CountyScore

Kings County

California · CA

#26 in California
60.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Kings County, California

Kings ranks above U.S. livability median

Kings County's composite score of 65.9 places it at the 66th percentile nationally, exceeding the U.S. median of 50.0. The county delivers measurable livability advantages relative to most American counties, grounded in tax efficiency and housing affordability. This above-median performance reflects solid, consistent livability factors.

Above-average California county performance

Kings' score of 65.9 exceeds California's state average of 61.3, positioning it in the upper half of the state's counties. The county performs competitively within California and ranks higher than several peers in this analysis. Kings demonstrates reliable livability performance relative to other California regions.

Tax efficiency and reasonable housing costs

Kings' tax score of 81.2 (effective rate 0.751%) and cost score of 63.8 combine to create financial stability, with a median home value of $305,700 and monthly rent at $1,228. These dimensions provide meaningful cost control for residents seeking to maximize household financial flexibility. The tax efficiency particularly strengthens the county's affordability proposition.

Income levels lag and data gaps remain

Kings' income score of 28.3 reflects a median household income of $68,750—below state and national levels, indicating limited local wage growth. Safety, health, schools, and environmental measures are unavailable, leaving significant livability dimensions unmeasured. The income level suggests this county appeals more to those with outside income sources.

Fits budget-conscious families and retirees

Kings County suits working families and retirees prioritizing low costs and favorable tax treatment, particularly those earning $65,000–$75,000 annually. The county's balanced profile of tax efficiency and housing affordability makes it an accessible option for those seeking rural California living. Career-focused professionals should explore regions with stronger local wage opportunities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax81.2Cost63.8SafetyComing SoonHealth65.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.3Risk7.6WaterComing Soon
🏛81.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤65.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡7.6
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 Kings County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Marion County
Indiana
60.9
Median income: $63,450
Montgomery County
Kansas
60.9
Median income: $53,242
Bristol County
Massachusetts
60.9
Median income: $84,198
Fulton County
New York
60.9
Median income: $62,615
Atascosa County
Texas
60.9
Median income: $69,413

Deep Dives

Kings County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.