nationally, significantly exceeding the U.S. median of 50.0. The county delivers livability advantages on par with high-performing American regions, driven by a balanced profile of taxes, affordability, and moderate income levels. This ranking reflects solid performance across multiple measured dimensions.

Strongest performer among the eight counties

At 70.8, Inyo County achieves the highest composite score in this group and ranks well above California's state average of 61.3. The county demonstrates exceptional livability relative to other California counties and stands out as a top performer. Inyo's balanced profile makes it a standout choice for families weighing multiple livability factors.

Tax efficiency, affordability, and solid income

Inyo's tax score of 82.4 (effective rate 0.707%) and cost score of 72.2 create financial efficiency, with a median home value of $338,400 and monthly rent at $1,140. The income score of 30.7, reflecting $72,432 median household income, is among the strongest in this group. This balanced combination across all three measured dimensions anchors Inyo's top ranking.

Data gaps on safety, health, and schools

Safety, health, schools, and environmental measures remain unavailable, leaving significant livability dimensions unmeasured. As a smaller, rural county, Inyo may have limited specialized services or employment sectors. Prospective residents should thoroughly research education quality, healthcare access, and public safety independently.

Best overall choice for balanced households

Inyo County suits families and individuals seeking the best overall balance of low taxes, housing affordability, and respectable local incomes, particularly those valuing rural or mountain living. The county's top composite score reflects relatively strong performance across all measured dimensions. Those seeking urban amenities or industry-specific employment should explore other options.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax82.4Cost72.2SafetyComing SoonHealth73.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.7Risk20.7WaterComing Soon
🏛82.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡20.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Inyo County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Tuscaloosa County
Alabama
67.3
Median income: $63,947
Miller County
Arkansas
67.3
Median income: $49,983
Cook County
Georgia
67.3
Median income: $50,133
Toombs County
Georgia
67.3
Median income: $54,130
Worth County
Georgia
67.3
Median income: $57,201

Deep Dives

Inyo County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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