countyscore
40.4
County Score
Property Tax 60.8Health 55Water Quality 54.6

County Report Card

About Lassen County, California

Lassen sits at California's median

Lassen County's composite score of 40.4 matches California's state average of 40.9, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. The county represents a middle-ground experience in California, neither standout nor severely challenged.

Right at California's center

With a score of 40.4 virtually identical to the state average of 40.9, Lassen County ranks near the middle of California's county distribution. It neither significantly outperforms nor underperforms its peers statewide.

Strong schools and water resources

Lassen excels with a school score of 46.0 and water score of 54.6, both above state averages, making it attractive for families prioritizing education and environmental quality. Incomes are solid at a median of $64,395, with an income score of 51.7, and the tax burden is manageable at 0.720%.

Safety and housing affordability lag

The safety score of 24.3 indicates room for improvement in community security, while cost score of 23.1 reflects modest housing affordability with median home values of $259,500. These represent the county's most pressing livability concerns.

Ideal for families valuing schools

Lassen County works best for families seeking solid schools, reasonable incomes, and good environmental amenities willing to accept moderate safety and housing cost tradeoffs. It's a dependable, middle-of-the-road California experience without extreme advantages or disadvantages.

Score breakdown

Tax60.8Cost23.1Safety24.3Health55Schools46Income51.7Risk26.9Water54.6Weather44
🏛60.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠23.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼51.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡24.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤55
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧54.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱51.2
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

Lassen County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lassen County

via TaxByCounty

Lassen County taxes well below national average

Lassen County's effective tax rate of 0.720% aligns closely with California's state average of 0.714%. With a median property tax of just $1,868, Lassen County is one of the most affordable places in America for property taxes, nearly 31% below the national median of $2,690.

Among California's lowest tax counties

Lassen County ranks in the bottom tier statewide, with a median property tax of $1,868 compared to California's state average of $4,045. This rural northeastern county offers tax bills less than half what most California homeowners pay.

Most affordable in the region

Lassen County's median home value of $259,500 is the lowest among the surveyed northern California counties, paired with an effective rate of 0.720%. Its median property tax of $1,868 undercuts neighboring Lake County ($2,295) and is a fraction of Marin County's $10,001 annual tax bill.

Lassen County homeowner tax estimate

A Lassen County homeowner with a $259,500 home pays roughly $1,868 annually in property taxes at the 0.720% rate. For those with mortgages, that figure rises to approximately $2,144 when including additional assessments.

Even Lassen County homes get overassessed

Property tax appeals are available to any homeowner who believes their assessment is inaccurate—and many succeed in lowering their bills. With Lassen County's lower overall tax burden, even a modest reduction through an appeal can add up over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lassen County

via CostByCounty

Lassen renters beat national affordability

Lassen County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below national norms, offering renters genuine breathing room compared to most American counties. Though its $64,395 median household income trails the national average by $10,360, Lassen's bargain rents of $1,043 monthly create one of California's most favorable affordability profiles.

Lassen leads California on housing affordability

Among all California counties, Lassen ranks among the most affordable, with a rent-to-income ratio of 19.4% significantly below the state average of 22.4%. Its median rent of $1,043 is California's lowest, providing genuine relief for renters in a state notorious for housing costs.

Lassen's rents are the region's best value

Lassen's median rent of $1,043 dramatically undercuts surrounding counties—nearly $250 cheaper than Lake County ($1,292) and over $200 less than Madera County ($1,307). This rural northeastern location trades proximity to urban centers for California's most accessible rent prices.

Under one-fifth of income goes to rent

Lassen renters spend just $1,043 monthly—a mere 19.4% of the county's $64,395 median household income—while homeowners manage $1,138 in monthly costs. This leaves substantially more discretionary income than most California households, a rare advantage in the state.

Lassen beckons remote workers seeking affordability

If you're relocating to California but want to minimize housing costs, Lassen County deserves serious consideration—its rents and home prices ($259,500 median) are among the state's lowest. Remote workers with stable out-of-state income will find exceptional value here, though verify broadband access before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lassen County

via IncomeByCounty

Lassen County slightly underperforms national income

Lassen County's median household income of $64,395 sits 14% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting a rural economy with limited access to high-wage sectors. The county ranks in the lower third nationally for household earnings.

Lassen ranks below California's income average

At $64,395, Lassen County's median household income is 26% below California's state average of $87,001. The county ranks in the lower quartile among California's 58 counties.

Lassen's income aligns with other rural California counties

Lassen County ($64,395) earns similarly to Mendocino ($64,688) and Merced ($65,044), placing it in the peer group of California's rural areas. Despite comparable median incomes, Lassen's lower per capita income of $25,852 suggests income concentration or household size differences.

Lassen's rent burden is manageable but tight

At 19.4%, Lassen County's rent-to-income ratio stays below the 25% threshold, offering better housing affordability than many California counties. However, median home values of $259,500 still require incomes that stretch typical household budgets.

Lassen residents can leverage affordable housing advantage

Lassen County's relatively low housing costs compared to state peers create opportunity for wealth-building through homeownership and savings. Investing in education, skills training, or remote work arrangements could accelerate income growth beyond current local averages.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lassen County

via CrimeByCounty

Lassen County Remains Safer Than National Average

Lassen County maintains a total crime rate of 1,888.7 per 100,000, well below the national mark of 2,385.5. Its high safety score of 97.0 reflects a generally secure environment for residents.

Lassen Outperforms California Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 97.0 exceeds the California average of 96.3. It stands as one of the more secure rural counties in the state compared to higher-density regions.

Comparing Lassen to Regional Peers

Lassen’s crime rate is lower than neighboring Lake County’s 2,460.9 but higher than Mendocino's 890.9. These numbers suggest Lassen occupies a middle-ground for safety in Northern California.

Property Crime Stays Below National Norms

Property crime in Lassen is 1,443.2 per 100,000, much lower than the national average of 2,015.7. However, the violent crime rate of 445.5 is slightly elevated compared to the national figure of 369.8.

Secure Your Home in Lassen

Low property crime rates are a community asset, but home security remains vital for prevention. Basic measures like deadbolts and adequate outdoor lighting help maintain Lassen's safety advantage.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lassen County

via HealthByCounty

Lassen's life expectancy trails national average

Lassen County residents have a life expectancy of 74.9 years, roughly 4 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Over one in five residents report poor or fair health, signaling significant population-level health concerns.

Among California's healthiest counties

Lassen County's 74.9-year life expectancy falls 3.6 years short of California's 78.5-year average, placing it in the lower tier statewide. Yet its 6.0% uninsured rate ranks better than the state average of 7.2%, showing modest insurance coverage strength.

Rural access challenges mirror region patterns

Lassen's 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents represent one of the lowest access levels in northern California, below Lake County's 42. Mental health resources at 315 per 100,000 similarly lag more urban neighbors like Los Angeles County at 478 per 100,000.

Low uninsured rate masks provider scarcity

Lassen County achieves a relatively low 6.0% uninsured rate compared to the state's 7.2%, but residents face critical shortages of primary care providers. With just 27 primary care providers per 100,000 people, many residents travel significant distances for routine medical care.

Ensure your family has coverage

While Lassen has better insurance uptake than most counties, 6.0% of residents remain uninsured—visit Covered California to check your options. Having coverage ensures you can access the limited primary care providers available in your rural community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lassen County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network of 25 Public Schools

Lassen County operates 25 public schools across 14 different districts, serving a small student population of 3,770. The system features 10 elementary schools and 7 high schools to cover its expansive geographic area. This network provides localized education for a county with a strong rural identity.

High Graduation Rates Despite Lower Funding

Lassen County achieves an impressive 89.4% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average of 87.5% and the national rate of 87.0%. This success comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $7,265, which is notably lower than the California state average of $8,762. The county maintains a school score of 53.8, exceeding the national median of 50.0.

Susanville Elementary and High School Leaders

Susanville Elementary is the largest district by enrollment, serving 1,044 students across three schools. Lassen Union High follows with 864 students, while charter schools make up a meaningful 12.0% of the county's total offerings. These districts form the backbone of the region's education system.

The Essence of Small-Town Education

With an average school size of just 171 students, Lassen County offers some of the most intimate learning environments in the state. Every school is classified as either rural or town-based, reflecting the county’s rugged geography. Lassen High is the largest campus with 820 students, but most schools are much smaller.

Finding Your Place in Lassen County

If you value small class sizes and high graduation outcomes, Lassen County presents a compelling option for families. Real estate here often puts you close to quiet, town-based campuses like Janesville Elementary. Explore homes in the Susanville area to take advantage of the county's top-performing districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lassen County

via RiskByCounty

Lassen County's moderate risk profile

Lassen County scores 73.1 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively Low" rating that sits comfortably below both the national average and California's state average of 88.7. The county has more breathing room than most California peers on disaster preparedness.

Among California's safer counties

Lassen County ranks in California's lower half for composite disaster risk, placing it in a much safer tier than high-risk urban and fire-prone regions. Its 73.1 score reflects meaningful but manageable natural hazard exposure.

Significantly safer than Lake County

Lassen County's 73.1 risk score stands well below neighboring Lake County (93.0) and well below the state average, positioning it as the region's lowest-risk county. This differential reflects Lassen's smaller population and lower exposure to some urban hazards.

Wildfire is the primary concern

Lassen County's greatest natural disaster risk stems from wildfire (97.5 out of 100), a hazard that dominates the region's exposure profile. Earthquake risk (89.7) ranks as a secondary concern, while flood and tornado risks remain relatively modest.

Focus on wildfire protection

Lassen County residents should prioritize dedicated wildfire insurance and maintain defensible space around homes, given the county's extreme wildfire risk score. Standard homeowners insurance should also include earthquake coverage for additional security.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lassen County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler mountain air and high-desert vibes

Lassen County averages 50.3°F annually, which is notably cooler than the national median. This high-altitude climate defines the region as one of the crisper environments in the American West.

One of California's coolest counties

Lassen stands out as a cold pocket in the Golden State, with its 50.3°F average trailing the state median of 58.7°F by over eight degrees. It offers a starkly different climate experience than the coastal or valley regions.

Dry winters with heavy snow

Lassen receives only 12.9 inches of total precipitation, less than half the state average of 25.8 inches. However, much of that falls as snow, with 21.1 inches piling up annually compared to the near-zero totals in neighboring lowlands.

Brief summers and freezing winters

Winter temperatures average a chilly 34.3°F, while the summer peak in July hits a comfortable 70.0°F. The county sees 31 days of extreme heat per year, providing a balanced but distinctly four-season cycle.

Invest in winter gear and insulation

Residents need high-quality heating systems and snow removal equipment to manage the 21 inches of annual snowfall. Outdoor planning should focus on the temperate summer window when temperatures rarely become oppressive.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lassen County

via SoilByCounty

Seeking Clarity on Lassen Soil Profiles

Specific local data for soil pH and taxonomic order remains unavailable for Lassen County at this time. Most regional profiles hover near the state average pH of 6.34, though local tests are recommended for precision. Identifying your specific soil identity is the first step toward a successful growing season.

Regional Textures Awaiting Detailed Mapping

Current data does not provide a specific breakdown of sand, silt, and clay percentages for this county. Understanding these ratios is critical for managing drainage and workability in your garden. Consult local extension offices for site-specific texture analysis.

Potential for High High-Desert Fertility

While specific organic matter and water capacity figures are limited, neighboring high-desert regions often require amendments. The state average for organic matter is 3.30%, a target many local growers aim for. Adding compost can help bridge any data gaps in your own soil's performance.

Navigating Unknown Hydrologic Conditions

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently recorded in the regional dataset. Without this data, observing how your land reacts to snowmelt or rain is the best way to determine drainage needs. Proper site assessment ensures that new buildings and gardens remain stable and dry.

Hardy Growing in Zone 7a

Lassen County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, which requires cold-hardy varieties for success. Root vegetables and resilient greens thrive here despite the shorter growing season. Grab your seeds and take advantage of the crisp mountain air this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lassen County

via LawnByCounty

Average Effort Required in Lassen

With a lawn difficulty score of 51.2, Lassen County aligns closely with the national median for maintenance effort. This Zone 7a region faces more seasonal challenges than the easier conditions seen in coastal California.

Arid Climate Slows Grass Growth

Limited rainfall is a primary hurdle, as the county only sees 12.9 inches of annual precipitation. With 31 extreme heat days and a modest 2,329 growing degree days, growth is slower than in warmer parts of the state.

Local Soil Testing is Essential

Detailed soil composition data is currently unavailable for this region, necessitating a local DIY test kit for homeowners. Understanding your specific site's drainage is crucial since regional data does not provide a baseline for clay or sand content.

Resilient Despite Low Rainfall

Despite the low annual rainfall, the county has seen zero weeks of drought over the last year. Focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root systems that can withstand the dry high-desert air.

Best Grasses for Higher Altitudes

Tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass are strong choices for the cooler Zone 7a climate in Lassen. Wait until after the late May 21 frost date to begin seeding for the best chance of establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lassen County's county score?
Lassen County, California has a composite county score of 40.4 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 Lassen County rank among counties in California?
Lassen County ranks #32 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 Lassen County, California?
The median annual property tax in Lassen County is $1,868, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Lassen County a tax score of 60.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lassen County?
The median household income in Lassen County, California is $64,395 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lassen County earns an income score of 51.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lassen County, California a good place to live?
Lassen County scores 40.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in California. The best way to evaluate Lassen 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 Lassen 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.