countyscore
35.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 78Property Tax 63.3Schools 50.6

County Report Card

About Madera County, California

Madera's solid income can't lift score

Madera County scores 35.5, below both the national median of 50.0 and California's state average of 40.9, despite a respectable median household income of $75,496. Environmental risks and housing constraints hold the overall livability score down.

Below state average despite decent incomes

At 35.5, Madera ranks below California's 40.9 state average, placing it in the lower half of California counties despite household income performance (score: 78.0) that exceeds many peers.

Above-average incomes and taxes low

Madera's income score of 78.0 represents above-state-average household earnings at $75,496, while its tax score of 63.3 and effective rate of 0.700% remain competitive. Schools also score respectably at 50.6.

Environmental risks and housing squeeze

The water score of just 8.8 flags serious environmental and water resource concerns, while the cost score of 9.8 indicates substantial housing affordability pressure with median values near $367,700. Health infrastructure scores only 42.5, suggesting gaps in medical access or outcomes.

Best for earners comfortable with risk

Madera County appeals to middle-income families prioritizing employment and tax efficiency over environmental stability and housing affordability. The county's environmental challenges and housing constraints make it less suitable for those seeking traditional quality-of-life security.

Score breakdown

Tax63.3Cost9.8Safety21.5Health42.5Schools50.6Income78Risk3.6Water8.8Weather49.2
🏛63.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠9.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡21.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤42.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡3.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧8.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23.7
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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33
Mariposa County
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Merced County
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35.3
Tuolumne County
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Deep Dives

Madera County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Madera County

via TaxByCounty

Madera County taxes near national median

Madera County's effective tax rate of 0.700% sits slightly below California's state average of 0.714%. With a median property tax of $2,575, Madera County is nearly in line with the national median of $2,690, making it representative of typical American property tax burdens.

Mid-range among California counties

Madera County's median property tax of $2,575 falls well below the California state average of $4,045, ranking it in the middle tier of California's 58 counties. Its 0.700% effective rate is competitive with most of the state's more rural and inland regions.

Balanced tax rate for the region

Madera County's median home value of $367,700 and tax of $2,575 place it as a middle ground between neighboring Merced County ($368,400 home value, $2,487 tax) and the more expensive northern counties. The effective rates across this region cluster between 0.67–0.70%, indicating consistent regional tax policy.

Madera County homeowner tax example

A Madera County homeowner with a $367,700 home pays approximately $2,575 annually in property taxes at the 0.700% effective rate. With mortgage-related assessments included, the annual bill reaches roughly $2,734 for financed properties.

Assessment appeals help Madera homeowners

Many Madera County homeowners discover they can reduce their tax burden through property tax appeals, especially when home values have declined or assessments contain errors. Filing an appeal is free and can lead to meaningful savings over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madera County

via CostByCounty

Madera balances affordability with state living

Madera County's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below both the national average and California's 22.4% state benchmark, offering genuine housing relief. With a median household income of $75,496—near the national median—Madera delivers better affordability through moderate rents of $1,307 monthly.

Madera ranks above average for California

Among California's 58 counties, Madera's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio outperforms the state average of 22.4%, placing it in the more affordable half. The county provides middle-ground pricing between pricey coastal areas and ultra-cheap rural counties like Lassen.

Madera offers Central Valley balance

Madera's median rent of $1,307 sits between Lake County ($1,292) to the northwest and pricier regions to the west, while its affordability ratio outperforms mountain neighbors. The county's Sierra Nevada access and Central Valley employment create appealing geographic options.

One-fifth of income sustains housing here

Madera renters spend $1,307 monthly on rent while homeowners invest $1,530, consuming about one-fifth of the $75,496 median household income. This leaves substantial resources for savings and other expenses compared to coastal California counties.

Madera suits families seeking Central Valley value

If you're seeking California living with manageable housing costs, Madera's median home value of $367,700 and 20.8% affordability ratio offer realistic pathways to ownership. The county's proximity to Fresno and Bakersfield job markets makes it ideal for workers balancing mountain access with urban amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madera County

via IncomeByCounty

Madera County meets the national income bar

Madera County's median household income of $75,496 slightly exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755, positioning it in the national middle class. The county ranks around the national median despite rural character and limited urban employment centers.

Madera falls short of California's income standard

At $75,496, Madera County's median household income is 13% below California's state average of $87,001. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier among California's 58 counties.

Madera outearns nearby rural California counties

Madera County ($75,496) earns notably more than Lake ($58,738) and Merced ($65,044), suggesting stronger local employment or agricultural returns. The income advantage positions Madera as one of the more prosperous rural regions in its area.

Madera's housing costs remain manageable

At 20.8%, Madera County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 25% threshold, offering reasonable housing affordability. Median home values of $367,700 align with household incomes better than many California counties.

Madera households can build wealth through homeownership

Madera County's income-to-housing ratio creates genuine opportunity for wealth-building through property ownership and savings. Households should maximize this advantage by investing in home equity, retirement accounts, and income-growing skills development.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Madera County

via CrimeByCounty

Madera County More Secure Than National Average

Madera County features a total crime rate of 2,026.2 per 100,000, making it safer than the national average of 2,385.5. It earns a reliable safety score of 96.8.

Madera Exceeds California's Typical Safety Score

The county's safety score of 96.8 is higher than the state average of 96.3. This indicates that Madera is generally safer than many of its California counterparts.

Madera Safer Than Nearby Merced

With a crime rate of 2,026.2, Madera is significantly safer than neighboring Merced County, which reports 3,075.9 incidents per 100,000. It serves as a more secure enclave in the Central Valley.

Property Crime Low While Violent Crime Rises

Madera's property crime rate of 1,500.9 is well below the national average of 2,015.7. Conversely, its violent crime rate of 525.3 is higher than the national average of 369.8.

Practical Safety Tips for Madera Homes

Residents should focus on home security to maintain the county's low property crime trend. Utilizing smart locks and neighborhood watch programs can further improve community safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Madera County

via HealthByCounty

Madera's health ranks below national average

Madera County residents live 76.5 years on average, about 2.4 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Nearly one in four residents report poor or fair health—the second-highest rate among the eight counties profiled.

Significant gap from California average

Madera County's 76.5-year life expectancy falls 2 years short of California's 78.5-year average, ranking it among the state's lower-performing counties. The county's 24.9% poor/fair health rate is among the highest statewide.

Grapples with rural health challenges

Madera's 47 primary care providers per 100,000 residents exceed Lassen and Mariposa counties but fall short of Mendocino's 78 per 100,000. Mental health access at 200 providers per 100,000 is the lowest among neighboring counties, creating significant treatment gaps.

High uninsured rate strains rural care

Madera County's 9.6% uninsured rate ranks among the state's highest, second only to Mendocino County at 10.3%. Limited primary care infrastructure at 47 providers per 100,000, combined with high uninsurance, creates barriers to routine care for roughly 1 in 10 residents.

Take action on coverage today

Nearly 1 in 10 Madera residents lacks health coverage—visit Covered California to explore plans and see if you qualify for financial assistance. In a rural county with limited providers, having insurance ensures you can access available care without catastrophic costs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Madera County

via SchoolsByCounty

Madera County's Growing Academic Infrastructure

Madera County serves 32,125 students through a network of 81 public schools across 16 districts. The system is balanced between 37 elementary, 10 middle, and 24 high schools to serve a growing population. Ten charter schools provide additional variety, making up roughly 12% of the county's total schools.

Graduation Rates Outpace State Averages

Madera County achieves a graduation rate of 87.9%, outperforming both the California state average of 87.5% and the national rate of 87.0%. This success occurs despite per-pupil spending of $7,979, which is about 9% lower than the state average. The county's school score of 54.5 sits comfortably above the national median.

Madera Unified Dominates the Region

Madera Unified is the county's primary provider, educating 20,138 students across 28 different schools. Golden Valley Unified and Chawanakee Unified also contribute significant infrastructure, serving 2,566 and 1,432 students respectively. These districts offer a range of traditional and alternative educational paths.

A Predominantly Rural Learning Environment

Nearly half of Madera’s schools are located in rural locales, creating a distinct Central Valley educational feel. The average school size is 417 students, though large high schools like Matilda Torres High serve over 2,000 students. This mix of small rural campuses and large secondary schools offers parents diverse choices.

Moving Near Madera's Top Schools

The strong graduation performance in Madera County makes it an attractive destination for families moving to the Central Valley. Consider homes within the Madera Unified boundaries for access to large, modern high school facilities. As you search, look for properties that offer the perfect balance of rural living and school accessibility.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madera County

via RiskByCounty

Madera faces high composite risk

Madera County scores 96.4 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively High" rating that exceeds California's state average of 88.7. This Sierra Nevada region demonstrates elevated exposure across nearly all natural disaster categories.

Among California's highest-risk counties

Madera County ranks 2nd in composite disaster risk among California's 58 counties, second only to Los Angeles County. This placement reflects the region's extreme wildfire, earthquake, and flood vulnerabilities.

Higher risk than mountain peers

Madera County's 96.4 risk score far exceeds neighboring Mariposa County (86.4) and other Sierra Nevada communities, making it one of the region's most hazard-exposed areas. Its mountain location amplifies wildfire and earthquake risks.

Wildfire and earthquake risks peak

Madera County faces extreme wildfire risk (99.4 out of 100) and serious earthquake risk (96.9), positioning these as the county's dominant natural hazards. Flood risk (94.0) rounds out a trio of major concerns for residents.

Essential coverage for mountain homes

Madera County homeowners should carry dedicated wildfire and earthquake insurance, given the county's very high scores in both categories. Ensure your property meets defensible-space standards and review coverage annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Madera County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm temperatures in the Central Valley

Madera County averages 61.4°F annually, placing it well above the national median temperature. This heat is a defining characteristic of its agricultural landscape.

Warmer than the California average

The county's 61.4°F average temperature exceeds the state average of 58.7°F by nearly three degrees. It represents the quintessential inland California climate where heat dominates the calendar.

Moderate rainfall for the valley

With 20.3 inches of annual precipitation, Madera is drier than the state average of 25.8 inches but wetter than its southern neighbor, Merced. It experiences very little snow, averaging just 1.3 inches per year.

The land of 99 heat days

Madera endures nearly 100 days per year over 90°F, with July temperatures averaging a hot 78.9°F. Winters are cool but not freezing, averaging 47.1°F during the coldest months.

Plan for extreme summer heat

With nearly 100 days of extreme heat, residents must have robust home cooling systems and heat-safety plans. Outdoor activities are best scheduled for the winter months when temperatures are a mild 47.1°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Madera County

via SoilByCounty

Valley Soils and Local Variance

Soil pH and taxonomic classifications for Madera County are not currently available in the master dataset. Most Central Valley soils aim for the California average pH of 6.34 to support diverse agriculture. Knowing your specific pH helps optimize nutrient uptake for your crops.

Texture Data for the Heartland

Exact percentages of sand, silt, and clay are not specified for this region in our records. These ratios determine how much water your soil can hold and how hard it is to plow. Local agricultural surveys often fill these gaps for commercial farmers.

Aiming for High Agricultural Output

Madera lacks specific data for organic matter and available water capacity in this set. To match the state average of 3.30% organic matter, many valley growers use cover crops to boost fertility. Boosting these levels is the secret to high-yield gardening in the valley.

Planning for Valley Drainage Needs

Hydrologic group and drainage class data are not listed for this county. In irrigation-heavy regions like Madera, monitoring for salt buildup and drainage speed is a routine necessity. Good drainage ensures that deep-rooted plants like almonds remain healthy.

Agricultural Abundance in Zone 9a

USDA Hardiness Zone 9a makes Madera a powerhouse for almonds, grapes, and stone fruits. The long, hot summers provide the energy needed for these crops to sweeten and mature. It is a fantastic climate for any aspiring backyard orchardist.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Madera County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions in Madera

Madera County faces significant lawn challenges with a difficulty score of only 23.7. In this Zone 9a climate, homeowners must work much harder than the national average to keep grass green.

Scorching Summers and Low Rain

Extreme heat is the defining factor, with 99 days per year topping 90°F. The 20.3 inches of annual precipitation falls short of ideal levels, making supplemental irrigation essential for turf survival.

Check Your Dirt Before Planting

While specific soil texture data is unavailable, the high heat and low rain suggests a need for organic matter to improve water retention. Conduct a home soil test to determine if your yard requires specific nutrient amendments.

Focus on Evening Watering

Heavy drought pressure hit the county for 32 weeks this past year, though current conditions show temporary relief. Prioritize evening watering to minimize evaporation during the intense Central Valley summers.

Resilient Grasses for Central Valley

Hybrid Bermudagrass is a resilient choice for Madera’s 4,663 growing degree days. Plan your planting after the February 18 frost date to give your lawn a head start before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Madera County's county score?
Madera County, California has a composite county score of 35.5 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 Madera County rank among counties in California?
Madera County ranks #49 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 Madera County, California?
The median annual property tax in Madera County is $2,575, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Madera County a tax score of 63.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Madera County?
The median household income in Madera County, California is $75,496 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Madera County earns an income score of 78/100 on CountyScore.
Is Madera County, California a good place to live?
Madera County scores 35.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in California. The best way to evaluate Madera 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 Madera County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.