countyscore
38.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 63.7Schools 60.5Property Tax 57.6

County Report Card

About Kings County, California

Kings County falls short of national livability standard

Kings County's composite score of 38.2 trails the national median of 50.0 by 11.8 points, placing it solidly below average nationally. The score reflects consistent weakness across most livability dimensions in this agricultural Central Valley county.

Modestly below California state livability average

Kings's score of 38.2 falls slightly below California's state average of 40.9, ranking it among the lower-performing counties within the state. The county faces regional agricultural economy constraints that limit overall livability.

Affordable housing and stable school systems

Kings County offers genuine affordability with a median home value of $305,700 and rent of $1,228/month (cost score: 11.9), plus reasonable schools (60.5) and a moderate tax rate of 0.751%. Modest income stability (income score: 63.7) provides some economic foundation.

Health outcomes and water quality lagging significantly

Kings's health score of 48.4 reflects limited medical infrastructure and elevated disease burden typical of agricultural counties. Water access (35.5) and safety (25.7) also register as concerns, while the median household income of $68,750 constrains economic opportunity.

Working families seeking agricultural community stability

Kings County suits working-class families and agricultural workers seeking affordable housing and stable, if modest, incomes in a traditional farming community. It appeals less to those prioritizing health care access, robust schools, or diverse employment.

Score breakdown

Tax57.6Cost11.9Safety25.7Health48.4Schools60.5Income63.7Risk7.6Water35.5Weather38.7
🏛57.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠11.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼63.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡25.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤48.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓60.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡7.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧35.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨17.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱19.4
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

Fresno County
California
33
Tulare County
California
35.2
Madera County
California
35.5
San Luis Obispo County
California
42.9
Kern County
California
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San Benito County
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Merced County
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Monterey County
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Deep Dives

Kings County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Kings County

via TaxByCounty

Kings County's taxes exceed state and national medians

Kings County's effective tax rate of 0.751% tops both California's 0.714% average and sits comfortably in the upper half nationally. The median property tax of $2,295 falls below the national median of $2,690, though it reflects Kings' lower median home value of $305,700.

Kings ranks in California's upper-tax tier

At 0.751%, Kings County sits in California's upper third for effective tax rates, above the state average. Its median property tax of $2,295 trails the state average of $4,045, primarily because Kings residents own less expensive homes than the typical California household.

Kings taxes align with Central Valley pattern

Kings' 0.751% rate falls between Fresno County (0.746%) and Kern County (0.912%), placing it squarely in the higher-tax Central Valley zone. Only Glenn County (0.647%) nearby offers significantly lower rates.

Expect roughly $2,295 in annual property taxes

A median Kings County home valued at $305,700 generates an estimated annual property tax bill of $2,295. With a mortgage, expect $2,468; without, approximately $1,880.

File an appeal if your assessment seems high

Kings County homeowners should compare their assessed value against recent comparable sales in their area. A free appeal to the county assessor may reduce your tax burden if your property is valued above its true market worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kings County

via CostByCounty

Kings: affordable yet challenged

Kings County renters spend 21.4% of income on housing, just below California's 22.4% average, but the median household income of $68,750 trails the national median by $6,005. Kings offers surface-level affordability that masks underlying wage challenges typical of rural San Joaquin Valley communities.

Solid California affordability rank

Kings County's 21.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks it just below the state average of 22.4%, placing it among California's more affordable housing markets. The median home value of $305,700 reflects Kings' position in the agricultural heartland where housing costs remain genuinely accessible.

Kings in the Valley comparison

Kings' $1,228 median rent and 21.4% ratio are nearly identical to neighboring Kern County (21.6%), making both competitive within the San Joaquin Valley. The $68,750 median income gives Kings a slight edge over Fresno ($71,434) and solidly outperforms Imperial ($56,393) on wage grounds.

Kings' housing proportions

Kings renters pay $1,228 monthly while homeowners face $1,460, with a median home value of $305,700 within reach of the $68,750 median household income. Housing takes 21.4% of income, leaving 78.6% for other household needs and savings.

Kings: agricultural affordability option

Kings County offers genuine affordability for those with agricultural, logistics, or food-processing connections—homes and rents rank among California's most accessible. Before relocating, verify that job opportunities in your field exist locally, as Kings' economy is more specialized than larger neighboring counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kings County

via IncomeByCounty

Kings household income trails U.S. median

Kings County's median household income of $68,750 runs 8.0% below the national median of $74,755. The county's agricultural economy and rural character shape its moderate income profile.

Below California's income benchmark

At $68,750, Kings's median household income lags California's state average of $87,001 by over $18,200. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier among California's 58 counties for household earnings.

Kings aligns with Central Valley peers

Kings County ($68,750) earns comparably to Kern County ($67,660) and slightly below Fresno ($71,434), following the Central Valley income pattern. El Dorado County ($106,190) demonstrates the substantial income gap between mountain and valley regions.

Housing costs require careful budgeting

With a 21.4% rent-to-income ratio, Kings households allocate a substantial share of income to housing costs. The median home value of $305,700 represents moderate leverage, but combined with agricultural sector volatility, demands prudent financial planning.

Build resilience through steady saving

Kings County residents should prioritize emergency savings given agricultural income fluctuations and regional economic variability. Explore employer retirement plans, consider agricultural business opportunities, and develop a budget that accounts for seasonal income shifts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kings County

via CrimeByCounty

Kings County Maintains High Safety

Kings County posts a solid safety score of 97.1, indicating a secure community. Its total crime rate of 1,824.1 per 100,000 people is roughly 23% lower than the national average.

Exceeding California's State Safety Score

The county’s safety profile sits comfortably above the California average score of 96.3. Seven reporting agencies coordinate to keep the community informed and secure.

A Safer Alternative to Fresno

Kings County offers a safer alternative to neighboring Fresno, where crime rates reach 3,521.6. It also beats the California average crime rate of 2,355.2 by a wide margin.

Breakdown of Local Crime Activity

Violent crime stands at 425.5, while property crime is reported at 1,398.6 per 100,000 residents. Property offenses make up the vast majority of law enforcement activity here.

Defending Your Property Effectively

Residents can enhance their safety by installing perimeter fencing and modern security cameras. Community awareness remains the best defense against local property-related incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Kings County

via HealthByCounty

Kings trails U.S. health benchmarks

Kings County's life expectancy of 76.6 years matches the U.S. average, but 26.2% of residents report poor or fair health—45% above the national 18% rate. The county shows significant health disparities despite average longevity.

Struggling against state health average

Kings' 76.6-year life expectancy falls 1.9 years short of California's 78.5-year average, while its 26.2% poor/fair health rate ranks third-worst among these eight counties. Health outcomes lag the state standard.

Limited primary care in agricultural region

Kings' 37 primary care providers per 100,000 exceed only Glenn County (17 per 100K) and Imperial County (25 per 100K) in this group, indicating serious primary care shortages. With 250 mental health providers per 100K, Kings also trails behavioral health leaders like Humboldt (624 per 100K).

Coverage gaps amid provider shortages

Kings' 7.3% uninsured rate matches California average, but combined with low primary care density (37 per 100K), limited availability means many insured residents still struggle to access timely care. Agricultural employment patterns may contribute to gaps in preventive health access.

Kings residents: check your coverage

Although Kings' uninsured rate matches the state average, the county's critical shortage of primary care providers means coverage alone isn't enough—residents must also advocate for expanded clinic hours and rural health initiatives. Visit CoveredCA.com to ensure you have the right plan.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kings County

via SchoolsByCounty

Central Valley Schools and Growing Districts

Kings County operates 67 public schools serving 28,989 students across 18 districts. The county features a strong charter school presence, with 12 schools representing nearly 18% of all local campuses. The school hierarchy includes 34 elementary schools, 9 middle schools, and 19 high schools.

High Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

Kings County achieves a strong 91.1% graduation rate, significantly higher than both the state and national averages. This performance is maintained with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,933, which is below the state average of $8,762. The county's school score of 56.1 aligns perfectly with the state-wide average, indicating high academic value.

Hanford and Lemoore Lead the Way

Hanford Elementary is the county's largest district, serving 5,525 students across 12 schools. Lemoore High is the largest single campus with 1,861 students, while Hanford High follows with 1,549. For families seeking alternative options, Kings Valley Academy II is a significant charter school serving over 1,000 students.

Balanced Urban and Rural Options

The county's 67 schools are well-distributed, with 24 in city settings and 16 in rural areas. The average school size is 453 students, providing a more moderate-scale environment than some of its larger neighboring counties. This balance allows for a mix of city conveniences and rural community ties within the local school system.

Invest in a High-Performing Community

Kings County is a top choice for families due to its 91.1% graduation rate and varied school sizes. Searching for a home in the Hanford or Lemoore areas provides direct access to the county's most popular and successful districts. Quality education remains a cornerstone of the real estate market in this Central Valley hub.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kings County

via RiskByCounty

Kings County maintains moderate risk profile

Kings County's composite risk score of 92.43 places it in the 'Relatively Moderate' category, slightly above the national average. The county faces meaningful but manageable disaster risks that warrant proactive preparedness from residents and local officials. This moderate rating reflects balanced hazard exposure across earthquake, flood, and wildfire domains.

Kings ranks in California's moderate tier

Kings's 92.43 score exceeds California's 88.72 average, positioning it in the mid-to-upper range of the state's 58 counties. The county ranks above Glenn (74.43) and Inyo (79.33) but well below high-risk peers like Kern (98.89) and Fresno (99.30). This placement reflects elevated but not extreme hazard exposure relative to statewide peers.

Kings moderate among Central Valley peers

Kings's 92.43 score ranks lower than nearby Kern (98.89) and Fresno (99.30), making it a comparatively safer Central Valley location. However, the county still substantially exceeds lower-risk areas like Inyo (79.33) and Glenn (74.43). Among its immediate agricultural and valley-floor neighbors, Kings occupies a middle position in terms of overall risk.

Earthquake and flood top Kings's hazards

Kings's earthquake risk reaches 97.04, while flood risk scores 87.69—the county's two dominant natural hazards. Wildfire risk, at 77.10, remains elevated but substantially below state and regional peers. These hazards reflect the county's valley-floor agricultural setting and proximity to seismic fault systems.

Earthquake and flood coverage essential

Kings residents should prioritize earthquake insurance given the high 97.04 risk score, plus flood coverage appropriate to their location near valley irrigation channels. Wildfire insurance may be optional depending on local risk assessment, given the lower 77.10 score relative to nearby counties. Combining these coverages with standard homeowners protection creates comprehensive security against Kings's primary natural hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kings County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm, Semi-Desert Hub

Kings County features a warm annual average of 63.7°F, placing it well above the national median for temperature. Its dry climate yields only 7.8 inches of annual rain, classifying it as a semi-desert environment.

Hotter Than the Golden State

At 63.7°F, Kings County is warmer than the California state average of 58.7°F. It consistently ranks as one of the hotter agricultural hubs in the center of the state.

Intense Interior Extremes

Kings is slightly warmer and drier than neighboring Fresno and Tulare counties. It lacks the moderating maritime air found in Monterey County to the west, leading to more intense temperature extremes.

Months of Extreme Heat

Summers are hot with an average of 79.3°F and 116 days reaching or exceeding 90°F. Winters are mild at 48.0°F, and the county sees no measurable snowfall throughout the year.

Cooling and Water Conservation

Indoor climate control is a priority for the nearly four months of extreme summer heat. With less than 8 inches of rain annually, residents must plan for high water costs and prioritize drought-resistant landscaping.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kings County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of Kings

Kings County has an average soil pH of 7.50, which is significantly more alkaline than the national 6.5 median. This high pH can limit the availability of certain nutrients for your plants. The county's overall soil score is 17.7, suggesting some natural limitations.

A Gritty, Sandy Mix

The soil is composed of 45.4% sand, 30.5% silt, and 22.8% clay. This high sand content means the soil is easy to work and drains relatively quickly. However, it may struggle to hold onto nutrients compared to heavier clay soils.

Low Natural Organic Matter

Organic matter is quite low at 1.22%, trailing the 3.30% state average and 2.0% national average. The available water capacity is 0.121 in/in, which is also below the California average of 0.141. Regular additions of compost will be necessary to boost soil health and water retention.

Managing Agricultural Runoff

Specific drainage and hydrologic groups are not listed, but the low soil score indicates management challenges. With high sand and low organic matter, water may move through the surface quickly but potentially pool elsewhere. Careful monitoring of your irrigation cycles is essential for success.

Cotton and Tomato Kingdom

Hardiness Zone 9a is a powerhouse for sun-loving crops like cotton and tomatoes. To succeed, focus on building up your organic matter to help the soil hold onto moisture. Your garden will reward you with heavy harvests if you feed the soil well.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kings County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Difficulty in Kings

Kings County earns a lawn difficulty score of 19.4, indicating it is much more challenging than the California average of 51.3. Homeowners in this Zone 9a region must use smart strategies to keep their lawns green.

Intense Valley Sun and Dryness

The county faces 116 extreme heat days each year, coupled with a low annual precipitation of just 7.8 inches. These conditions create 5,373 growing degree days, which translates to high water demand and frequent mowing.

Alkaline and Sandy Soil

The soil pH is 7.50, which is slightly above the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turf. With 45.4% sand, the ground drains quickly, meaning you will need to water more frequently to keep the roots hydrated.

Consistent Drought Pressure

With 32 weeks of drought recorded in the past year, your lawn needs a conservation-first approach. To improve resilience, avoid over-fertilizing during dry spells, as this can increase the plant's need for water.

Timing Your Kings County Lawn

Bermuda grass is well-suited for these conditions, providing excellent heat tolerance and durability. Start your seeding after the February 19 frost to take advantage of the spring growing window before November 27.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kings County's county score?
Kings County, California has a composite county score of 38.2 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 Kings County rank among counties in California?
Kings County ranks #40 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 Kings County, California?
The median annual property tax in Kings County is $2,295, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Kings County a tax score of 57.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kings County?
The median household income in Kings County, California is $68,750 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kings County earns an income score of 63.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kings County, California a good place to live?
Kings County scores 38.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in California. The best way to evaluate Kings 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 Kings 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.