countyscore
31.6
County Score
Lawn Care 77.1Property Tax 60.3Soil Quality 52.9

County Report Card

About Lake County, California

Lake County trails the nation

Lake County's composite livability score of 31.6 sits well below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom third nationally. This gap reflects significant challenges across multiple dimensions that affect quality of life, from housing affordability to safety and public health.

Below California's county average

At 31.6, Lake County ranks below California's average composite score of 40.9, indicating it lags behind most peers in the state. The county faces headwinds compared to the typical California experience.

Tax burden remains manageable

Lake County's strongest dimension is its tax score of 60.3, with an effective tax rate of just 0.724%, offering relatively light fiscal burden on residents. Health care access scores 51.3, a bright spot in an otherwise challenging profile.

Housing and safety major concerns

The county's cost score of 15.6 reflects severe housing affordability challenges, with median home values at $316,800 paired with limited income growth (score: 34.5, median household income $58,738). Most concerning is the safety score of 13.9, one of the lowest across dimensions, and an environmental risk score of just 7.0.

Best for retirees seeking low taxes

Lake County suits retirees or fixed-income households prioritizing low tax burdens and modest living costs over dynamic job markets and robust safety infrastructure. This is a county in transition, with real strengths in taxation but substantial barriers in housing, safety, and economic opportunity.

Score breakdown

Tax60.3Cost15.6Safety13.9Health51.3Schools30.7Income34.5Risk7Water27.8Weather51.3
🏛60.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠15.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡13.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤51.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓30.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧27.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨52.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱77.1
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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Deep Dives

Lake County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lake County

via TaxByCounty

Lake County taxes rank below national median

Lake County's effective tax rate of 0.724% sits slightly above the state average of 0.714%, placing it in the middle tier nationally. The median property tax here is $2,295, well below the national median of $2,690, making Lake County a relatively affordable option for property owners.

Middle of the pack in California

Among California's 58 counties, Lake County's median property tax of $2,295 falls well below the state average of $4,045. With an effective rate of 0.724%, Lake County ranks closer to rural and northern California counties than to the state's coastal urban centers.

More affordable than regional peers

Lake County's median home value of $316,800 and tax rate of 0.724% puts it on the lower end compared to neighboring Mendocino County ($486,000 median home value) and Marin County ($1.39 million median home value). Lake County homeowners pay roughly $215 less annually in property taxes than the national median.

Lake County homeowner tax example

A typical Lake County homeowner with a $316,800 home pays approximately $2,295 in annual property taxes at the 0.724% effective rate. Adding mortgage-related assessments brings that to roughly $2,650 per year for financed properties.

You might be overassessing your home

Many Lake County homeowners pay more property tax than necessary due to outdated assessments or errors on county rolls. If your property value has declined or assessments seem inflated, filing an appeal could reduce your tax bill—a process that costs nothing to explore.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lake County

via CostByCounty

Lake renters spend more than US average

Lake County's rent-to-income ratio of 26.4% exceeds the national baseline, meaning renters here dedicate more of their earnings to housing than their peers across America. With a median household income of $58,738—well below the national median of $74,755—Lake residents face tighter budgets despite rent that's 20% cheaper than California's average of $1,618 per month.

Lake ranks below state average on affordability

Among California's 58 counties, Lake's 26.4% rent-to-income ratio falls above the state average of 22.4%, signaling housing stress relative to peers statewide. The county's median rent of $1,292 offers some relief compared to coastal and Bay Area counterparts, but local income levels keep affordability challenges in place.

Lake sits between rural and urban pressures

Lake's rent of $1,292 falls between more affordable Lassen County ($1,043) to the northeast and pricier Mendocino County ($1,325) to the west. However, Lake's median income trails both neighbors, making its housing burden proportionally heavier despite moderate nominal rents.

Housing absorbs over one-quarter of income

Lake County renters spend $1,292 monthly on rent while homeowners carry $1,183 in monthly ownership costs, yet both groups contend with a median household income of just $58,738. Nearly 26% of Lake household income flows to rent alone, leaving limited resources for other essentials.

Consider Lake if seeking affordable rural living

Lake County offers some of California's lower nominal rents and home values ($316,800 median), making it worth comparing if you're relocating from high-cost coastal counties. However, prospective movers should verify employment opportunities locally, as the area's lower median income suggests a tighter job market than state averages.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lake County

via IncomeByCounty

Lake County earns below the national average

Lake County's median household income of $58,738 falls 21% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower tier nationally. This gap reflects regional economic challenges and limited high-wage employment opportunities compared to more prosperous American counties.

Lake ranks among California's lowest-income counties

At $58,738, Lake County's median household income is 32% below California's state average of $87,001. Lake ranks near the bottom of California's 58 counties in household income.

Lake trails neighboring rural counties in earnings

Lake County ($58,738) significantly underperforms its nearest neighbors: Mendocino County ($64,688) and Madera County ($75,496) both earn measurably more. The income gap suggests Lake faces steeper economic headwinds than comparable rural regions.

Housing costs strain Lake County budgets

Lake County residents spend 26.4% of income on rent—above the recommended 25% threshold—while median home values of $316,800 require annual income well beyond current household medians. This affordability squeeze leaves limited margin for savings and emergency expenses.

Building wealth in Lake County requires strategy

With median income below national and state averages, Lake County households should prioritize budgeting, emergency funds, and exploring skills-based income growth. Even modest increases in per capita income or household earnings can meaningfully improve long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lake County

via CrimeByCounty

Lake County Slightly Above National Crime Averages

Lake County reports a total crime rate of 2,460.9 per 100,000 residents, which is roughly 3% higher than the national average. Despite this, the county maintains a strong safety score of 96.1 out of 100.

Lake County Ranks Below State Safety Average

With a safety score of 96.1, Lake County falls just below the California state average of 96.3. The local total crime rate exceeds the state average of 2,355.2 per 100,000 people.

Regional Crime Higher Than Coastal Neighbors

Lake County’s crime rate of 2,460.9 is significantly higher than neighboring Mendocino County, which sits at 890.9. This regional variance highlights higher crime reporting levels in the Lake basin.

High Violent Crime Rates Define Local Statistics

Violent crime in Lake County is 708.6 per 100,000, nearly double the national rate of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 1,752.3 incidents per 100,000 people, which is actually lower than the national property crime average.

Enhancing Security in Lake County

Local residents should remain vigilant regarding property safety to keep rates trending downward. Installing smart cameras and motion sensors can effectively deter theft and improve neighborhood safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lake County

via HealthByCounty

Lake County lags the nation on lifespan

Lake County residents live an average of 74.1 years, nearly 5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. One in five residents report poor or fair health, reflecting broader health challenges that extend across the county.

Well below California's health average

At 74.1 years, Lake County's life expectancy trails California's state average of 78.5 years by 4.4 years. The county ranks among the lowest-performing California counties on this critical health measure.

Faces steeper health burden than neighbors

Lake County's 19.2% poor/fair health rate exceeds Mariposa County's 19.9% slightly, but both lag neighbors like Marin County at 10.6%. In primary care access, Lake's 42 providers per 100,000 fall short of Mendocino County's 78 per 100,000.

Uninsured rate edges above state average

Lake County's 7.5% uninsured rate marginally exceeds California's 7.2% average, meaning roughly 1 in 13 residents lack coverage. The county has just 42 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, creating real wait times for routine care.

Check coverage options today

If you're among the uninsured in Lake County, visit Covered California to explore plans that fit your budget. With 7.5% of the county uninsured, finding the right coverage is a concrete step toward better health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lake County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Education Network in Lake County

Lake County manages 41 public schools across 9 districts, serving a total of 9,895 students. The infrastructure is split between 13 elementary schools, 13 high schools, and 6 middle schools to support the local community. This specialized system also includes 16 alternative schools and one dedicated special education facility.

Lake County Struggles with Graduation Benchmarks

The county's graduation rate of 79.7% trails both the California state average of 87.5% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending sits at $7,483, which is lower than the state's $8,762 average and the $13,000 national median. These factors contribute to a composite school score of 49.1, just under the national median.

Konocti Unified Leads the County's Districts

Konocti Unified stands as the largest district, overseeing 11 schools and 3,814 students. Kelseyville Unified and Lakeport Unified also play major roles, serving 1,833 and 1,349 students respectively. Charter school options are limited here, representing only 4.9% of the total school landscape with just two campuses.

Rural Roots and Intimate Classroom Settings

Schools in Lake County maintain an average enrollment of 267 students, offering a significantly smaller environment than the state average. The setting is entirely non-urban, with 28 schools in town locales and 13 in rural areas. While Lower Lake High serves 1,057 students, many smaller campuses define the county's academic character.

Planting Roots Near Lake County Schools

Families looking for a close-knit town atmosphere will find a variety of small-school environments throughout the county. As you explore local real estate, consider how the proximity to Konocti or Kelseyville districts fits your lifestyle. Education remains a core factor for many buyers moving to this scenic region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lake County

via RiskByCounty

Lake County's composite risk

Lake County scores 93.0 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively Moderate" rating—above the national average and higher than California's state average of 88.7. This reflects meaningful exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly wildfire and earthquake risk.

Sixth most at-risk in California

Lake County ranks 6th in disaster risk among California's 58 counties, placing it squarely in the state's higher-risk tier. Only Los Angeles, Madera, Merced, Mendocino, and Marin counties face comparably elevated composite risks.

More exposed than regional peers

Lake County's 93.0 risk score significantly exceeds neighboring Lassen County (73.1) and matches the elevated risk profile of nearby North Bay counties. Its wildfire risk of 99.1 is among the state's highest, reflecting the region's fire-prone geography.

Wildfire and earthquake dominate

Lake County faces extreme wildfire risk (99.1 out of 100) and serious earthquake risk (97.0), making these the county's primary natural hazard concerns. Flood risk also scores high at 94.2, adding a third significant vulnerability that residents should monitor.

Prioritize comprehensive coverage

Given Lake County's very high wildfire, earthquake, and flood risks, homeowners should carry dedicated wildfire and earthquake insurance alongside standard homeowners policies. Review your coverage annually and ensure your home meets current defensible-space standards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lake County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national average

Lake County maintains an annual average temperature of 56.9°F, placing it above the national median for U.S. counties. Its Mediterranean climate offers a milder profile than many central states while staying comfortably warm year-round.

Cooler than the California norm

While Lake County is warm by national standards, its 56.9°F average sits nearly two degrees below the California state average of 58.7°F. This makes it a temperate retreat compared to the blistering heat of the state's southern regions.

A wetter alternative to the valley

With 36.2 inches of annual precipitation, Lake County is significantly wetter than the California average of 25.8 inches. It serves as a lush, water-rich neighbor to the drier counties in the Sacramento Valley to the east.

Sixty-six days of extreme heat

Summers are intense with 66 days reaching over 90°F and a July average of 73.6°F. Winters remain mild with a January average of 43.7°F and almost no measurable snowfall at just 0.3 inches annually.

Prepare for long, dry summers

Reliable air conditioning is essential given the two months of extreme heat days each year. Residents should also plan for heavy winter rains, as the county receives roughly 10 inches more precipitation than the typical California community.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lake County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Profile in Lake County

Lake County features an average pH of 6.36, which sits slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This pH level is almost identical to the California state average of 6.34. The overall soil score of 52.9 indicates a higher quality than the state benchmark of 48.6.

A Balanced Sand-Heavy Mixture

The soil contains 42.0% sand, 36.1% silt, and 20.9% clay. This high sand content ensures easier workability, while the clay provides enough structure for nutrient retention. It represents a versatile medium for varied agricultural pursuits.

Above National Averages for Organic Matter

Organic matter reaches 3.08%, significantly exceeding the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.131 in/in falls slightly below the state average of 0.141. These soils offer strong growing potential but may require consistent moisture management.

Slow Infiltration with Hydrologic Group D

Lake County falls into hydrologic group D, which typically suggests high runoff potential and slow infiltration. Gardeners and builders should account for this limited drainage during heavy rainfall events. Strategic landscaping is necessary to prevent water pooling on-site.

Warm-Season Success in Zone 9a

USDA Hardiness Zone 9a supports a wide range of crops like walnuts, pears, and wine grapes. The combination of high organic matter and warm temperatures creates an ideal environment for fruit production. Now is the perfect time to start your home vineyard or orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lake County

via LawnByCounty

A High Score for Lake County Lawns

Lake County earns an impressive lawn difficulty score of 77.1, making it much easier to maintain turf than the national average of 50.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 9a, the area provides a friendly environment for year-round green spaces.

Ideal Rainfall Supports Lush Growth

The county receives 36.2 inches of annual precipitation, falling right within the ideal range of 30-50 inches for healthy grass. While there are 66 extreme heat days, the 3,335 growing degree days support a robust and active growing season.

Balanced Soil for Healthy Roots

Local soil features a balanced pH of 6.36 and a composition of 20.9% clay and 42.0% sand. This slightly acidic profile is nearly perfect for most lawn varieties, requiring minimal chemical adjustment to thrive.

Zero Drought Weeks This Year

Lake County experienced zero weeks in drought conditions over the past year, with no current areas classified as abnormally dry. Residents can focus on standard maintenance rather than crisis-level water conservation.

Start Growing in Zone 9a

Warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass are ideal for Zone 9a, but the April 10 last frost date also allows for successful spring seeding. Start your lawn prep now to take advantage of the favorable local growing conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lake County's county score?
Lake County, California has a composite county score of 31.6 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 Lake County rank among counties in California?
Lake County ranks #57 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 Lake County, California?
The median annual property tax in Lake County is $2,295, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Lake County a tax score of 60.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lake County?
The median household income in Lake County, California is $58,738 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lake County earns an income score of 34.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lake County, California a good place to live?
Lake County scores 31.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #57 in California. The best way to evaluate Lake 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 Lake 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.